Press release
OSCE Centre facilitates discussion on reforming Kyrgyz prison system
- Date:
- Place:
- BISHKEK
- Source:
- OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek
- Fields of work:
- Rule of law
BISHKEK, 25 May 2006 - Kyrgyz authorities, representatives of civil society, international organizations and the diplomatic corps discussed this week the reform of the country's prison system at a meeting, organized by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek together with the Foreign and Justice Ministries.
Kyrgyzstan's national programme on prison system reform, which is to be implemented by 2010, was also reviewed. Approved by the Government on 10 March, the programme aims to improve the legislative framework, guarantee the rights of inmates and humanize the system.
"The programme contains both guidelines and an action plan to reform the prison system, and forms a good basis for co-operation between all parties concerned," said Sabine Machl, Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.
Participants at the event, including Acting Deputy Prime Minister Ishenkul Boldjurova, the Minister of Justice Marat Kayipov, Ombudsman of the Kyrgyz Republic Tursunbai Bakir uulu, and Deputy Foreign Minister Kadyrbek Sarbaev, agreed that Kyrgyzstan has made some progress in recent years.
The prison administration has been transferred from the Interior to the Justice Ministry, a moratorium on executions has been introduced, and discussions have begun on the humanization of the Criminal code. At the same time, the prison system is in need of more financing, cells remain overcrowded, more qualified staff are needed, and duplication of efforts by all stakeholders should be prevented.
Kyrgyzstan's national programme on prison system reform, which is to be implemented by 2010, was also reviewed. Approved by the Government on 10 March, the programme aims to improve the legislative framework, guarantee the rights of inmates and humanize the system.
"The programme contains both guidelines and an action plan to reform the prison system, and forms a good basis for co-operation between all parties concerned," said Sabine Machl, Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.
Participants at the event, including Acting Deputy Prime Minister Ishenkul Boldjurova, the Minister of Justice Marat Kayipov, Ombudsman of the Kyrgyz Republic Tursunbai Bakir uulu, and Deputy Foreign Minister Kadyrbek Sarbaev, agreed that Kyrgyzstan has made some progress in recent years.
The prison administration has been transferred from the Interior to the Justice Ministry, a moratorium on executions has been introduced, and discussions have begun on the humanization of the Criminal code. At the same time, the prison system is in need of more financing, cells remain overcrowded, more qualified staff are needed, and duplication of efforts by all stakeholders should be prevented.
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