1

Non-GovernmentalOrganisationsof Kazakhstan:

Past, Present, Future

Almaty, 2002

Published for theUnited Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Êàzàkhstàn

NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE2

Report materials could be reproduced in other publications, without prior permission of UNDP,provided proper reference is made to this publication.

The views expressed in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent theviews of UNDP.

Printed in “S-Print”4e, Bulkisheva Street, Almaty, 480050, Republic of Kazakhstan

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The Non-Governmental Organisations of Ka-zakhstan: Past, Present, Future is a report on theactivities of NGOs in the Republic of Kazakhstanover the ten years since the country became in-dependent. The authors have attempted to anal-yse the main trends in the formation and devel-opment of Kazakhstan’s Third Sector, as well asto identify the conditions necessary to furtherstrengthen the sector’s positive influence uponprocesses underway in society.

In the process of preparing this report, in or-der to define the place and the role of the non-governmental organisations in society, the “Cen-tral Asian Project” research group conducted asurvey in January-February 2002. In addition, datawas used from other social research:

• Development of the Non-Profit Sector inKazakhstan. Institute of Development Cooperation(idc), 2002.

• Coverage of the Non-Governmental Sec-tor by Volunteer Activities. Centre for Public Ac-cord “Accord”, 2001.

• Evaluation of Volunteerism in Kazakhstan.Guldan Tlegenova for Volunteer House of SorosFoundation Kazakhstan, 1999.

The authors have defined non-governmen-tal organisations (NGOs) as open, not-for-profitcivil society organisations which are not occupa-tionally specific and do not seek state power. Asa rule, NGOs set themselves quite specific andsocially significant goals and objectives.

The specific character of the non-governmen-tal sector in Kazakhstan results from the particu-lar path taken in the formation of civil society af-ter 70 years of a command economy. The first sixNGOs in the independent Republic were registeredin 1989, which coincided with a surge in popularpolitical activity. By the end of 2001, the numberof NGOs had grown to 1767. The largest numberof NGOs are based in Almaty; and following themove of the national capital to Astana, the num-ber of NGOs in the new capital has also significantlyrisen. Active NGOs cover a basic range of the-matic areas: human rights, gender issues,supportingvulnerable groups, environmental protection, edu-cation, culture, and public health.

The legislative base for NGO activities in Ka-zakhstan emerged in the early 1990s, when thecitizens’ involvement in public organisations was

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE

legalised, the mechanisms for their establishment,registration were determined, and preferentialconditions were established. On 27 July 1991, thefirst Law “On Public Associations” in Kazakhstanwas adopted. In 1991, several related laws wereadopted, containing special regulations on theactivities of NGOs in various areas. Now, a newstage in the creation of the legislative base forNGO activity has begun, as witnessed by the adop-tion of the Law “On Non-Profit Organisations” in2001, as well as by the Concept of State Supportfor Non-Profit (Non-Governmental) Organisations,approved by the Government in 2002. Furthermore,the Programme of State Support to the Non-Gov-ernmental Sector and the Law on State SocialContracting are being drafted.

When analysing existing materials on NGOactivities, as well as during interviews, the authorsfound that NGOs, as organisations, are orientedtowards the Western experience. Moreover, activ-ities carried out by NGOs are funded largely by in-ternational donors, via small grants. Today, thereare many large international organisations (donors)working in Kazakhstan and actively cooperatingwith NGOs. During the research interviews, repre-sentatives of these international organisationsnoted that improvements in monitoring and eval-uation systems for NGO activities are necessaryin order to develop cooperation with NGOs, to es-tablish communication with the State; to enhancetransparency and openness in working with thegeneral public, and to develop the skills of local staffof NGOs.

To carry out their activities, NGOs in Kazakh-stan rely to a significant extent on volunteers. Forty-two percent of the country’s volunteers are young,mostly students of 17 to 30 years of age. Definitionof the legal status of such volunteers, as well astraining for NGO staff on how to work with volun-teers, would help to further develop the volunteermovement.

The analysis of the formation and developmentof the Third Sector in Kazakhstan, as laid out inthis report, suggests that NGOs do play a notablerole in the process of democratic transition in thecountry. In the course of the research, we identi-fied the most effective areas of NGO activities:women’s, children’s and youth issues; environ-ment; education and training; democratisation

NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE4

and human rights. The following NGO achieve-ments are reportedly the major ones: the target-ed nature of the support provided, stimulation ofcivil action, and the moral support provided to thevulnerable sections of the community. At the sametime, many directions of NGOs’ activities in Kaza-khstan are determined according to the interestsof international organisations, who are the mainsource of funding for NGOs. Moreover, coopera-tion mechanisms between the Third Sector and

the Private Sector are largely absent. An appro-priate legal basis for active cooperation betweenthe State and the Non-Governmental Sectorwould make it possible to allocate extra-budget-ary revenues for resolution of the most acute prob-lems with the help of NGOs, given their consider-able organisational and human resources. In turn,a stable and active NGO Sector, based on civilinitiatives, would be a guarantor of equality andstability in society.

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Fikret AkcuraUN Resident CoordinatorUNDP Resident Representative

Since independence in 1991, one of the positive indicators of Kazakhstan’s demo-cratic transition has been the development of the non-governmental sector, as an im-portant and direct participant in democratic processes. Today in Kazakhstan, the evo-lution of the Third Sector, which is necessary for a properly functioning democraticsociety, is under way.

Currently there are more than 1700 actually functioning NGOs covering different as-pects of life in Kazakhstan. They are especially notable in the fields of human rights, en-vironment, gender equality, and protection of vulnerable social groups.

This report was prepared bearing in mind the growing importance of NGOs in buildingdemocracy in Kazakhstan. The purpose of the report is to analyse the NGO experienceof working in Kazakhstan over the ten years since independence. It is a first attempt tosummarise NGOs’ achievements, as well as to offer a wider perspective on the chal-lenges civil society in Kazakhstan is facing. A general understanding is given about therole of NGOs in the process of creating and developing civil society in Kazakhstan. Theactivities of the NGO sector in other countries are also explored. In addition, the reportassesses the most important issues facing NGOs in Kazakhstan, from the perspectiveof representatives of NGOs and international organisations.

This report has been prepared by a group of national experts, researchers and rep-resentatives of NGOs. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the authors’ groupwho made this report possible. Special thanks go to the Ministry of Culture, Informationand Public Accord, Citibank, and all Kazakhstan NGOs for their assistance in preparingthis report.

It is our hope that this report will serve as a good source for better understandingthe role of non-governmental organisations in civil society and the development ofdemocratic processes in Kazakhstan.

FOREWORD

NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE

NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE6

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE REPORT

Non-governmental organisations today repre-sent an effective mechanism for the developmentof democratic processes in a State, and they pro-mote the development of civil activity, using non-political methods to affect state decision-making.

In Kazakhstan the NGO sector is in the pro-cess of development, and is a new area of study.The novelty and specific nature of this social struc-ture caused us to experiment and use a numberof research approaches such as historical, statis-tical and analytical overviews; and social research,including focus-group interviews.

The authors and project team have collectedand studied a great number of reports, presen-tations, articles, scientific publications, researchpapers and periodicals published both in Kaza-khstan and abroad. Leaders and staff of NGOsupport organisations have kindly shared theirexperiences. In this report, therefore, we presentthe thoughts of different people devoted to theidealistic concept underlying the work of NGOs —working for the benefit of society.

First and foremost, the report provides insightsinto NGO development in Kazakhstan within the

past decade. Section I outlines a generalisednotion of the role of NGOs in the process of civilsociety formation and development in Kazakhstanas well as the general dynamics of NGO develop-ment by regions and sectors.

Section II contains analysis of a survey by theCentral Asian Project group of the most importantproblems of the NGO sector in Kazakhstan, focus-group interview findings, and a general assess-ment of NGO effectiveness as viewed by foreigndonor organisations.

In conclusion, we would like to express ourgratitude to all researchers, experts and consult-ants and all those who participated in preparingthis report. We would also like to take this oppor-tunity to single out the valuable contributions madeby the UN Resident Coordinator / UNDP ResidentRepresentative Mr Fikret Akcura. Our specialthanks go to UNDP Kazakhstan staff.

We sincerely hope that this publication will beuseful for a wide range of readers from govern-ment bodies, research and academic institutions,international organisations and NGOs themselves.

Authors Team

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ADB — Asian Development BankAINOK — Association of Independent Non-governmental Organisations of

CASDIN — Central Asian Sustainable Development Information NetworkCIS — Commonwealth of Independent StatesCAO — Cooperative of Apartment OwnersDARK — Diabetes Association of the Republic of KazakhstanEBRD — European Bank for Reconstruction and DevelopmentEU — European UnionEU/TACIS — European Union/Technical Assistance to the CIS and MongoliaGEF UNDP — Global Environmental Fund UNDPHIV — Human Immuno-deficiency VirusIAVE — International Association of Voluntary EffortsILO — International Labour OrganisationIOM — International Organisation for MigrationIMF — International Monetary FundÑNOK — Confederation of Non-governmental Organisations of KazakhstanKASRH — Kazakhstan Association for Sexual and Reproductive HealthKSDP — Kazakhstan Society of Deaf PeopleKSBP — Kazakhstan Society of Blind PeopleMCIPA — Ministry of Culture, Information and Public AccordNHDR — National Human Development ReportNGO — Non-Governmental OrganisationOSCE — Organisation for Security and Cooperation in EuropeRK — Republic of KazakhstanSIRK — Society of Invalids of the Republic of KazakhstanSCF/UK — Save the Children Fund/United KingdomUN — United NationsUNDP — United Nations Development ProgrammeUNDP NGO RC — UNDP NGO Resource CentreUNHCR — United Nations High Commissioner for RefugeesUNAIDS — UN Programme on AIDSUNICEF — United Nations Children’s FundUNFPA — United Nations Fund for Population ActivitiesUNESCO — United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural OrganisationUSAID — United States Agency for International DevelopmentUSSR — Union of the Soviet Socialist RepublicsUNV — United Nations VolunteersVSO — Voluntary Service OverseasWB — World BankWHO — World Health OrganisationWTO — World Trade Organisation

ABBREVIATIONS

Kazakhstan

NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE8

CONTENTS

SECTION 1NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS: GENERAL CHARACTER, AREAS OF ACTIVITY ANDLEGAL FRAMEWORK.......................................................................................................................10

Chapter 1. Non-Governmental Organisations as Democratisation Instrument..................................10Chapter 2. The Non-Governmental Sector in the World.....................................................................14Chapter 3. Evolution of the Non-Governmental Sector in Kazakhstan.................................................19Chapter 4. The Legal Framework of the Non-Governmental Sector in Kazakhstan...........................31Chapter 5. Volunteer Activities in Civil Society....................................................................................34

SECTION II.KAZAKHSTANI NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS AS VIEWED BY SOCIETY....................37

Chapter 6. An Overview of Kazakhstan’s Non-Governmental Organisations.......................................37Chapter 7. Non-Governmental Organisations as viewed by target groups..........................................44Chapter 8. Kazakhstan’s NGO Sector from the Perspective of International Donors..........................50

Conclusions.........................................................................................................................................55

Referenses...........................................................................................................................................57

Annexes

Annex 1. Glossary................................................................................................................................60Annex 2. Chronology of NGO Registration in Kazakhstan.....................................................................62Annex 3. List of International Organisations Providing Support to NGOs..............................................63Annex 4. Areas of NGO Activity...........................................................................................................66

TABLES3.1. Types of volunteer associations (before 1985)............................................................................203.2. The first civil society organisations in Kazakhstan.........................................................................213.3. Organisations in the reconstruction (perestroika) stage (1985-1991)...........................................214.1. Legal organisational forms of non-profit associations...................................................................326.1. Do you know of any specific NGOs?..............................................................................................376.2. The ways NGOs can influence the resolution of Kazakhstan’s socially significant problems.........386.3. The main role of NGOs in social and political life.........................................................................396.4. Real goals of NGO establishment ...................................................................................396.5. Most effective spheres of NGO activity.........................................................................................406.6. NGO problems in Kazakhstan.......................................................................................................406.7. NGO coverage by media................................................................................................................416.8. Relations between NGOs and Business........................................................................................426.9. Interaction between Government and NGOs................................................................................43

FIGURES1.1.NGOs’ influence on democratic development in Kazakhstan.........................................................121.1A. NGOs influence on democratic development in Kazakhstan (by groups).....................................133.1. Breakdown of NGOs by region (Data source: Agency on Statistics)..............................................233.2. Breakdown of NGOs by region (Data source: UNDP NGO RC).............................................244.1. Legal organisational forms of NGOs..............................................................................................325.1. NGO activities attractive to volunteers...........................................................................................355.2. Organisations using volunteers.....................................................................................................355.3. The key motivations of participation in volunteer movement.......................................................355.4. Volunteer experience of Almaty university students.......................................................................36

9CONTENTS

6.1. NGO influence on pressing social problems..................................................................................386.2. NGO funding................................................................................................................................416.3. Awareness about forthcoming laws on NGOs...............................................................................42

BOXES“Kazakhstan Farmer”: “Villagers take the initiative”.......................................................................12Centre for Conflict Management: “ Teaching conflict resolution to ensure public consentand stability”...........................................................................................................................16National League of Kazakhstan Consumers: “Protection of consumers’ rights meansprotection of human rights”....................................................................................................19ASSA: “Cooperation, not charity”..............................................................................................3Confederation of Non-Governmental Organisations of Kazakhstan..............................................25Kazakhstani Association for Sexual and Reproductive Health ..............................................26Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Observance of Law: “ Humanrights are inseparable from human nature”...........................................................................27Aral Tenizi: “The community manages it’s own development”................................................29Young Leader’s Association: “Youth teaches youth”....................................................................46Diabetes Association of the Republic of Kazakhstan: “We are stronger together”.......................47The Centre for Social Adaptation and Vocational Training of Disabled Children: “Disabled children have the same rights as healthy ones”..............................................................51The Asian Association for Disabled People’s Rights “Zhan”: “Equal rights and possibilitiesfor everyone”........................................................................................................................52

1.1.2.1.

3.1.

3.2.3.3.3.4.3.5.

3.6.7.1.7.2.8.1.

8.2.

NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE10

SECTION I.

NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS:GENERAL CHARACTER, AREAS OF ACTIVITYAND LEGAL FRAMEWORK

1 Report on the work of the organisation in 2001 of theUN Secretary General Kofi Annan. General Assembly, NewYork, September 6, 2001

2 Sourcebook on Building Partnerships with Civil SocietyOrganizations. UNDP, 2002

Chapter 1. NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS AS DEMOCRATISATION INSTRUMENT

Different countries go down different paths ofdemocratic development depending on the levelof economic, political, and social development, andthe traditions and mentality of the people. Todaya majority of experts and politicians share the viewthat democracy is one of the most significant guar-antors of justice and well-being, and civil societyis recognised to be the mechanism for its practi-cal realisation.

Civil Society is where the main human rightsand freedoms are legally secured and a sphereof harmonious non-governmental relations is inplace. It may be defined as the organised activityof people who influence the development of intra-state relations. One of the most important featuresof civil society is civil initiative as a conscious andactive practice for the benefit of society.

Advanced democratic countries are at thesame time progressive civil societies. In suchcases initiatives of various social groups or indi-viduals focused on development of civil society(so-called civil initiatives) are recognised by theState and enhance it. Developing countries andcountries in transition are somewhat different. Thelatter have a wary attitude to civil initiatives whichis quite understandable: civil initiatives go beyondthe goals of state-building. Civil initiatives receivelittle recognition by the State; it is not able to har-ness them for its own development. Rather thaninteracting as elements of an organic system, theydo so only formally; they even feel some antago-nism to one another.

“The only thing which gives us hope for a bet-ter future for mankind is interaction and cooper-ation where all public efforts (government, privatesector, educational and research institutions andcivil society in all its forms) are brought togetherin pursuit of achievable goals.”1

The need to develop civil society is dictatednot only by democratic needs; it also has an eco-nomic character: business initiatives, especiallythose in the field of small and medium-size busi-nesses, are directly linked to the opportunities avail-able only in a well developed civil society.

The process of civil society development isclosely associated with the Third Sector, whichis defined as a self-initiated voluntary sector madeup of freely and formally associated individualspursuing non-profit goals in religious bodies, rec-reational clubs, professional associations, actioncommittees, unions, social movements, etc.2 Anintegral part of civil society, the Third Sector hasa positive impact on the further democratisationof social and political processes in the country.

In the Kazakhstani context, where a democraticsystem of government is not fully developed, civilsociety is developing mostly through the non-gov-ernmental sector.

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)are open, not-for-profit civil society organisationswhich are not occupationally specific (that is whytrade unions are not NGOs) and do not seek statepower (that is why parties are not classified asNGOs). As a rule, NGOs set quite specific andsocially significant goals and objectives to follow.NGOs fill a niche which is not covered by govern-ment bodies. NGO activity is distinguished by itsenergy, dynamism and self-reliance. NGOs are aform of publicly initiated activity which is given le-gal status by registration with authorities. The term“non-governmental organisation” was disseminat-ed by donors, replacing a domestic term “amateuror independent civil society organisations”. In line

11NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE

1 NGO Sustainability Index for Central and Eastern Europeand Eurasia-2001. USAID, 2002

with the traditions of some Western countries, thenotion of non-governmental organisation does notinclude political parties, trade unions, social-polit-ical movements, ethno-cultural centres, and sportssocieties.

Among the components of the Third sector,one can also identify Community Based Organ-isations or low-level organisations of about threepeople working in distant rural settlements, andinitiative groups, which are not NGOs.

Since 1999, the United States Agency for In-ternational Development (USAID) started devel-oping NGO Sustainability Index, which is a toolto assess overall progress towards sustainability.It enables a comparison of various NGOs in anumber of regions with a similar political environ-ment (Central, Eastern Europe, Eurasia). The fol-lowing seven key parameters of the NGO sectorare taken into account:

• legislative framework• organisational capacities• financial sustainability• ability to represent people’s interests• service provision• NGO infrastructure• public imageEach of these features is assessed accord-

ing to a seven-point scale (“7” is the lowest levelof development, “1” means a well developed NGOsector). The index is calculated for each countrysurveyed.1

Recently NGOs found themselves at the cen-tre of studies devoted to viable processes of so-cial, economic and political development in vari-ous countries. NGO are an attribute of a demo-cratic country which can directly enhance

democratic methods and make itpossible to monitor the Governmentusing non-political means. NGOstructures have been developed andrecognised within recent decades inmany countries of the world commu-nity, both in post-industrial and devel-oping ones.

According to some political sci-entists and analysts, Kazakhstan isstill lacking a mature civil societywhich would meet the criteria adopt-ed in advanced countries. The ThirdSector is still in the process of de-velopment.

Despite the overall significance ofNGOs for civil society and the coun-try, the environment in which NGOsoperate is far from ideal. Difficult re-lations can be observed between

NGOs and the government and commercial sec-tors, which play decisive roles in society. These re-lations are not well-established in either case.

NGO representatives see the Government asa powerful bureaucratic structure, but one whichis inactive and poorly aware of people’s needs, andinefficient in social programme implementation. Inpractical terms the Government doesn’t providesufficient organisational or financial support toNGOs. Government officials do not take NGOsseriously. In the social research conducted by theCentral Asian Project, to the question “what prob-lems in Kazakhstan can be resolved by NGOs?”Government bodies answered, “awareness raisingand training programmes”. The respondents donot recognise the other more substantive capa-bilities of NGOs.

During the last one or two years, the view hasdeveloped that the Government could fund sociallyoriented NGOs via state tenders for socially im-portant projects. In economically advanced coun-tries, a great number of social projects are fi-nanced by the Government through grants andtenders. But sustainable democratic traditions insuch countries allow for a public, democratic andsound selection of NGOs for funding.

However, there are certain difficulties — evendangers — in the government financing of NGO-implemented projects (even for tender-basedprojects). Government funding for some NGOsand rejection of others could create divisionamong NGOs. Competition between NGOs for

President of Diabetes Association of RK at First Public Hearings with theGovernment, 2000

NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE12

Figure 1.1.NGOs' influence on democratic

development in Kazakhstan

Research of the Central Asian Project Group, 2002

KAZAKHSTAN FARMER“VILLAGERS TAKE THE INITIATIVE”

The public association Kazakhstan Farmer was founded in 1994. Its activities include bringing experts torural areas to provide consulting services to farmers on long-term planning and farm management.

After receiving a grant from the UNDP GEF / Small Grants Programme in Kazakhstan in 1999, Kaza-khstan Farmer started implementing an innovative project to restore water sources through a system of irri-gation channels and wells.

Mr Zhapar Zhambakin, the Director of Kazakhstan Farmer, is convinced that the success of the projectwas due to the fact that the local needs were studied and analysed by locals and experts. Specific solutions wereproposed to deal with clearly defined problems. The initiative belonged to local people.

As a result of this NGO’s activities, rural areas have benefited from new funds, and the experience andknowledge of international organisations which are supporting new ideas and resource-efficient technologies.

Box 1.1

government grants could become unhealthy andsensitive. In our reality, such procedures wouldmost probably fail: there is no guarantee that gov-ernment grants would be provided to the morecapable and deserving NGOs. A form of statesupport to NGOs could be possible if there werea specially established foundation which wouldallocate funds as recommended by a KazakhstaniNGOs Association, but such arrangements wouldbe effective only if the Association itself were trans-parent.

As a component of civil society, NGOs are thelink between the State and the people. Therefore,the State has to be interested in developing con-structive relationships with NGOs. There are anumber of objective reasons that necessitate in-teraction between the State and NGOs .

Firstly, most NGOs solve problems neglectedby government agencies for various reasons.Those relate to support to low-income, sick, anddisadvantaged people support to education andtraining of children and teenagers; conservationand development of culture; and real protectionof rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Con-stitution.

Secondly, sometimes NGOs are more success-ful and efficient than government agencies be-cause they are more flexible and more active inapplying innovative approaches to new problems.

Thirdly, strengthening the democratic state anddeveloping local self-government, which have beendeclared as priorities of domestic policy,1 are cru-cial and depend on the formation of a modern civilsociety. Here we mean various forms of interac-tion of people, and their voluntary involvement inpublic matters. NGOs act as the foundations of civilsociety.

