TSPC Meeting

October 1, 2013

Tian Shan Policy Center Meets with Civil Society in Southern Kyrgyzstanto Discuss Best Practices for the Prevention of Torture

With the support of local and international partners, Open Society Justice Initiative, Golos Svobody, Independent Human Rights Group and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, The Tian Shan Policy Center is conducting research and analysis on international standards and best practices for the eradication of torture and abuse during arrest and detention in Kyrgyzstan.  On 19 and 20 September, TSPC facilitated a workshop among its partners in Civil Society, primarily from the Osh and Jalal-Abad regions, to discuss these practices and the potential for implementation in the Kyrgyz Republic.

Over the course of the two days, participants discussed potential mechanisms for the investigation of allegations of torture and abuse, law reform ideas for defining detention and considerations about medical examinations and forensic investigations for detainees.  Those gathered agreed that with the Code reform a major focus of government attention, now is the time to act to make meaningful change in these areas.

“Useful aspects of effective models identified in the Report can become the basis for a new system that focuses on the prevention of torture, and at the same time guarantees the certainty of punishment if torture has been applied,” said Ulugbek Azimov, expert at Independent Human Rights Group.

Throughout 2013 and 2014, TSPC will work with its partners in civil society and the Kyrgyz Government in order to further the dialogue among all stakeholders with the aim of making progress in the fight to prevent torture.

The Tian Shan Policy Center (TSPC, http://auca.kg/eng/tspc/), a think tank within the American University of Central Asia (AUCA), is implementing its project, “Program to enhance the capacity of NGOs and institutions to advocate for implementation of human rights decisions and standards to prevent torture.” This work is proceeding within the framework of TSPC’s human rights program.

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For more information, please contact Sarah King, Human Rights Program Manager, king_s@mail.auca.kg at the Tian Shan Policy Center.Tian Shan Policy Center specializes on research and analysis of the effective public policies for the communities of the Central Asia.

This project is made possible thanks to the generous donation of the European Union in the amount of 157,827 Euros.

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