SDG 17: “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions”

On April 24, 2025, at the Faculty of Law of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, first-year students of the Department of Theory and History of State and Law, Constitutional and Administrative Law — Nurzatuly N., Tolenbek M., and Espembet M. — together with faculty members Professor Baymakhanova D.M. and Professor Ibraeva A.S., held an event dedicated to the International Day of Liberation of Nazi Concentration Camp Prisoners, as well as the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory Day (SDG 17: “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions”). The students prepared thematic presentations.

In his speech, student Marlan Espembet explored the historical background, causes, development, and eventual defeat of fascism in Europe, placing particular emphasis on the laws adopted in Germany in the 1930s that enshrined the tenets of fascist ideology, nationalism, and the legal basis for the destruction of peoples and nations other than the German one. The speaker elaborated on the barbaric methods of extermination employed by the fascists in the concentration camps they created. Espembet M. also spoke about the manifestations of fascism and militarism in Asia, using the example of Unit 731 in China, which committed brutal crimes against humanity, including cruel human experimentation.

Student Magzhan Tolenbek, in his speech, talked about the course of the Great Patriotic War, its major battles and confrontations, and key military operations of the Red Army, with a particular focus on the contribution of Kazakhstani heroes to the Victory.

Student Nursseit Nurzatuly presented the causes, features, and specifics of the emergence of neo-fascism in Europe and in the post-Soviet space. He stressed the importance of combating fascist ideology in the modern world and highlighted the need to counter such terrifying phenomena as nationalism, extremism, and terrorism in our everyday lives.

The students asked the speakers many questions, contributed to the discussion, and shared stories about their own family members who participated in the Great Patriotic War. In conclusion, the faculty members thanked the students for their attendance and active participation, expressing hope that the material would be useful in shaping their own civic position.