OSCE Programme Office launches seminars on access to information in Kazakhstan

An OSCE-supported seminar on implementing the law on access to information took place on 11 December 2015 in Almaty, Kazakhstan, bringing together some 60 parliamentarians, government officials, journalists, and representatives of civil society and international organizations.

The event was co-organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, the Nur Otan Party faction at the Mazhilis (lower house) of the Parliament, the Akimat (Mayor's Office) of Almaty and the National Commission under the President on Modernization.

The seminar discussed the implementation of recently-adopted laws on Access to Information and on Public Councils. Participants discussed international standards and principles of transparent government, budget transparency and anti-corruption reforms, measures to improve government accountability to the public, and the rights and obligations of caretakers. Participants also explored how the information is used and the methods for publicly disclosing information on the activities of owners.

A follow-up seminar will take place in Astana on 21 December 2015.

The event is part of the Office’s multi-year efforts to assist the host country in promoting fundamental freedoms, most notably access to information and good governance.