UNODC Highlights Regional Cooperation at the Ninth Expert Forum on Criminal Justice
for Central Asia
From November 20 to 21, 2024, Astana became a hub for criminal justice dialogue as the Ninth Expert Forum on Criminal Justice for Central Asia brought together over 200 participants, including high-ranking officials, judicial experts, and international partners. The event, co-organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Supreme Court of Kazakhstan, with support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), served as a pivotal platform to address challenges and advancements in criminal justice systems across the region.
The Forum was organized in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Regional Office for Central Asia (OHCHR), the United Nations Development Programme Hub for Regional for Europe and Central Asia (UNDP), the Legal Policy and Research Center (LPRC), and Dignity Kazakhstan, with support from OSCE field offices in Central Asia.
This year’s discussions explored topics along the criminal justice chain, including criminal procedure reforms, digitalization of justice processes, and non-custodial measures. Participants examined progress in the region, but also recognized ongoing challenges such as ensuring judicial independence and protecting fair trial rights.
Penitentiary and Penal Reform
This year, UNODC led the discussions on penitentiary and probation reform encompassing a panel and two working groups. Highlighting the importance of tailored approaches to reduce reoffending and support rehabilitation and reintegration, UNODC underscored its technical assistance in developing evidence-based policies and capacity-building initiatives.
The working group participants agreed on the need for effective staff training and countering high institutional turnover rates, evidence-based and data-driven policies, as well as tailored approaches to rehabilitation and reintegration to drive sustainable reforms in this area.
Madina Sarieva, Head of the UNODC Programme Office in Kazakhstan, remarked:
“The Ninth Expert Forum is an invaluable platform to address the core challenges in criminal justice systems across Central Asia. It allows us to share best practices, identify solutions, and collectively work towards reforms that align with international human rights standards. Advancing rehabilitation programs and alternatives to imprisonment are essential steps toward building systems that are both effective and humane.”
The session also played a pivotal role in fostering regional cooperation, showcasing concrete examples of successful collaboration. Notable initiatives included the exchange of practices and training sessions held at the Kostanay Academy under the Ministry of Interior of Kazakhstan, which provided valuable learning opportunities for participants from Central Asian countries.
Additionally, the International Probation Forum from June 2024 in Bishkek was highlighted that convened delegations to further strengthen regional cooperation and facilitate knowledge exchange and best practices on probation systems.
Next steps
As the Forum concluded, participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing reforms that prioritize rehabilitation, reduce recidivism, and strengthen the overall integrity of justice systems.
A comprehensive report, including key conclusions and recommendations, will be developed and shared with all participants. All materials are available via the shared QR code and can also be accessed through this LINK.
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The Ninth Expert Forum on Criminal Justice serves as a reminder that meaningful change is achieved through shared vision and collective action. With continued commitment from stakeholders across Central Asia, the region is poised to build justice systems that not only uphold the rule of law but also strengthen the social fabric.
