The OSCE hosted an International Round Table in Astana on February 28, 2025, focused on justice system reforms in Kazakhstan, with notable participation from high-level officials. The discussions covered court administration modernization, judges’ evaluations, and judicial education improvements, emphasizing collaboration and ongoing efforts to strengthen the rule of law.
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 organized under an extrabudgetary project aimed at enhancing the justice system in Kazakhstan and was supported by funding from Poland, Norway, and the United States, in collaboration with Kazakhstan’s judicial administration, the Supreme Court, and the Court Administration. Over 100 participants gathered, including judiciary representatives, government officials, international organizations, and academia, to discuss significant developments and future initiatives in the justice sector.
Notable attendees included Yerzhan Zhienbayev, Assistant to the President on Legal Issues; Aslambek Mergaliyev, Chairperson of the Supreme Court; Elvira Azimova, Chairperson of the Constitutional Court; and various leaders from the judiciary and civil society, including the academic community and international organizations.
The discussions focused on three components of the project: modernization of court administration, improvements in evaluating judges’ professional performance, and enhancement of judicial education. The opening session highlighted the modernization of court administration, with speakers acknowledging the project’s role in adopting a strategic approach to efficiency and human resources policy within the judiciary. Yuri Fenopetov, Deputy Head of the OSCE Programme Office, stated, “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 through rigorous sociological surveys that will continue to shape the future of judicial governance in Kazakhstan.”
A subsequent session concentrated on the evaluation of judges’ performance and the implementation of disciplinary measures to ensure transparency, accountability, and uphold judicial ethics. The Chairperson of the Justice Quality Commission discussed the importance of surveys conducted as part of the project and the suggestions from consultants aimed at enhancing the evaluation methods. Pamela Harris, President of the International Association for Court Administration, commented, “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 final session focused on enhancing judicial education, with emphasis on the necessity of collaboration among all parties involved in developing effective training programs for judges and court officials. Aslambek Mergaliyev reiterated, “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.”
The event concluded with the acknowledgment of significant advancements made under the project, alongside the recognition of the need for continued collaboration and additional measures to boost Kazakhstan’s justice system. All participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing judicial reforms and reinforcing the rule of law in Kazakhstan.
The International Round Table held in Astana on improving Kazakhstan’s justice system highlighted significant reforms and modernization efforts. Key discussions centered around court administration, judges’ professional evaluations, and judicial education improvements. Prominent officials expressed a collective commitment to enhancing the judiciary’s effectiveness and accountability, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure adaptive reforms and meet the evolving demands of society.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
