On 10 July 2003, Kazakhstan adopted amendments to the Criminal Code, which explicitly criminalizes trafficking in persons. The Criminal Code addresses abduction (Article 125), unlawful deprivation of freedom (Article 126), recruiting people for exploitative purposes (Article 128), trafficking in minors (Article 133), luring persons into prostitution (Article 270) and maintaining brothels (Articles 271). The purpose is to specify that the law applies to trafficking for sexual exploitation, as well as to increase the punishments for these crimes. In addition, the Kazakh government began to draft anti-trafficking measures in July 2003. According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, members of the Kazakh government and NGOs participated in a trafficking seminar coordinated by the Ministry of Justice on 28 February 2004. Seminar participants acknowledged the unavailability of statistics that would provide them with a better idea of the extent of the problem.

There is currently no specific legislation on violence against women, and other criminal provisions must be used to prosecute domestic violence. In 2002, however, a draft law on domestic violence was proposed. The draft law, which applies to spouses, relatives, and former spouses or partners who are living together, outlines definitions, social protections and plans to prevent and respond to situations of domestic violence. In addition, a draft law on equal opportunities has been proposed. The equal opportunities draft law provides for equality in employment, education and political representation. On 19 July 2002, the National Commission for the Family and Women Affairs, in collaboration with UNIFEM and the U.N. Bureau of Gender and Development, drafted a concept paper on gender equality, discussing the situation of women in Kazakhstan and what measures are needed to improve gender equality.