The International Round Table held in Astana on February 28, 2025, discussed the extrabudgetary project aimed at enhancing Kazakhstan’s justice system. Over 100 participants, including high-ranking officials and representatives from civil society, examined achievements such as court administration modernization, judges’ performance evaluation, and judicial education reforms. The event emphasized the need for continuous cooperation to further improve the justice system’s effectiveness.
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 the extrabudgetary project funded by Poland, Norway, and the United States, and was organized in collaboration with Kazakhstan’s judicial authorities, specifically the Supreme Court and the Court Administration. The round table attracted over 100 participants, including distinguished figures from the judiciary, governmental entities, international organizations, and academia, engaging in discussions about pivotal developments and future initiatives within the justice sector.
Notable attendees included Yerzhan Zhienbayev, Assistant to the President of Kazakhstan on Legal Issues; Aslambek Mergaliyev, Chairperson of the Supreme Court; Elvira Azimova, Chairperson of the Constitutional Court; Dmitry Malakhov, Chairperson of the High Judicial Council; Nail Akhmetzakirov, Head of the Court Administration; and Pamela Harris, President of the International Association for Court Administration. Civil society representatives such as members from the Republican Bar Association, academics, international organizations, and diplomats were also present.
The round table discussions comprised three main project components, namely the modernization of court administration, enhancements in the evaluation of judges’ performance, and improvements in judicial education. The first session highlighted court administration modernization, where speakers noted the project’s contribution to fostering a strategic approach toward increasing court system efficiency and refining human resources policies. Yuri Fenopetov, Deputy Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, remarked on a joint initiative stating that it “has not only provided continuous support for the modernization of the judicial system but has also established an empirical approach to reform.”
The second session focused on assessing judges’ professional performance. This included disciplinary procedures aimed at fostering transparency and accountability within the framework of judicial ethics. The session’s discussions underscored the significance of the judges’ survey conducted within the project and its recommendations. Pamela Harris emphasized that “in court administration, there is no silver bullet, no one-size-fits-all solution,” denoting the necessity of continual adaptation and shared learning for improved governance.
The final session addressed judicial education improvements. Academic representatives highlighted the essential collaboration among stakeholders to enhance training programs for judges and court officials. Aslambek Mergaliyev declared that “judicial reform is not just about updating infrastructure; it is a strategic goal that requires the collective effort of all involved parties.” He stressed the importance of creating a judicial system that meets modern societal demands while ensuring access to justice for all citizens.
Overall, the discussions revealed substantial achievements from the extrabudgetary project, highlighting key reforms and modernization initiatives. Participants acknowledged the necessity for continuous cooperation and future advancement to further enhance the effectiveness of Kazakhstan’s justice system. The event concluded with a reaffirmation of commitment from all stakeholders towards advancing judicial reforms and fortifying the rule of law in Kazakhstan.
The International Round Table on the Justice System in Kazakhstan demonstrated significant strides made through the extrabudgetary project. The event fostered dialogue among high-level judicial and governmental representatives to assess current achievements and outline future initiatives. The discussions underscored the importance of modernization, performance evaluation, and education in enhancing the judiciary, with a collective commitment to advancing ongoing reforms and ensuring justice accessibility for all citizens.
Original Source: www.osce.org
