International Round Table on Enhancing the Effectiveness of Kazakhstan’s Justice System

The International Round Table on February 28, 2025, in Astana focused on enhancing Kazakhstan’s justice system through an extrabudgetary project funded by Poland, Norway, and the U.S. High-level representatives discussed modernization, performance evaluation for judges, and judicial education. The event emphasized ongoing collaboration to ensure continuous improvement and the advancement of judicial reforms in Kazakhstan.

On February 28, 2025, an International Round Table titled “Improving the Effectiveness of the Justice System in Kazakhstan: Achievements and Initiatives” was conducted in Astana. This event was organized as part of the extrabudgetary project aimed at enhancing the Kazakhstani justice system, supported by funds from Poland, Norway, and the United States. The Supreme Court and Court Administration of Kazakhstan co-organized this significant gathering, which attracted over 100 participants from judiciary, governmental sectors, international organizations, and academia to discuss critical advancements and future initiatives in the justice sector.

The event featured prominent officials including Yerzhan Zhienbayev, Aslambek Mergaliyev, Elvira Azimova, Dmitry Malakhov, Nail Akhmetzakirov, and Pamela Harris. Civil society was well represented by members of the Republican Bar Association, academia, international organizations, and diplomatic representatives. Their collective presence underscored the importance of collaboration among various sectors in improving the justice administration framework in Kazakhstan.

Key discussions focused on components of the project such as court administration modernization, evaluation systems for judges’ professional performance, and enhancing judicial education. The first session highlighted the modernization of court administration, emphasizing strategic efforts to improve judicial efficiency and human resources policies. Deputy Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, Yuri Fenopetov, noted the importance of rigorous sociological surveys in shaping judicial governance in the country, stating, “the joint initiative between the OSCE and the Supreme Court has not only provided continuous support for the modernization of the judicial system but has also established an empirical approach to reform.”

The second session addressed performance evaluation and disciplinary procedures pertaining to judges, focusing on transparency and accountability. The Chairperson of the Justice Quality Commission of the Supreme Court discussed the project’s survey on judges and emphasized its role in refining evaluation procedures. Pamela Harris remarked, “In court administration, there is no silver bullet, no one-size-fits-all solution. We must be continuously open to learning from each other, adapting, and refining practices in pursuit of better governance and accountability in the judicial system.”

The enhancement of judicial education was also a focal point of the round table, where the academic community emphasized the necessity of collaboration among judiciary stakeholders to develop comprehensive training programs. Aslambek Mergaliyev declared, “Judicial reform is not just about updating infrastructure; it is a strategic goal that requires the collective effort of all involved parties. Our aim is to create a system that meets the modern demands of society and guarantees access to justice for all citizens.”

Overall, the round table showcased significant achievements from the extrabudgetary project, highlighting the importance of continuous cooperation and additional steps to further improve Kazakhstan’s justice system. The event reiterated the commitment of all participants to advance judicial reforms and strengthen the rule of law in the nation.

In conclusion, the International Round Table dedicated to improving Kazakhstan’s justice system facilitated critical discussions among influential stakeholders, including government officials, judiciary representatives, and civil society. The outcomes of the event highlighted both the accomplishments of the extrabudgetary project and the ongoing need for collaborative efforts to enhance judicial reform and maintain rule of law. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to collectively address the challenges facing the justice system, emphasizing the importance of transparency, accountability, and modernized practices.

Original Source: www.osce.org