In the view of 50% of interviewed experts, NGOsin Kazakhstan can influence democracy, and

20.8% have no doubts about this. Governmentofficials (29.2%) and public organisations (26.8%)are more inclined to recognise the influence ofNGOs on democratic development; while business(5%) and civil sectors (12%) have the least be-lief in this. (See Figures 1.1 and 1.1A).

Relations between NGOs and the commercialsector look much more promising, which is natu-ral since in market conditions business plays asystem-forming role. Support of NGOs from com-mercial entities is far from sufficient, except for thatprovided by large (mainly international) business-es based in Kazakhstan. This situation can beexplained by the low capacity of NGOs to influencethe position of business in Kazakhstan. Businessin this sense is more interested in good relationswith the Government and local authorities.

Even now NGOs can play a mitigating role andhelp to reduce negative public perceptions of thebusiness sector in Kazakhstan, which is based onthe justifiable belief that some people’s wealth is

1 Kazakhstan – 2030. Government Herald, 1998

13Chapter 1. NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS AS DEMOCRATISATION INSTRUMENT

Figure 1.1A.NGOs' influence on democratic development in Kazakhstan (by groups)

Research of the Central Asian Project Group, 2002

being built at the expense of a considerable de-crease in living standards and even the impover-ishment of a great number of citizens. Marketrelations cannot be strengthened without the le-gitimisation of new property relations. The interme-diary position of NGOs between various socialgroups can open up real opportunities for peoplein the new economic environment and can teachnew principles of social relations. Some NGOs

which operate in the field of personnel retrainingand re-profiling already do this kind of work.

The private sector may be interested in NGOsto lobby their interests at various levels of society.In addition, by providing support to NGOs, business-es can enhance relations with the groups mostnegatively affected by recent changes. Thereforerelations between NGOs and business are quitepromising in Kazakhstan.

Summing up, NGOs’ significance in thestructure of civil society is in their ability to de-velop and promote civil initiatives that are im-portant to society. In addition, acting as not-for-profit organisations, NGOs help to bring peopletogether to achieve common objectives, and thisraises the civil activism of the population. De-velopment and strengthening of the diversesystem of NGOs is an important indicator of civilsociety development in Kazakhstan, and evi-dence of the existence of various social inter-ests and of the conditions needed to satisfythese needs. By acting on a volunteer basis andshowing initiative, NGOs make a considerableinput into solving serious social problems. How-ever, this influence is not of much effect. Thissituation can be explained by the absence of a

!!!

developed mechanism for interaction betweenthe NGO, public and private sectors.

Most NGOs in Kazakhstan rely on the expe-rience of foreign NGOs due to the lack of a tra-dition of sivil society organisations and lowawareness of the history of such associationsin this country. NGOs in Kazakhstan are fund-ed primarily by grants from international donors.Most grants are provided for NGO project andprogramme development, and only cover initialorganisational costs. At the same time, no insti-tutional support is provided to NGOs in Kaza-khstan.

The assessment of the potential needs ofNGOs shows the existence of conditions for theirsuccessful development and further integrationin the system of societal relations.

NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE14

Chapter 2. THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL SECTOR IN THE WORLD

Civil society development in other countrieshas a long history. From the outset this develop-ment was based on voluntary civil society organi-sations which dealt with socially significant prob-lems.

Many countries view NGOs as an importantelement of civil society. Civil society has emergedin such countries as an additional mechanism forregulating new social relations. Governments ofthese countries encourage the development ofthe non-governmental sector for a number ofreasons, including lowering the budget deficit.Furthermore, advanced countries have recogn-ised the fact that NGOs have more flexibility thanGovernment. As a result, very often governmentstake advantage of providing funds for non-gov-ernmental non-profit organisations in exchange forclear-cut, concrete and controllable responsibili-ties, rather than establishing new governmentalorganisations.

Civil society is highly developed in the USA,encouraged by government policy focused oncomprehensive democratic development. The firstNGO to appear in US was the American MedicineOrganisation (1847). The USA has a highly devel-oped civil society, where millions of people takean active part in a large number of NGOs andassume some functions which in Europe are im-plemented by the Government. The US Govern-ment allocates almost 1/3 of its budget expendi-ture to social and cultural needs, including over50% of federal spending on social support, cul-ture, science and humanitarian purposes. Over1,00,000 civil society organisations in the US (thefigure is different in various sources as NGOs inthe US do not necessarily have to be registered, sothere is no reliable record) have a budget amount-ing to around 9% of Gross National Product. Thecooperation of the national and local governmentswith NGOs is a crucial factor in increasing efficien-cy in the use of funds, especially those allocatedfor social needs.1

The American Convention on Human Rights(1969) in Article 16 provides wide protection forfreedom of association, while the Declaration ofHuman Rights adopted in 1948 guarantees theright of association with other individuals for shar-ing information, exercising and protection of law-ful interests of political, economic, religious, social,cultural, trade union nature, etc. An example is thatUS retired-persons NGOs have lobbied for an

efficient pension law, and keep tracking any chang-es and preventing adverse changes. A well-knownpension lobby has been protecting the rights of oldpeople for several decades. Another example isNGOs that prepare and monitor elections.

The main task of European NGOs is to ensuredemocratic development and protect democrat-ic gains. Western NGOs are efficiently dealing withenvironmental problems. NGOs in Europe may soonnot just be an add-on or alternative of the rele-vant state services — they may replace such ser-vices in future.

In Germany NGOs historically served as a toolto mitigate conflicts between various social groups(poor and wealthy people) as they can bettersolve social problems than charity or patronage.The German Constitution guarantees freedom ofassociation to legal entities as long as they abideby the law. Over two million Germans were involvedin NGOs in the mid-1990s; today this figure is muchhigher.

In the UK, NGO traditions date back to the 19thcentury and are now a powerful branch of theeconomy. The first non-governmental organisa-tion in the UK was the London association “Savethe Children”, now known as SCF/UK. Most well-known NGOs have a non-commercial income oftens of million pounds.2 Over 200,000 charitableorganisations are registered in the UK.3

In some countries such as the Netherlands,NGOs are self-sufficient (through membershipcontributions). This is an opportunity to be indepen-dent from the Government; however, the Govern-ment also provides support. About 25% of DutchNGOs are funded by municipalities, another 50%of funds are appropriated for case-by-caseprojects, and about 25% of funds are state sala-ries provided to create jobs. The experience of theNetherlands is extremely useful for Kazakhstan interms of democratisation within NGOs. A world-wide environmental organisation “Friends of theEarth -vv the Netherlands” actively participates in

1 N.Sadykov, L.Kotova “Non-Governmental Organisations - Basis of the Civil Society Created in Uzbekistan”.

Tashkent, 20002 Ibid.3 Reports on Social Development. Manual for

development and implementation of NGO laws.Prepared for World Bank by International Centre ofNon-Profit Law, 1997

15Chapter 2. THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL SECTOR IN THE WORLD

the real politics of the country and such activitytakes up 80% of the time of what ostensibly is onlyan environmental organisation. Dutch NGOs areactive in domestic policy issues. Referendums andpublic hearings in the Netherlands often take placeon various levels. This makes it possible to main-tain stability and keeps various corporate groupsfrom imposing their will on important issues affect-ing the life of the country, provinces and towns.1

In Eastern Europe, NGOs and civil society asa whole are developing. The goal of East Euro-pean organisations is to move towards democra-cy, and protect society from reverting to the “safety”of strong leadership and restricted freedoms. Atthe same time, special regulations were put in placeto provide humanitarian assistance to Croatia andBosnia-Herzegovina. A number of legal systemsallow NGOs to exist only for specific purposes. Forexample, to establish a grant-making organisation,it can only be registered in the form of a founda-tion. In such cases, it would be appropriate to re-quire that the foundation seeking registration hada minimum amount of capital, given the fact thatthere are other legal forms which can be used forestablishing NGOs with other objectives.

In the developing countries of Asia, NGOs mostlydeal with social problems of low-income people.In general, in most of these countries NGOs aremore successful than governments in their pov-erty reduction efforts, which is similar to NGOs inAfrica. Through the ongoing financial and tech-nical assistance of developed countries (training,programme development) NGO personnel skilful-ly manage their organisations; they show their or-ganisational capacity in getting their assistance tothe poorest people and preventing starvation anddeath from infectious diseases, and fighting withmass illiteracy and oppression of women.

Among the developed Asian countries, themost significant NGOs are in South Korea, acountry which experienced an “economic mira-cle” at the end of the 20th Century. The forma-tion of civil society and the growing role of NGOsin South Korea emerged in the 1980s and wasaccompanied by student, labour and agrarianmovements which contributed to democratic de-velopment. Interest in NGOs and their impact onsocial life have considerably grown in the 1990sdue to the development of democracy and forma-tion of civil society in the country. Especially strongpartici pation of Korean NGOs was seen in thedecision-making process at the national level andin the social field. This approach to the develop-ment of civic groups has resulted in considerableenhancement of their activities in 1998 and con-tributed to their high popularity.

The Environment Exercise Union was estab-lished in April 1993, which focused on publicawareness, environmental education, pollution re-duction, ecosystem conservation, and a movementagainst nuclear testing. In the 1990s a great con-tribution to democratisation was made by religiousgroups which lobbied for extensive public involve-ment in decision-making.

These national-level NGOs prompted the for-mation of a great number of civic groups whoserole was continuously growing. The relationshipbetween NGOs and Government at that time couldbe characterised as one of “understanding” and“tolerance”. The Government came to understandthe growing influence of civil society and the needto cooperate with it. Real cooperation developedbetween the government and civil organisationsin such fields as state policy monitoring (“throughcriticism and cooperation”), governance enhance-ment, assistance to entrepreneurs, human rights,women’s problems (trafficking), religion, ethnicproblems, and the problem of unification of Southand North Korea.

Currently there are about 20,000 civic organi-sations in South Korea which were establishedafter 1989 (21% of currently existing NGOs wereestablished by the end of the 1980s, 56.5% by theend of the 1990s)2.

In Singapore, for example, the Governmentsupports NGOs in hiring personnel, provides un-used buildings for nominal rentals, assists NGOsin getting premises in housing estates, and cov-ers 50% of the capital and operational cost ofenterprises established by NGOs for social provi-sion purposes.3

In Malaysia, the Government closely cooper-ates with NGOs in implementing poverty reductionprogrammes, in the area of HIV/AIDS prevention,ecological awareness raising, and gender issues.

In Hong Kong most NGOs get 70-80% oftheir income from direct state funding.4

In India, where the national development planprovides for partnership between NGOs and Gov-ernment in implementing poverty reduction pro-grammes, it is universally recognised that NGOs mayinitiate such programmes, organise charitableactions and events, involve people in planning anddevelopment of socially significant programmes,

1 Reports on Social Development. Manual for developmentand implementation of NGO laws. Prepared for WorldBank by International Centre of Non-Profit Law, 1997

2 Materials from Internet3 Reports on Social Development. Manual for develop-

ment and implementation of NGO laws. Prepared forWorld Bank by International Centre of Non-Profit Law,1997

4 N.Sadykov, L.Kotova “Non-Governmental Organisations - Basis of the Civil Society Created in Uzbekistan”.

Tashkent, 2000

NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE16

THE CENTRE FOR CONFLICT MANAGEMENT“TEACHING CONFLICT RESOLUTION FOR SOCIAL HARMONY AND STABILITY.”

The Centre for Conflict Management trains teachers from tertiary institutions and schools, political scien-tists, journalists, and representatives of civil society organisations from all of the Central Asian countries aboutthe theory and practice of conflict resolution. Academics and practical experts are invited from the US, Europe,Russia and Central Asia.

At the Centre’s instigation, a draft Concept of Civic Education for secondary and tertiary institutions hasbeen developed, which is being considered by the Kazakhstan Government. Annually, the Centre holds eventsdevoted to UN international days of Human Rights, Tolerance, and Refugees. Many Almaty schools and ter-tiary institutions participate in these events. In 1995 the Centre became a laureate of a US and European UnionInternational Award in the field of democracy.

The Centre has published an international reference book for organisations from the Commonwealth ofIndependent States working in the field of conflict resolution, collections of translated articles by contempo-rary Western academics, and textbooks on conflict resolution skills.

The key thing for a non-governmental organisation, in the view of the President of the Centre for Con-flict Management, Elena Sadovskaya, is its members belief in the importance and meaning of what they aredoing, as well as self-regulation and responsibility.

Box 2.1.

and provide necessary support for implementingdevelopment objectives.1

For example, over 20,000 NGOs exist in Ne-pal which has a population of 16 million.2 Rela-tions between the Government and NGOs in de-veloping and less-developed countries vary but asa rule there are no restrictions on their activities,with the exception of a number of legal ones.

In Africa, civil society organisation are diverseand flexible. They reflect the existing diversity ofpolitical regimes, systems, traditions and ethnicgroups. Strengthening their positions in the fieldof health care, education, capacity development,human potential development, and getting exten-sive assistance from the international communityand the support of their citizens, they often per-form better than their governments, which havebeen weakened by political struggle. A number ofAfrican countries (Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar,Rwanda, Uganda, Zimbabwe) provide or have pro-vided special regimes for NGOs acting in the fieldof development. Those organizations have to beregistered within the existing ministry or a newcommittee which need to approve its activity. Al-though such regimes are justified by a need to co-ordinate development and avoid duplications andconflicts, in reality these are somewhat maskedways to ensure considerable control of NGOs, sothat the Government do not compete for gettingfunds for extension work. Such position is vivdlyseen in Uganda and Ethiopia: in Uganda NGO cannot be registered until the text of its workplan isapproved by local officials, area administrator, two

trustees eligible for the National NGO Committeeand by two founders. Upon approvals the work planneeds to be approved by the Ministry of Planningand Development. In Ethiopia, Assistance and Re-covery Commission will not permit NGO if there isno need in such entity. If such Commission de-cides that NGO is of no use in a certain area ofthe country, it will require its relocation to someother area. Such Commission should also approvedetailed work plan and agreements before reg-istration.

As per the law in Egypt it is required that NGOgets permission within the Ministry of Social Rela-tions whose jurisdiction is the expected activity ofNGO and Department of State Security.

In the CIS, NGO priorities depend on the polit-ical and economic situation, and as a rule NGOsdevelop within those priority directions. The NGOsector of the Former Soviet Union states hassome special characteristics: the formation of civilsociety is under way after 70 years of a commandeconomy in which most people had no understand-ing of their rights and mechanisms to protect theserights due to the paternalistic mentality and rigidpolicy of the Government which excluded plural-ism and free thinking. So-called civil society or-ganisations existed in a unified state policy under

1 Reports on Social Development. Manual for developmentand implementation of NGO laws. Prepared for WorldBank by International Centre of Non-Profit Law, 1997

2 Sustainable Development/CASDIN Informational Bulletin1998, No.6

17Chapter 2. THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL SECTOR IN THE WORLD

party and state control within the command econ-omy. Some of them earned a certain amount oftheir own income, but almost all of them receivedadditional funding from the state budget.

Russia has to laws: the Law on Charity andon Charity Organizations and the Law on Non-ProfitOrganizations (both dated 1996) with respect toNGOs in Russia. Non-profit organizations areemphasized to be organizations which have nopurpose of gaining profit and do not share suchprofit among stakeholders. Non-profit organiza-tions may be governmental and non-governmen-tal. When speaking about non-profit organizationin Russia (both governmental and private) thefocus is placed on public assosiations among non-profit organizations understood as any voluntaryformed organization of citizens with socially use-ful purposes. Russian NGOs were widely estab-lished in the 1980s and 1990s. In that period, themethodology of interaction between the Govern-ment, business and civil society was revised. Cur-rently, over 300,000 NGOs are registered in Rus-sia, in which over 2 million people work. Every yearover 30 million Russian citizens are supported bytheir NGOs.1 As in Kazakhstan, Russia has a broadnetwork of NGOs but fails to get an adequate re-sponse: NGOs are listened to by the Governmentwhen it suits them; otherwise the problem is justignored. A considerable number of people remainpassive. This implies a lack of understanding ofthe role of NGOs in society despite the existenceof a quite active and well-populated stratum ofcivil society which is currently forming.

In the countries of the Caucasus, networks ofactive NGOs have been created, including thosewhich were formed for peacemaking purposes,which came together to establish the CaucasianForum. Its effectiveness has been mixed, but onecannot deny the commitment of local people topeaceful development. These people are now ableto make a transition from enhancement of inter-ethnic relations to dialogue on political issues.2

The status and level of NGO development inCentral Asian countries directly depends onsocioeconomic and political indices.

About 2000 NGOs exist in Kyrgyzstan and theyare taking on more and more social initiatives. NGOactivities are becoming more and more diversi-fied, and they play an important role in poverty re-duction programmes and decentralisation. Sincethe law on public associations was passed in 1991,the Ministry of Justice has registered 2120 publicassociations3. These may be divided into five cat-egories:

• Associations dealing with protection ofrights of certain groups of people

• Charitable organisations

• Development organisations• Organisations for ethnic minorities• Special-interest associationsAbout 492 organisations work in the field of

development. The law of Kyrgyzstan, as in Kaza-khstan, has no concept of non-governmental or-ganisation (NGO), which is just borrowed from in-ternational practice. Under current laws, civil so-ciety associations are viewed as non-profitorganisations (legal entities) initiated by the pub-lic to meet their spiritual and other non-materialneeds. The law does not differentiate civil societyassociations focused on social development.

Four hundred NGOs exist in Uzbekistan, whichamounts to 17 per one million people.4 NGOs areworking in a number of different fields. These in-clude gender problems, material and technicalsupport to medical institutions, medical and socialwork in people’s homes, support to the disabled,environmental issues, environmental education,and support to low-income people. So far thecountry does not have many well-developed NGOsdealing with culture, arts or the media. The under-development of such NGOs is due to an incom-plete political and legal framework for NGOs. Thelaw of Uzbekistan on non-governmental, non-profitorganisations has no clear-cut implementationmechanisms or necessary by-laws, and accord-ing to some Uzbek experts is far from perfect. Atthe same time, traditional social groups such asmahallas (independent self-governed communi-ties) are highly efficient. Mahallas make efforts toassist the poor, sick people, old people and chil-dren. Sanhedrims, made up of elders, act as so-cial councils for the Mahallas, and are entrustedby people to allocate the money collected.

In Tajikistan civil society made a great con-tribution to the process of peaceful settlement ofcivil war between 1992 and 1997. Both govern-ment and international organisations providedsupport to national post-conflict reconciliation. Acombination of favourable political conditions andfinancial resources led to greater activity by TajikNGOs. Civil society involves a wide range of enti-ties, from low-level (community-based councils,neighbourhood councils) to large organisations.

1 N. Azhgikhina. Country will be saved by volunteers andphilanthropy. – “Circle of life”. Annex to “IndependentNewspaper”. November 3, 2000

2 Resolution and Prevention of Conflicts. InternationalHand-Book of Organisations. Centre for ConflictManagement, 2002

3 NGO Conference. Report on results. Bishkek, 20004 N.Sadykov, L.Kotova “Non-Governmental Organisations - Basis of the Civil Society Created in Uzbekistan”.

Tashkent, 2000

NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE18

NGOs, along with political parties and popularmovements, were involved in signing a GeneralAgreement to suspend military operations in 1997.They became much more efficient in the post-warrecovery period. Their initiatives are graduallychanging the social and political as well as psy-chological climate.1

According to international experts, Kazakhstandiffers markedly from other countries of the regionin terms of the extent of NGO influence on sociallife and the level of public involvement. For ex-ample, despite the fact that Uzbekistan providesconsiderable support to NGOs and in Kyrgyzstanthe general political situation is open and the num-ber of NGOs per capita is higher than in otherCentral Asian countries, the balance of factors andconditions needed for a mature and profession-al NGO corps exists only in Kazakhstan.

In recent times, there has been a tendency forNGOs from various countries of the world to inte-grate. The number of international NGOs is growingdue to a number of reasons:

1 Accord/International Review of Peaceful Initiatives. ThePolicy of Compromise. Peace Process in Tajikistan. 2001,No 10

Summarising the analysis of the NGO activ-ities in different countries, the following conclu-sions about NGOs’ general possibilities, and theapplicability of their experience to the Kazakh-stani context, can be made.

Conclusion 1. In some countries (e.g. USA)NGOs carry out some governmental functions,especially in the field of social and cultural de-velopment. At the same time Government assignslarge funds for financing NGO activities in thisfield, which has positive results. This experienceis useful for Kazakhstan and NGOs in Kazakh-stan will probably have similar opportunities.

Conclusion 2: In some countries (e.g. USA,Western Europe) NGOs are actively involved indeveloping government policy by proposing civilinitiatives and lobbying for their introduction, aswell as by monitoring social relations and prob-lems. Relations between the NGO sector andGovernment are well defined, which decreases

!!!

the possibility of conflicts to the maximum degree.Conclusion 3: Following world experience,

one of the central tasks of NGOs is the protec-tion of democratic freedoms and rights as wellas the development of democratic reforms.NGOs of different countries have elaboratedmechanisms to influence state decision-making,involving broad masses of people. This task isimportant for Kazakhstan, all the more so sinceNGOs acting in this sphere are highly appreci-ated by Kazakhstani people.

Conclusion 4: In many countries NGOs areactive in the field of poverty reduction. This is dueto the fact that governments cannot implementefforts to fight poverty on their own. These goalsrequire the active participation of citizens andthe NGOs they create. In Kazakhstan, therefore,NGOs and Government can efficiently and suc-cessfully collaborate in poverty reduction.

• Emergence of global problems.• The frequently insufficient capacities of

some countries and international organisations todeal with these issues.

• Strengthened democratic processes inthe field of domestic and international relations,institutionally represented by international NGOs.

• Changes in the national interests of states(moving away from state interests and sovereigntyto common human values such as human rightsand the environment).

• A growing desire of some individuals toincrease their control over decision-making pro-cesses in matters relating to their vital interests.

• Enhanced opportunities for trans-boundarylinks and for the public activities of various coun-tries as well as opportunities for technologicalprogress.

19NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE

THE NATIONAL LEAGUE OF KAZAKHSTANI CONSUMERS“PROTECTION OF CONSUMERS’ RIGHTS MEANS PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS”

The National League of Kazakhstani Consumers was established in 1997, and currently has under its umbrella156 regional consumer rights protection associations from around the country.

One of the League’s most successful projects is the “Hotline”. Under this project citizens — commonconsumers — receive advice over the phone through the Hotline, and they receive pre-trial support and de-fence in court.

