Bakhytzhan Toregozhina is a civil society activist who has campaigned for the protection of fundamental human rights in Kazakhstan for nearly twenty-five years. Since January 2022, she has been the head of “Qantar 2022” (January 2022) a coalition of civil society organizations working to assist victims and document human rights violations associated with the widespread unrest that occurred in Kazakhstan last January. Throughout her career, Toregozhina has been a leading voice representing victims of torture, abuse, and politicized repression. She has worked to defend people persecuted for the peaceful expression of their beliefs and has successfully campaigned for the release of many political prisoners. As a result of her work, she has repeatedly faced threats and harassment. Her decades-long commitment to this difficult work stands as testament to the vital role human rights defenders can play in holding governments accountable and encouraging respect for basic rights and freedoms. She continues these efforts today through Qantar 2022, and her public foundation “Ar.Rukh.Khak” (Dignity.Spirit.Truth)
Bakhytzhan Toregozhina
