Cardiff University is being criticised for opening a new campus in Kazakhstan, a country that has been described as having “endemic corruption”.
Jeff Jones, a former education lead at the Welsh Local Government Association and former Labour leader of a Bridgend council, has publicly condemned the decision to open Cardiff University Kazakhstan.
The country is known for having significant human rights issues. According to the non-profit organisation Freedom House, elections are neither free nor fair, with dominant media outlets controlled by the state or government-friendly businessmen. Freedom of speech is restricted and punished, “and corruption is endemic.”
Jeff posted on X following the opening of the campus in Astana last week, saying: “This is Kazakhstan. The real question is, why is a Welsh university involved in an authoritarian state where citizens’ freedom of speech and assembly are restricted? Shouldn’t universities represent certain fundamental democratic values?”
‘We know that there are several places where our values and Kazakhstan’s may not completely align’
Astana, Nur-Sultan in Kazakhstan via Canva
A spokesperson for Cardiff University responded to the education lead’s comments saying he is “perfectly entitled to express his view.”
They further pointed to an article sent to all Cardiff Uni staff in February via the staff e-newsletter, written by the vice-chancellor, Professor Wendy Larner.
The vice-chancellor acknowledged differences in values with Kazakhstan, including concerns over human rights, rule of law, and Kazakhstan’s neutral stance on Ukraine. The university says it has addressed these through due diligence and believes delivering education there can stay true to its values, as well as fostering dialogue, and supporting its global strategy: Our Future, Together.
However, Jeff criticised the response, describing it as “total bullshit” and a standardised reaction to authoritarian regimes.
“Nice of them to say I’m entitled to my view. The important point is if I was living in Kazakhstan I would probably not be entitled to my views,” he added.
The education lead went on to accuse the university of opening the campus to provide income for what he described as the vice-chancellor’s “exorbitant salary”.
Nation Cymru has previously reported that Professor Larner received emoluments totalling £342,000 in 2024, and made a basic salary of £267,000.
The vice-chancellor also received benefits of around £30,000 – mainly from free accommodation worth an estimated £28,000 – as well as employers’ pensions contributions of £45,000.
Jeff also drew attention to a human rights report on Kazakhstan compiled in 2023 by the US State Department.
The report identifies major human rights abuses, including torture, corruption, child labour, gender-based and anti-LGBTQ+ violence and suppression of free expression, media, and internet use, among others.
Jeff said: “While the constitution provided for freedom of speech and of the press, the government limited freedom of expression and exerted influence on media”.
He continued: “Human rights monitors and independent media outlets reported less harassment by government actors than in some years but an increased amount of harassment and intimidation by unidentified non-state actors.”
The former Bridgend Labour leader cited restrictions on individuals’ ability to criticise the country’s leadership, with regional leaders also trying to limit condemnation of their actions.
“The law expressly prohibited insulting the sitting president or his family and imposed penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment for conviction,” Jeff added.
‘Cardiff setting up a uni there makes it look like they support or even ignore the problems’
Cardiff University via Google Maps
The Cardiff Tab asked students to share their opinions on the Kazakhstan campus, with one second year student saying they disagreed with it due to the country’s poor human rights history.
“Kazakhstan’s government limits free speech and restricts political opposition suggestions. By Cardiff Uni setting up a uni there would make the university look like they support or even ignore the problems,” they said.
For the second year student, freedom of expression on Cardiff’s campus and the ability for students to research without restrictions is what makes their university experience so valuable.
They added: “I think it would be better for Cardiff to remove its presence from Kazakhstan unless the human rights policy in Kazakhstan improves.”
A Cardiff University spokesperson said: “We know that there are several places where our values and Kazakhstan’s may not completely align. Kazakhstan has a neutral position on the invasion of Ukraine. Several of our staff have expressed concerns about human rights.
“We know there are concerns about freedom of association and assembly, religion and belief, independence of the judiciary, rule of law, and labour rights. We have explored these issues as part of our due diligence process, taking advice from the many international actors who already have an established presence in Kazakhstan, and the UK embassy in Astana.
“It is my view that we can deliver a Cardiff education programme in Kazakhstan that remains true to our values and, indeed, communicate these values to the students. Academia is, after all, based on the free expression of ideas, even where those working together do not always agree. We know that education broadens perspectives and enables dialogue and the exchange of ideas.
“There is much we can learn from the Kazakhs, and they can also learn from us.
“Our efforts to develop TNE, not just in Kazakhstan, but in countries such as China, India, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United States, where we are also pursuing new opportunities, are integral to the stated ambitions of our strategy ‘Our Future, Together’, to develop reciprocal, mutually beneficial relationships that will allow us to work together across the globe.”
A spokesperson for the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan said: “It is important to acknowledge concerns about human rights and democratic governance in any international context, including Kazakhstan.
“However, it is equally important to recognise the substantial and ongoing reforms Kazakhstan has undertaken in recent years – many of which have been welcomed and commended by the international community, including the United States, the United Nations, and the Council of Europe.”
The spokesperson emphasised that Kazakhstan is undergoing “large-scale democratic transformations” designed to modernise its political system, strengthen the rule of law, and promote human rights in line with international commitments.
The government argues these reforms reflect a commitment to “human dignity, equality, and justice,” and position the country as a regional leader in democratic governance.
The embassy gave examples of key recent steps, which included simplifying political party registration to encourage pluralism; introducing a 30% quota for women, youth, and persons with disabilities in elected bodies; expanding the independence of the Ombudsperson; adopting a law on peaceful assemblies and a petitions system to strengthen civic participation; recriminalising domestic violence under the April 2024 law; and abolishing the death penalty, a move praised during the UN Human Rights Committee’s 44th session in Geneva.
The spokesperson further outlined the country’s alleged role in promoting global peace and interfaith dialogue. Astana this week hosted the Eighth Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, with over 100 delegations attending, an event it says cements its role as “a global hub for interfaith dialogue” during a time of geopolitical tension.
The government frames these measures as “tangible progress” and says that constructive international engagement, including academic partnerships, can catalyse continued reform.
Universities, it argues, are natural spaces for “dialogue, critical thinking, and shared values,” and a presence in Kazakhstan could foster academic freedom and democratic principles among younger generations.
It points out that other international universities have already established campuses in Kazakhstan, working with local institutions to strengthen education and knowledge exchange.
While acknowledging that “change is complex and ongoing,” Kazakhstan said that criticism should be balanced with recognition of progress, suggesting that Cardiff University’s involvement should be seen “not as an endorsement of the past but as an investment in the future.”
For more of the latest news, guides, gossip, and memes, follow The Cardiff Tab on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
Featured image via Canva and X
