The Erkindik Qanaty Public Foundation (Wings of Liberty) announces the launch of the DEREK (Data Empowerment & Rights Education in Kazakhstan) project — implemented in partnership with the Legal Policy Research Centre Public Foundation, with the support of the European Union.
In recent years, the field of personal data protection in Kazakhstan has been developing at both legislative and institutional levels. At the same time, significant systemic challenges persist in practice, including inconsistent law enforcement, limited mechanisms for independent oversight, and insufficient engagement of civil society. In this context, strengthening the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) and enhancing their capacities in working with data is a crucial step toward building a more transparent and accountable system, as well as advancing a human rights-based approach.
The DEREK project aims to promote human rights-based, inclusive digital governance in Kazakhstan by strengthening civil society capacities and advancing legal mechanisms to protect the right to privacy and personal data.
Within the framework of the project, it is planned to:
- Enhance the skills, tools, and organizational practices of civil society organizations, legal professionals, and grassroots initiatives in Kazakhstan, enabling them to provide legal support, monitor violations, and promote accountability mechanisms in the field of privacy and personal data protection;
- Strengthen the advocacy capacity of civil society, strategic communications, and stakeholder engagement to contribute to shaping national policy and public discourse on digital rights and data protection, making them more inclusive, human rights–based, and evidence-driven.
The project targets a wide range of stakeholders, including:
- Civil society organisations
- Legal professionals and human rights defenders
- Government bodies and decision-makers
- Media representatives
- Youth and early-career professionals
As a result of the project implementation:
- The capacity of civil society and the legal community in the field of personal data protection will be strengthened;
- Legal clinics will be established and launched to provide legal assistance, document violations, and support strategic litigation;
- Analytical materials based on data and research will be developed;
- Platforms for sustainable dialogue between the state, experts, and civil society will be created;
- Public awareness of privacy and personal data protection issues will be increased.
The project will also contribute to fostering a more informed public discourse on digital rights in Kazakhstan.
Follow project updates and participation opportunities:
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This publication is funded by the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the Legal Policy Research Centre Public Foundation and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