According to the League’s President, Svetlana Shamsutdinova, lobbying of draft legislation (which can bedone only by professional and respected civil structures) is among the organisation’s most difficult yet im-portant work. The League has been involved in the development of such legislative acts as Kazakhstan’s CivilCode, Civil Court Procedures Code, Criminal Code, and Administrative Code, among others. Experts from theLeague have developed an alternative bill, “On Protection of Consumers’ Rights in the Republic of Kazakh-stan”. The bill has been scrutinised by Consumers International and the International Confederation ofConsumer Associations, and has been discussed in the Lower Chamber of Parliament, the Mazhilis. In thenear future, it will be discussed in the Senate.

As a result of the League’s determined work, the Consumer Rights Protection Department was created inJanuary 2001 at the Agency for Regulation of Natural Monopolies, Development of Entrepreneurship andSmall Business Support. Since September 2001, “The Fundamentals of Consumer Knowledge” has becomea mandatory course for law and economics departments in Kazakhstani tertiary institutions.

In addition, the Fund publishes and distributes legal and educational literature; prepares comments oncurrent regulatory documents; collects information, including materials related to pre-trial and trial practiceon cases relating to protection of consumers’ rights; and analyses the legal situation in the field of consumerrights protection.

While the League receives financial support from donors, it also provides fee-based services to the public,which guarantees the NGO’s sustainability.

Box 3.1

Chapter 3. EVOLUTION OF THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL SECTOR IN KAZAKHSTAN

The formation of the non-governmental sec-tor in Kazakhstan was preceded by two stagesduring which prototypes of NGOs existed in theFormer Soviet Union.

• Soviet stage (before 1985)• Period of Reconstruction (1989-1991)Soviet stage (before 1985). “Volunteer asso-

ciations” was the term used for public institutionsoperating in the USSR, including Kazakhstan, un-der a Decree on volunteer unions and societies(associations, clubs, federations) issued on 30 Au-gust 1930 by the Council of People’s Commissarsand the Central Executive Committee of the Rus-sian Federal Soviet Socialist Republic (Table 3.1).

Most associations were established in the1920s and 1930s, and met the needs and goalsof that period: fighting illiteracy, strengthening thedefences of the young country, sports development,etc. A feature of such associations is that they partlyowned state property, they had a generally accept-ed system of values and defined goals, a diver-

sified network throughout the USSR, and werecoordinated by centralised bodies.

Gradually, for a number of reasons at differ-ent times during the development of Soviet soci-ety, grassroots initiatives were replaced by top-down initiatives; leaders with charisma were re-placed by bureaucratic leaders, the principle of“diversity and mass involvement” was replaced bythe principle of “mass involvement”. All the abovefactors led to the bureaucratisation of a wholerange of civil society organisations, and some newalternative organisations, such as volunteer socialgroups and associations, emerged as vehicles ofopposition to incipient crisis. Examples of suchorganisations in Kazakhstan are given in Table 3.2.

Reconstruction Stage (perestroika) (1985-1991). In 1985 a Resolution was adopted “OnAmateur Associations and Interest Clubs” and inthe reform period a great number of discussionclubs began to appear which met the criteria ofpromoting openness and independent civil initia-tives. In 1989, the Kazakhstan Supreme Soviet is-

NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE20

sued a decree “On the Formation Procedure andOperation of Public Associations”, and in 1991another Law “On Public Associations in the Ka-zakh SSR” was promulgated. Table 3.3 reflectsthe process of formation of such organisations.

Independence Stage. The development of realcivil society started after independence. In 1995,Kazakhstan had 3500 official Third Sector organ-isations.

As in all post-Soviet countries, the NGO sec-tor in Kazakhstan was a novelty, so understand-ing of its necessity and importance was lackingamong the Government and the public. NGOswere too young and inexperienced (with a fewexceptions) to be equal partners for other sec-tors.

Analysing the non-governmental sector’s de-velopment, three periods of non-governmental or-ganisation formation can be distinguished, as fol-lows:1

Period 1 encompasses the end of the 1980sthrough 1994. According to national and interna-tional experts, more than 400 NGOs were estab-lished during this period. Generally, NGOs wereinvolved in rights protection. This was linked witha period in which the independence and sover-eignty of the country was being established, andwas caused by the democratic transformationprocess.

The main feature of this period was the unsys-tematic and spontaneous nature of NGO creation.

In addition, overall strategies and priorities with re-gard to the non-governmental sector had not yetdeveloped during this period.

Period 2 (1994-1997) was one of qualitativeand quantitative growth by NGOs. The number ofNGOs increased from 400 to 1600. The period ischaracterised not only by quantitative growth of thenon-governmental sector, but also differentiationin types of activities. The growth in the number ofnon-governmental organisations was the result ofmajor financial support by international donor or-ganisations in the form of grants.

Grant assistance was mainly focused on or-ganisation of seminars, roundtables, and training,and had an organisational, educational and meth-odological character.

Moreover, the Government had only defined avery general position with regard to the non-gov-ernmental sector, and an integrated state policyof interaction with NGOs was not yet fully devel-oped.

Analysis of the second period demonstratesthat NGOs were established as the result of grants.Urban centres were the main locations for NGOdevelopment, especially Almaty; relocation of thecapital to Astana enabled active development ofthe non-governmental sector there as well.

1 Concept of the State Support to Non-Profit (Non-Governmental) Organisations. January 23, 2002

Type of organisation Example

Table 3.1.Types of volunteer associations (before 1985)

Type of organisation ExampleTechnical and scientific engineering societies Association of Inventors and Innovators

Association of Ham Radio Operators“Knowledge”Republican Society

Fitness and sports centres “Dynamo”, “Spartak”Societies of disabled people Kazakhstan Society of Blind PeopleKazakhstan

Society of Deaf PeopleInterest groups Union of Hunter and Fisherman Societies

Society of Chess PlayersProfessional societies Kazakhstan Writers UnionKazakhstan Architects

UnionSocieties of foreign policy propaganda Committee for PeaceCommittee of Solidarity with

Asian and African CountriesYouth societies Volunteer Society to Assist the Army, Air Force

and NavySociety of Young FiremenCultural-historic societies Kazakhstan Society for Protection of Historic and

Cultural MonumentsHumanitarian societies Kazakhstan Society of the Red Cross and Red

CrescentWater Rescue Society

Research of the Institute for development cooperation (idc), 2002

21Chapter 3. EVOLUTION OF THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL SECTOR IN KAZAKHSTAN

By the end of this period the growth of NGOshad gradually taken on a more qualitative nature.The non-governmental sector of the country hadfound its place in social processes.

Period 3 is a qualitatively new stage whichstarted in 1998 and continues to this day. In thisperiod the issue of interaction mechanisms be-tween Government and NGOs became a subjectof serious discussion.

A number of NGO associations were createdin this period and are successfully operating: AINOK,CNOK, the Kostanai Oblast NGO Association, theKyzylorda Oblast NGO Association, the Environ-mental NGO Forum, and “networks” of NGOs suchas the “Zhan” Asian Association to Protect Invalid’sRights, which brings together similar organisationsin the Central Asian region.

The issue of organisational and practical sup-

Period Organisation/ activities1963-1969 The “Zhas Tulpar” society consolidated tens of Kazakhstani students trained

in Moscow. The society studied blind spots of Kazakhstan’s history: starva-tion in 1930 caused by collectivisation and other reasons; migration ofKazakh people as a consequence of that process, reprisals, issues of nationalidentity, etc.“Sary-Arka”, “Young Working Man”, “Zhas Kazakh” societies

1964 “Interim Steering Committee for Turk-Meskhetin Repatriation” as a responseto policies at that time regarding national minorities.

1979 Front for Liberation of Turkistan — activities aimed to separate Xing-Tsiangprovince from China.

Table 3.2*The first civil society organisations in Kazakhstan

Period Organisation/ Activities1987-1988 Environmental social initiatives in Almaty, Dzhambyl, Pavlodar, Taldykorgan,

Shymkent: the “Initiative” Social and Environmental Association, the PublicCommittee to Save the Aral Sea and Balkhash Lake, the People’s Front (thesewere soon disbanded by the authorities).

1987-1989 Historic-educational society “Adilet” (republican) and “Memîrial” (all-union)— criticism of the totalitarian system; the environmental NGOs and organi-sations Green Front, Green Salvation; the international pacifist movement Next-Stop.

1989 “Azat” movement: goal — democratisation.International antinuclear movement“Nevada-Semipalatinsk”: goal — closure of Semipalatinsk nuclear testingsite.Having achieved its objective within 2 years (in 1991 the test site wasclosed), the movement facilitated the establishment of new environmentalorganisations in Kazakhstan focused on the study and elimination of the consequences of nuclear tests, rehabilitation of affected territories, raising publicawareness, “environmentalisation of consciousness”, and the introduction ofenvironmental education.

Early 1990s Several large NGOs were established, primarily in Almaty, Karaganda,Semipalatinsk, Ust-Kamenogorsk.

1991 Independent Trade Union Centre in Kazakhstan.The Trade Union Centre incorporates 21 trade unions, four of which have republican status. The centrewas based on the independent union of cooperative members, leaseholdersand individuals, “Birlesu” (1989), the first in the USSR.

Table 3.3*Organisations in the reconstruction (perestroika) stage (1985-1991)

*Research of the Institute for development cooperation (idc), 2002

-

NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE22

port to the social sector arose during this period.By 1998, the massive provision of internationalgrants to NGOs had started to drop. In these con-ditions, the question of real cooperation betweenthe non-governmental sector and the Government,based on principles of equal partnership and self-financing, took on great importance.

The Ministry of Culture, Information and PublicAccord, in close cooperation with and on the ini-tiative of the Confederation of Non-Governmen-tal Organisations of Kazakhstan (CNOK), the UNDPNGO Resource Centre, and a number of largeNGOs in Almaty, developed the Concept of StateSupport for Non-profit (Non-Governmental) Or-ganisations in the Republic of Kazakhstan that wassigned by the RK Government on 23 January 2002.Development and effective promotion of this con-cept marks a new stage in the development ofrelations between NGOs and the Government,demonstrating that over 10 years, the non-govern-mental sector in Kazakhstan has become an im-portant social force as well as a significant re-source for further democratisation.

The chronology of NGO emergence in thecountry and by region is as follows (see Annex 2).

The first 6 NGOs were registered in 1989 inAlmaty (3), Karaganda (2) and Mangystau (1).Between 1989 and 1994, between 6 and 57 NGOswere registered annually. The peak growth ofNGOs was in 1998 (303), and this number declinedin 2001 (100). Such a drop in the number of NGOsregistered may have been partly caused by a pe-riod of waiting for the final version of the Kazakh-stan Tax Code, which had been under revisionsince 2000.

Changes in legislation affecting NGOs, includ-ing the Tax Code, are a key aspect of the sustain-able development of the NGO sector. The gener-al trends of changes in the legal framework forestablishing and developing NGOs are crucial forcivil society in Kazakhstan (see Chapter 4).

As of the end of 2001, 1767 NGOs existed inKazakhstan.1 The data shows only the number ofNGOs: the total number of Third Sector (non-prof-it) organisations excludes trade unions, politicalparties, religious confessions and government in-stitutions.

The approach of the RK Statistics Agency tomaintaining NGO statistics is based on the num-ber of non-governmental organisations whichreport to the tax authorities on a regular basis. Thisfact cannot be viewed as a true criterion of sus-tainability, as organisations other than NGOs canalso send tax declarations to the authorities (Fig-ure 3.1).

At the end of 2001, based on the NGO indexof sustainability developed by USAID, there were

1 Data from the Information Centre of the KazakhstanStatistics Agency was collected and reviewed by theInstitute for Development Cooperation in order todifferentiate NGO data

2 NGO Sustainability Index for Central and Eastern Europeand Eurasia 2001. USAID, 2002

3 Database of the UNDP NGO Resource Centre

passive Government, disinterested media, the ex-istence of leaders with initiative but lacking pro-fessionalism, concentration of the NGOs in capi-tals and in 3-4 regions. The average index inCentral Asian countries is 4.8, in Central Europe(2.2), in Eastern Europe (3.7). The highest index isin Estonia (1.7), the lowest being in Turkmenistan(6.5).2

In March 2000, the UNDP NGO Resource Centreestablished an online web database of NGOs inKazakhstan. It was structured in consultation withCounterpart Consortium (USAID), local supportNGOs such as CASDIN and “Interlegal”, and theKazakhstan State Research Institute for Scientif-ic and Technical Information. Information wascollected, surveyed, structured for the databaseformat and submitted in Russian and English.

In the process of developing the NGO database,it was established that as of the start of 2000, therewere 854 NGOs actually existing in Kazakhstan. Thesustainability criterion was a direct or indirect ver-ification of NGOs according to their contact infor-mation and whether they were actually operatingin the field of their declared mission. At the endof 2000 an update showed that a total of 1244NGOs. As of 2001, this figure is 1197.3

A breakdown by sectors shows demand forsocially oriented NGOs, which is evidence of theseriousness of social problems: 66% of NGOshave a social orientation i.e. to protect the inter-ests of socially vulnerable people (24%) and pro-vide social services (education, health and culture,42%).

A small number of legal NGOs (3% in 2001)can be explained by the specific nature of theiractivity, and the fact that they operate in an envi-ronment which could be considered negative.Various sources show a figure of 7.6%: this is thetotal number of legal NGOs ever registered andincludes environmental organisations among them.

The seeming contradiction between the smallnumber (6%) of environmental NGOs and the viewthat these are the most numerous among NGOs(15% total number) can be explained by differentinterpretations of their missions. Therefore, a large

a total of 1000 actually existing NGOs. Therefore,a sustainability ratio of 4.3 was assigned as of theend of 2001.

This ratio indicates that the development of theNGO sector is influenced by a stagnant economy,

23Chapter 3. EVOLUTION OF THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL SECTOR IN KAZAKHSTAN

Figure 3.1.

Breakdown of NGOs by region

Source: Agency on Statistics of the Republic of Kazakhstan

ASSA was founded in 1997. The main priorities of this organisation’s activity are to maintain biodiver-sity, particularly in the wild apple forests of the Zailiysky Alatau region. The residents of Almaty OblastChildren’s Home No.1 and schoolchildren of the Alatau Cooperative Farm were selected by ASSA as themain partners for project implementation. One of the NGO’s activities is to help provide for the socialwelfare and adaptation of orphans, the most vulnerable social group.

Cooperation with international donors such as UNDP/GEF, the Canada Fund, Mercy Corps Interna-tional, the Netherlands Embassy, and ISAR/USAID made it possible to implement ASSA’s first successfulproject. ASSA members and children from the village school and Children’s Home planted 3500 wild appletrees in the Ile-Alatau National Park, have created their own wild apple tree nursery where up to 20 000wild apple seedlings are planted annually, and have planted a new orchard with 250 fruit trees at the Chil-dren’s Home.

The problem of financial sustainability has been partially solved with assistance from ASSA’s partner,the Alma-Ata company, which has started production of cider vinegar that it sells in Almaty pharmacies.

In its work with orphans, ASSA tries to organise them to improve their life.ASSA members believe that the reason that their work has been successful is continuous contact with

the people whose problems they try to solve and whose needs they try to meet. ASSA regularly discussesproblems and new ideas with its target groups. ASSA staff find ways to cooperate effectively with the man-agement of the Children’s Home and local authorities.

ASSA“COOPERATION, NOT CHARITY”

Box 3.2

number of environmental NGOs may be categor-ised as multi-profile ones, e.g. dealing with protec-tion of rights to a clean environment as well astraining and health services in the field of theenvironment.

Some special features are typical of Kazakh-stan and possibly of all countries in transition. InNovember 2000 a large number of gender-fo-cused NGOs (142) were registered in Kazakhstan.At the same time, 85% of NGOs in Kazakhstan areheaded by women.1

The following factors may have contributed tothis situation:

• Women are more active and psychologi-cally are more involved in social problems partlybecause they comprise a majority of unemployedpeople.

• The Third Sector is not financially attrac-tive for men and is not sufficiently recognised bysociety (but the minority of NGOs headed by menare effective, recognised and financially sustain-able).

Following an update of the data in November2001, the number of NGOs headed by women hadfallen to 51%, which indicates the growing involve-ment of men in the NGO sector.

A breakdown of NGOs by oblast shows that thehighest concentration of NGOs is in Almaty (17%)and Astana (12%), and in their correspondingoblasts (Almaty and Akmola) this percentage is the

1 Database of the UNDP NGO Resource Centre

NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE24

Figure 3.2.Breakdown of NGOs by region

Source: UNDP NGO Resource Centre database

same for both (6%). The highest ratio of NGOs byregion is seen in Karaganda Oblast (11.8%). In allother oblasts this figure is almost the same (4-6%),with a small difference in South Kazakhstan Oblast(7%); the lowest proportion is in Atyrau Oblast(2%).

The number of NGOs shown here reflects thenumber of NGOs working in urban areas, as ruralNGO development is lagging behind, comprising just8% of the total number of NGOs in the country.1

Database information on the non-governmen-tal sector in Kazakhstan, as of November 2001, wasas follows: 30.6% of non-governmental organisa-tions are based in Almaty, 5% in Astana, 9% and8.5% are represented in Eastern Kazakhstan andKaraganda respectively (almost equal percentag-es). As for the rest, the regional breakdown coin-cides with the data from the Kazakhstan Statis-tics Agency, where most NGOs exist in SouthernKazakhstan (6.4%) and the lowest number (2%)is in Atyrau region2 (Figure 3.2).

It is worth noting the changes in NGO distribu-tion found during the 2000 update of the UNDP

lems and provide assistance to socially vulnera-ble groups of people, as there are a large num-ber of such people in the country. These includechildren, young people, women, mothers with manychildren and single mothers, retirees, disabledpeople, unemployed, persons with low qualifications,migrants and others.

As a result of financial and technical supportfrom international organisations, most NGOs deal-ing with socially vulnerable groups of people buildtheir operations on the basis of reviewing the sit-uation and monitoring, and developing pro-grammes’ sustainability. For example, in 1999-2000, the Programme of the International LabourOrganisation focused on providing business train-ing for unemployed people, and the Almaty Em-ployment Support Foundation and Job SearchClub in Almaty organised training courses on busi-ness start-up (“Start Your Own Business”). Un-employed people who presented the best busi-ness plans received grants from GTZ amountingto up to 1000 USD to start their own business.Subsequent monitoring established that sevenbeneficiaries opened their own businesses andten trainees started business independently. In1999, the same Almaty Employment Support Fundunder GTZ sponsorshi p implemented a pilotproject in Almaty aimed at carrying out efficientpublic works. As a result of this project, 10 workschemes have been created for unemployedpeople: “Construction Team”, “Social Workers”,“Rubbish Collection and Sorting”, “Advocacy ofHealthy Living”, “Distribution of Vacancy Newspa-per”, “Landscaping”, “Crisis Centre for Women Vic-tims of Violence”, “Second Life for Books” and“Home Help”, with over 100 registered unemployedpeople involved. For all activities (except for rub-bish collection and sorting, and landscaping) un-employed people were provided preliminary vo-cational training under specialised programmes.

Other categories of people who need specialcare and attention (women with young children,released prisoners, demobilised soldiers, leaversof childrens homes and specialised schools, peoplewho need to be re-accustomed to working andare a burden for employers) are successfully dealtby civil society organisations such as Almaty JobSearch Club. However, such organisations are few.

A number of organisations deal with protec-tion of human rights in the field of labour andemployment, e.g. the NGO Legal Initiative, where

1 Concept of the State Support to Non-Profit (Non-Governmental) Organizations. 23 January 2002

2 Database of the UNDP NGO Resource Centre3 Non-Profit Sector Development in Kazakhstan. Part 1,

2002

NGO Resource Centre database: of 1244 NGOs,436 (or 35%) and 181 (or 14%) are based inAlmaty and Almaty region respectively. In Almatyand Almaty region the number of NGOs is de-creasing.

It will be appropriate in this chapter, even if onlybriefly, to describe and assess the activities ofvarious NGOs focused on

• working with vulnerable groups• legal protection• environment• charity• healthcare• education• culture3

NGOs working with vulnerable groupsFirst of all, it is important for NGOs to address prob-

25

Workshop for activist women of Beskaragay village inEastern Kazakhstan Oblast

Chapter 3. EVOLUTION OF THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL SECTOR IN KAZAKHSTAN

CONFEDERATION OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN“RECOGNISING NGOS AS WORTHY PARTNERS FOR GOVERNMENT”

The Confederation of Non-Governmental Organisations of Kazakhstan (CNOK) was established inMarch 2000, with the objective of achieving recognition of NGOs as worthy partners of Government, withwhom cooperation is necessary to find optimal solutions to society’s problems.

Immediately after its creation, CNOK initiated a meeting with members of the Kazakhstan Govern-ment. At the meeting, nine proposals were presented to the Government regarding the development of thenon-governmental sector in the country, the creation of cooperation mechanisms for NGOs and govern-ment bodies at the national, sectoral and local levels, and the drafting of a Law on State Social Tendering. Inaddition, CNOK proposed introducing the practice of public hearings as a new form of democratisation ofKazakhstani society. All of CNOK’s proposals were approved, and work to bring them to fruition led to thedrafting and approval by the Government on 23 January 2002 of the Concept of State Support to Non-Profit (Non-Governmental) Organisations in the RK.

On CNOK’s initiative, consultative bodies involving NGO participation were established under theoblast Governors in South Kazakhstan, Kostanai, Kyzylorda, and West Kazakhstan oblasts. It is planned todo this in all oblasts of the country.

The Inter-agency Commission for Poverty Reduction has developed the practice of hearing alternativereports by CNOK on various questions being discussed. The reports are prepared by highly qualified spe-cialists from NGOs.

all people can receive free advice and legal as-sistance on labour issues. Due to numerous vio-lations in this field, there are a large number ofpeople seeking legal advice. Establishing andoperating similar NGOs in all regions is now animportant need.

Moldir Single Mothers’ Association is activelyproviding start-up microcredits. It provides busi-ness training for women and gives them 3-months’ of interest-free, non-collateral loans tostart businesses. During the course of the pro-gramme, 45 single women were trained, and 30 ofthem received loans (up to 300 USD) and startedbusinesses. The businesses were a poultry farm,sauna on the outskirts of Almaty, a furniture as-sembly shop, a canteen, and some other smallservice businesses.

