Statement of Kazakhstan 13th session of the Forum on Minority Issues Item 3: International legal and institutional framework 19/11/2020 I would like to start my brief intervention by stating that the Constitution of Kazakhstan guarantees equal rights and freedoms for all persons and citizens, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, or affiliations. Kazakhstan is a multi-ethnic state, with more than 100 ethnic groups and 18 faiths represented in the country. Thus, maintaining inter-ethnic and inter-religious peace is the main priority of Kazakhstan’s policy implemented since the first days of our independence. In 1995, the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan has been established and is functioning in the form of an advisory body under the President of Kazakhstan. The Assembly represents the interests of different ethnic groups in the political, social, cultural and other spheres of life of our society. This unique body is mandated to elect 9 individuals to the Lower house of the Parliament of Kazakhstan. Another initiative of Kazakhstan is the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions which has been held in our capital every three years since 2003. The event holds an important value in the development of global dialogue between cultures and civilizations. Kazakhstan is committed to creating the legal framework to ensure equality of rights and freedom for all its citizens regardless of their ethnic, religious or other affiliation. Kazakhstan emphasizes that its strength is in the unity of its people. I thank you.