OSCE supports international conference of advocates in Kazakhstan

An OSCE-supported international conference entitled Advocates 2018. Improving the Quality of Legal Services concluded on16 June in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

The two-day event brought together over 100 legal experts and advocates from 15 countries, as well as representatives of the Justice Ministry and judiciary of Kazakhstan. The participants focused on various aspects related to the legal profession and the draft law On the Professional Activities of Advocates and Legal Assistance, which is currently being considered by the Parliament of Kazakhstan.

During panel discussions, participants from countries including Azerbaijan, China, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan touched upon the issues of continuing legal education, guaranteed legal aid and the rules of ethics.  A particular focus was placed on the independence of advocates and disciplinary proceedings vis-à-vis advocates. Each panel discussion resulted in the elaboration of specific recommendations that will be distributed to all stakeholders.

The event was organized by the Republican Bar Association in co-operation with the European Association of Lawyers, International Bar Association, Council of Europe and the OSCE Programme Office in Astana. It is part of the Programme Office’s long-standing efforts to strengthen the rule of law and to support the development of the legal profession in the host country.