Legal experts meet to discuss Kazakhstan’s legislative framework, with OSCE’s support

ASTANA, 31 May 2013 – Legal standards and practices ranging from criminal justice to administrative law topped the agenda of a conference held today in Astana to mark the 20th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s Legislation Institute.

The conference was organized with support from the OSCE Centre in Astana, and was convened to review the current status and trends in developing and implementing legislative acts; foster the dialogue on legal issues among practitioners and scholars; and exchange opinions between local and international experts. The event brought together some 150 participants, including government officials, parliamentarians, leading members of the judiciary, representatives of non-governmental and international organizations, and legal experts from the Russian Federation, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.

“The OSCE Centre in Astana supports Kazakhstan's ongoing efforts to reform the existing legislation and related practice. Today’s event helps strengthen the constructive dialogue on legal issues between the Kazakhstan’s authorities, civil society and international partners,” said Jeannette Kloetzer, Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre.

Berik Imashev, Kazakhstan’s Justice Minister, added, “The Institute of Legislation is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary. Its activities cover fundamental applied research on issues raised by the President in his addresses to the country as well as strategic and program documents of the state.

Participants discussed a wide range of legislative questions, including the modernization of administrative law and procedures; business law; criminal justice and penal policies; tort law; social legislation; and the harmonization of the country’s legislation with international standards and OSCE commitments.