Tokayev signs new law on child protection, culture and education

Tengrinews.kz – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed the law “On amendments and additions to certain legislative acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on culture, education, family and state control,” according to Akorda.

The document introduces amendments to the Land, Budget and Entrepreneurial Codes, as well as the codes “On Marriage (Matrimony) and Family” and “On the Health of the People and the Healthcare System.” Changes also affect the laws “On Languages in the Republic of Kazakhstan,” “On the Rights of the Child in the Republic of Kazakhstan,” “On Culture,” “On Education,” and “On the Status of the Teacher.”

Strengthening child protection mechanisms

The first block of amendments enhances legal safeguards for orphans and children deprived of parental care.

Priority in adoption, guardianship or custody is now given to the child’s relatives; if there are none, priority goes to married couples.

Changes in state control and oversight

The second block transfers the regulation of state control and oversight in the areas of sanitary and epidemiological well-being and child protection — specifically for entities funded from the state budget for children’s nutrition, accommodation, medical care, education, upbringing and rehabilitation — to the Code “On the Health of the People and the Healthcare System” and the Law “On the Rights of the Child in the Republic of Kazakhstan.” Corresponding provisions are removed from the Entrepreneurial Code.

Reforms in the education sector

The third block addresses several issues in the field of education.

A ranking system has been introduced for organizations of technical, vocational and post-secondary education. These rankings will be based on indicators approved by the Ministry of Education. A similar system will apply to higher and postgraduate institutions, using methodologies and rules defined by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

Cultural sector updates

The fourth block of amendments focuses on culture.

A ban on using phonograms during concerts has been established (except for television recordings and venues that are not adapted or intended for concerts). Additionally, media outlets and online platforms are now required to credit authors whenever publicly using copyrighted works.

Local executive bodies are now responsible for taking measures to develop and preserve library collections.

The full text of the law will be published in print.