Background Policing has always been an important topic in the country engagements of the HCNM. During his field visits and talks with government officials, legislators and civil society, the HCNM investigated the impact of policing on inter-ethnic relations and suggested practical recommendations to a number of participating States. The Recommendations on Policing in Multi-Ethnic Societies, 13 developed under the HCNM aegis and launched in 2006, have been promoted in specific countries and in international forums as a practical tool for fostering partnerships and communication between police and national minority communities. Multi-ethnic policing initiative in Kazakhstan In 2012, the office of the HCNM started its engagement in Kazakhstan in the field of policing ethnically diverse communities, responding to a suggestion brought forward by the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan. Conceptually the engagement was based on the HCNM Recommendations on policing in multi-ethnic societies. A four partite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the HCNM, the OSCE Centre in Astana, the Assembly and the Ministry of the Interior on the co-operation was signed on a High-Level Meeting in Astana in June 2012. The event aimed at raising awareness among senior policymakers on policies and practical measures in relation to law enforcement and ethnic minorities and to launch the practical co-operation between the counterparts. First concrete activities started with two pilot capacity building seminars for senior police officers and neighbourhood inspectors in Almaty and Shymkent in October 2012. Further activities were planned for 2013. 13 146 Cf. OSCE, Recommendations on Policing in Multi-Ethnic Societies. HCNM.GAL/1/06, The Hague, 8 February 2006.