OSCE supports human rights seminar for Kyrgyzstan police officers

An OSCE-supported seminar on the role of the police in the observance and protection of human rights, led by the experts of the Interior Ministry Police Academy, ended today at the Ministry’s facility in Issy-Kul province.

Neighborhood Inspectors, Police Investigators, Department Heads of the Interior Ministry as well as Heads of the Police Stations from all six provinces of Kyrgyzstan participated in the two-week class.

The training covered a variety of human rights related topics, specifically focusing on torture prevention, gender and ethnic issues. Through lectures, group presentations and discussions participants learned about national and international standards of protecting the rights of ethnic minorities, women, and peaceful demonstrators.

A special session was held on ensuring the observance of human rights principles in prison facilities. The participants also attended the lecture by a guest expert Bakyt Rysbekov, Director of a newly established Kyrgyzstan’s National Centre on prevention of torture, and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

The summer course was part of a wide program implemented by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek to enhance police education as an essential part of the police reform process in Kyrgyzstan.