Reducing the Age of receiving health services without parental consent
Commitment description:The Government of Kazakhstan is working to reduce the legal age by which an adolescent can access health services without parental consent from 18 to 16. This is being done through development of a new Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Health of People and the Healthcare System” which is currently being discussed in the Parliament for approval by 2021.
Measures are being taken to create in society an atmosphere of “zero tolerance” for violence against women and children. A Bill has been submitted to Parliament providing for tougher penalties for sexual violence against children, for domestic violence against women, and for human trafficking.
Mode of engagement:
- Change or creation of legislationThrough revision of health code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Health of People and the Healthcare System” .
(4) Access for all adolescents and youth, especially girls, to comprehensive and age-responsive information, education and adolescent-friendly comprehensive, quality and timely services to be able to make free and informed decisions and choices about their sexuality and reproductive lives, to adequately protect themselves from unintended pregnancies, all forms of sexual and gender-based violence and harmful practices, sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS, to facilitate a safe transition into adulthood.