U.S. supports Kyrgyz Republic to expand legal aid and tackle gender violence
Legal and justice leaders from across the Kyrgyz Republic convened at the National Justice Conference to address pressing issues, including gender-based violence, gaps in legal aid, and institutional reform. Organized by the Kyrgyz Association of Women Judges (KAWJ) with support from the USAID’s Ukuk Bulagy project, the conference emphasized a people-centered approach to justice, aiming to create a more inclusive, accessible, and responsive legal system, the U.S. Embassy in Bishkek reported, Kabar reports.
In opening remarks, USAID Deputy Mission Director Christian Barratt, Constitutional Court Chairman Emil Oskonbaev, Supreme Court Chairman Mederbek Satyev, and Minister of Justice Ayaz Baetov highlighted the need for reforms to ensure justice institutions serve all citizens effectively and tackle gender-based violence.
USAID Deputy Mission Director Christian Barratt noted, “The gender-based violence issue requires the united efforts of all — the government, civil society, international partners, and the judiciary — to ensure safety and justice for everyone.”
The discussions also focused on expanding free legal aid through digital tools to reach underserved rural communities, improving access to justice for women and girls with disabilities, and strengthening leadership among women judges. The participants developed strategies to combat gender-based violence and explored international practices promoting gender equality in the judiciary system.
The conference concluded with a shared action plan to modernize legal aid systems and commitments to build an inclusive justice system, as well as introduced initiatives such as establishing an association for women prosecutors and police officers and launching the State Program to Support Women’s Leadership through 2030.