OSCE supports public discussions on police reform concept
KARAKOL, Kyrgyzstan, 18 May 2011 – Public discussions on the draft Police Reform Concept for Kyrgyzstan 2011-2015, initiated by the Interior Ministry of the Kyrgyz Republic with the support of OSCE Centre in Bishkek started today.
Representatives of police, non-governmental organizations, civil society, including civilian oversight institution, will participate in the discussions to be held in all regions of the country as part of the OSCE Police Reform Programme.
“This national consultative process on defining the type of police that Kyrgyzstan needs and wishes is in best keeping with democratic standards and open government. The OSCE hopes that the process will lead towards a national forum that will reach specific recommendations for Government on the reform of the Police”, said Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.
The Interior Minister Zarylbek Rysaliev said: “One of the important prerequisites for the development of the effective Police Reform Concept for the Kyrgyz Republic is active participation of civil society in its discussion. In order to initiate wider public discussion, Interior Ministry, from 18 to 28 May will conduct working meetings in police directorates of cities of Bishkek and Osh, Chui Province and other regions.”
“It is important that the Ministry of Interior involves all interested parties, in particular the civil society in the elaboration of the Police Reform Concept”, said Dmitry Kabak, Head of the Public Foundation “Open Position”. “These meetings will also encourage constructive co-operation and partnership between all stakeholders.”
The recommendations on the Concept elaborated during the discussions, will be presented at the National Forum in which representatives of the Interior Ministry and other state authorities, as well as the civil society will take part.