International Development Law Organization

IDLO Regional Forum Bishkek Aims to Clear Path for Transparent, Capable and Independent Judiciary

BISHKEK, March 15, 2013 – An efficient judicial system is crucial to development. Yet from Moldova in the west to Mongolia in the east, underfunding of judicial systems remains the norm. Five countries in the region devote less than 0.5 percent of their national budget to the sector. In Kyrgyzstan, funding halved between 2008 and 2012. In much of the region, transparency and the quality of management are seen as lacking.

The Regional Forum on the Effectiveness of Justice: Problems and Solutions [click] brings together justice sector leaders from across the region. Chief justices from Central Asian neighbors such as Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, as well as regional superpower Russia and the fledgling democracies of Georgia and Ukraine, gather to discuss and compile recommendations for the effective and transparent management of courts. 

“Without successful judicial reforms, there will be no economic or social reform” says Kyrgyz Supreme Court Chair Feruza Z. Djumasheva. “Justice is necessary to protect all branches of power,” adds IDLO Country Director Fred Huston. “Genuine independence is needed. A strong judiciary is vital for a stable economy.” 

The Forum focuses on the cornerstones of a strong judiciary: building the capacity of judges and adequate funding of the judiciary. Among the recommendations are mechanisms for better and more sustainable financing of courts, best practices for developing and administering judicial training curriculums, and proposals for inclusive and consultative judicial strategic planning processes. 

For further information on Regional Forum on the Effectiveness of Justice or to interview Irene Khan, Director-General of IDLO, please contact: Kyrgyzstan@idlo.int