A/HRC/13/23/Add.1 United Nations General Assembly Distr.: General 1 February 2010 Original: English Human Rights Council Thirteenth session Agenda item 3 Promotion and Protection of all Human Rights, Civil, Political, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, including the Right to Development Report of the independent expert on minority issues Addendum Mission to Kazakhstan* ** (6 to 15 July 2009) Summary Kazakhstan has approximately 130 different ethnic groups, many of which have lived on the territory of Kazakhstan for generations. Initiatives taken by the Government in the field of minority issues have undoubtedly helped to ensure stability and respect for diversity and minority rights. These initiatives have included important policies to help preserve minority languages, establish and fund cultural associations for the preservation of ethnic cultures and traditions and the establishment of consultative bodies, the most prominent of which is the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan. The Assembly of the People, which plays a consultative or advisory role to the President, is a valuable national symbol of the recognition of minorities and the commitment of the State to the preservation of the cultural heritage of minorities. Nine seats in the lower house of Parliament are reserved for members chosen from the Assembly. However, the Assembly lacks the character of a legitimately representative body. Its membership is not constituted on a fully democratic basis and members are not, therefore, clearly accountable to their minority communities. * Late submission. ** The summary of the present report is being circulated in all official languages. The report itself, contained in the annex to the summary, is being circulated in the language of submission and in Russian only. GE.10-10602 (E) 240210