Overall, in spite of all these achievements andsuccesses, there are few NGOs dealing with so-cially vulnerable groups. Their operations cannotbe viewed as mass activities, but they are recogn-ised as socially significant. In addition, the resultsof the expert survey (see Section 2, Chapter 6)show that the work of various NGOs is quite wellknown among the public.

Legal NGOs A review of the goals, objectivesand practical activities of rights protection organ-isations in Kazakhstan has led to the conclusionthat the classification used by Moscow HelsinkiGroup, which divided rights protection organisa-tions into two groups (general rights protection andspecific-issue) is justified. Despite the somewhatarbitrary nature of such classification, it enablesone to quite accurately identify the motivation and

the effectiveness of their human rights obser-vance monitoring activities.

Analysis of wide-ranging information relatedto rights protection organisations in Kazakhstan, theCIS and other countries allows one to concludethat organisations dealing with general rights pro-tection are those who implement all four or mostof the following functions:

1. Monitoring of observance of all human andcivic rights and freedoms, and raising publicawareness (including the international communi-ty) of the trends and cases of gross violations.

2. Analysis of current law and draft laws sub-mitted to the Parliament in terms of their compli-ance with international regulations and standardsin the field of human rights.

3. Education: increasing the public’s knowl-edge of international documents in the field of

Box 3.3

NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE26

human rights, laws and standards, institutions andmechanisms of rights protection internationally andin developed democratic countries.

4. Protection of rights and freedoms of spe-cific people who believe that their rights have beenviolated by the national legislation or law enforce-ment practices, which in some cases reflect deep-er trends.

In this regard, the number of rights protectionorganisations existing in almost all CIS countriesis extremely limited. These organisations are of-ten criticised both by the Government and by thepublic, and by some people who have a post-So-viet dependency mentality and prefer narrowly fo-cused rights protection organisations oriented atsolving the private problems of individuals.

The relevance and social significance of rightsprotection NGOs is evident, due to: (1) frequentcases of violation of rights and freedoms by theGovernment, government agencies or officials;and (2) restrictions and violations of rights by lawenforcement agencies and judicial bodies, who inactual fact are supposed to defend these rightsand freedoms.

An analysis of the legal movement reveals thatthe first NGO established in Kazakhstan in 1988-1989 was the Kazakhstan branch of the All-UnionVolunteer Historical Awareness Society “Memo-rial”. For a number of reasons, as a result of thisattempt, two NGOs were established: the Almatybranch of Memorial, and the Kazakhstan Volun-teer Historical Awareness Society “Adilet”. Both ofthem were focused mainly on the historical aspectof restoring the rights of victims of totalitarianism.Today only Adilet is operational.

The Kazakhstan Association of Victims of Po-litical Repression was established in 1990-1991to restore the rights of politically repressed and

deported German members of the “labour army”,etc. The Public Remedial Committee Zheltoksanwas established in 1991 to deal with the restitu-tion of the rights of individuals who were held crim-inally and administratively responsible for youthdemonstrations in December 1986. The AlmatyHelsinki Committee was set up to deal with pro-tection of rights (within the International HelsinkiFederation).

The Kazakhstan-American Bureau for HumanRights and Enforcement (since 1997 called theKazakhstan International Bureau for HumanRights) and the Almaty Public Association forHuman Rights were established in 1993. TheDemocratic Committee for Human Rights and thePublic Movement “Legal Democracy in Kazakh-stan” were founded in 1993-1994.

The first rights protection organisations werefounded in 1994-1995: the Centre for HumanRights (Karaganda), and regional branches of theDemocratic Committee for Human Rights of Ka-zakhstan.

The Association of Independent ElectronicMass Media, dealing with protection of journalists’rights, and the Centre of Criminal Justice Reform,dealing with protection of rights of arrested per-sons, people on trial and prisoners were foundedin 1995-1996.

The Fund for Freedom of Speech “Adil-Soz”and the Centre for Human Rights as well as theInstitute of Human Rights and a number of aware-ness-raising rights protection associations wereset up in 1998-2000.

In addition, most people for various reasons arenot aware of their rights and ways they can pro-tect them. This makes it easier for governmentagencies and officials to violate human rights andfreedoms. Another serious problem is poor leg-

KAZAKHSTAN ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH (KASRH)

The Association was registered as an NGO on 6 March 1996. It brought together young people, medicalspecialists, educators from schools and tertiary institutions, and journalists.

KASRH’s main objective is to protect women’s and men’s reproductive rights, and young people’s right tomake free and informed choices with respect to their own sexual and reproductive health.

During its four years of operation, KASRH, with the support of AVSC International, has held family plan-ning workshops in all regions of Kazakhstan. Each oblast has received humanitarian assistance in the form ofmedical equipment and educational literature to provide family planning services. About 600 medical special-ists have been trained, and have been certified as family planning experts.

Under an International Family Planning Association project, the Association, together with Johns Hop-kins University, developed a National Programme on Reproductive Health and Family Planning for medicaleducational institutions in Kazakhstan. The Programme conforms to International Standards and has beenapproved by the Ministry of Health so that it can be included in treatment programmes at all three levels ofmedical education.

Box 3.4

27Chapter 3. EVOLUTION OF THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL SECTOR IN KAZAKHSTAN

islation, which is ineffective and leads to violations.In such circumstances, public demand for rightsprotection NGOs is growing.

The level of their popularity and how well theyare known by the public influences the effective-ness of rights protection NGOs. Provision of infor-mation, legal advice, monitoring of human rights,legal education, independent expert assessments,protection of rights in courts, influence on the leg-islative drafting process, and involvement in deci-sion-making are the most prominent among theactivities implemented by NGOs.

Environmental NGOs Environmental NGOsare needed because of the poor environmentalsituation in the country and especially in certain re-gions, and weak and ineffective government ac-tion on environmental matters. The main problems

include environmental pollution; dumping of nu-clear waste; environmental disaster areas suchas the Aral Sea region, Semipalatinsk, Baikonur,Caspian and Balkhash ecosystems; extinction ofrare plant and animal species; etc.

One of the first mass environmental organisa-tions was the International Anti-Nuclear Move-ment “Semipalatinsk-Nevada” founded in 1989.One of its achievements was to close the Semi-palatinsk Nuclear Testing Site in 1990. The move-ment brought people together from various socialgroups, as well as a large number of environmentalexperts. It has also contributed to the developmentof environmental organisations in the country.

The first Forum of Kazakhstan EnvironmentalNGOs took place in Almaty in 1997. Annual envi-ronmental campaigns to clean up rivers were or-

Box 3.5

The Bureau for Human Rights was established in July 1993. On 4 March 1997, the organisation was re-registered as an international public association, The Kazakhstani International Bureau for Human Rightsand Observance of the Law. Today the organisation has branches in seven regions of Kazakhstan.

After four long years of negotiations and painstaking work to influence public opinion by arrangingconferences and workshops, making public speeches and publishing articles in the media, the staff of the Bureauhave managed to obtain a political decision to put the penal system back under the jurisdiction of the Min-istry of Justice instead of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

In 2000, the Kazakhstani Government made another very important decision: to abolish the so-called“exit visa” for Kazakhstani citizens. In the same year, the Ministry of Internal Affairs cancelled its regulationstipulating a mandatory police presence at meetings held in civil society organisations’ offices. The Bureaulobbied for this decision for five years.

The Bureau staff have been offering a great deal of legal assistance to Kazakhstani citizens. A grant provid-ed by the Swiss Government, UNHCR, and IOM helped to establish the bureau’s Rights Protection Centre.The Centre’s mission is to provide free legal assistance to refugees, migrants, and citizens of Kazakhstan. TheCentre also monitors human rights protection, drawing public attention to the illegal activities of the author-ities.

The Bureau has published many collections of international compacts, treaties and documents adoptedby ILO, UNESCO, UNHCR, and OSCE, and materials on international human rights conferences. The Bu-reau has concluded an agreement with the Committee for the Penal System to distribute an Instruction onprisoners’ rights in all Kazakhstani jails and correctional facilities. Similar collections have been preparedfor migrants and asylum seekers. An electronic information bulletin (in English and Russian), and its printversion (in Kazakh and Russian), is distributed on the human rights situation in Kazakhstan.

The Bureau has been implementing a number of educational programmes devoted to issues of humanrights protection. Since 1996, Bureau staff have been lecturing and holding practical seminars on human rightsfor students of Kazakhstan’s leading tertiary institutions.

In 2000, the Bureau began preparing human rights training programmes for broadcast on the nationalTV channel Khabar-1. The programmes are devoted to topical matters relating to human rights protection,and warn about unlawful and unjustified actions by representatives of government bodies, and explains aboutwomen and children’s rights as well as the rights of prisoners and people who have been convicted of crimes.

THE KAZAKHSTAN INTERNATIONAL BUREAU FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND OBSERVANCEOF THE LAW“HUMAN RIGHTS ARE INSEPARABLE FROM HUMAN NATURE”

NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE28

Free consultations during Diabetes Day

ganised in 1998-2000. The Second Forum ofKazakhstan Environmental NGOs took place inAlmaty in 2000. The same year the MNREP andSpecial NGO Working Group signed a Memoran-dum of Understanding. In 2001, Kazakhstan starteda campaign against the import of nuclear wastes.In the same year, Kazakhstan hosted the thirdEnvironmental Forum of NGOs.

Priority activities of environmental organisationsinclude the study and elimination of the conse-quences of nuclear testing sites and areas ofenvironmental disasters, formation of public opin-ion, introduction of a system of environmentaleducation, lobbying of draft laws and other regu-latory documents focused on environmental prob-lems, conferences, workshops, public hearingsdevoted to environmental issues, implementationof projects focused on conservation of biodiver-sity, desertification, rehabilitation of victims of en-vironmental disasters, etc.

Socially oriented NGOs (health, education,culture). NGOs dealing with social protection ofpeople and socially vulnerable groups, health, ed-ucation and culture are important due to seriousproblems and the need to supplement the Gov-ernment’s efforts in dealing with these issues.

The first NGOs in Kazakhstan working in thefield of healthcare were established in the early1990s. Donor organisations emerged in the coun-try and started to support NGO projects targetinghealth problems. These NGOs received not onlyfinancial and technical assistance but also organ-isational and methodological support such asworkshops and conferences. Due to such assis-tance, and the enterprise and enthusiasm of NGOleaders, some NGOs were better than state pub-lic health institutions in terms of their facilities andexpertise. This makes it possible for them to studythe problems efficiently and in a timely fashion,shape public opinion and provide specific assis-tance to target groups of people.

The Association of Doctors and Chemists ofKazakhstan (ADCK) was established in spring1990. Over 30 branches of the Association existin oblasts and towns of Kazakhstan and have dif-ferent areas of medical specialisation. ADCK es-tablished links with medical Associations in Europeand the CIS. The Association acts as the head-quarters of the Eurasian Forum of Medical Asso-ciations; it publishes a magazine “For Life” whichprovides information about the Association and itsbranches and shares practical experience. Im-portance is placed on drug and alcohol abuseproblems and smoking. For practical resolutionof this problem, in 1999 the Association establishedthe first Medical Treatment and Preventive Cen-tre “Ak Niyet”, which deals mostly with treatment

of drug addicts and alcoholics, including childrenand teenagers.

On the regional level, the Kostanai Public HealthFoundation “Pomoshch” established in Novem-ber 1996 is a good example of fruitful coopera-tion and social partnership. Its mission is to pro-vide medical and social assistance to Kostanaicitizens to promote healthy lifestyles, as well as tohelp develop regional NGOs. Fifteen staff andtwelve volunteers work at the Foundation. Thefoundation brings together people with initiativefrom various social groups who are concernedabout promoting healthy lifestyles.

Tengri-Umai and Kokserek art galleries are wellknown in the field of culture. The first gallery or-ganises education exhibitions and in 2000 was theorganiser of the International Art Festival “Mas-ter Class”. The Kokserek gallery, in addition toexhibition activities, organises various performanc-es, supports fringe art, and conducts classes in anexperimental art school.

“Constellation” is an example of an NGO work-ing in the field of musical and performance arts.Its main activity is organising musical evenings.The Public Foundation Musaget is active and fruit-ful in the field of literature, conducting the follow-ing activities: providing advice and conductingresearch in the field of culture; publishing theApollinari literary collection; maintaining a website,holding a humanitarian seminar “Philology Discus-sions”, and running a literature seminar “MasterClass” for young Kazakhstani writers; holding achildren’s literature competition “Children’s writ-ing”.

The Creative Initiative League is active in thefield of copyright. It issues a bulletin “The Authorand the Law”, organises conferences and round-tables, and provides legal protection of copyright.Recently a number of new NGOs came into exist-ence which provide curatorial and organisational

29Chapter 3. EVOLUTION OF THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL SECTOR IN KAZAKHSTAN

services in various spheres, such as the Art-Man-ager Association or the Producer Centre.

Activities of educational NGOs include:• Innovative training programmes, (civil ed-

ucation, skills in conflict settlement, critical think-ing through reading and writing, healthy lifestyle;economic, environmental, legal and language pro-grammes etc).

• Joint resolution of professional problemsand protection of the interests of the teachingcommunity, professional training, organisation ofresearch and scientific activity, etc.

• Creation of alternative standards, trainingplans, curricula, training and methodological liter-ature; updating educational content; developmentof innovative training techniques.

• Involvement in education policy formation,education management democratisation, and thecreation of a regulatory and legal framework foreducation.

• Creation of a favourable environment andprotection of children’s interests when being ed-ucated by teachers and parents.

• Assistance to training institutions in solv-ing material and financial problems, interaction andpartnerships with local communities.

• Improving knowledge and gaining skills forworking with schoolchildren and students, network-ing internationally for information sharing, involve-ment in exchange programmes, search for part-time job while studying, etc.

Educational NGOs, although not numerous,could include those frequently conducting work-shops and training on certain issues of concernto them. Non-governmental (private) training or-ganisations, registered as institutions or not-for-profit companies, also fall into this category. In theirlegal organisational form they are classified asnon-profit organisations, and they implement li-censed, fee-based academic training programmes,and issue certificates. Most of these kinds of ed-ucation institutions have never received anygrants. They are listed as NGOs in the Third Sec-tor database of Counterpart Consortium, SorosFoundation Kazakhstan, and the UNDP NGO RC.

In general, NGOs dealing with social protection,health, education and culture are well-known andpopular and supported by people.

Charitable NGOs The social significance ofcharitable NGOs is determined mostly by the needsof socially vulnerable people such as orphans, low-income families, disabled people, pensioners, andhomeless people; as well as the needs of health-care, educational and childcare institutions, but thisactivity itself needs to be developed.

In autumn 2001 the Fist National “Blue Bird”Festival of Disabled Children was organised whichinvolved NGOs dealing with disabled children, andSoros Volunteer House Kazakhstan. This eventencouraged partnership with businesses such asChevron Munaigas Inc., which was the generalsponsor, and with Group 4, who covered the trav-

The Aral Tenizi NGO was founded in Aralsk. Its objective is to provide environmental, social and eco-nomic support to people suffering from the consequences of the Aral Sea environmental disaster.

With financial support from the joint Danish-Kazakhstani project “From Kategat to the Aral Sea” andthe UNDP GEF / Small Grants Programme, Aral Tenizi got the necessary equipment to change fishingpractices. Currently more than 100 fishermen are fishing the Aral Sea as a result of support provided by thisNGO.

Aral Tenizi has many actions and programmes to its credit, the key one being education of the peopleabout the environment.

Aral Tenizi has three staff, and volunteers provide a lot of assistance. People involved in Aral Tenizi believethat staff and volunteers should share information and should discuss the NGO’s aims, problems and success-es together on a regular basis.

The leader of Aral Tenizi, Ms Zhanat Makhambetova, believes that they have developed successfully dueto the fact that they base their activity on the ideas of Aral region inhabitants themselves, and implement itthrough the efforts of these people. The last two years of work in Aralsk region have confirmed the correctnessof this view. The programmes implemented by local inhabitants were the most successful and aimed at futuredevelopment. By encouraging and recognising the capacity of individuals to make major changes, Aral Tenizihas given local communities the opportunity to manage their own development.

ARAL TENIZI“THE COMMUNITY MANAGES ITS OWN DEVELOPMENT”

Box 3.6

NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE30

The NGO sector’s development in Kazakh-stan began with the emergence of the firstNGOs at the end of the 1980s. Over time, thesector has changed both qualitatively andquantitatively. Today the NGO sector is char-acterised by:

• Geographical concentration in capitalsand big cities (there are few in rural settle-ments). This can be explained by a lack ofmeans for communicating information, andclose interaction between social and econom-ic institutions in rural areas.

• Thematic concentration in a small num-ber of fields important for the country’s devel-opment such as human rights, poverty allevia-tion, charity, gender problems, vulnerable socialgroups, and the environment. NGOs are suc-cessful in such areas and encourage publicaction. The most successful are civil societyorganisations which collaborate with govern-

ment agencies at the national and local lev-els.

Some support to NGOs is provided by lo-cal business, especially in the field of targetedcharitable assistance. However, grantors as wellas beneficiaries are reluctant to disseminatethis information and share their experience.Adoption of a Law on Charity would improvethe situation, as such a law would legalise theserelationships. Furthermore, it would provide anincentive for commercial entities to supportNGOs financially.

Another obvious tendency is the growingrealisation of the need for a joint coordinat-ed strategy to represent and protect the inter-ests of the NGO sector, which would help toimprove cooperation and the professionalismof the sector.

!!!

el cost of participants from other parts of thecountry. Children had a chance to participate, andreceived prizes and presents.

As a rule, charitable NGOs deal with materialand financial support to socially vulnerable peo-ple and institutions, they lobby for preferential termsfor charities, arrange charity dinners and free dis-tribution of clothes and medications, collect fundsfor charity, and open childrens villages and con-sulting centres, etc.

The legal status and framework of charitableactivity need to be formalised. NGOs need to ob-tain government support and preferential condi-tions for charitable activities, including certain taxprivileges. Interaction and cooperation are need-ed between NGOs, government and commercialorganisations working in the field of charity. Peo-ple also need to be inculcated with values andtraditions of charity and sponsorship.

31NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE

Legislation covering the issues of establishment,registration, management and reporting, and taxor other incentives play a significant role in NGOsector development in any country. This is in manyways crucial for the development and efficiencyof NGOs, and for them to obtain public trust andsupport.

In Kazakhstan, the first amateur civil societyorganisations emerged as early as the mid-1980s,and by the end of the 1980s, some of them hadbeen formalised i.e. they had adopted chartersand registered with government authorities. How-ever, many independent organisations stayed un-registered, because registration was mostly provid-ed to groups approved by the authorities. Accord-ing to figures provided in a publication of thatperiod, as of 1 January 1991, 96 amateur civil so-ciety organisations were established in Kazakh-stan.1

It was only by the early 1990s that authoritiesstarted to change their attitudes to independentpublic initiatives, and this was specifically reflect-ed in the Law on Public Associations. The All-Union Law “On Public Associations” was adopt-ed in 1990, and on 27 June 1991 Kazakhstan is-sued its first Law “On Public Associations”. ThePublic Association was practically the only legalorganisational form for NGOs.2 Public associationsincluded political parties, social and political move-ments and trade unions; various volunteer soci-eties including sports, scientific and technical, ed-ucational and arts unions; and foundations andassociations (unions) of the above public associ-ations.

In addition to the Law on Public Associations,in 1991 a series of sectoral laws were adoptedwhich contained special provisions regarding civilsociety organisations working in these sectors.These include the law of 5 June 1991 “On Protec-tion of Consumer Rights”, the law of 18 June 1991“On Environmental Protection”, the law of 21 June1991 “On Social Protection of Disabled Persons”,and the law of 28 June 1991 “On State YouthPolicy”. Each of the laws bestowed specific rightsand responsibilities on certain types of publicassociations acting in various fields and allowedfor state support. In some cases these laws le-gally distinguished between the associations initi-

ated by the Government and amateur civil soci-ety organisations. Naturally, the first group hadmore rights and privileges. For example, the 1991law “On Environmental Protection” included spe-cial provisions for the Kazakh Environmental So-ciety founded in 1962.

However, the law in the early 1990s, despite itsflaws, gave a powerful boost to the developmentof civil society organisations in Kazakhstan. Ageneral legal organisational framework was devel-oped for amateur organisations, and the possi-bility of people becoming involved in civil societyorganisations on a voluntary, independent basiswas formalised. By 1 December 1993, the num-ber of registered public associations hadreached 2846;3 moreover, the scope of their ac-tivity increased dramatically.

The next stage in the development of the do-mestic NGO sector is normally associated with theemergence of foreign and international donors,and support to local NGOs, including in the formof grants.

Significant changes were seen in the legalregulation of NGOs. At the end of 1994, a civil codewas adopted which legalised the general notionof non-profit organisations and provided for theirestablishment and registration as various types oflegal entity. In addition to public associations, NGOswere now able to be set up in the form of a publicfoundation, and legal entities were able to form anassociation (union). Many people saw this as anopportunity to avoid the considerable inconve-niences of the public association structure, e.g. themandatory requirement for there to be 10 foundersbefore such an association could be establishedand registered, and territorial restrictions accord-ing to local status.4 Multiple forms of NGOs made

1 V. Ponomarev. Civil Society Organisations in Kazakhstanand Kyrgyzstan. SE Glagol, 1991, p. 62 Some exclusions exist where organisations wereestablished as non-profit organisations under the CivilLaw of USSR and Republics in 19913 Order of MIA Kazakhstan dated 31 December 1993ref. 469, “On Work Arrangements for IA Bodies related toPublic Associations”4 Public funds, institutions, associations (unions) of legalentit ies could act throughout Kazakhstan withoutrepublican status

Chapter 4. THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK OF THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL SECTOR IN KAZAKHSTAN

NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE32

it possible to establish not only mass organisationsbut also a great number of NGOs founded by smallgroups of people, and even by a single individual.

The next stage of NGO development in Kaza-khstan could be seen to have followed the legalprinciple of non-interference of public associa-tions in government affairs, and vice versa. Fur-ther developing this principle, Article 5 of the 1995Constitution prohibited state funding for publicassociations, which was often viewed as prohibi-tion of state support to all NGOs regardless of theform. Even public associations with close ties tothe Government have lost some of the rights togovernment financial support.

