AKIPRESS.COM - The first of ten OSCE-supported two-day seminars on the implementation of Kazakhstan’s laws on “Access to Information” and “Public Councils” began April 28 in Shymkent, South Kazakhstan region, OSCE said in a release.

The event, entitled “Effective Mechanisms and Guarantees of Accountability and Transparency of Governance in Kazakhstan”, is co-organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, Mazhilis (Lower Chamber) of the Parliament of Kazakhstan, Akimat of the South Kazakhstan Oblast, Legal Policy Research Centre and the United Nations Development Programme for some 30 Chairs of Public Councils, representatives of the Maslikhat, Akimat, Ministries of Culture and Sport, and Investment and Development as well as journalists.

National experts will present on the implementation of the law and participants will discuss international standards and principles of transparent government, budget transparency, anti-corruption reforms, measures to improve government accountability to the public, rights and obligations of stewards and users of information and methods for public disclosure of information on the activities of public institutions.

Mirco Guenther, Deputy Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, noted in his welcoming remarks: “Implementation of the laws on ‘Public Councils’ and ‘Access to Information’ will not only promote transparency of state bodies but raise public awareness about its activities and decisions. However, proper implementation will require the involvement of all those affected by this new law, including government officials, local leadership and members of civil society to ensure that the law serves its purpose.”

Kudaibergen Yerzhan, Member of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan said: “Local councils must play a big role in strengthening state and society interaction as well as the role of society in public affairs, public policy and budgets. The effective implementation of both laws will contribute to the progressive development of the country, the establishment of economic reforms and the strengthening civil society."

The seminar is planned for parliament deputies, representatives of state bodies, non-governmental organizations and media to be held across the country. It is part of the Office’s long-term activities to promote good governance and support fundamental freedoms.