The International Round Table on justice system reforms in Kazakhstan was held in Astana on February 28, 2025. Funded by Poland, Norway, and the U.S., the event brought together over 100 high-level representatives from the judiciary, government, and civil society to discuss modernization efforts and the evaluation of judicial performance, as well as the importance of education and collaboration in advancing justice.
On February 28, 2025, an International Round Table entitled “Improving the Effectiveness of the Justice System in Kazakhstan: Achievements and Initiatives” was convened in Astana. This event was part of an extrabudgetary initiative funded by Poland, Norway, and the United States, in collaboration with Kazakhstan’s judicial authorities, including the Supreme Court and Court Administration. With over 100 participants, the assembly included key representatives from the judiciary, government, international organizations, and academia, aiming to explore developments and future initiatives within the justice sector.
Notable attendees included Yerzhan Zhienbayev, Legal Advisor to the President of Kazakhstan; Aslambek Mergaliyev, Supreme Court Chairperson; Elvira Azimova, Chair of the Constitutional Court; and Pamela Harris, President of the International Association for Court Administration. The participation of civil society was also significant, with representatives from the Republican Bar Association and various academic and international organizations.
The discussions were centered around the project’s core components: modernization of court administration; enhancement of judge performance evaluation systems; and the advancement of judicial education. Initial sessions highlighted the modernization of court administration, with speakers underscoring the initiative’s role in establishing a strategic framework to improve court efficiency and human resource policies within the judiciary. Yuri Fenopetov, Deputy Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, noted the collaborative effort’s contribution to establishing an empirical approach to judicial reform via sociological research.
The second session examined the methods for evaluating judges’ professional performance along with disciplinary processes designed to increase transparency and accountability in judicial practice. During this time, the Chairperson of the Supreme Court’s Justice Quality Commission emphasized the critical insights gained from judges’ surveys conducted under the project’s auspices. Pamela Harris remarked on the necessity for ongoing collaboration and adaptation in court administration to enhance governance.
Lastly, discussions on judicial education underlined the importance of synergy among stakeholders in developing relevant training programs for judges and court officials. Aslambek Mergaliyev stressed that judicial reform transcends mere infrastructure improvements and requires collective effort to ensure accessibility to justice for all citizens.
Overall, the event highlighted ongoing achievements under the initiative while recognizing the journey ahead to enhance Kazakhstan’s justice system. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to judicial reforms and the enhancement of the rule of law in the country.
The International Round Table in Astana served as a pivotal platform for discussing and reinforcing ongoing reforms within Kazakhstan’s justice system. With a strong emphasis on modernization, performance evaluation of judges, and judicial education, the event highlighted both the achievements to date and the collaborative path forward necessary for enhancing justice in Kazakhstan. The dialogue among various stakeholders illustrated a shared commitment to strengthening the rule of law and ensuring an effective judicial framework.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
