Experts discuss ways to strengthen independence of Kyrgyz judiciary at OSCE-organized meeting

BISHKEK, 20 April 2011 - Identifying ways to strengthen the independence of Kyrgyzstan’s judiciary is the focus of a meeting organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the OSCE Centre in Bishkek and the Supreme Court of the Kyrgyz Republic today in Bishkek.

The meeting follows a recent assessment trip by ODIHR to Bishkek and Osh in March. It brings together Kyrgyz and international experts to discuss continuing judicial reforms, as well as the Kyiv Recommendations on Judicial Independence, which were agreed by an expert group assembled by ODIHR and the German Max Planck Institute in June 2010 to assist OSCE participating States in strengthening judicial independence.

Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, said: “The ongoing and planned legislative developments in Kyrgyzstan make today’s discussion very timely. I am confident this roundtable discussion will represent a valuable platform to discuss challenges and opportunities, as well as problems concerning the practical implementation of the new Constitutional provisions on the judiciary and its independence. Today’s meeting also offers an excellent opportunity for ODIHR experts to introduce the Kyiv Recommendations into the judicial reform debate.”

Carsten Weber, the Chief of ODIHR's Rule of Law Unit, noted that the Kyiv Recommendations could assist Kyrgyz authorities in shaping the new justice system. "Provisions regarding the judicial system in the new Constitution are very modern. The Kyiv Recommendations can help Kyrgyzstan to translate the constitutional provisions into reality", he said.

The Chairperson of the Supreme Court of Kyrgyzstan, Feruza Djamasheva, added: “I believe that the legislative and executive branches of power, civil society and international organizations are important for further realizing judicial reform, and work should be continued with their active participation. The fact that representatives of these structures are taking part in our roundtable discussion today shows that all recognize the importance of strengthening judicial independence. Together we will achieve a good result.”