The International Round Table on February 28, 2025, in Astana focused on enhancing the effectiveness of the justice system in Kazakhstan through a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders. Highlighting achievements and initiatives in court administration modernization, judges’ performance evaluation, and judicial education were crucial components of the discussions, reflecting commitment towards ongoing judicial reform.
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 was part of an extrabudgetary project funded by Poland, Norway, and the United States, in collaboration with Kazakhstan’s judiciary and co-organized by the Supreme Court and Court Administration. Over 100 participants, including judicial representatives, government officials, international organizations, and academics attended to address developments and future initiatives in the justice sector.
Attendees included significant figures such as Yerzhan Zhienbayev, Assistant to the President on Legal Issues; Aslambek Mergaliyev, Chairperson of the Supreme Court; and Pamela Harris, President of the International Association for Court Administration, among others. Civil society was represented by members from various professional communities, emphasizing a broad commitment to judicial reform and collaboration within the sector.
The discussions revolved around the project’s three main components: the modernization of court administration, the evaluation of judges’ professional performance, and improvements to judicial education. The first session focused on court administration modernization, where speakers highlighted strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing court efficiency and human resources policies. Yuri Fenopetov, Deputy Head of the OSCE Programme Office, noted the project’s role in establishing an empirical foundation for reform through sociological surveys, which will influence future judicial governance in Kazakhstan.
The second session addressed judges’ performance evaluations and transparency in disciplinary procedures. The Chairperson of the Justice Quality Commission discussed the importance of the judges’ survey under the project, which provided essential recommendations for refining the evaluation system. Pamela Harris emphasized the necessity for ongoing learning and adaptation in court administration, highlighting that there is no singular solution for effective judicial governance.
Finally, the improvement of judicial education was examined, stressing the importance of cooperation among stakeholders to create effective training programs for judges. Aslambek Mergaliyev emphasized that judicial reform transcends mere infrastructure updates, representing a strategic initiative that necessitates collective action to fulfill modern societal demands and ensure access to justice.
The discussions illuminated key advancements achieved through the extrabudgetary project, including vital reforms and modernization strategies. Participants recognized the imperative of continuous collaboration and proactive measures to further enhance Kazakhstan’s justice system. The event underscored a shared commitment to advancing judicial reforms and reinforcing the rule of law in Kazakhstan.
In summary, the International Round Table on the improvements to Kazakhstan’s justice system highlighted significant achievements and discussed future initiatives necessary for further advancement. Key components such as court administration modernization, performance evaluation for judges, and judicial education were emphasized, revealing ongoing efforts to enhance the effectiveness and transparency of the judicial sector. The collaboration among stakeholders underlines a persistent commitment to judicial reform and the rule of law in Kazakhstan.
Original Source: www.osce.org
