OSCE Centre supports human rights protection, fair trial standards in Kazakhstan

ASTANA, 17 June 2014 – A two-day training seminar for judges on the application of international standards and mechanisms of human rights protection began today in Astana.

The event was co-organized by the OSCE Centre in Astana and the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan with support from the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.

Some 40 judges from regional and district courts discussed the impact of international human rights legislation on the law enforcement and judicial practice at the national level. Direct application of international human rights norms and following a human rights-based approach in administering justice were among the issues discussed. Special attention was paid to the basic principles of fair trial, practices of UN treaty bodies and regional human rights courts as well as to the implementation of decisions by international bodies.

National legal experts shared their experience on the implementation of international instruments against torture and ill-treatment. Special emphasis was put on measures taken in light of recently adopted legislation on the National Preventive Mechanism against torture. Human Dimension Officer Nataša Rašić provided an overview of OSCE commitments in the broader context of the international system of human rights protection.

The seminar is part of the Centre’s efforts to assist the host country in enhancing the effectiveness of the judiciary  and promoting the rule of law.