Today we can speak of a new stage in rela-tions between Government and NGOs, with somefeatures reflected in a legal framework. In early2001, Kazakhstan adopted a law on non-profit or-ganisations. Although the law does not contain fun-damentally new approaches to legal NGO regula-tion, its adoption is viewed as an expression of gov-ernment interest in the development of the NGOand non-profit sector. According to the law “OnNon-profit Organisations” dated 16 January 2001,the following can be categorised as non-profit:

• Institution (government and private)• Public Associations• Foundations (private, corporate, public, gov-

ernment)• Consumer cooperatives

• Religious associations• Non-profit companies• Others: notary publics, trade and industry

organisations, audit chambers, Bar Associations,cooperatives of apartment owners (CAOs).

Religious associations, parties and tradeunions may be classified as non-profit organisa-tions, and are mentioned in the law of 16 January2001, but RK legislation has separate laws for suchorganisations.

Non-governmental and non-profit organisa-tions include all of those mentioned above, exceptfor:

• Governmental organisations• Government foundations.

Figure 4.1 breaks down NGOs into three legalorganisational forms (in %). Non-governmental

* Research of the Institute for Development Cooperation (idc), 2002

Table 4.1*Legal organisational forms of non-profit associations

Figure 4.1*Legal organisational forms of NGOs

Non-profit organisation

Institution (state and private)

Public associationFoundation (private, corporate, pub-lic, state)Consumers’ cooperative society

Religious associationNon-profit joint stock company

Other: notary, commercial and in-dustrial, audit boards; college ofadvocates; CAO

Non-profit non-govern-mental organisationPrivate

Public associationFoundation (private, cor-porate, public)Consumer cooperativesociety e.g. rural CCS

Religious associationNon-profit joint stockcompanyOther: notary, commercialand industrial, auditboards; Bar associa-tions; CAOs

NGOs

Private institution fulfils sociallysignificant missionPublic associationFoundation (private, corporate,public)Consumer cooperative societyRural Consumer cooperative so-cietyNoNo

No

33Chapter 4. THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK OF THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL SECTOR IN KAZAKHSTAN

institutions are excluded. Rural consumer coop-eratives (RCCs) are not selected, although they areincluded in the total number of NGOs. Normallythey are registered as public foundations or as-sociations.

Clearly, the public association is the preferredorganisational form for registration. Bringing to-gether legal entities in the form of an associationis the least popular option for registration.

A very significant event was the exclusion fromthe new Tax code, adopted on 12 June 2001, ofindividual tax incentives for a small number of civilsociety organisations who in the past were oftengiven a limited amount of state support and wereofficially recognised for their social significance.Despite some inadequate taxation provisions forNGOs, some new aspects of the Code provide morefavourable conditions for NGOs doing fee-basedwork, and for efficient use of funds.

Inadequate provisions of the new Tax Codeinclude the approach to grants and humanitarianassistance. In the case of grants, this is a man-datory procedure to include most foreign and in-ternational grant-providing organisations on aspecial government list; moreover, no provision wasmade for local grants. In the case of humanitar-ian assistance, preferential terms can be grantedonly where such assistance is provided to theGovernment and distributed through its authorisedbodies.

On 23 January 2002 the Government adopt-ed a Concept of State Support to Non-Profit (Non-Governmental) Organisations. The document en-visages state support to NGOs including the de-velopment of a Programme of State Support to theNon-Governmental Sector and a Law on StateSocial Tenders.

!!!

Kazakhstan’s legislation on NGOs has manyfeatures which originate from the short, albeitcomplicated and contradictory, history of itsdevelopment. Kazakhstani law still fails to le-gally differentiate various NGO forms. Kazakh-stan does not have a law to regulate charita-ble organisations and provide tax or otherincentives relative to other not-for-profit organ-isations. An outstanding issue is that of taxincentives for entities who make donations toNGOs. Kazakhstan’s laws contain rather briefprovisions relating to NGO management, al-though such issues are covered by ratherdetailed regulations in many countries. Kaza-khstani NGO legislation has only just reachedthe formation stage: it makes it possible to

establish and register non-governmental, non-profit organisations, and even provides sometax incentives, although on a rather low level.Kazakhstan has taken a big step forward interms of providing a liberal legal regime inrelation to the NGO sector, and has movedaway from the practice of government supportto a small select group of quasi-governmen-tal civil society organisations.

There is reason to expect that subsequentdevelopment of the NGO sector in Kazakhstanwill be accompanied by more consistent gov-ernment and legal policy, which will enableNGOs to effectively realise their great poten-tial to address social problems existing in Ka-zakhstan society.

NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE34

“Volunteer activity is an important componentof any strategy focused on poverty reduction, sus-tainable development and social integration, par-ticularly, on overcoming social estrangement anddiscrimination.”1

According to the Paris Declaration (1990) ini-tiated by the International Association of VolunteerEfforts (IAVE), voluntary activity is the voluntarychoice of a citizen to take an active part in the lifeof human communities, which helps to meet keyhuman needs on the way to a just and peacefulsociety, balanced economic and social develop-ment, and creation of new jobs and new occupa-tions.

In most countries, volunteer activity is one ofthe key elements of human life. Volunteers can actat local, national and international levels. Volunteeractivity can take on new forms and be flexible inresponding to the needs of a country. It has animportant role in social development: active citi-zens assist the efforts of the Government to resolvelocal, regional and international problems of socialimportance, and enhance further integration of theworld community. International volunteer organ-isations such as United Nations Volunteers, Volun-tary Service Overseas (VSO) and the Peace Corps,among others, play an important role.

In economically advanced countries, volunteeractivity has penetrated all spheres of social life. TheUS has 500 Local Volunteer Centres. Traditionallythese centres receive and assign volunteers towork at charitable organisations and governmentagencies. Volunteer work has a considerableeconomic effect. For example, in 2001, 83.9 mil-lion US citizens (44% of the adult population)worked 15.5 billion hours on a voluntary basis. Thevalue of this work was 239.2 billion USD (basedon 15.40 USD per 1 hour).2 In Japan, 4.2 millionpeople (3% of the population) are registered inlocal volunteer centres. Australia has state vol-unteer centres partly funded by the national bud-get. It is prestigious and an honour to be a volun-teer in these countries.

Volunteer activity is well developed in manycountries, as it serves as a valuable tool to com-bat poverty and need, negative environmental im-pacts, the spread of HIV/ AIDS, and many otherproblems. In India, volunteer activity has a longhistory, and that society’s development in manyways relies on the spirit of volunteer work andmutual assistance. As the number of NGOs grows

in Africa, and as their organisational sustainabil-ity improves, volunteer initiatives are emerging invarious spheres of life such as women’s develop-ment, environment, peace-keeping, and socialmovements.

There is even interesting experience of involv-ing volunteers in business activity. Commercialorganisations’ introduction of volunteering into theiractivities is known as “corporate social responsi-bility”, and promotes a solid, positive corporateimage.

In Kazakhstan, people of different ages andsocial status (mainly students) work in civil societyorganisations on a volunteer basis, and gain pro-fessional experience, skills, access to information,alternative education, and the opportunity to net-work as non-material forms of compensation.Kazakhstan has positive experience of volunteeractivity in government agencies. For example, theMinistry of Culture, Information and Public Accordworks with VSO, and provides informational sup-port to various volunteer actions. Kazakhstan hasexamples of corporate volunteering, where staff ofa commercial organisation work for free — forexample, 1 day per year — and send their salaryto meet the needs of poor people or provide freesocial services for socially vulnerable people.

A positive trend can be seen in the attitude tovolunteer activity over the last three years. Basedon a social survey to support an initial assessmentof volunteering, when asked the question of “Whatis your attitude to volunteer activity?” 74% of re-spondents gave positive responses*. According tothe results of a survey organised by the PublicDevelopment Centre “Accord” in 2001, 89% not-ed the potential for development of voluntary workin the country and identified spheres in which theywould like to participate (see Figure 5.1).

The survey showed that 37% of organisationsinterviewed used volunteers on a regular basis,16% used them occasionally, and 10% did notuse them at all (Figure 5.2). The need of civil so-ciety organisations for volunteers exceeds thenumber of volunteers available. 68.2% of theNGOs which participated in the study would like

1 Report on the work of the organization in 2001. UNSecretary General Kofi Annan, General Assembly,September 6, 2001

2 “Giving and Volunteering in the United States 2001:Key Findings”. Independent Sector, Washington, 2001

Chapter 5. VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES IN CIVIL SOCIETY

35Chapter 5. VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES IN CIVIL SOCIETY

to involve additional volunteers in their work.A social portrait of Kazakhstani volunteers can

be created based on the survey. 42% of volun-teers are young people aged 17-30 (students),36% are middle-aged people, and 7.4% are vol-unteers over 50 years of age. 60% are women(students, housewives).1 With regard to their so-cial status, humanities students are predominant.At the same time, in a number of large organisa-tions such as the Diabetic Association of Kazakh-stan, the Association of Single Mothers “Moldir”

and others, there are people over the age of 30working who are either professionals in a partic-ular field or people from the target groups.

What explains the predominance of youth vol-unteers? The leading motivation needs to be dis-cussed. Nineteen percent of respondents chosevolunteer activity to get additional training andlearn new skills, for 13.6% it was an opportunity toget a good job, for 13.2% meeting others was themain motivation, and for 10% and 10.5% freeaccess to office equipment and information re-sources was important. Only 6.8% of respondentsstated that working in an NGO was an opportunityto make a contribution to solving social problems.

Figure 5.3 reflects the main motivation of vol-unteers in more detail. For comparison we pro-vide the views of volunteer motivations given byNGO management and volunteers in order tocompare volunteers’ expectations and what NGOsactually offer them. Such obvious differences inviews are not surprising. It is the result of the su-

1 Sociological Research by Guldan Tlegenova ”Evaluationof Volunteerism in Kazakhstan” for Soros Foundation Vol-unteer House, 1999

*Sociological research “Coverage of the Non-GovernmentalSector by Volunteer Activities”.Centre for Public Accord“Accord”, 2001

Äèàã!àììà 5.3*

The key motivations of participation involunteer movement

perficial approach of NGO staff to their volunteersand the inefficient system of human resourcemanagement stated above. The NGO leaders’ignorance of volunteers’ aspirations reduces vol-unteers’ motivation.

A survey of students in Almaty has revealed that23.5% of respondents are aware of volunteeractivity in foreign countries, while 22.3% know aboutNGO volunteers in Kazakhstan. Over 23% of par-ticipants are aware of volunteer initiative groupsin universities. The term “volunteer” was new to16% of respondents. Over 34.5% of students had

Figure 5.1*NGO activities attractive to volunteers

Figure 5.2*Organisations involving volunteers, %

NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE36

!!!

What problems of volunteer activities havebeen revealed by the survey?

Firstly, most NGO leader respondents men-tioned the need to formalise the status of volun-teers and to legally regulate voluntary activity inKazakshtan. Many countries of the world (USA, It-aly, Spain etc.) have laws on volunteers. In Russia,volunteer activity is defined in the Law “On Charityand Charitable Organisations”. The draft law “OnState Social Tenders” which is under development,will raise issues about the role of volunteer activ-ity. Many countries provide preferential conditionsfor volunteers (taxation, funding from local andnational budgets). In Kazakhstan, volunteer activityis not covered by any legislation and volunteerismhas no official status. This constrains the furtherdevelopment of volunteer initiatives in the coun-try.

Secondly, a lack of professional and skilledmanagers in civil society organisations reduces theefficiency of human resource management andperformance. Seventy-six percent of NGO lead-ers indicated the need for staff training in work-ing with volunteers. This problem is being resolvedby the NGO sector itself. For example, training is

being developed and conducted on working withvolunteers, and Russian volunteer programmemanagement experts get invited to come andshare their experience.

Thirdly, the public and the Government do notsee volunteer activity as a strong, skilled resourcewhich is essential for the resolution of many so-cially significant problems and for getting peopleinvolved in civil society. In most cases volunteeractivity is viewed as a secondary tool.

To sum up, the volunteer sector in Kazakhstandoes not play the same role it does in developedcountries. In Kazakhstan many people’s predom-inant motivations are to make more money, or justto survive. Working for free for the welfare of so-ciety is an extremely rare motivation, but this is whatvolunteerism depends on.

Nonetheless, volunteer activity in Kazakhstanis developing. Volunteers are already becoming theflagbearers of the idea of civil participation, andintermediaries between NGOs and society. In fu-ture, as volunteer programmes develop and theirimportance gets recognition by state authorities,volunteers will become an active civic reserve forcefor society.

some experience of doing volunteer work. 5.5%work as volunteers on a regular basis (See Fig-ure 5.4).

Such active civil participation of students insocial life can be explained by the increased lev-el of activity of youth NGOs during the last two years,the establishment of youth NGOs and other civilsociety organisations, and the creation of student

Volunteers building a school in Aralsk

self-government bodies in universities — studentmaslikhats (councils), young researchers’ coun-cils, etc.

Nevertheless, only 25% of respondents arewilling to try volunteer activity, 40% said it was“difficult to answer”, and about 34% categoricallyoppose volunteer work. The main reason for itsunpopularity among a third of respondents is lackof time and material reward, and a lack of under-standing of the role of volunteerism in social life.

Figure 5.4.Volunteer experience of Almaty univer-sitiy students

Sociological research “Coverage of the Non-GovernmentalSector by Volunteer Activities”.Centre for Public Accord“Accord”, 2001

37NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE

SECTION IIKAZAKHSTANI NON-GOVERNMENTALORGANISATIONS AS VIEWED BY SOCIETY

In order to assess the performance of NGOsin Kazakhstan, social research was commissionedby UNDP and conducted by the “Central AsianProject” group. Representatives of governmental,non-governmental, business and academic sec-tors were interviewed. This chapter contains theresults of this research.

During interviews, respondents were asked togive their views on the following issues:

1. Identify priority problems in Kazakhstan andstudy NGOs’ impact in solving these problems.These problems included support to socially vul-nerable people (women, children, youth, pension-ers, disabled people), develop democracy and pro-tect human rights, charitable work, the social sphere,the environment.

2. Identify achievements of and problemsfacing NGOs.

3. Identify the level of public awareness ofNGO activities.

4. Develop respondents’ recommendationsfor Third Sector development.

Responses to the question “Do you know of anyspecific NGOs?” were as follows: (Table 6.1).

Analysing the results in Table 6.1, we can con-clude that most respondents know of some NGOs,while representatives of the commercial and gov-ernment sectors have the least knowledge ofNGOs. Most respondents were able to mention themost active NGOs. Practically every second re-spondent is aware of charitable NGOs. Respon-dents mentioned 53 charitable NGOs including theRed Cross and Red Crescent, the Childrens Char-itable Foundation “Bobek”, other childrens foun-dations, the Low-income Support Foundation, Mold-

Research of the “Central Asian Project” group, 2002

ir Association, “Bibi-Ana”, and others.Respondents were asked the question, “Are

NGOs able to have an impact on solving sociallyimportant problems?”. More than half (58.3% fromgroup 1, 61.0% from group 2, 50.0% from group3 and 43.8% from group 4) mentioned that NGOscan only have a partial impact on the most press-ing problems in Kazakhstan. Academic represen-tatives gave the highest score to NGO capabilities(25.0%) while NGO representatives also gave ahigh score (24.4%). Doubts were expressed bybusiness sector representatives about NGOs’ability to resolve pressing problems (30.0%).

Respondents’ assessments reflect the attitudeto NGOs by society as a whole. They expect thatNGOs will at least partly solve some of the somemost serious problems affecting the country’sdevelopment. Commercial organisations, being themost business-like and active part of society andused to relying on themselves, do not expect muchfrom NGOs, and therefore do not support them verystrongly.

In response to another question, “which of theabove pressing problems can NGOs help to re-solve?” respondents of all 4 groups mentioned thatNGOs can partly resolve all of them to some de-gree. The following problems were identified: un-employment, poverty, and weak social policy. Re-spondents from academic institutions added theproblems of corruption and education. Commer-cial sector representatives identified the environ-ment, and violation of the law. NGO representa-tives identified weak social policy, and an undem-ocratic political culture.

Only 2-3 respondents in each group consid-

Table 6.1.Do you know of any specific NGOs?

Responses Representatives by groups, % Governmental Non-Governmental Business Media and academics

1.Yes 85.4 60 87.52.No 2.4 20 6.33.Difficult to answer 12.2 20 6.3Total 100 100 100

Chapter 6. OVERVIEW OF KAZAKHSTAN’S NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS

66.7258.3100

NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE38

ered that NGOs could solve various problemsaffecting Kazakhstan’s development on their own(these included environmental issues, the lack ofa clear vision for Kazakhstan’s future development,the demographic crisis, and the undemocraticpolitical culture). There were two divergent views

Table 6.2*The ways NGOs can influence the resolution of Kazakhstan’s socially significant problems

among the other respondents (in all groups): amajority felt that NGOs can resolve pressing prob-lems affecting Kazakhstan, but that it is difficult todo so alone; and a minority felt NGOs cannot re-solve these problems at all.

Some explanations may be obtained from re-spondents’ views on how effective NGOs are insolving problems of Kazakhstani society. Theiranswers to the question, “How can NGOs influencethe resolution of pressing problems?” are givenin Table 6.2.

The four groups of respondents had similarviews regarding the ways of influencing pressingproblems and society as a whole. The responsesare shown in Figure 6.1.

Drawing attention to socially significant prob-lems, involvement in drafting and amending the law,and the organisation of educational programmesare the three channels of influence in the view ofmost respondents. In their view, NGOs are lesscapable of influencing government objectiveness,the formation of parties, and organising financialassistance.

Answers to the question “What is the main role

Figure 6.1*NGO influence on pressing social prob-lems

* Research of the “Central Asian Project” group, 2002

of NGOs in the social and political life of Kazakh-stan?” were distributed as follows (Table 6.3.):

Respondents were also asked the question:“What do you think are the real goals of NGO es-tablishment?” (Table 6.4)

Responses Representatives by groups, % Governmental Non-Governmental Business Media and

academicsAttract public attention 20.8 39 35 37.5 Involvement in drafting/amending legislation 12.5 36.6 15 43.7Training programmes 29.2 26.8 15 37.5Information support,citizen’s advice 25 34.1 10 25 Attracting donor fundsinto the country 20.8 19.5 10 18.7 Financial aid tolow-income people 8.3 7.3 0 6.3 Influence on theobjectiveness ofsituation assessmentsprovided to govern-ment agencies 0 2.4 0 0Difficult to answer 0 4.8 0 6.3

1.2.

3.4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

39Chapter 6. OVERVIEW OF KAZAKHSTAN’S NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS

Table 6.3*The main role of NGOs in social and political life

As can be seen in Table 6.4, respondents rec-ognised that NGOs are established to deal with theproblems of our society, but behind this there isalso the view that they are established to “searchfor donors” and that they are “established by theGovernment to create the outward appearance ofdemocracy”. A wary attitude towards NGOs doesexist. No respondents from the government sec-tor agreed that NGOs are built “to create the out-ward appearance of democracy”, but the threeother groups did agree to some extent with thisstatement. Some 25.0% of representatives of thebusiness sector agreed with the statement “for

Research of the “Central Asian Project” group, 2002

money laundering and tax avoidance”, and 25%of representatives of the media and academicinstitutions recognised that NGOs are created tolobby for the interests of a party or movement. Itis also worth noting that representatives of thenon-governmental sector showed their “patrio-tism” to the maximum in their support for thestatement “participation in solving the problemsof our society” (90.2%).

Respondents’ answers to the question “Wheredo NGOs bring benefits (in what spheres)?” revealtheir assessment of the effectiveness of NGOs(Table 6.5).

As one can see in the Table 6.5, respondentsidentified the problems of women, children, youth,the environment, the social sphere, democratisa-tion and human rights as the most effectivespheres of NGO activity. Overall, these responsesgive an objective assessment of the actual situa-tion. There were noticeable differences in the as-sessments of the contribution of NGOs to thedemocratisation of society and human rights pro-tection by representatives of the government sec-tor (8.3%) and those representing the media andacademic institutions (31.3%).

In order to identify opportunities to increaseNGOs’ effectiveness, the following question wasposed: “Which are the problem faced by NGOs inKazakhstan?” The answers are given in Table 6.6.

The main problems faced by NGOs are: pub-lic passivity, insufficient funds, lack of public under-standing. Respondents concluded that NGO per-formance is hindered by low public awareness andinsufficient funding.

The main problem of NGOs at present is thatNGOs have not become mass organisations whichare able to affect the development process ofsociety itself in all its most important aspects. Asa result, NGOs are not creating their “habitat”, andare not arousing in society a consciousness of theimportance of society itself. Public passivity, which

Table 6.4* Real goals of NGO establishment*

Responses Representatives by groups, % Governmental NGO Business Media and academics

1. Attracting public attention 50 78 60 93.82. Link between society

and Government 58.3 61 35 87.53. Promoting civil

activism 45.8 61 70 81.34. Raising donor

funds 33.3 43.9 35 505. Support of socially

vulnerable groups 29.2 43.9 55 50

Responses %1. Involvement in solving

problems of our society 84.22. Searching for donors 35.63. Established by authorities

to create the outwardappearance of democracy 17.8

4. Lobbying for theinterests of a politicalparty or movement 15.8

5. Realising the goals andinterests of a single person 14.9

6. Money laundering, tax evasion 13.97. Creating a cover for

Mafia activities 48. Survival 29. An additional job in case

of dismissal 110. Pursuing one’s own

objectives 111. Difficult to answer 2

NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE40

Table 6.5*Most effective spheres of NGO activity

Table 6.6*NGO problems in Kazakhstan

many respondents noted as one of the main rea-sons for NGOs’ low level of effectiveness, has beencaused in large part by the process of reform inKazakhstan. In fact, there are opportunities to af-fect virtually all processes in Kazakhstan, but theforms of influence are completely different to thosewhich existed in the past. NGOs are one of thesenew forms. It should be remembered that in market

Responses Representatives by groups, %Governmental NGOs Business Media and academics

1. Charity 4.2 7.3 15 18.82. Democracy and

human rights 8.3 9.8 — 31.33. Problems of youth,

women and children 29.2 17.1 25 254. Environment 33.3 22 20 12.55. Social sphere

(health care, education, culture) 16.7 26.8 20 12.5

6. Difficult to answer 8.3 17.1 20 —

Responses Representatives by groups, %Governmental NGOs Business Media and academics

*Research of the “Central Asian Project” group, 2002

conditions, no matter how developed NGOs are, aneed for oneself and one’s own activity has to becreated first, and only then will there be demandfrom society. Therefore, Kazakhstani society has noalternative except to increase its level of activism,and NGOs are one of the means to do this.

