On 12 June 2024, the Council of Europe organised a seminar on the Prohibition of ill-treatment together with the launch of the dedicated HELP course in co-operation with the Law Enforcement Academy of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The event was attended by twenty-five law enforcement officials and prosecutors of Kazakhstan.

The Council of Europe consultants presented international standards in investigating and dealing with cases of ill-treatment and torture. Emphasis was placed on effective legal responses and investigative techniques, and qualification of the crime. The consultants engaged participants through interactive discussions and practical workshops.

With the support and guidance of the national tutor, the participants will, in the coming weeks, complete the online course adapted to the national legislation. Upon successful completion, they will receive HELP certificates issued by the Council of Europe.

The event was opened by Deputy rector of the Law Enforcement Academy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, who underlined the crucial role of prosecutors in combating ill-treatment and torture, in particular in the current context.

The activity was organised in the framework of the action "HELP in Central Asia", within the Central Asia Rule of Law Programme 2020-2024, a joint initiative co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe and implemented by the Council of Europe.