In early July, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in partnership with the Bishkek Mayor's Office, the Ministry of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Bar Association opened four centers to provide Bishkek city residents with free state-guaranteed legal aid.
At the legal aid centres, lawyers will provide free legal aid on a range of issues, such as access to social services, land disputes, crime and public safety.
During the opening ceremony, Ms. Tatyana Kuznetsova, Vice-Mayor of Bishkek noted the importance of consolidating the joint efforts of the capital's mayor's office with the legal community, the Ministry of Justice and civil society partners to prevent and protect against family violence and promote public safety and crime prevention. According to Ms. Kuznetsova, protecting women and children, creating conditions for the realization of each citizen's human rights and providing a safe living environment are core priorities of the city government.
According to Mr. Andrey Seleznev, Head of the UNODC Program Office: "Bishkek is densely populated and has a diverse population. Opening of such centers helps promote the rule of law, especially for citizens who need help, assistance and protection.
Chairman of the Bar Association of the Kyrgyz Republic Mr. Bilim Rayymkulov emphasized the historical importance of cooperation between the capital city's authorities and the lawyer community. He added that the lawyer community remains committed to its mission of protecting the legitimate rights and interests of Kyrgyz citizens who apply for legal assistance.
Free consultations are planned in the new buildings of the city, and a solidarity bus will go around the city's new settlements in September of this year, offering citizens a comprehensive package of consultations on various social and legal issues.
The legal aid centres were opened as part of a joint UNODC, UNFPA and UNICEF initiative to prevent conflicts and reduce social tensions in new settlements in the city of Bishkek with financial support from the UN Peacebuilding Fund.
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For more information please contact Vasilina Brazhko (Ms.)
Communication Officer, UNODC ROCA
Cell. +996 775 98 78 17, E: vasilina.brazhko[at]unodc.org
