ODIHR trains NGOs in Kyrgyzstan on trial-monitoring techniques and fair trial rights

NGO representatives and officials from the Ombudsman’s Office in Osh increased their knowledge of trial-monitoring techniques and fair trial rights at a training workshop conducted by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), in Osh, Kyrgyzstan, on 5 and 6 March 2014.

The participants in the training, which was organized in co-operation with the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, included NGO representatives from the cities of Osh, Batken and Jalalabad involved in the monitoring of trials in the Osh Region.

The monitors were provided with the methodological and substantive knowledge needed to conduct professional trial-monitoring programmes. Over the two days, they participated in sessions on monitoring principles and techniques, as well as on fair trial rights, such as the rights to liberty and to a fair hearing, with a particular focus on issues related to arrest and detention.

“The training is part of ODIHR’s efforts to strengthen the skills and capacity of civil society actors in the area of trial monitoring, to allow them to better advocate for respect of fair trial rights in their region,” said Tina Gewis, Chief of the ODIHR Rule of Law Unit.

The training on ODIHR’s trial-monitoring methodology and on fair trial rights was based on Trial Monitoring: A Reference Manual for Practitioners and the Legal Digest of International Fair Trial Rights, both published by the Office in 2012.