Student Safety and Legal Awareness Discussed at Sherkhan Murtaza University

"Know Your Rights - Stay Safe - Understand Your Responsibilities"

Sherkhan Murtaza International Taraz University hosted an information and awareness-raising meeting entitled "Student Safety and Legal Awareness" for first-year and international students.

Held under the motto "Know Your Rights - Stay Safe - Understand Your Responsibilities," the event aimed to improve students' legal literacy, promote a culture of safety, prevent legal violations, and deepen students' understanding of their rights and responsibilities.

The meeting brought together a representative of the Commissioner for Human Rights in Zhambyl Region, officers from specialised divisions of the Regional Police Department, university management, legal services representatives, academic advisors, and students. A total of 100 students attended the event.

Legal Literacy as a Foundation for Student Safety

The meeting was opened by G. Issabekova, Vice-Rector for Strategic Development, Science and International Relations, who emphasised the importance of creating a safe, supportive, and legally protected academic environment for all students.

Yerkin Kuanyshev, a representative of the Commissioner for Human Rights in Zhambyl Region, explained mechanisms for protecting students' rights and legitimate interests, procedures for contacting the relevant authorities in cases of rights violations, and the processes for submitting and reviewing complaints.

Yergali Matzhanov, the University's Legal Counsel, addressed students' rights and responsibilities, university regulations, principles of academic integrity, and procedures for obtaining legal assistance within the university when legal issues arise.

An International University: A Safe and Supportive Academic Environment

Sherkhan Murtaza International Taraz University currently enrols 186 international students from China, Türkiye, Pakistan, Mongolia, Russia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan.

Ensuring the full participation of international students in the academic and social life of the university, protecting their rights, and providing a safe learning environment are among the key priorities of the university's international cooperation and internationalisation policy.

Accordingly, the university places particular emphasis on informing students about the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, migration requirements, internal university regulations, and available legal support services.

International Students' Rights and Migration Requirements

One of the key sessions focused on the rules governing the stay of international students in the Republic of Kazakhstan and compliance with migration legislation.

Madiyar Kozhakhmetov, Acting Head of the Migration Service Directorate of the Zhambyl Regional Police Department and Police Lieutenant Colonel, explained the legal status of international students, the importance of timely documentation, compliance with permitted periods of stay, and adherence to migration regulations.

This information was particularly important for improving the legal awareness of international students and preventing potential legal difficulties during their studies in Kazakhstan.

Prevention of Legal Violations and Digital Safety

Representatives of the Zhambyl Regional Police Department provided guidance on preventing legal violations among students, maintaining public order, understanding legal responsibilities, and ensuring safety in everyday life.

Particular attention was paid to online fraud, financial security, personal data protection, and precautions against suspicious offers on social media.

In addition, Kemenger Abdibekov, Senior Criminal Investigation Officer of the Drug Crime Prevention Division of the Zhambyl Regional Police Department and Police Major, spoke about preventing drug-related offences among young people, the risks of becoming involved in illegal activities, and the legal consequences of such offences.

During the event, police officers presented specially prepared educational videos addressing crime prevention, drug-related offences, online fraud, and personal safety. These visual materials were intended to help students recognise potential risks in everyday life and learn practical ways to avoid them. 

Open Dialogue and the Development of Legal Awareness

The meeting concluded with an open question-and-answer session, allowing students to receive direct guidance from relevant specialists on human rights protection, public safety, legal responsibility, online fraud, and migration regulations.

The event aimed to strengthen students' legal awareness, encourage a responsible approach to personal and community safety, and promote constructive engagement with law enforcement authorities based on mutual understanding.

The principle "Know Your Rights — Stay Safe — Understand Your Responsibilities" highlights that students should not only be aware of their own rights but also respect the rights of others, comply with legal requirements, and actively contribute to creating a safe academic environment.

Sherkhan Murtaza International Taraz University will continue its efforts to improve students' legal literacy, support the social and legal adaptation of international students, and foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive university environment.

Organisers:

Department of Strategic Development and International Cooperation and Department of Youth Policy and Educational Affairs, Sherkhan Murtaza International Taraz University.