The Bottom-Up Implementation of Children’s Rights: The Impact of the Third Sector

The implementation of children's rights is associated with challenges that depend on the context of a particular state. Unless a state takes a long-term and sustainable approach in practice, children's rights tend to be the last on the agenda and are implemented under pressure from international organisations or parents. Kazakhstan is a relatively young state, where children's rights are ensured by international and national non-governmental organisations. This article is devoted to the analysis of two fundamental children's rights: the right to be raised in a family environment and the right to education for children with special educational needs. The first right is considered through the prism of deinstitutionalization processes for children left without parental care, while the second focuses on the political and practical aspects of inclusive education. Both areas are undergoing active reform in the Republic of Kazakhstan, where non-governmental organisations (NGOs) play a key role, demonstrating more effective practices compared to previously applied models. The article presents an analysis of data from three studies based on the use of a qualitative semi-structured method. This method explores participants' opinions through open questions aligned with the study's goals, ensuring their unique experiences are considered. The study highlights the crucial role of NGOs in implementing these rights, including family placement, support centers, specialist training, and services for children with special needs. This approach represents a unique model of Kazakhstan for the practical implementation of children's rights.