OSCE Hosts Comprehensive Discussions on Justice System Reforms in Kazakhstan

The International Round Table on Justice System Reforms in Kazakhstan, held on February 28, 2025, brought together over 100 stakeholders, including judiciary members and international organizations. Discussions focused on court administration modernization, judges’ performance evaluations, and judicial education. The event underscored significant achievements and the need for further collaboration to enhance the effectiveness of Kazakhstan’s justice system.

On February 28, 2025, the International Round Table titled “Improving the Effectiveness of the Justice System in Kazakhstan: Achievements and Initiatives” convened in Astana. This event, supported by Poland, Norway, and the United States, was part of an extrabudgetary project fostering judicial improvements in collaboration with the Supreme Court and Court Administration of Kazakhstan. It attracted over 100 participants, including key figures from the judiciary, government, international organizations, and academia, aiming to discuss developments and future directions in the justice sector.

Notable attendees included Yerzhan Zhienbayev, Assistant to the President on Legal Issues; Aslambek Mergaliyev, Chairperson of the Supreme Court; and Elvira Azimova, Chairperson of the Constitutional Court, among others. Civil society representatives and members of the Republican Bar Association also engaged in discussions, highlighting diverse perspectives in the judicial landscape.

The discussions primarily focused on three project components: modernization of court administration, evaluation of judges’ performance, and judicial education reform. The first session delved into court administration’s modernization, emphasizing the project’s strategic contributions to enhancing efficiency and human resources policies within the judiciary. As Yuri Fenopetov, Deputy Head of the OSCE Programme Office, stated, “the joint initiative between the OSCE and the Supreme Court has… established an empirical approach to reform through rigorous sociological surveys.”

The second session addressed judges’ professional evaluations and disciplinary procedures, advocating for increased transparency and accountability within the judiciary. Pamela Harris, President of the International Association for Court Administration, noted, “In court administration, there is no silver bullet, no one-size-fits-all solution. We must be continuously open to learning from each other.”

Finally, the enhancement of judicial education was discussed, emphasizing stakeholder collaboration in developing training programs for judges and court officials. Aslambek Mergaliyev highlighted, “Judicial reform is not just about updating infrastructure; it is a strategic goal that requires the collective effort of all involved parties.”

The discussions reflected significant progress under the project, showcasing key reforms and modernization. However, participants recognized the necessity for continuous cooperation to further enhance Kazakhstan’s justice system. The event reaffirmed a collective commitment to advancing judicial reforms and fortifying the rule of law.

In summary, the International Round Table showcased significant advancements in Kazakhstan’s judicial reforms while stressing the importance of ongoing collaboration among stakeholders. The discussions revealed a shared commitment to enhancing the efficiency and accountability of the justice system, highlighting the strategic need for collective efforts in driving meaningful change. Continued engagement in these reforms is crucial for ensuring access to justice for all citizens in Kazakhstan.

Original Source: www.miragenews.com