International Round Table on Enhancing the Justice System in Kazakhstan
The International Round Table on February 28, 2025, in Astana focused on advancing Kazakhstan’s justice system, featuring discussions on project achievements. Key officials gathered to discuss modernization, performance evaluation of judges, and judicial education. The meeting emphasized collaboration among stakeholders to reinforce judicial reforms and the rule of law.
On February 28, 2025, an International Round Table titled “Improving the Effectiveness of the Justice System in Kazakhstan: Achievements and Initiatives” was held in Astana. This event, funded by Poland, Norway, and the United States, was organized in collaboration with Kazakhstan’s judicial system, specifically by the Supreme Court and Court Administration. The gathering brought together over 100 participants, including representatives from the judiciary, government bodies, international organizations, and academia, to explore significant advancements and future prospects within the justice sector.
Notable attendees included high-ranking officials such as 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; and Pamela Harris, President of the International Association for Court Administration. The event also featured members of civil society, including representatives from the Republican Bar Association, academia, international entities, and the diplomatic community.
The round table discussions revolved around several key components of the extrabudgetary project: modernization of court administration, enhancement of judges’ performance evaluation systems, and improvements in judicial education. During the first session, the emphasis was placed on the modernization of court administration, highlighting the project’s role in fostering a strategic approach to the efficiency of the court system and enhancing human resource policies within the judiciary. Yuri Fenopetov, Deputy Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, remarked on the initiative’s contributions, noting that it 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.”
The second session concentrated on evaluating judges’ professional performance and reinforcing disciplinary procedures to increase transparency, accountability, and judicial ethics. The Chairperson of the Justice Quality Commission of the Supreme Court underscored the significance of the judges’ survey, which yielded valuable recommendations from consultants designed to augment the evaluation system. Pamela Harris reiterated the need for adaptability in court administration, stating that “there is no silver bullet, no one-size-fits-all solution” and emphasizing the importance of learning from each other to pursue better governance.
The final discussion focused on enhancing judicial education, with academic representatives stressing the necessity of collaboration among judicial stakeholders to create effective training programs for judges and court officials. Aslambek Mergaliyev stressed that “judicial reform is not just about updating infrastructure; it is a strategic goal that requires the collective effort of all involved parties.” He called for a justice system that meets modern societal demands and guarantees access to justice for all citizens.
In summary, the round table highlighted significant achievements associated with the extrabudgetary project, which included key reforms and modernization efforts. However, participants acknowledged that sustained cooperation and additional measures are necessary to continually enhance the effectiveness of Kazakhstan’s justice system. The event firmly reinforced the commitment of all stakeholders to advancing judicial reforms and promoting the rule of law in Kazakhstan.
The International Round Table conducted in Astana presented a vital opportunity for various stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions regarding the advancements within Kazakhstan’s justice system. Through the examination of modernization, performance evaluation, and education reforms, the participants recognized both the achievements and the ongoing challenges. The collective commitment toward judicial reform indicates a proactive stance toward reinforcing the rule of law and enhancing access to justice for all citizens.
Original Source: www.osce.org
