Astana hosted the Fourth Steering Committee meeting on Justice for Children
ASTANA - The fourth Steering Committee meeting on Justice for Children held in Astana. The meeting was arranged within a joint program of the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Kazakhstan and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) "System for Justice for Children and Child Rights Improved in Kazakhstan." The overall objective of the program is to support the Government of Kazakhstan in setting up a comprehensive, child-friendly justice system in line with international standards.
The Deputy Representative of UNICEF in the Republic of Kazakhstan, Fiachra McAsey highlighted the main achievements of the joint program in his welcoming speech. Among them, the Law on probation adopted by President of Kazakhstan last year and aiming at providing social and legal assistance to a offenders before and after the trial. In his speech, Mr. McAsey also praised the long-term cooperation with the European Union, which contributed to the development of a child-friendly justice system in Kazakhstan. Within the cooperation there were number of recommendations developed helping to improve the juvenile justice system in Kazakhstan, the capacity of the specialists working with children has been strengthened, rehabilitation centers for children in contact and in conflict with law has been opened in the regions, child friendly rooms opened in courts. The program demonstrated the benefits of alternative justice for children.
The project manager of the European Union Delegation to Kazakhstan, Gulnara Dussupova informed the participants that the EU-UNICEF joint program was extended until June 2018, enabling the sustainability of the program.
During the meeting, the representatives of the Akimats of the East Kazakhstan, Mangistau and Kyzylorda regions highly praised the results of the pilot programs implemented in the regions and reported about the further development and sustainability of the rehabilitation centres for children in contact and in conflict with the law. During the meeting, participants shared their views and opinions on further cooperation aiming to improve justice system for children.
Among the participants, there were members of Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, representatives of the Supreme Court, General Prosecutor's Office of Kazakhstan. Academia and universities, NGOs and international organizations were also represented at the Steering Committee meeting.
About the joint program in Kazakhstan
The joint EU-UNICEF program "System for Justice for Children and Child Rights Improved in Kazakhstan" is being implemented in Kazakhstan since June 2014. The goal is to support the Government of Kazakhstan in creating a comprehensive child-friendly legal system consistent with international Standards. This program with a total budget of 2.4 million euros is being implemented in East Kazakhstan, Kyzylorda and Mangistau regions. The program continues till 2018.
For additional information, please contact Information Office of the UNICEF:
Zarina Nurmukhambetova: + 7 7172 321797 ext 112
Kenzhegaliyeva Nurgul: + 7 7172 321797 ext 135