OSCE launches series of seminars in Kazakhstan on access to information and public councils

SHYMKENT, Kazakhstan, 28 April 2016 – The first of ten OSCE-supported two-day seminars for some 30 officials and journalists on the implementation of Kazakhstan’s laws on “Access to Information” and “Public Councils” began today in Shymkent, South Kazakhstan Region.

The event is co-organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, Mazhilis (Lower Chamber) of the Parliament of Kazakhstan, Akimat (the Mayor’s Office) of the South Kazakhstan Region, Legal Policy Research Centre and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Following the presentations by the national experts on the implementation of the laws, chairs of Public Councils, representatives of the Maslikhat (local government), Akimat, Ministries of Culture and Sport, and Investment and Development will discuss international standards and principles of transparent government, budget transparency and anti-corruption reforms. They will also review measures to improve government accountability to the public, the rights and obligations of stewards and users of information, as well as the methods for publicly disclosing information on the activities of public institutions.

“Implementation of the laws on ‘Public Councils’ and ‘Access to Information’ will not only promote transparency of state bodies but raise public awareness about its activities and decisions,” said Mirco Guenther, Deputy Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana. “However, proper implementation will require the involvement of all those affected by this new law, including government officials, local leadership and members of civil society to ensure that the law serves its purpose.”

Kudaibergen Yerzhan, Mazhilis Member, said: “Local councils must play a big role in strengthening state and society interaction as well as the role of society in public affairs, public policy and budgets. The effective implementation of both laws will contribute to the progressive development of the country, the establishment of economic reforms and the strengthening of civil society."

The seminar series will be continued for parliament deputies, representatives of state bodies, non-governmental organizations and media across the country. It is part of the Office’s long-term activities to promote good governance and support fundamental freedoms.