Kazakhstan Enters Global Top 25 in KidsRights Index, Leads Central Asia

Kazakhstan has achieved a significant milestone by ranking 24th in the KidsRights Index 2026, making it the only country from Eastern Europe and Central Asia to break into the global top 25. This ranking highlights the country's progress in children's rights, surpassing its Central Asian neighbors. The index, released on June 24 by the Amsterdam-based organization KidsRights in cooperation with Erasmus University Rotterdam, evaluates children's rights across 194 countries. Kazakhstan scored an overall 0.797, with its highest marks in child protection (0.944) and health (0.900). The country also scored 0.847 in life, 0.765 in education, and 0.583 in enabling environment for children's rights.

Kazakhstan's performance stands out in a region where children's rights face numerous challenges. The report notes a global deterioration in the protection of children's rights, citing escalating armed conflicts, a sharp increase in conflict-related sexual violence against children, and the spread of childhood obesity. Just five countries moved up in this year's index, while 31 dropped to lower-performing groups. The number of countries in the highest-performing category also fell by 30% from 2025. Marc Dullaert, founder and chairman of KidsRights, stated, "Children are increasingly exposed to risks they did not create and cannot control. Whether children are growing up in the shadow of war or in environments that undermine their health, the result is the same: their rights, wellbeing and future opportunities are being put at risk."

The report dedicates special attention to the impact of armed conflicts on children. Conflict-related sexual violence against children has risen by 35% since 2024. More than one in five children globally are directly affected by armed conflict, and explosive weapons account for 69% of child casualties in war zones. These statistics underscore the severe threats children face in conflict zones. Additionally, the report highlights childhood obesity as a global epidemic, noting that for the first time in history, obesity among children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 surpasses underweight worldwide.

Obesity, once considered a challenge primarily for high-income countries, is now rising across low- and middle-income nations. Latin America and the Caribbean, along with the Middle East and North Africa, report the highest prevalence. The global reach of this crisis demands urgent action. Kazakhstan's achievement in the index is commendable, but the broader context reveals a world that is failing to protect its children. The report calls on governments and international bodies to intensify efforts to safeguard children's rights and well-being.

In conclusion, Kazakhstan's entry into the top 25 of the KidsRights Index is a positive development, but it also serves as a reminder of the work that remains. The country's strong performance in child protection and health provides a model for others in the region. However, the global decline in children's rights, exacerbated by conflicts and health crises, requires a concerted international response. The KidsRights Index serves as a crucial tool for monitoring progress and identifying areas where action is most needed.