A/HRC/13/23/Add.1 70. Kazakhstan is home to an estimated 300,000 ethnic Uighurs, representing the largest Uighur community outside China. Representatives highlighted generally good relations with other ethnic groups and the State. However, some sources drew attention to a growing perception and stereotyping of Uighurs as extremists and separatists. A violent clash between Kazakhs and Uighurs in the village of Shelek in the Almaty region in November 2006 left several wounded. Numerous anti-Uighur articles subsequently appeared in the Kazakh media. The country’s economic and political relations with China lead some to believe that this has influenced the Government’s restrictive response to individuals, Uighur associations or bodies considered politically aligned with Chinese Uighurs. The Government asserted that regional and local government authorities conduct preventative measures to avoid possible confrontation between ethnic Kazakhs and Uighurs. 71. The Government has reportedly placed restrictions on media coverage of ethnic clashes. Civil society representatives suggest a State policy of downplaying ethnic tensions by the Government in order not to damage a carefully cultivated perception of inter-ethnic harmony. They note that disregard of the root causes and consequences of tensions has resulted in a lack of necessary attention to conflict-prevention measures, including well developed mediation instruments and policing responses. The Government notes that an Action Plan for strengthening cooperation in inter-ethnic relations was initiated in 2008– 2009. Activities include information sharing, monitoring of relations between ethnic groups and the identification of potential “hot spots”. In Astana and Almaty regions, permanent headquarters have reportedly been established for the early detection and prevention of inter-ethnic conflicts. VII. Conclusions and recommendations 72. The Government and diverse people of Kazakhstan must be commended for the inter-ethnic tolerance that is generally evident in the society. As a relatively newly independent State, Kazakhstan faces the challenge of promoting its independence and reasserting its State language and Kazakh culture while fostering an inclusive sense of national identity, which encompasses all national and ethnic groups. Many groups have strong historical, ethnic, cultural and religious identities that they wish to maintain and express, while also seeking to build their futures as equal citizens of Kazakhstan. 73. In recognition of the complex social dynamics in Kazakhstan, the Government has taken positive initiatives in the field of minority rights that have undoubtedly helped to ensure stability and respect for diversity and minority rights. These initiatives include important policies to help preserve minority languages, the establishment and funding of ethno-cultural associations for the preservation of ethnic cultures and traditions, minority language media and the establishment of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan. 74. In general, however, Kazakhstan has not fully completed its transition to democratic institutions. Democratic deficits, centralized governing structures and a lack of transparency generally have a greater negative impact on minority communities and their ability to achieve meaningful political representation and participation. Persons belonging to some minority communities expressed frustration at their lack of meaningful participation in political life and in decision-making bodies and the lack of democratic local governance. Full access to democratic structures, particularly at the local level, is critical for minorities to voice their concerns and to achieve meaningful solutions to their issues. Efforts towards further democratization in all governing structures should be intensified, with effective political participation of minorities as a priority. 18 GE.10-10602