Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan have taken another step toward closer cooperation on human rights protection after their national Ombudsmen signed an updated agreement aimed at expanding joint efforts to safeguard citizens' rights.

The amendment to the 2022 Memorandum of Cooperation was signed in Bishkek by Kyrgyzstan’s Ombudswoman Jamilya Dzhamanbaeva and Kazakhstan’s Human Rights Commissioner Artur Lastayev, The Caspian Post reports via Kabar.

The updated agreement provides a framework for deeper collaboration between the two institutions, including the exchange of information on human rights violations, assistance in restoring infringed rights, and the organization of joint meetings and monitoring visits.

The sides also agreed to broaden initiatives focused on protecting fundamental rights and freedoms, strengthening regional cooperation in the field of human rights oversight.