OSCE Programme Office in Astana supports public hearings on managing public assemblies

OSCE-supported public hearings on the management of public assemblies and ways to increase the level of trust between law enforcement and citizens took place at Kazakhstan’s Interior Ministry in Astana on 8 December 2017.

The event brought together some 40 representatives from law enforcement, the state authorities and civil society and was held in the form of a video conference to give the opportunity to colleagues from other regions of Kazakhstan to follow and participate in it as well.

During the discussion, the participants focused mainly on current issues and challenges arising from regulations and procedures for managing public assemblies, as well as on how the police and other law enforcement bodies should effectively operate during authorized and unauthorized public assemblies, demonstrations and protests.  

The OSCE-supported national and international experts leading the hearings aimed to raise the participants’ awareness on the roles and responsibilities of law enforcement in ensuring human rights and fundamental freedoms to citizens. They also discussed how to prevent unlawful actions during public gatherings in accordance with international standards and best practices. Furthermore participants familiarized themselves with the best practices on how to increase the level of trust and co-operation between the public, civil society and law enforcement bodies.

A set of recommendations was drafted by the participants and will be submitted to the Interior Ministry for consideration.

The event is part of the Office’s activities aimed at promoting community policing in the host country.