OSCE Centre supports public monitoring of pre-trial detention centres in Kazakhstan
(OSCE)Kazakhstan's Vice-Minister of Interior Affairs, Alik Shpekbaev (right), talks to a participant at a roundtable on public oversight and prevention of torture in pre-trial detention centres and prisons, Almaty, 8 June 2007. (OSCE) Photo details
ALMATY, 8 June 2007 - Public oversight and preventing torture in pre-trial detention centers and prisons in Kazakhstan were discussed at a meeting in Almaty today.
The event, organized by the OSCE Centre, Penal Reform International and the public foundation "Charter for Human Rights", brought together high level State officials, representatives of civil society and international experts.
"We support all efforts and encourage the authorities to make sure that the rights of detainees are adequately protected. The establishment of a monitoring system for pre-trial detention centres in Kazakhstan would be a step forward in establishing full public oversight for all places of detention in the country," said Ambassador Ivar Vikki, the Head of the OSCE Centre.
Participants also discussed the police reform, which includes developing closer co-operation between police and civil society in promoting public monitoring of police activities.
"It is important to understand the connection between public oversight, public confidence and a more effective police service. When people have trust in the police they become more co-operative. This is a precondition for the police to become effective in performing its duties," said Dan Peterson of the Swedish National Criminal Police, who advises the OSCE Centre on police matters.
The event was organized in the framework of the Police Development Co-operation Project conducted by the OSCE Centre with the OSCE Strategic Police Matters Unit in Vienna and the Kazakhstani Interior Ministry.
Last year, the OSCE Centre organized a study tour for Kazakh police officers and civil society representatives to the United Kingdom to learn more about public oversight of police activities.
The event, organized by the OSCE Centre, Penal Reform International and the public foundation "Charter for Human Rights", brought together high level State officials, representatives of civil society and international experts.
"We support all efforts and encourage the authorities to make sure that the rights of detainees are adequately protected. The establishment of a monitoring system for pre-trial detention centres in Kazakhstan would be a step forward in establishing full public oversight for all places of detention in the country," said Ambassador Ivar Vikki, the Head of the OSCE Centre.
Participants also discussed the police reform, which includes developing closer co-operation between police and civil society in promoting public monitoring of police activities.
"It is important to understand the connection between public oversight, public confidence and a more effective police service. When people have trust in the police they become more co-operative. This is a precondition for the police to become effective in performing its duties," said Dan Peterson of the Swedish National Criminal Police, who advises the OSCE Centre on police matters.
The event was organized in the framework of the Police Development Co-operation Project conducted by the OSCE Centre with the OSCE Strategic Police Matters Unit in Vienna and the Kazakhstani Interior Ministry.
Last year, the OSCE Centre organized a study tour for Kazakh police officers and civil society representatives to the United Kingdom to learn more about public oversight of police activities.