OSCE trains local self-government officials in southern Kyrgyzstan on good governance and conflict management
OSH, Kyrgyzstan, 28 April 2011 - A two-day OSCE-supported training seminar for the local self-government representatives from southern Kyrgyzstan started today in Osh.
This seminar is part of an OSCE project to strengthen capacity of local self-governance bodies in the south of Kyrgyzstan and raise their efficiency. Their improved functioning can help to prevent and resolve conflicts through the equitable management of municipal property, utilities, and scarce natural resources, such as land and water. Inter-municipal networking of local self-governance bodies is also part of the project.
During the seminar, representatives of 30 local self-governance bodies will be trained on conflict resolution, agricultural land management, municipal property and utility services management, as well as cooperation with water users associations. The seminar participants will learn about conflict resolution and reconciliation, and how to develop a working plan for their future mentoring activities with representatives from their own and neighboring local councils.
Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, said: “Local self -governance structures play an important role in conflict management at the local level: they know the local environment; they are the most easily accessible to local people. Their ability to effectively handle problems on the ground can prevent the escalation of tensions and the situation spinning out of control. This underscores the relevance of the OSCE-supported training”.
“We seek to increase effectiveness of local self-governance bodies through raising their knowledge and improving skills in analyzing conflicts and resolving them peacefully. This will help reduce the number of disputes, prevent further conflicts, enhance participation of residents of rural areas in management and fair distribution of resources, and thus bring governance principles in Kyrgyzstan’ further in line with international standards.”
Raya Kadyrova, President of the Foundation for Tolerance International, said: “Large conflicts on the national level take place, as a rule, if local governance structures don’t pay attention at the first signs of their appearance and are not capable to properly address them. It is crucial for local governance bodies to have the potential to analyze conflict situations, to identify the signs of growing tensions at the very beginning and to take timely measures. The knowledge and practical skills gained during the seminar will help local governance representatives to prevent and timely resolve the conflicts.”