Funding does not play the overriding role indetermining the effectiveness of NGOs. The ques-

Total 100 100 100 100

82.951.248.841.5

36.6

24.4

34.1

9.82.4

4.9

2.40.00.0

54.266.725.016.7

8.3

41.7

8.3

8.30.0

0.0

0.00.04.2

70.070.040.035.0

30.0

25.0

25.0

35.00.0

0.0

0.00.05.0

81.375.043.850.0

68.8

37.5

43.8

31.36.3

0.0

0.06.30.0

1.2.3.4.

5.

6.

7.

8.9.

10.

11.12.13.

Insufficient fundsPassive populationPoorly equippedNegative attitude ofthe governmentLack of publicunderstandingLack of NGOinformation inmediaLack ofunderstanding bybusinessBiased mediaLack of interestby state authoritiesin NGOsWeak legislativeframeworkTaxesPoor managementDifficult to answer

41Chapter 6. OVERVIEW OF KAZAKHSTAN’S NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS

Table 6.7*NGO coverage by Media

*Research of the “Central Asian Project” group, 2002

tion about sources of funding was: “What fundsdo NGOs use to carry out their work?” (answersare provided in Figure 6.2 ).

Donor assistance was the primary source offunding identified by all groups, with the exceptionof the commercial sector representatives, whobelieved that NGOs earn money from a range ofservices which they provide. Government fundingwas considered a funding source by 13.5% of re-spondents from the government sector, 24.4% ofNGO respondents, 15% of commercial sector re-spondents, and 13.5% of respondents from themedia and academic institutions. The rate is nothigh.

There is a view that NGOs are not well enoughknown in society due to low coverage of their ac-tivities by the media; respondent’s views were in-teresting. The question “What can you say aboutNGO coverage by media?” was posed to respon-

dents; the answers breakdown as follows (see Table6.7).

Responses Representatives by groups, %Governmental NGOs Business Media and academics

1. Media provide active coverage of NGOs

2. Media ignore NGOs3. Biased coverage4. Coverage is insufficient5. Difficult to answer Total

Figure 6.2*NGO funding

Respondents fromNGOs had the following re-sponses to this question:half of them said that themedia ignore NGOs andthe another half said thatmedia coverage lacks ob-jectivity. In our opinion, thisis associated with the greatrole that the media plays insociety: the media, throughits influence on public per-ceptions, may create a newreality, make real things un-real, and vice versa. Thusrespondents from the NGOsector associate the contra-dictory nature of NGO cov-erage with the media. Prob-ably, commercial sector re-

spondents work with some special publications inwhich NGO activities get little coverage or requiregreater pressure on media (they believed thatmedia ignore NGOs and if they provide coverage,they do it subjectively). Respondents from the me-dia and academics group also believe that me-dia ignore NGOs. At the same time, a general con-clusion may be that media need to provide agreater amount of and more objective coverageof NGO activities in the interest of society andNGOs.

A very important aspect of NGO activities in Ka-zakhstan is covered by the following question:“What kinds of relations do NGOs have with com-mercial organisations?” Such relations in manyways define the future of NGOs, as relations withbusiness are crucial for NGOs in market condi-tions. Respondents’ answers are given in Table 6.8.

All respondents share the common view that

53025355100

2543.812.518.8—100

26.826.829.312.24.9100

29.229.216.625—100

NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE42

interaction between NGOs and business is weak,and 22% of non-governmental sector represen-between NGOs and business indicates that busi-ness has not yet reached the level where it needsNGOs to help it solve some of its tasks: social le-gitimation, positive image creation, promotion, etc.

Since society has not yet become able to lookafter itself, much depends on the Government’s po-sition. The whole sphere of activity associated withNGO activity is no exception. Thus the questionasked to the respondents “What would you rec-ommend to the Government to solve the problemsof Third Sector?” is quite relevant. The respons-es are given in Table 6.9.

Governmental sector respondents recom-

Table 6.8*Relations between NGOs and Business

mended that the Government develop partnershipwith NGOs. And NGO sector representatives wereof the opinion that this would assist the develop-ment of a legislative framework for NGOs, and alsohelp to ensure that NGO views are taken into ac-tion was asked: “Do you know anything of the forth-coming draft laws which are intended to developNGO activities?” The answers are given as follows(Figure 6.3).

The survey results show insufficient knowledgeof draft laws by respondents relating to NGOs whichindicates that their hopes that the efficiency ofNGOs will be increased as a result of changes inthe legal framework may be unjustified

Figure 6.3*Awareness about forthcoming laws on NGOs

Responses Representatives by groups, % Governmental NGOs Business Media and academics

1. Strong cooperation 12.5 2.4 6.32. Insufficient

cooperation 62.5 56.1 81.33. No cooperation 8.3 22 6.34. Negative perception

of NGO activities 4.2 17.1 6.35. Difficult to answer 12.5 2.4 —

* Research of the “Central Asian Project” group, 2002

Total 100 100 100

10

755

55100

43Chapter 6. OVERVIEW OF KAZAKHSTAN’S NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS

Table 6.9.Interaction between Government and NGOs

!!!

To conclude the analysis of the social surveyon NGOs, there are a number of important pointsthat should be noted.

First, NGOs exist in people’s consciousnessdespite their low level of knowledge about NGOs.Representatives of different social groups knowabout the charitable activities of NGOs. Respon-dents believe that NGOs can only partially solvethe problems of the country’s development. Thisconfirms the fact that NGOs should cooperatewith the Government and business sectors toachieve better results. Interaction between NGOsand business is considered crucial, as thesesectors demonstrate the level of a society’sdevelopment in advanced countries. These sec-tors are linked with a people’s level of activity andare the “fuel” for a country’s development.

Second, respondents have identified about 30pressing development problems facing the coun-try (NGOs are considered able to partially solve

6-7 of these). We can conclude that society hasno strong belief that NGOs can improve the situa-tion. Nevertheless, they mentioned key areas whereNGOs are active and productive.

Third, donor support was mentioned as the mainsource of funding for NGO activities. Participantsthink that state funding is possible. Furthermore,they noted the need for cooperation betweenNGOs and business.

Fourth, respondents mentioned the need forfurther improvement of the legal framework forNGOs. However, respondents did not know muchabout forthcoming draft laws which would influ-ence the development of the NGO sector in Ka-zakhstan.

And fifth, the key issue: Kazakhstani society fac-es the task of improving the work of NGOs, whichrequires more active involvement of many socialgroups in their work, and raising the public’s civilactivism.

Research of the “Central Asian Project” group, 2002

Responses Representatives by groups, %Governmental NGOs Business Media and

academics4.200

0

4.20

0

0

01.204.28.3

08.3

7.312.27.3

2.4

7.37.3

4.9

2.4

4.92.4012.20

2.40

51015

0

00

0

0

00000

010

18.818.812.5

6.3

06.3

0

0

006.300

00

1.2.3.

4.

5.6.

7.

8.

9.10.11.12.13.

14.15.

Allocate targeted fundingListen to NGO viewsFinancial and administrativesupportAdopt a law to facilitate NGOregistrationRecognise NGOsCreate a forum for dialogue betweenNGOs and GovernmentAdopt a law on state social tendersAssign NGOs to monitor the situationin the countryProvide preferential terms for NGOsTendersAdopt a law on lobbyingRevise the legal frameworkPartnership between NGOs and theGovernmentInterest free creditDifficult to answer

NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE44

Chapter 7. NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS AS VIEWED BY TARGET GROUPS

NGO performance and the views of varioussocial groups in relation to NGOs were studied byfocus group method.

Group discussions were held with the follow-ing groups of people:

1. Youth, the target group of “Youth Informa-tion Service of Kazakhstan” (“MISK Group”).

2. Single mothers, the target group of theMoldir Association (“Moldir Group”).

3. Migrants, the target group of the ChildrensFoundation and “Vainakh” (“Vainakh Group”).

4. Pensioners, the target group of the Poko-leniye Association (“Pokoleniye Group”).

5. Internal homeless migrants, the targetgroup of the Baspana Society Association(“Baspana Group”).

All participants of group discussions (using thefocus-group method) can be classed as sociallyvulnerable groups: youth, pensioners, migrants, sin-gle mothers. These people are the target groupsof larger and more effective NGOs. With theirvaried composition according to age and sex, aswell as social status, all of them need externalsupport and get it from NGOs as beneficiaries ofvarious NGO programmes focused on social prob-lems. Many participants share common problems:lack of money, life problems, an inability to adapt tonew conditions. But participants have in commonan active approach to life — they believe that theyneed to help themselves. They are not just con-sumers of NGO services, but active participantsand volunteers ready to devote time to their organ-isation. As the results of the research show, par-ticipants as a rule are aware of the situation intheir NGO. Participation in NGO programmes andprojects lasts for years, and participants come toinvolve their families, friends and other people theyknow as well. All participants tend to go from be-ing a programme beneficiary of a relevant targetgroup to being an active participant. This is dueto the fact that many NGO programmes are fo-cused on developing people’s initiative in onesphere or another.

In addition to common features, there are somedifferences. Youth groups have optimism, variedinterests, and a wide social network. They have nofamilies, so they are more energetic and active.Single mothers and migrants face the problem ofraising their children and providing for their fu-ture, as well as everyday problems of living. Their

life is therefore not as active and energetic as theyouth groups, but this does not affect their activeapproach to life. Pensioners need a great deal ofsupport; many of them are single and have noexternal support. For many of these people, in-volvement in NGO programmes is more than justa form of support — it is also virtually the only op-portunity for them to communicate with the out-side world, something they need very much.

Below are the results of discussions in focusgroups on such topics as:

• Who solves problems and how?• Can the Government support NGOs?• How can commercial organisations help

NGOs?• The level of awareness about NGOs (and

specific NGOs), about funding, and the levelof trust in one’s NGO.

• The level of effectiveness of NGO activity.

General perception of developmentproblems in Kazakhstan

The main problem identified by participants isan economic one: a decline in production, unem-ployment, poverty; and a lack of a social safety netand prospects for the future, especially for youngpeople. Practically all groups identified unemploy-ment as being the most important problem. Pen-sioners are more concerned about the State’sweak social and youth policies; they feel that if theState fails to develop such policy, the young gen-eration will simply be lost. Pensioners are very up-set with the State and blame it for weak socialpolicy. Single mothers, Chechen refugees andmigrants are concerned about the problems facedby their children and the lack of prospects for thefuture (education, jobs for their children). Drugabuse is a serious problem in the view of partici-pants. Many people mentioned the low level ofhealthcare and its inaccessibility to poor people.

“In our country we are experiencing genocideof old people who previously endured war andstarvation. And now we are left cold and hungryin our twilight years. Our generation are mostlysingle people because we were not able to havechildren as we had nothing for them: no clothes,no food” (Pokoleniye Group).

45

“Children have nothing to do; a single motherhas to work to feed her children. They stay homewith nothing to do and gradually they start drink-ing, smoking, using drugs. Their friends are thesame, they can meet drug users even at school.Drug pushers try to cover a wide range of people.Drug use is very typical of many neighbourhoodsin Almaty” (Moldir Group).

“As you see, when looking for jobs we cannotmention ethnic origin, so we do not work and weare not treated as humans” (Vainakh Group).

Who resolves problems, and how?

Most participants think that no one deals withthe above-mentioned problems. Mostly NGOs dealwith some specific tasks. Government agenciesare regarded as being incapable of solving theabove problems, so they need to work with NGOsas NGO people know the problems and needs ofcertain groups. A common view is that Govern-ment has to work for the benefit of people.

“You see, the Government can not deal with allproblems, it can cover only some of them. But Ithink NGOs can resolve a lot of problems as theyhave many people affected by those problems”(Moldir Group).

“The state is made up of people; people electParliament and maslikhats who should provide jobs,social security etc. They have made a lot of prom-ises but after the elections we were left with wordsonly” (Baspana Group).

“Members of parliament are aware; all of themspeak eloquently, but nothing has yet been done.It’s just words” (Baspana Group).

Can the Government support NGOs?

To support NGOs, respondents suggested al-location of funds from the budget, grants, training,tax incentives for commercial organisations deal-ing with charity.

“Some funding has to be allocated from thebudget to solve these problems” (MISK Group).

“Training for those who can resolve such prob-lems” (ÌISK Group).

“The Government can provide some grants ortransfers to commercial organisations dealing withsuch problems” (ÌISK Group).

“If the Government were to appeal to commer-cial organisations, and provide some tax incentives,all of these commercial organisations could as-sist low-income people, single mothers, women withdisabled children, disabled women. We have manyNGOs and I think that they would help. People feelgood when they are able to help others. A lot ofthings depend on the Government” (Moldir Group).

How do commercial organisations assistNGOs?

Members of the MISK and single mothers’groups mentioned the real assistance providedby commercial organisations such as Philip Mor-ris, Bahus, Otau Cinema, Mobil, Chupa-Chups, Ulos,Libella, Butya, Chevron; and the cinemas “Yunost”,“Arman”, and “AHBK”. Forced migrants and pen-sioners mentioned that assistance can come onlyfrom NGOs: Vainakh (food, every month), Red Crossand Crescent (medical assistance), “ChildrensFoundation” (education), “Pokoleniye” (preferen-tial conditions).

Youth Information Service of Kazakhstan: action againstdrugs - “We can handle live”

“Philip Morris”, although they make tobaccoproducts which is bad, allocates a lot of funds forvarious social problems” (ÌISK Group)

“Butya helps orphanages (food, clothes, pre-sents for holidays)” (Moldir Group).

Chevron help us, and they visited our childrenon September 1 with presents” (Moldir Group).

The “Yunost” and “Arman” cinemas providefree visits to the cinema” (Moldir Group).

Chapter 7. NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS AS VIEWED BY TARGET GROUPS

NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE46

Respondents’ awareness of NGOs

Virtually all participants know what NGOs are.Whereas participants of the MISK group give clearand consistent definitions, forced migrants andpensioners have more vague views about NGOs.But their basic nature is understood by all peo-ple. In participants’ views “NGOs are associationsof people based on their social status and con-victions” (Moldir Group), “NGO are similar to a pri-vate farm, they take people into their care” (Vain-akh Group).

Members of the MISK group and “Moldir” aremost knowledgeable about specific NGOs.

“This is the Third Sector; the first two sectorsare the government and commercial organisations;NGOs are the Third Sector. They focus on a prob-lem. This means that NGOs are indicators of theexistence of problems. An NGO emerges wherethere is a problem, as government or commercialorganisations either do not deal with such prob-lems or have no interest in dealing with them. Thatis why common mortals , who do give a damn aboutan issue, get together in an NGO and try to resolveit together” (ÌISK Group).

“An association of similar types of people in asimilar situation, with similar ideas” (Moldir Group).

Somewhat fewer NGOs were mentioned bypensioners and participants of the “Baspana”group. Migrants from other countries were notknowledgeable about NGOs in Kazakhstan; theydid not even regard NGOs that assist them asbeing non-governmental — i.e. according to theirunderstanding of the nature and functions of

NGOs, they cannot identify specific organisationswith that term.

Most participants are aware of the goals andobjectives of NGOs. The MISK, Moldir and Baspa-na groups are the most knowledgeable. Respon-dents from the above groups have a positive per-ception of NGOs, trust many of them (not only theirNGO) and have no doubts about the effectivenessof NGOs.

“To draw attention to the difficulties of our lifeand find resources, NGOs have brought togethera large number of people” (ÌISK Group).

Pensioners from “Pokoleniye” are more scep-tical; they know the goals and objectives of theirNGO only and fully trust it. But they are very wary ofother NGOs and think that many of these are es-tablished by the Government to create the appear-ance of democracy.

“Many of these organisations and parties areestablished by the Government just to show thatwe have democracy and a multi-party system”(Pokoleniye Group).

Participants of focus-group discussions havea very clear grasp of what NGOs should be do-ing. The MISK and Moldir groups more activelyshared their views. People are concerned aboutunemployment, education, health care. Priorityproblems included problems of children, youth (nobelief in the future, poor organisation of leisure),women (health, jobs) and disabled people.

“To draw attention to a problem and raisemoney to solve this problem” (ÌISK Group).

Box 7.1.THE YOUNG LEADERS ASSOCIATION“YOUTH TEACHES YOUTH”

The Young Leaders Association was set up in 1994. The objective of the Association is to develop theinitiative of Kazakhstani youth, and to involve young people in democratic reform and social developmentprocesses by preparing young people to be leaders through civic education.

In summer 2001, the Young Leaders Association, in cooperation with UNICEF, organised and conductedthe campaign “Say Yes for Children” as part of an international movement to protect children. At a summercamp, over one hundred representatives of twelve youth organisations were trained in the skills of conductingpublic campaigns, such as planning and presentation skills. They were trained on conflict resolution; how tofight racial and sexual discrimination; tolerance and teamwork; and they studied international documents onhuman rights. Summer Camp participants took the initiative to organise a signature campaign in defenceof children’s rights. The Summer Camp Programme was based on the main principle of the Young LeadersAssociation, “youth teaches youth”. As a result of the training, young people who had already received trainingwere able to train their peers.

The main mission of the Association is to promote civic education of youth, and this is reinforced bydoing useful activities for the good of society.

47

“Each NGO has its mission, e.g. “Nevada-Semipalatinsk”: their mission was to close thenuclear testing site” (ÌISK Group).

“They want to bring together and unite people,and support them at critical times” (Moldir Group).

“NGOs should deal with social and environ-mental problems. Unemployment, drug abuse, rec-reation, education” (MISK Group).

“NGOs have insufficient resources (premises,staff, information)” (ÌISK Group).

“Lack of time; irregular working hours” (Mold-ir group).

Participants were able to name and specifyways and means which can help to overcomedifficulties: the development of people’s initiative;training programmes; and active searching fordonors, grants, and employers for their beneficia-ries.

1.

The Diabetic Association of the Republic of Kazakhstan (DARK) was established in October 1995.DARK became a member of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in 1996.

DARK initiated the first public hearing on the subject “Problems of sugar diabetes sufferers in Kaza-khstan and ways to solve them” in November 2000. Today the Government oversees the solution of prob-lems raised in public hearings.

After intensive lobbying by DARK, amendments were made to the Law “On Health Protection in theRepublic of Kazakhstan”, which provided for free treatment and subsidised provision of medications forsugar diabetes sufferers. Apart from this, the Association works systematically to change government policyto teach sugar diabetes sufferers skills which help them to live with this serious disease. The first step inthis direction was the establishment of a Diabetes School in Almaty. Now there are 119 such schools inKazakhstan.

DARK monitors the level of diabetes affliction in Kazakhstan.Since 1995, DARK has organised National Diabetes Days on an annual basis. As part of these activities,

training workshops are held for endocrinologists. Around 1100 doctors have upgraded their skills duringthis period.

The Programme “Diabetes and Sport” gives people with incurable diabetes a chance to live their lifeto the full. A sporting movement has grown among diabetes sufferers, sports clubs have been created in var-ious oblasts, and regional diabetes societies have developed cooperation with sports organisations.

THE DIABETIC ASSOCIATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN“WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER”

Box 7.2.

In the opinion of participants, practically allpeople need to assist NGOs, including governmentand commercial organisations. But more impor-tantly, people need to be more active in solvingthese problems and helping themselves. Govern-ment assistance may include tax incentives forcommercial enterprises engaging in charitableactivity. Commercial organisations can assist withproducts and services. People can make a vol-untary contribution of labour, because in the endit is themselves they are helping.

“People need to participate. A rolling stonegathers no moss. Never wait for help from others,be active and do things yourself” (Moldir Group).

The MISK group made some rather specificstatements regarding the “shady” activities ofcertain NGOs. They suspect that some NGOs areestablished for money laundering, and goals whichare not the mission of the NGO. Pensioners aremore categorical: most NGOs have some kind of“shady” activity, and this is their true mission.

“Money laundering; money-making” (MISKGroup).

“Yes, normal business disguised as an NGO”(ÌISK Group).

The main problems faced by NGOs are finan-cial (in the view of participants), poor understand-ing by the Government, people’s dependent men-tality, bureaucracy, lack of resources (human, pro-fessional resources, time, information, etc.)

Chapter 7. NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS AS VIEWED BY TARGET GROUPS

NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE48

Respondents’ awareness of specific NGOs

Practically all participants showed a good levelof awareness of their NGOs. They know the NGO’sactivities, its structure, goals and history. Someparticipants were involved from the outset andknow the problems firsthand. Many of them per-sonally knew the presidents of their organisationsand talk in glowing terms about them. The mostactive and knowledgeable were people from theYouth Information Service of Kazakhstan, Moldirand Baspana association. The less knowledge-able were beneficiaries of the Childrens Founda-tion.

“The Youth Information Service of Kazakhstan”seek to develop civil action through informationsharing among young people as well as youth or-ganisations” (ÌISK Group)

.

of products and services, and premises for vari-ous events. The only State support provided is inthe form of tax exemption for NGOs. The mostknowledgeable were participants from the YouthInformation Service of Kazakhstan: they were ableto mention specific sponsors. Other participantshad a more vague awareness of sponsors.

“The Eurasia Foundation. It provides funds foroffice maintenance, printing, for conducting cam-paigns. Basically, they allocate funds for to imple-ment the project” (ÌISK Group).

“We receive grants, but not from the Govern-ment — from international foundations” (PokoleniyeGroup).

Most participants trust their management toproperly allocate funds received from sponsors.The personal and business skills of the manag-ers of these organisations did not attract any crit-icism.

“Anyone can go and see what the money isspent for” (ÌISK Group).

“We can trust them. We trust our people butnot others. I trust them, I know they never cheatalthough people say many different things aboutNGOs” (Vainakh Group).

NGOs’ effectiveness

In the view of participants, NGOs are commit-ted to solve the problems which the Governmentpays insufficient attention to. The effectiveness ofNGOs’ work is evident. They are able to do thingswhich the Government is not managing to do ful-ly.

One of these achievements is targeted socialassistance. NGOs identify target groups accord-ing to certain criteria (typically these are sociallyvulnerable people) and contact them directly. Thismay be assistance to pensioners to correctly cal-culate their pensions (free legal advice); purchaseof medications, food, clothes, linen; free installationof water meters.

