OSCE Centre supports role of civil society to combat corruption in Kazakhstan

ASTANA, 26 January 2009 - The OSCE Centre and the non-governmental organization Transparency Kazakhstan held a workshop today aimed at fostering co-operation with civil society and strengthening its role in combating corruption.

More than 40 participants representing government agencies, parliament and civil society as well as non-governmental and international organizations discussed ways to strengthen anti-corruption activities through more effective co-operation with civil society and further legislative reform.

"Civil society and education have a key role to play in building effective anti-corruption practices. It is therefore important to set up mechanisms to this end, so as to promote a strong anti-corruption culture in the society," said Ambassador Alexandre Keltchewsky, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Astana.

The workshop participants also discussed the results of the work of the Centre for Advocacy and Legal Advice (CALA), which was established in Astana late last year with the support of the OSCE. CALA provides legal advice to citizens on how to respond to corruption, and promotes legislative, administrative and institutional reforms to prevent and combat corruption.