On February 28, 2025, an International Round Table was held in Astana to discuss the progress and future of Kazakhstan’s justice system. Funded by Poland, Norway, and the U.S., the event highlighted modernization efforts in court administration, evaluation systems for judges, and improvements in judicial education. Prominent officials and stakeholders emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration to strengthen the rule of law and justice in Kazakhstan.
On February 28, 2025, the International Round Table entitled “Improving the Effectiveness of the Justice System in Kazakhstan: Achievements and Initiatives” was convened in Astana. This event was organized as part of an extrabudgetary project aimed at enhancing the efficacy of Kazakhstan’s justice system, funded by Poland, Norway, and the United States. It was held in collaboration with Kazakhstan’s judicial framework, co-hosted by the Supreme Court and Court Administration, attracting over 100 participants from various sectors, including the judiciary, government entities, international organizations, and academicians.
Prominent attendees included Yerzhan Zhienbayev, Assistant to the President of Kazakhstan on Legal Issues, and Aslambek Mergaliyev, Chairperson of the Supreme Court, among others. The presence of members from the Republican Bar Association, the academic community, and international bodies demonstrated a strong civil society representation. The round table aimed to deliberate on significant developments and prospective initiatives within the justice sector.
The sessions addressed crucial components of the project, beginning with the modernization of court administration. Speakers underscored the project’s role in fostering a strategic framework to enhance court efficiency and improve human resources policies. Yuri Fenopetov, representing the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, expressed that the initiative provides continuous support and establishes a research-based approach to drive judicial reforms in Kazakhstan.
The next session highlighted the evaluation of judges’ performance and the establishment of disciplinary measures to promote transparency and ethical conduct within the judiciary. Notably, the Chairperson of the Justice Quality Commission of the Supreme Court discussed the significant survey of judges carried out, emphasizing recommendations for refining the evaluation processes. Pamela Harris, the President of the International Association for Court Administration, articulated the necessity for ongoing adaptability in court administration practices to achieve effective governance.
The final discussion focused on the enhancement of judicial education, where academic representatives emphasized stakeholder collaboration in developing essential training programs for judges and court personnel. Aslambek Mergaliyev reiterated that judicial reform transcends infrastructure updates; it necessitates collective efforts to establish a justice system that responds to contemporary societal demands.
The discussions effectively highlighted the progress made under the extrabudgetary project, acknowledging vital reforms and modernization strides achieved thus far. Participants collectively recognized the importance of continued cooperation and the commitment to advancing judicial reforms, thereby reinforcing the rule of law in Kazakhstan.
The International Round Table underscored significant advancements in Kazakhstan’s justice system owing to the extrabudgetary project. The modernization of court administration, evaluation of judges’ performance, and enhancement of judicial education were central themes. The event concluded with a reaffirmed commitment among stakeholders to sustain collaborative efforts aimed at furthering judicial reforms and ensuring equitable access to justice for all citizens.
Original Source: www.osce.org