Another undoubted achievement of NGOs isthe development of civil activism. Many participantsmentioned that they came to NGOs either bychance or out of desperation, but practically noneof them believed that they could achieve anythingthemselves. Now these people believe in theircapabilities, and instead of waiting for some ex-ternal assistance, they look for opportunities to solveproblems and try to help other people. NGOs help

Event organised by Institute for Development Cooperation(idc) at the House of Culture, Bolshaya Vladimirovka

village, Eastern Kazakhstan Oblast

“We organise workshops, get legal assistance,our children benefit. We know more than just ourrights. We also know how to stand up for our rights”(Moldir Group).

“The organisation was established to protectthe rights of pensioners” (Pokoleniye Group).

Funding sources and respondents’ trust inNGOs

Most participants know about the financial ac-tivities of their NGOs. Funding is arranged throughvarious sponsors: international foundations andorganisations, foreign organisations, businesses(less mentioned). The assistance is providedthrough grants for various programmes, and theallocation of funds to maintain an office, in the form

49Chapter 7. NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS AS VIEWED BY TARGET GROUPS

them to do this by providing various courses, train-ings, workshops, and micro-credit schemes to starttheir own business.

The third clear achievement of NGO work isthe enormous moral support it provides to peopleand the way it brings people with similar problemstogether. People feel that they are not alone, andfor some, especially pensioners and refugees, thisis virtually the only way for some of them to com-municate with the outside world.

“They did an operation on me to replace mycornea, and they also installed water meters. Theyhelp me out with food products. One year, theyeven gave me footwear. They also gave me bedlinen” (Pokoleniye Group).

“We work with women. They receive training.Business, how to work with clients, job-seeking.Many women have found jobs and started busi-nesses” (Moldir Group).

“I have been given assistance since Decem-ber and received a loan (100 USD) for businessdevelopment; next month I will be at stage 2”(Baspana Group)

“We solve problems which affect us directly.For example, “the best service in universities”. Itis nice to work to solve one’s own problems” (ÌISKGroup).

No major criticism was made by focus group

participants of their NGOs. They feel that muchdepends on them themselves, including the effec-tiveness of the NGOs they work with. In their view,NGO efficiency is reduced by limited human andfinancial resources.

“We don’t have enough time. We get togetherand do not manage to solve all problems, as wehave a severe lack of time” (ÌISK Group).

Participants showed awareness of the NGOsector as a whole and especially those NGOs theycooperate with.

Commercial organisations provide consider-able assistance to such target groups in conduct-ing different actions, as well as providing one-offcharitable assistance.

One can also conclude that a great numberof NGOs do not have clearly defined target groups.Most NGOs appear to have no direct link with anysocial groups; this factor makes it difficult for thepublic to provide feedback to NGOs. This is oneof the reasons

“When we are thinking about how to solve aproblem, we find like-minded persons, get peopleinvolved, look for resources, draft projects andopen an organisation” (ÌISK Group).

“Nothing lasts for ever. We will still keep incontact with each other anyway” (Moldir Group).

“We cannot do without “Vainakh”. This is ourlife support. It is our soul” (Vainakh Group).

!!!

Analysis of these focus-group discussions al-lows us to draw the conclusion that from the per-spective of their target groups, NGOs are quiteeffective and can solve their problems. At thesame time, NGOs provide both moral and mate-rial assistance to the target groups they work with.

Participants showed awareness of the NGOsector as a whole and especially those NGOsthey cooperate with.

Commercial organisations provide consider-able assistance to such target groups in conduct-

ing different actions, as well as providing one-offcharitable assistance.

One can also conclude that a great numberof NGOs do not have clearly defined target groups.Most NGOs appear to have no direct link with anysocial groups; this factor makes it difficult for thepublic to provide feedback to NGOs. This is oneof the reasons why NGOs are not very clearly re-sponding to impulses coming from Kazakhstanisociety, and are not always able to “accumulate”civil initiatives and incorporate them into theirwork.

NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE50

Kazakhstan’s first step as an independent statein the early 1990s was to steer a course towardsdemocratisation. This in turn helped to encourageinternational development organisations to openoffices in the country (representatives of govern-ment programmes and private foundations —donor agencies, consulting offices, democraticinstitutions, and others).

The notion of “grant” came to Kazakhstan inthe early 1990s when the first donor agenciesopened in the country. Officially the term “grant”first appeared in such legal documents as the Lawon Non-profit Organisations (2000) and the newTax Code of Kazakhstan (2002).

As of 2002, more than 45 donor organisationsoperate in Kazakhstan (see Annex 3). Most of themwere registered between 1991 and 1995.

The largest and the most sustainable entitiesworking with NGOs include:

• UN agencies• The Organisation for Security and Coop-

eration in Europe (OSCE)• The US Agency for International Develop-

ment (USAID) and subcontractors• The US Information Service• The Soros Foundation• The European Union DelegationTheir main objectives include promotion of

economic growth in transitional economies(through enhancement of the legal and institution-al framework and strengthening social security, aswell as the rationalisation of social services to al-leviate poverty in the transition period). In addition,grant assistance to NGOs is rendered by the em-bassies of various countries, such as the Nether-lands, Germany, Canada, Great Britain, Israel, andJapan, as well as by international companies suchas Chevron Oil, Texaco, Motorola, Philip Morris,etc. The only private donor is the Soros Founda-tion. Other agencies are funded from nationalbudgets.

Typically donors provide assistance in the fol-lowing fields: healthcare, education, economicdevelopment (including agriculture), democracy,poverty alleviation, environment, mass media andcivil society. Each donor has its own priorities (seeAnnex 2).

Donor assistance can be provided not onlythrough direct funding but also in the form of tech-

nical, organisational and information support andinternational expertise; and sometimes in the formof joint project implementation.

The staff of donor organisations are mainlynational experts, while most of their managers areexpatriates.

Since grant-giving began in Kazakhstan, grantallocation procedures have been based mainly onthe judgements of foreign experts on the non-governmental sector.

At present, a number of donor agencies relyon national coordination committees to be respon-sible for grant allocation; such committees includelocal experts from the NGO sector.

Comprehensive support by international agen-cies, the development of certain conditions by theGovernment, plus human resources and the inten-tion to contribute to the country’s development, ledto the rapid establishment of NGOs in Kazakhstan.

In 1997, the UNDP NGO Resource Centre, incooperation with INTRAC (an international organ-isation which supports NGOs based in the UK),developed an interaction mechanism for donorsin the form of quarterly roundtables, which to acertain extent facilitated donor coordination oftheir activities and promoted a more specificunderstanding of the NGO environment. SinceSeptember 2000, the agendas of roundtables haveincluded presentations of the most active andsuccessful NGOs active at the national level: theTax Culture Foundation, the Confederation of Non-Governmental Organisations of Kazakhstan, the

Chapter 8. KAZAKHSTAN’S NGO SECTOR FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF INTERNATIONAL DONORS

Awarding US and EU Democracy prize to Centre forConflict Management

51Chapter 8. KAZAKHSTAN’S NGO SECTOR FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF INTERNATIONAL DONORS

Youth Information Service of Kazakhstan, the Con-flict Management Centre, the Asian Association forProtection of Disabled People’s Rights “Zhan”,CASDIN, the International Bureau for HumanRights and Law Compliance, the Institute for De-velopment Cooperation (idc), and a number of en-vironmental organisations, among others.

Below is a description of NGOs as viewed byinternational donors, composed on the basis ofinterviews with leading donors acting in Kazakh-stan since the early 1990s: UNDP, UNIFEM, UNF-PA, the US Information Service, the Organisationfor Security and Cooperation in Europe, the WorldBank, USAID, the Eurasia Foundation, CounterpartConsortium, the Soros Foundation, and the Euro-pean Union Delegation in Kazakhstan.

Respondents were asked to describe the dis-tinguishing features of the NGO environment inCentral Asian countries and Kazakhstan. In theview of international respondents, Kazakhstanstands out for its economic and political stabilityand its “more advanced” NGO corps. This doesnot, however, mean that the situation in this coun-try is ideal.

What trends have there been in the develop-ment of the NGO sector in Kazakhstan during thelast 10 years? Respondents share the view thattoday’s non-governmental sector significantly dif-fers from that which existed in the early 1990s.Today’s NGOs demonstrate not only clear andintegrated missions, high quality projects andmanagerial skills, but also a high level of expert

advice, monitoring and evaluation. The profession-alism of some organisations enables them to actas national experts and partners of internationalorganisations in implementing large-scale pro-grammes and projects. It is true, however, that it ismainly rights protection, environmental and wom-en’s organisations which take on this role, whichtestifies to fact that the sector has developedunevenly for a range of reasons. Respondentsbelieve that objective reasons include donor or-ganisations’ priorities in their project funding pol-icy. Dependence on the priorities of internationalorganisations also results in uneven regional devel-opment within the non-profit sector. NGOs aremore active and advanced in Almaty, northern andcentral regions of Kazakhstan, and the civil sec-tor is virtually undeveloped in the south and south-eastern part of the country, although in Shymkent,for example, gender NGOs are functional underUNFPA programme support.

Another objective reason for this heterogeneityis that in Kazakhstan national-level NGOs mainlyadvocate broad goals and objectives. There arefew organisations operating at the local (district,community) level. However, the existence of suchgrass-roots organisations is one of the key indi-cators of NGO sector development.

A significant gap is the absence of profession-al associations such as associations of teachers,medical specialists, journalists, etc. This element isjust emerging, and is viewed by international or-ganisations to be highly significant in terms of the

The Centre for Social Adaptation and Occupational Therapy of Disabled Children was established in1992. Its aim is to research the problems of children with mental or physical disabilities and to create ageneral system of specialised medical treatment, education and support for their future development.

The Centre has established a network of children’s health centres around the country, which makes itpossible to provide medical examinations to children at an early age in order to identify problems in theirdevelopment. The doctors and researchers at the Centre have developed a range of child rehabilitation meth-ods, as well as special equipment. The Centre also has a psychological counselling service and a help groupfor disabled children. The Centre has also developed a draft special education plan for children with varioustypes of disabilities.

Currently the Centre is seeking amendments in the national education system, to provide disabled chil-dren the same opportunities to attend school as healthy children have.

The highly professional and strong personal qualities of the organisation’s staff, as well as productivecooperation with public health bodies and coordinated activities on joint projects and programmes, have allcontributed to the success of the organisation.

THE CENTRE FOR SOCIAL ADAPTATION AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING OFDISABLED CHILDREN“DISABLED CHILDREN HAVE THE SAME RIGHTS AS HEALTHY ONES”

Box 8.1.

NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE52

qualitative composition of the NGO sector in Ka-zakhstan.

In general, what are the special features ofNGOs in Kazakhstan? Respondents consider thatcivil society in Kazakhstan, and NGOs as its inte-gral part, are in their “teens”. On one hand, they areimmature “children”, and on the other hand, theyare quite mature, self-sufficient and ready to learn.This is an opportune time for refinement and im-provement.

Today Kazakhstan has two thousand regis-tered non-profit organisations. Not more than a

stan, which includes well-known and sustainableNGOs from all regions of Kazakhstan. Internationalorganisations believe that establishing umbrellaNGOs, resource centres and NGO support organ-isations initiated by NGOs is a successful process,and an important indicator of the level of civilsociety development. However, it must be notedthat not all advanced and sustainable NGOs seekto become members of coalitions.

Negative features of the current NGO move-ment relate to so-called “professional grant ben-eficiaries” or “grant eaters” i.e. organisations who

The Asian Association for Disabled People’s Rights “Zhan” was established in 1995. The organisation’saim is to promote the achievement of equal rights and opportunities for disabled people. In 2001, fourteenbranches of the organisation were registered in various regions around the country.

One of Zhan’s priority activities is to provide legal services to disabled persons, to protect disabled per-sons’ rights in governmental and other organisations, and provide legal advice to NGOs and individuals. Onaverage, at the head office alone, around 300-320 individuals and 25-30 disabled peoples organisations aregiven free legal assistance every year.

Lobbying for legislation, and creation of a favourable legal and informational environment for disabledpeople so they can take an active part in social life, are important areas of work for the organisation. Zhan’sleader, Aibek Dumbayev, says “NGOs should not wait passively for an invitation, but should work hard tomake themselves known to parliamentarians and Government so that they involve them in drafting legisla-tion.”

Every year, Zhan produces booklets, textbooks and other materials to make disabled people aware of theircivil rights, as well as educational materials for Kazakhstani NGOs. For example, in 2001 they published themanual “Consultation and Legal Services for Disabled People” directed at NGOs dealing with disabledpersons’ problems. The “Jobs for Everyone” newspaper that has been published regularly since May 1997,funded from Zhan’s own income, facilitates the distribution of information on labour, employment and so-cial security issues, and helps disabled people to find jobs.

Since 1997, the information leaflet “Disabled People and the Law: the Rights Protection Network Her-ald” has been regularly published. Its main aim is to distribute information about the protection of disabledpeople’s rights in Kazakhstan, inform the public about the activity of the rights protection network, and drawsociety’s attention to these people’s problems.

Zhan, in collaboration with other Kazakhstani civil society organisations, regularly conducts trainingsessions and workshops for members of the rights protection network, NGO staff, and members of the targetgroup on issues such as NGO administration, defending disabled people’s rights, and raising public aware-ness.

Zhan actively involves disabled people in the social and cultural life of the community by organisingand holding public events. For example, in 2000 and 2001 it ran the “Blue Bird” national Festival of Fineand Applied Arts for children with disabilities.

Box 8.2.

THE ASIAN ASSOCIATION FOR DISABLED PEOPLE’S RIGHTS “ZHAN”“EQUAL RIGHTS AND POSSIBILITIES FOR EVERYONE”

thousand of them are actually working. Only 150-200 are sustainable, implement 3-4 projects at atime, and have a stable staff and organisationalstructure. These organisations form coalitions andassociations with the executive and legislativeauthorities, in order to jointly protect and promotetheir interests. An example is the Confederationof Non-Governmental Organisations of Kazakh-

have learned how to deal with donors and knowthe techniques of writing proposals. They are pre-pared to work in any field. According to respon-dents, at least 50% of NGOs existing in Kazakh-stan may belong to this category. It is a naturalprocess connected with the “growth disease” af-flicting NGOs, which should stop as the numberof professional organisations independent of do-

53Chapter 8. KAZAKHSTAN’S NGO SECTOR FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF INTERNATIONAL DONORS

nors grows. Project monitoring and evaluation willbe crucial for this, not only in terms of ensuringeffective use of grants, but also in terms of donors’strategies for their future work in Kazakhstan, sincesuch NGOs resulted from the “near-sighted” pol-icy of donors who support weak and quite ineffec-tive projects.

International organisations are concernedabout the tendency of state authorities to artificiallyestablish organisations, use them for their ownpurposes, and divert the attention of donor organ-isations away from real NGOs whose activities arebased on people’s needs. The situation may beaggravated by passing the law on state social ten-ders, because the number of quasi-NGOs may sig-nificantly grow and create serious and unfair com-petition for professional NGOs. Therefore interna-tional organisations believe that one of the maintasks for NGOs today is to join together to promotea law which would meet the interests of the civilsector and make it possible for it to co-exist onan equal footing relative to other sectors of soci-ety. Some respondents are also concerned aboutthe fact that priority state programmes and projectsfunded by donors encourage “closed” implemen-tation with a low level of public involvement. Thiswould be a major obstacle to NGO development,especially those based in the regions.

Some respondents estimate that 80% of or-ganisations consist of only one person, the leaderof the organisation. This is a negative factor, sinceNGOs built merely on the authority and power ofone leader will fail. An NGO’s success relies notonly on the charisma of its leader but on mana-gerial skills, the ability to develop a good profes-sional team of like-minded people, delegate au-thority, and develop and train staff. In Kazakhstanthis will be possible if a more stable system offunding NGOs by international organisations, gov-ernment and the business sector, and NGO self-financing, develops.

In response to a question about what is need-ed for successful NGOs, experts specified a num-ber of internal and external factors, as follows:

1. Internal factors:• Special quality assurance standards for

the services rendered• Professionalism and motivated personnel• Ability to work with volunteers• Adequate funding arrangements• Clear organisational structure and

management• Inter-operability of team members• Good presentation skills, ability to work with

the media• Sustainability and self-financing2. External factors:

• Favourable legislative basis• State funding for social projects which

involve NGOs• Formation of a culture of charityIn this regard, the Programme of the State

Support to NGOs, the laws on State Social Tenders,on Charity, and on Lobbying, and changes andamendments to the tax code, will be crucial. Re-spondents believe that the Government wouldbenefit if it supported NGO projects.

One of the main tasks facing the NGO sectoris to develop professional management. Someexperts think Kazakhstan needs a school for NGOmanagers. However some of them share the viewthat management has a lot of similarities in everysector and there is no need to have a special NGOmanagement school.

Successful NGO activity directly depends on theability to lobby interests at all levels of governmentin a civilised manner. The lobbying process shouldbe transparent, and criticism needs to be construc-tive and propose solutions. Socially-orientedNGOs are needed to defend the interests of vul-nerable people, not only through direct social as-sistance but also to draw the attention of the Gov-ernment to these important issues. The media andthe support of target groups are crucial.

How do NGOs and donors cooperate, and whatdoes effective interaction depend on? Today it isevident that the strategies and policies of donororganisations towards NGOs are crucial for civilsociety development. Respondents expressed theview that the lack of initiative by NGOs which issometimes observed may be due to excessivepressure from donors, and NGO passivity or en-thusiasm in various spheres depend on how of-ten grants are provided for proposals in a cer-tain field. Problems of interaction between NGOsand donors sometimes arise due to the hetero-geneity of the NGO community, which consists ofboth mature and newly established NGOs.

In the opinion of international experts, donorswill always exist as an essential mechanism tosupport the work of NGOs. In Kazakhstan, NGOstypically receive nothing from people for their ser-vices. However, in the West there is such a prac-tice; maybe the time is not yet right in Kazakhstan,but this is something that needs to be considered.

One of the sensitive points is the need for in-stitutional NGO support. Practically all donors whofund projects refuse to support NGOs as struc-tures. Is this the right approach and in what waycan NGOs be sustainable? It is an open-endedquestion. Socially oriented NGOs should and willreceive funding from the Government. Howeverdonors understand that government funding can-not be anticipated for environmental or legal

NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE54

NGOs, for example. Consequently such institutions,key elements of civil society in Kazakhstan, directlydepend on financial support.

The recruitment policy of international organ-isations is crucial in terms of the interaction of thecivil sector with donors. It is a common view thatwhen hiring local staff, their motivation, commitment

Some international organisations workclosely with NGOs in Kazakhstan. They providefinancial assistance in the form of grants forvarious activities and projects as well as tech-nical support in the form of consultations, train-ing, and workshops. International organisationsconsider that the NGO sector in Kazakhstan isstill in the process of development. Respon-dents mention that Kazakhstani NGOs haveattained a certain professional level whichenables them to act as donor partners for pro-gramme implementation. However, the quality ofNGO management needs to be improved.

Representatives of international organisa-tions noted that NGOs have a low level of sus-

!!!

tainability. Kazakhstan has about 150-200 ac-tive NGOs with a good organisational structureand stable staff. Negative features include “pro-fessional beneficiaries”, a lack of professionallobbying skills, and the dependence of NGOs onthe individuals who lead them.

Respondents share the view that donor or-ganisations, which are an essential mechanismfor providing support to NGOs, will continue towork in Kazakhstan. At the same time, the finan-cial, institutional, technical independence andsustainability of the NGO sector are the mainconditions for the successful development ofthe NGO sector in Kazakhstan.

to NGO sector development, and their educationaland professional qualifications, all need to be takeninto account. This is now quite realistic, as the lev-el of Kazakhstani specialists has significantly im-proved. As for international specialists, they shouldat least have a good understanding of the localsituation.

55NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE

1. Based on this review of NGO activities inKazakhstan, NGOs have a certain effect on socialdevelopment, on democratisation and on resolv-ing significant social problems. At the same time,it is clear that for a number of reasons this influ-ence is not always effective and not in all spheres.

2. The level of public awareness about the NGOsector is not high for the following reasons:

First, NGOs have not managed to occupy asocially important position in Kazakhstan; they donot have an impact on public opinion on many is-sues which are important for the country.

Second, most respondents mainly know aboutNGOs operating in their area. Organisations op-erating nationwide or in other areas are less wellknown.

Third, most people know very little about theThird Sector and NGOs’ various organisationaltypes and operational mechanisms. Therefore,they often class political parties and internationalagencies as NGOs.

The widely known NGOs deal with environmen-tal, law-protection and social activities.

3. It is positive that some people do see thesocial significance of NGO work. People give a lotof credit to NGOs for the fact that they not only areinvolved in solving social problems, but also raisepeople’s awareness and encourage them to takeaction.

On the other hand, it should be noted thatpeople are quite critical of the image of NGOs.Some hold the view that NGOs are establishedand operate only to attract funds from internationaland foreign donors and meet their own corporateor personal interests.

4. Business is most critical of NGOs and theirimpact on democratic development and the res-olution of crucial social problems in the country.This perception indicates that Kazakhstan lacks amechanism for business and the non-governmen-tal sector to interact.

5. Efficient interaction between NGOs and theGovernment (particularly the Parliament) needs tobe developed on issues which are in NGOs’ fieldof competence, primarily in the social sphere. It isapparent that NGOs are quite efficient in this field.

6. Funding is one of the main problems facedby NGOs. The results of the social research indi-cate that most Kazakhstani NGOs exist and op-erate on the basis of foreign and internationaldonor support. NGOs have practically no self-fund-ing mechanisms, such as providing a set of ser-

CONCLUSIONS

vices, levying membership fees, receiving per-sonal donations, selling publications, and establish-ing their own commercial organisations.

It is clear that the primary focus on foreigndonor funds reduces the independence and ini-tiative of NGOs, and may result in their completecollapse if they fail to raise additional donor fund-ing for some reason. It is likely that the serviceswhich a large number of NGOs could provide fora fee will not be in demand, or these NGOs are notdoing enough to promote awareness of what theyare doing and the services they provide such asorganisational services, advice, etc.

There is very little government interest in fund-ing NGOs. This is illustrated by the fact that Kaza-khstan does not yet have a system of state socialtendering, which exists elsewhere in the world.Nevertheless, if there were a clearly defined statetendering process and proper monitoring of con-tracts were put in place, such an institution couldalso exist in Kazakhstan. The Government neverrejects funding NGOs through foreign donors orself-financing, but government support is extremelyrare. Where such support is provided, it is focusedon those NGOs established on the initiative andunder the patronage of the Government. Howev-er, with the approval of the Concept of GovernmentSupport to Non-profit (Non-Governmental) Organ-isations in 2002, this situation is likely to graduallyimprove.

