International Round Table Discusses Justice System Reforms in Kazakhstan
On February 28, 2025, an International Round Table focusing on Kazakhstan’s justice system reforms gathered over 100 participants, including high-level officials and representatives from civil society. The discussions centered on court administration modernization, evaluation of judges, and judicial education. Key speakers emphasized the collaborative efforts required for effective reforms and the ongoing commitment to strengthening the rule of law in Kazakhstan.
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, part of an extrabudgetary initiative funded by Poland, Norway, and the United States, was organized in collaboration with Kazakhstan’s judiciary, specifically the Supreme Court and Court Administration, attracting over 100 participants from various sectors.
High-ranking officials, including Yerzhan Zhienbayev, Assistant to the President of Kazakhstan on Legal Issues; Aslambek Mergaliyev, Chairperson of the Supreme Court; and Pamela Harris, President of the International Association for Court Administration participated in discussions. Additionally, representatives from civil society, the academic community, and international organizations made significant contributions to the dialogue.
The sessions focused on three main components: modernization of court administration, evaluation of judges’ professional performance, and enhancement of judicial education. The first session highlighted the role of the project in developing strategic approaches to improve court efficiency and human resources policies. Yuri Fenopetov, Deputy Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, noted the initiative’s empirical approach to reform through sociological surveys, shaping judicial governance’s future in Kazakhstan.
In the second session, discussions centered on the evaluation of judges’ performance and enhancing transparency and accountability. The Chairperson of the Justice Quality Commission of the Supreme Court emphasized the survey of judges conducted within the project, underscoring the importance of consultants’ recommendations. Pamela Harris remarked on the need for continuous learning and adaptation in court administration practices to improve governance and accountability.
The final session addressed the enhancement of judicial education, with academia stressing the significance of collaboration among stakeholders to develop effective training programs for judges and court officials. Aslambek Mergaliyev emphasized that judicial reform requires collective efforts to meet modern demands and ensure access to justice for all citizens.
The dialogue highlighted substantial achievements through the extrabudgetary project, marking progress in reforms and modernization. Participants acknowledged the necessity of sustained collaboration to further enhance Kazakhstan’s justice system. The event reaffirmed stakeholders’ commitment to advancing judicial reforms and strengthening the rule of law in the nation.
The International Round Table in Astana served as a platform to discuss significant advancements in Kazakhstan’s justice system. Key topics included court administration modernization, performance evaluation of judges, and improvements in judicial education. The event underscored the collaborative efforts required to implement effective reforms and enhance the rule of law, with a shared commitment from various stakeholders to continue these initiatives for the benefit of society.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
