OREANDA-NEWS. May 5, 2012. The first seminar out of a series of regional seminars on "Introduction of mediation institute in Kazakhstan" will be held in Astana. The purpose of the seminar is to present a joint project of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan and UNDP Kazakhstan “Introduction of Mediation Institute in the Republic of Kazakhstan" and to discuss issues of practical application of mediation. Representatives of the judicial system, law enforcement bodies, akimats, and mediation organizations of the northern regions of Kazakhstan will participate in the seminar.

Currently, the judicial system of Kazakhstan is represented by three branches: the district and equal to them courts, including specialized courts; regional and equal to them courts; and the Supreme Court. Economic development in recent years has contributed to the increase in the number of appeals to the courts, which involves considerable time and financial costs. In this regard, the institutions of alternative dispute resolution are becoming increasingly important in the justice system. Effective implementation of mediation is essential for improving access to justice for certain categories of citizens, including vulnerable groups. With the adoption of the Law "On Mediation", more systemic work in this area has become possible. To contribute to the effective implementation of mediation, the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan and UNDP Kazakhstan signed an agreement on launching and co-financing the project "Introduction of Mediation Institute in the Republic of Kazakhstan” in March 2012.

During the seminar, the issues of practical application of mediation within the frames of judicial proceedings will be discussed, and the goals of the new joint project between the Supreme Court of the RK and the UNDP Kazakhstan will be highlighted. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to participate in the interactive process of mediation.

The following people will participate in the seminar:

• Akyltay Kasimov, Chairman of the Judicial Board for Supervision of Criminal Cases, the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan

• Elis Abdykadyrov, Chairman of the Judicial Board for Supervision of Civil and Administrative Cases, the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan

• Bauyrzhan Zhumagulov, Head of Department for Courts Operations under the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Apparatus of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan)

• Ainur Baimyrza, Head of Governance and Local Development Unit, UNDP Kazakhstan

Time and venue:  May 7, 2012, Hall 2.050 of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Address: 39 Kunayev str., Astana, 010000. Registration starts at 09:30 a.m.