May 31 is a solemn day on which every citizen must honor the memory of the innocent victims of the famines of 1921–1922 and 1931–1933, as well as the political repressions of the 1920s to 1950s. As President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized: "This is not only a duty of the state, but also a moral obligation of society."

According to official statistics, approximately 100,000 people were convicted during the years of repression in Kazakhstan, more than 20,000 of whom were executed. Victims included representatives of the Kazakh national elite, intellectuals, and spiritual leaders. Among them were Alikhan Bokeikhanov, Akhmet Baitursynov, Myrzhakyp Dulatov, Mukhamedzhan Tynyshpaev, Magzhan Zhumabayev, Saken Seifullin, Sultanbek Khodzhanov, Sanzhar Asfendiyarov, and many others.

During the years of famine, estimates suggest that between 2.5 and 4 million people perished.

On November 24, 2020, by Presidential Decree, the State Commission for the Full Rehabilitation of Victims of Political Repression was established. It brought together 425 scholars, researchers, and experts from across the country, who carried out extensive archival research in all regions of Kazakhstan. As a result of the Commission’s systematic and comprehensive work, more than 2.6 million documents and materials were declassified, and over 311,000 victims were rehabilitated. Over 30 volumes of materials compiled by the Commission have been published, with a total of 72 volumes planned.

Research efforts continue today through the Center for the Study of 20th Century Political Repression Materials, which was opened in 2021. The Center is engaged in digitizing documents, building electronic archives, and making these materials available on archival websites.

This vital work aims to restore historical justice and achieve full rehabilitation for the innocent victims of mass political repressions.