____ Geneva (Switzerland) Statement Of a Deputy Chairman – Head of the Secretariat Of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan, Mr E.L. Tugzhanov At the II United Nations Forum on Minority Issues on: “Minorities and their participation in political life” 12-13 November 2009 Dear Mr Chairman! Dear Participants of the Forum! Let me, first of all, thank Ms McDougall for the joint work in the current year and the opportunity to address the United Nations Forum in such a representative composition on the issues of such relevance to all of us. Kazakhstani model of ethnic minorities’ participation in political life is based on state national policy towards ethnic minorities, including its legislative provisions; institution of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan as a mechanism to implement this policy, connecting the consultative and advisory functions of civil society institutions and public authorities. Altogether, they represent the Kazakhstani model of interethnic tolerance, ensuring the participation of all ethnic groups of Kazakhstan in the political life of the country. The Constitution and legislation of Kazakhstan, in accordance with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Ethnic, Religious, Linguistic Minorities, ensures their [minorities’] equality, regardless of social, racial, ethnic, and religious belief. Ethnic groups of Kazakhstan are deeply integrated into society and are unified and constitute an integral part of society as a whole. Discrimination is prohibited and punishable by law. None of the ethnic minorities are limited in exercising their civil rights to participate in political life and to decide on the issues relevant to them. In the presence of 140 ethnic groups, the establishment of political parties is carried out solely on a general civil basis, as an ethnic basis may cause conflict and discrimination. Assembly of People of Kazakhstan is a constitutional body chaired by the President of the state, and ensures effective role of minorities in politics and decision-making process. The Assembly’s main tasks in political participation are: interaction between the state and civil society in the field of interethnic relations, creating conditions for strengthening inter-ethnic consensus and tolerance in society; integration of ethno-cultural and other public associations’ efforts in achieving the objectives and tasks of the Assembly; the development of cultures, languages ​and traditions of ethnic groups. In addition to the national, assemblies are also present in every region. The APK consists of representatives of ethnic, cultural and non-governmental associations, central and local executive bodies, [and] most authoritative