7. The NGO legislative framework needs to beimproved. Although the general NGO legal frame-work is in place, practical experience has revealeda number of contradictions in legislation whichregulates NGO operational activity. Recently aseries of government documents was approvedin support of the NGO sector. These encouragemutually beneficial dialogue between the Govern-ment and NGOs. A number of draft laws will beadopted which will regulate government fundingfor NGOs.

8. Relations between NGOs and donors needto be improved. Donors providing organisationaland financial support follow a selective approachin relation to Kazakhstani NGOs. This is due pri-marily to the priorities set by donors. Apart from this,donors prefer national-level organisations andthose operating in economically advanced areas.In general, there is little coordination among for-eign and international donors in their allocationof funds to NGOs.

In order to obtain funds, many NGOs have to

NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE56

adapt to the requirements and demands set bydonors, and have to develop and implement se-lected and unsustainable projects. Such a posi-tion diverts them from their key activities and caus-es them to squander their functional potential.

9. The volunteer movement in Kazakhstan isnot highly developed due to the relative novelty ofthis practice for Kazakhstani society. Adequateforms of volunteer involvement need to be devel-oped both in existing NGOs and those newly es-tablished. This would broaden the social base ofvolunteerism.

10. From a strategic point of view, to improvetheir activity in Kazakhstan, NGOs should adjust topeople’s real needs. Although a number of NGOsare active in this, most of them focus on otherproblems which are not so important for people.A situation is developing where society, when itproposes its own initiatives, does not find supportfrom existing NGOs to implement them. SomeNGOs and active social groups of Kazakhstanisociety often function in parallel, without combin-ing them, so the quality of solutions being found toimportant social problems is not improving.

57NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE

LEGAL ACTS

1. Constitution of Kazakhstan. August, 30, 1995.2. Civil Code of Kazakhstan. December, 24, 1994.3. Tax Code of Kazakhstan. July, 1, 2001.4. Law on Non-profit Organisations. January, 16, 2001.5. Concept Paper of the State Support to the Non-profit (Non-Government) Sector. Jan-

uary, 23, 2002.6. Kazakhstan — 2030. Government Herald, 1998.

UN/UNDP PUBLICATIONS

1. Report of the UN Secretary General on the Work of the Organisation on the GeneralAssembly. New York, 2001, September, 6.

2. Recommendations for Volunteer Support. UN General Assembly. 29 November 2001.3. Poverty of Transition. UNDP — Regional Bureau for Europe and CIS, 1998.4. Sourcebook on Building Partnerships with Civil Society Organisations. Bureau for Re-

sources and Strategic Partnerships. UNDP, 2002.5. United Nations Development Assistance Framework. Republic of Kazakhstan 2000-

2004. (UNDAF), 2000.6. Fighting Poverty for a Better Future. National Human Development Report.

Kazakhstan 2000. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Almaty, 2001.7. National Human Development Report. Kazakhstan, 1999. United Nations Development

Programme (UNDP). Almaty, 2000.8. Role of the Government and Social Integration in Transition. National Human

Development Report. Kazakhstan, 1998. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).Almaty, 1998.

9. National Human Development Report. Republic of Kazakhstan, 1997. United NationsDevelopment Programme (UNDP). Almaty, 1997.

10. Listening to the Poor. UNDP. Almaty, 2001.

PUBLICATIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS

1. “Accord. Resources of Reconciliation. International Review of Peace Initiatives. Peaceprocess in Tajikistan.” Issue 10, 2001.

2. “Accord. International Magazine of Peace Initiatives. Problems of Sovereignty.Georgian-Abhazian Reconciliation.” Issue 7, 1999

3. Comparative Research and Laws on Social Partnership. Caroline Newman. Internationalcentre of non-profit law. 2000.

4. Giving and Volunteering in USA: Key Findings. Independent Sector, Washington, 20015. Legal Status of Non-profit Organisations in Kazakhstan (practical manual). International

centre of non-profit law, US Agency for International Cooperation. Almaty, 2002.6. Legal Mechanisms of State Funding of Non-profit Organisations. International centre of

non-profit law. Kiev, 2001.7. Manual for Development and Application of Laws Regulating Activity of Non-profit

Organisations. Reports on social development. International centre of non-profit law, 1997.8. Self-Regulation in Non-profit Sector. International centre of non-profit law, 1998.

REFERENCES

NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE58

NGO PUBLICATIONS

1. Civil Society: Kazakhstani Perspective. CASDIN (Central Asia Stable DevelopmentInformation Network), Almaty, 1998.

2. Collection of Materials on Organisational Development and Technical Skills to StartNGO. L. Astanina, À. Vikulovskaya, À. Dumbayev, S. Elkeev, Y. Zaitsev, Å. Zhovtis, Z. Korneeva, À.Kurasova, Î. Markova, I. Frants (unpublished work).

3. Development of Non-profit Sector in Kazakhstan. Part 1. Almaty, 2002.4. Effective Models of Social Work of NGO in Kazakhstan and European Experience. Public

foundation of political and law research “Interlegal” in Kazakhstan. Almaty, 1998.5. Innovative Activity in Education and Culture: Financing Models. Public association “City

Centre”, Almaty, 2000.6. National NGO Conference. Report on results. Bishkek, 2000.7. Poverty Alleviation: Evaluation and Forecast. Analytical report. CASDIN (Central Asia Sta

ble Development Information Network), 1999.

OTHER PUBLICATIONS

1. Azhgikhina N. The Country will be saved by volunteers and Philanthropy. — “Circle oflife”. Annex to the “Independent Newspaper”. November, 3, 2000.

2. Civil Society: Theory, History, Modern Time. Russian Academy of Science, Sociology Insti-tute. Ìoscow, 1999.

3. Dumbayev A.E. Principles and Methods of Social Partnership. Union of non-profit organ-isations of disabled people of Kazakhstan. Almaty, 1999.

4. Interaction of Government and Non-Governmental Organisations of Kazakhstan: Ex-perience of Cooperation. Methodological manual, Astana, 2002.

5. Regional Statistics Year Book of Kazakhstan 1997-2000. Statistical collection. StatisticsAgency of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Almaty, 2001.

6. Theory of State and Law. Manual. Moscow, 1999.7. Ponomarev V.A. “Civil Society Organisations in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.” JV “Glagol”.

1991.8. Sadykov N.N., Kotova L.M. Non-Governmental Organisations — Basis of Civil Society

Created in Uzbekistan. Tashkent, 2000.

59NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE

ANNEXES

NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE60

Sources used for the survey:• The Law of Kazakhstan “On Non-profit Organisations” of January 16, 2001• “An Introductory Guide to Build Civil Society Organisation”, Mihan Foundation, 2000.

(www.mihancivilsociety.org)• Glossary of Terms for Civil Society and Social Concepts. Civil Society in PTV

(www.ptvincivilsociety.org)• “Introduction in Gender Theory: Manual”, Almaty, 1999

Advocacy — raising awareness and promotion of specific problems at both the national and locallevel.

Civil Society — the whole of social relations and institutions functioning independently from politi-cal power and able to influence that power, a community of autonomous individuals and social enti-ties.

Civil Liberties — a series of rights and freedoms in society including freedom of association, free-dom of faith, freedom of thought etc. The idea of civil liberties appeared in USA and was embodied inthe International Bill on Human Rights.

Civil Society Laws — a series of regulatory acts which protects freedom of association and reg-ulates the procedure of establishment and operation of civil society organisations.

Civil Society Institutions — infrastructure which supports civil society and includes governmentbodies (legislative and regulatory) as well as cultural and education facilities which encourage build-ing civil society.

Civil Society Resources Organisation — type of organisation in civil society which specialises insearching for sponsorship or other support for other CSOs, collection and processing of informationabout donors and CSOs, and acts as an intermediary.

Community Foundation — foundation founded by physical persons who are not members of onefamily and/ or by legal entities — public associations.

Civil Society Organisation — CSO — any association or organisation established through thevoluntary will of people.

Democracy — political system where population is directly involved in making decisions relating totheir interests; freedom of speech, press, political pluralism and respect of human dignity are recogn-ised.

Endowment — funds or assets involved in NGO establishment. Endowment is typically investedand the revenues are used for programme implementation.

Foundation — non-profit organisation with no membership founded by citizens or legal entitieson the basis of volunteer contributions committed to social, charity, cultural, educational and other sociallysignificant purposes.

Grant — target subsidy provided by grant-making foundation without compensation to NGOs or privatepersons for the specific task of implementing a proposed project; made on a tender basis.

Gender — social construct of sex which shows that division of society between men and womenis a product of ideology, socialisation, social life.

Grant-Making Foundation — organisation (foundation) which uses part of capital revenues forgrant-making purposes.

Micro-credit — small loans issued to members of community to increase income or encouragegrowth.

Microfinancing Civil Society Organisation — an organisation which issues micro-credits to itsmembers, such as Credit Union or cooperative bank.

Mission — formulation of the main goal.Monitoring — ongoing systematic tracking of a process, its changes in time in order to make an

assessment, adjustment and relevant decisions for rational and efficient achievement of goals.Non-Governmental Organisation — a type of organisations in civil society, a non-profit, non-

governmental organisation which serves public interests or interests of specific groups.

GLOSSARY

Annex 1.

61ANNEXES

Non-Profit Organisation — legal entity where revenue gaining and profit sharing are not the maingoals.

Regulations — formalised mandatory rules of behaviour which regulate relationships betweenpeople.

Public Association — organisation established by voluntarily associating people to achieve com-mon goals which are not in conflict with the law.

Representative Democracy — democratic process where government officials are freely elect-ed to represent citizens’ interests

Social Capital — total funds, human resources, infrastructure networks and other resources in-tended for development of civil society.

Social Network — a group of relations associating people, social positions and groups and or-ganisations.

Social Sphere — part of social structure which includes health, education, culture and science.Sustainable Development — a new paradigm which defines that development should improve

human life without damage to the environment.Tolerance — respect, tolerance in relation to other people who differ from the majority or social

groups. Ability of a human being, community or state to listen to and respect the views of other peopleand perceive different opinions without hostility.

Third Sector — public non-profit sector which is a supplement to government and business sec-tor.

Target Group — social group, stratum for which an organisation was established to protect its in-terests.

Volunteer — Physical person who provides free assistance to an organisation on a volunteer basis.

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CHRONOLOGY OF NGO REGISTRATION IN KAZAKHSTAN

Data from Informational Department of the Agency on Statistics was collected and revised by Institute for DevelopmentCooperation (Idc) in order to differentiate data for NGOs

Oblast Before 1989 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Total

Akmolinsk 0 1 0 1 0 2 1 3 12 11 17 12 30 11 101

Aktobe 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 4 6 9 14 4 8 5 54

Almaty 0 0 1 3 4 0 4 8 24 30 6 6 5 13 104

Almaty City 3 1 2 6 22 13 14 21 33 37 65 50 44 8 319

Astana City 0 1 1 3 13 4 10 5 15 11 35 38 50 42 228

Atyrau 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 9 5 2 2 4 0 27

Karaganda 2 1 1 3 15 11 9 6 26 28 33 31 19 4 189

Kostanai 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 6 13 12 8 23 20 0 86

Kyzylorda 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 3 3 2 10 15 25 11 71

Mangistau 1 0 1 3 4 5 5 4 8 10 8 4 9 0 62

Pavlodar 0 0 0 1 2 4 1 6 13 13 21 24 21 0 106

North Kazakhstan 0 0 0 1 2 1 2 4 9 9 7 13 20 3 71

South Kazakhstan 0 0 1 0 1 2 1 4 10 20 42 26 9 1 117

Western Kazakhstan 0 0 1 0 0 1 4 3 16 11 4 8 11 0 59

Eastern Kazakhstan 0 0 0 0 3 2 2 8 14 10 7 25 10 1 82

Dzhambyl 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 21 13 24 14 6 1 91

Total 6 4 8 21 71 47 57 101 232 231 303 295 291 100 1767

Annex 2.

63ANNEXES

LIST OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS PROVIDING SUPPORT TO NGOS1

1 Database of UNDP NGO Resource Centre.2 Information was provided by international organisations.

Annex 3.

United Nations Development Programme(UNDP)

United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF)

United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cul-tural Organisation (UNESCO)United Nations Fund for Population Activities(UNFPA)

United Nations High Commissioner for Ref-ugees (UNHCR)United Nations AIDS Programme (UNAIDS)

United Nations Drug Control Programme(UNDCP)United Nations Volunteers (UNV)

United Nations Women Development Fund(UNIFEM)World Bank

World Health Organisation (WHO)

International Labour Organisation (ILO)

UNDP Global Environment Facility/ SmallGrants Programme (UNDP GEF SGP)

2. United States Agency on Internation-al Development (USAID) and its PartnersAcademy for Educational Development (AED)

ACDI/VOCA

Economic reform; government reform; environ-mental programmes; NGO support; efficient man-agement; poverty alleviation, social development;sustainable development of societyMother and child health; better nutrition for moth-er and child; immunisation; development of pri-mary education; improvement in water supply andsanitation; advocacy to protect mother and childEducational, scientific and cultural programmes

Supply of hospitals with medical equipment ondifferent levels; improving reproductive health, fam-ily planning; training, awareness and education inreproductive healthInternational support for refugees; facilitate socialassimilation of refugeesTraining for medical staff; quality improvement ofmedical services; training courses to protect fromAIDS, TB outbreak preventionDrug abuse and transit control

Volunteers implementing various activities, consul-tations and expert assistanceEqual rights for women and men; strengtheningwomen’s role in societyFacilitate economic growth of economies in tran-sition; environment; review of legislation and in-stitutional framework to mitigate transition periodAssistance to implement reforms in public healthservices; mother and child health; national nutri-tion policy; infectious disease control; medical carefor old people; health and environment; TB prob-lemsIndustrial sector development; eradication of dis-crimination in labour market and promotion of full-time employment; labour legislation reform; socialsecurityBiological diversity; climate changes; internationalwaters; sustainable development of local commu-nities

Educational programmes concerning transition tomarket economy and democracyExpert and advisory assistance for small business-

Organisation

1. UN Agencies

Spheres financed2

NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE64

American International Health Alliance

Eurasia Foundation

Initiative for Social Action and Renewal in Eur-asia (ISAR)

Centres for Disease Control (CDC)Counterpart Consortium

Counterpart Humanitarian Aid Programme(CHAP)US-Israel Cooperative Development Research(CDR)

Winrock International

International Centre for Non-profit Law (INCL)

Central Asian American Enterprise Fund3. OtherUnited States Information Service (USIS)

British Council

European Bank for Reconstruction & Develop-ment (EBRD)Delegation of the European Union in Kazakh-stanTechnical Assistance to CIS and Mongolia(TACIS)

Israel Centre for International Cooperation(MASHAV)

Islamic Development Bank (IDB)International Federation of Red Cross & RedCrescent Societies (IFRC)

es, private and public legal entitiesLong-term programmes for sustainable develop-ment, training for staff nurses, record of oncologycasesFinancing of innovations in three reference direc-tions: development of small and medium enter-prises, national and local government, and civilsocietyEnvironmental, health care projects; build-up ofcommunities and sustainable economical devel-opment; capacity building of local institutionsControl and prevention of infectious diseasesGrants for NGOs rendering services to sociallyvulnerable groups of people, protecting rights andinterests of people, and those involved in civil so-ciety build-upHumanitarian aid for socially vulnerable groupsof peopleGrants for agricultural enterprises in arid regions;irrigation and hydrology; biological pest control;agro-industrial economy and agro-ecology; ge-netics and bioengineeringAgricultural programmes; wood processing tech-nologies; systematic research of human poten-tial; employment in agriculture and business de-velopmentProgrammes facilitating draft law enactment, im-provement of existing legislation; development ofstandards to establish non-profit sector; review ofnon-commercial legislation by lawyers, governmentofficials and NGO leadersWater and energy supply to the Syr-Darya area

Information, training, exchange, cultural and edu-cational programmesEducation, health care, efficient market economyand managementFinancing for private sector, structural recon-struction and privatisationTrade, agricultural sector, human rights

State government reform, development of humanresources; reorganisation of state enterprises andprivate sector support; agriculture; environmen-tal protection; financial sector support and de-velopmentEducation and social development; agricultureand studies in this field; rural development; eco-nomic growth and social development; labourmanagement; environmental management; sci-ence and technology; women in societyInfrastructure projects: roads, communicationsSupport of national divisions; health care pro-grammes support; assistance to socially vulner-able groups of people; training in emergency andnatural disasters

65ANNEXES

Soros Foundation Kazakhstan

Science & Technology Centre

Mercy Corps International

INTRAC

Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Bureau

Grants and training programmes in variousspheresRadiology monitoring of environment; safetyimprovement of nuclear reactors; study ofmethods of nuclear wastes liquidation; pro-duction of vaccines against bacteriologicaland virus diseases; treatment of heart andoncology diseases; study of commercial avi-ationSmall business support; agricultural sectorsupport; enabling development of local NGOs;technical assistanceManagerial assessment; control and assess-ment; financial management; training forconsultants; strategic planning and manage-mentStudy of economic and democracy reform;human rights, rights of ethnic minorities; so-cial policy; women’s movement; freedom ofpress; environmental protection; seminars forNGOs

NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE66

AREAS OF NGO ACTIVITY

Annex 4.

Components

Remedial activities (political rights)Consumer rightsRights of ethnic, sexual minoritiesRights of disabled peopleInformationResearchParticipation in legislation developmentMonitoring and evaluationFeminismProblems of single mothersWomen refugees and disabled peopleSexual and domestic violenceDevelopment of women’s business and leadershipInformationResearchParticipation in legislation developmentMonitoring and evaluationProblems of vulnerable groupsSmall business developmentProviding equal access to resourcesDevelopment of charity culture and philanthropyInformationResearchParticipation in legislation developmentMonitoring and evaluationPreventive health and advocacy of healthy lifestyleRehabilitation centresDrug traffickingInformationResearchParticipation in legislation developmentMonitoring and evaluationPreventive health and advocacy of healthy lifestyleCentres for social and psychological helpSexually transmitted diseasesInformationResearchParticipation in legislation developmentMonitoring and evaluationEcology educationAccess to informationBiodiversityDesertificationAir and water basin protectionDevelopment of new technologiesInformationResearch

Direction

Human Rights

Gender

Poverty alleviation

Drug addiction

AIDS prevention

Environment

67ANNEXES

Direction Components

Culture

Rural economy

Children and youth

Education

Public health

Participation in legislation developmentMonitoring and evaluationIndependent galleries and centres of modern artPainting, sculpture, theatre, dancing, literature, etc.FolkloreInformationResearchParticipation in legislature developmentMonitoring and evaluationRural initiativesOrganic agricultureNew technologiesAccess to credits and informationDevelopment of small business in rural areasResearchParticipation in legislation developmentMonitoring and evaluationDevelopment of leadershipCivic educationProtection of rights, formation of juvenile jurisprudenceInformationResearchParticipation in legislature developmentMonitoring and evaluationIntellectual services to peopleAlternative educationFormation of harmonious personalityResearchParticipation in legislation developmentMonitoring and evaluationFormation and advocacy of healthy lifestyleAlternative medicineOrganisation of family ambulance stationsAIDS, drug addiction preventionResearchParticipation in legislation developmentMonitoring and evaluation

NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE68

Baibolova Sholpan — Central Asian Foundation of System ResearchChebotarev Andrei — Information-Analytic Magazine “On the way to

society without corruption”Chupyrina Irina — Center for Conflict ManagementDzhamanova Gulmira — Information Network for Sustainable Development

in Central AsiaFrants Inessa — Institute for Development Cooperation (idc)Kainazarova Mansiya — Central Asian Development InstituteMorozov Anton — Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic ResearchNauryzbayeva Zhanna — Central Asian Development InstituteNi Vadim — Centre of International Non-Commercial LawSivryokova Valentina — Kazakhstan Confederation of Non-Governmental

OrganisationsShamshildayeva Aigul — Institute for Development Cooperation (idc)

Consultative Board

Fikret Akcura — UN Coordinator /UNDP Resident RepresentativeSelvakumaran Ramachandran — UNDP Deputy RepresentativeSvetlana Islamova — UNDP Development Centre Coordinator / Chief

Poverty Reduction TeamZhanar Sagimbayeva — Economic Transition AdviserJulian Hansen — UNV Programme OfficerSelima Salamova — UNDP Poverty Reduction Team Assistant

Consultant

Anatoly Kosichenko — PhD in Philosophy, professor

Organisational Team

Bakhyt Abdildina — UNDP Poverty Reduction Project ManagerMansiya Kainazarova — Central Asian Development InstituteAlma Karabassova — UNDP NGO Report Project Assistant

Editor

Irina Chuprinina

Reviewers

Pavel Atrushkevich — Senator of the Republic of KazakhstanGaziz Telebayev — Director of Department of Internal Policy within

Ministry of Culture, Information and Public Accord

GROUP OF AUTHORS

69

Research Groups:

Ministry of Information and Public AccordAizhan Mukanova, Serik Zhantikeyev

Central-Asian ProjectNatalya Pavlenko— Director/ Central-Asian Project Research

Group

Accord Public Development CentreYelena Vinogradova — Director/ Accord Public Development

CentreSergei Olifiriv — Research Programme Coordinator/ Accord

Public Development CentreSoros Volunteer House Kazakhstan

Nazilya Birzhanova — Executive Director/ Soros Volunteer House Kazakhstan

Svetlana Chelidze — Coordinator/ Soros Volunteer House Kazakhstan

Russian Language Editor

Larisa Lukina

English Language Editor

Julian Hansen

Translators

Nadezhda Mayevskaya (English language)Kaisar Zhorabekov (Kazakh language)

Photography

Photographs were kindly provided by Centre for Conflict Management, Institute for DevelopmentCooperation (idc), Soros Volunteer House Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Youth Information Service, RKDiabetes Association, Leader Centre.

Volunteers

Lindsay Brass — UNDP/ GEFZhangir Kainazarov — YLASergei Olifirov — Accord Public Development CentrePavel Salikhov — Central Asian Development Institute

Computer-based page-proof

Eugene Azhikin