This article analyzes the history and current situation of human rights in Kazakh society. During the era of the Kazakh Khanate, rights were regulated by customs and clan relations and depended on social status. After independence, the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan formed the basis for the protection of human rights. In the Constitution, the rights and freedoms of citizens are recognized as the highest value, and obligations to comply with international standards have been introduced. Kazakhstan joined the UN human rights covenants and adopted international legal norms. However, issues such as freedom of expression, access to a fair trial and gender equality are still pending. The article compares the legal system in the era of the Kazakh Khanate and the state of human rights in modern Kazakhstan, shows the evolution of the country's legal system and its achievements in the international arena. Protection of human rights remains the main responsibility of the state, and legal reforms are important to ensure the stability of society.