A/HRC/43/2 (a) The national report submitted by Kazakhstan in accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21 (A/HRC/WG.6/34/KAZ/1); (b) The compilation prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21 (A/HRC/WG.6/34/KAZ/2); (c) The summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21 (A/HRC/WG.6/34/KAZ/3). 668. At its 31st meeting, on 12 March 2020, the Human Rights Council considered and adopted the outcome of the review of Kazakhstan (see section C below). 669. The outcome of the review of Kazakhstan comprises the report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (A/HRC/43/10) and the views of Kazakhstan concerning the recommendations and/or conclusions, as well as its voluntary commitments and its replies to questions or issues that were not sufficiently addressed during the interactive dialogue in the Working Group, and which were presented before the adoption of the outcome by the plenary (see also A/HRC/43/10/Add.1). 1. Views expressed by the State under review on the recommendations and/or conclusions, its voluntary commitments and the outcome 670. The delegation of Kazakhstan noted the importance the universal periodic review has for the promotion and protection of human rights principles and for making collective progress to protect, promote and respect human rights. 671. The delegation stated that the President of Kazakhstan has introduced a “listening state” concept to have a state that is responsive to and responsible for its people. To implement this concept, a National Council of Public Trust composed of civil society representatives was created. 672. The delegation reaffirmed the position of Kazakhstan towards the 245 recommendations it received by supporting 214 recommendations and noting 31. With regard to their implementation, the representative informed that progress will be reflected in the Interagency action plan that was developed by the Government in consultation with civil society actors and other stakeholders. 673. With regard to the right to life, Kazakhstan announced its decision to accede to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; aiming at the abolition of the death penalty. This was done as a recognition to the recommendations made during the third cycle of the universal periodic review. 674. Kazakhstan announced it has decided to review its law on peaceful assemblies and the relevant articles in the Criminal Code. 675. With regard to protecting the rights of women and children, in particular from discrimination and domestic violence, the delegation stated that changes were introduced to relevant national laws to harshly condemn those who commit violence, human trafficking and other serious crimes against individuals, especially women and children. The delegation announced the Government’s decision to accede to the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention). 676. With regard to women’s and youth participation in political processes, the President of Kazakhstan has announced measures aiming at increasing the participation of these groups GE. 105