Kyrgyzstan Makes Progress in Combating Corruption
The Kyrgyz Republic has made significant strides in combating corruption and enhancing good governance, according to a recent report by the Secretariat to the Consultative Council on Good Governance.
Restructuring for Transparency and Accountability
In line with recommendations from a joint international anti-corruption mission, the Secretariat was restructured to focus on promoting good governance. This change is expected to enhance transparency and accountability in government institutions.
Assessing Institutional Gaps
A thorough assessment of Kyrgyzstan’s institutions and legislation related to corruption was conducted by an expert from UNODC in 2004. The assessment identified gaps between conventions and legislations, highlighting areas that require reform.
Workshops and Training Sessions
To address these gaps, several workshops and training sessions were organized:
- October 2004: A workshop jointly organized by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, the Secretariat of Consultative Council on Good Governance, and other international organizations trained government officials, parliamentarians, and NGOs on the implementation of international conventions against corruption.
- December 2005: A legislative drafting workshop was held to enhance the professional qualifications of national authorities involved in drafting legislation related to combating corruption.
International Cooperation
Kyrgyzstan has also engaged in international cooperation to combat corruption:
- Study Tour: An anticorruption study tour was organized for Kyrgyz authorities to learn from best practices in Lithuania, Macedonia, and Slovenia.
- Expert Sharing: The OSCE Centre mobilized international experts to share their experiences in legislative and technical aspects of combating corruption.
Future Initiatives
Several initiatives are planned for the future:
- Anti-Corruption Commission: A feasibility study was conducted to replace the current complex policy structure with a new independent Anti-Corruption Commission.
- Training of Trainers: A “Training of Trainers” workshop is scheduled to take place in the second quarter of 2005, equipping selected representatives from government institutions, NGOs, mass media, and businesses with necessary skills to further train stakeholders on anti-corruption measures.
Conclusion
These initiatives demonstrate Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to combating corruption and improving governance, aligning with international standards and best practices.