Kazakhstan celebrates the International Nelson Mandela Day

18 July 2019, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan - To mark the International Day of Nelson Mandela day the cultural and sports activities among prisoners today. The event was organized by the representatives of the Prison Committee, Mayor's Office of Nur-Sultan, civil society organizations and  UN Office on Drugs and Crime at the prison facility under the Department of the Prison Committee of Nur- Sultan city.

On July 18, the whole world celebrates   the Nelson Mandela International Day ho­­­­nouring his outstanding contribution to to the history of peace and freedom and remembering the 27 years he had to spend in prison. The General Assembly in 1955 adopted the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners - and in 2015 they were officially announced as   "The Nelson Mandela Rules ".

"Different cultural events are held in the prison institutions across the country.  For example, in Almaty, juvenile offenders met with representatives of non-governmental organizations, in the North Kazakhstan colonies there were lectures on the study of biography and life of human rights activist Nelson Mandela.  In accordance with paragraphs 4 and 23 of the Nelson Mandela Rules, we provide appropriate and available opportunities for education, vocational training and work, as well as other types of assistance, including correctional, moral, spiritual, social, medical and sports, taking into account individual needs for the re-education of prisoners," noted Mr. Adlet Mustafinov, the representative of the Nur-Sultan city Department of the Prison Committee in his welcoming speech. 

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime is a custodian of the Nelson Mandela Rules, providing technical assistance in 150 countries, including Kazakhstan in the fight against crime and terrorism. Assisting in the practical implementation of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners is one of the key objectives of the UNODC.

"International Nelson  Mandela  Day giv es an opportunity to draw attention to the problems of about 11 million prisoners around the world, as well as to the work of prison staff responsible for their conditions of detention. The Nelson Mandela Rules is a guide to safeguarding the basic human rights and dignity of those who are behind bars. Humane treatment of prisoners is the best investment in the safety and well-being of the society", said Ms. Madina Sarieva, UNODC International Coordinator .

Head coach of Kazakhstan on the street workout Aitym Zhakupov pointed out that first time in Kazakhstan flash mob is held with the participation of female and male prisoners. He believes that today's event would motivate them to practice workout, yoga, dance and, in general, sports.

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For more information,

please contact Ms. Madina Sarieva,

International Coordinator at UNODC Nur-Sultan

at + 7 776 475 7797 or madina.sarieva[at]un.org