Promoting the rule of law in Central Asia

Context

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan want to improve their rule of law. These Central Asian countries, with the exception of Tajikistan, have already adopted modern laws on administrative procedures and processes. However, putting these into practice is presenting the countries with varying degrees of challenges.

Clear and coherent legal foundations for economic action should improve the economic climate for national and international investment and thereby contribute ultimately to economic growth.

Objective

Decision-making regarding economic actors is increasingly in line with the legal procedural provisions of reformed administrative laws.

Approach

The project supports Central Asian governments and public administrations in complying with the legal provisions of reformed administrative laws. It also contributes to extending trust and cooperation in citizen–state relations, thereby also promoting good governance.

The project’s strategy for developing competencies covers four areas:

1. Promoting cooperation between the ministries of economy, interior and justice to implement administrative procedure laws.
2. Harmonising administrative procedures (including tax procedures and building permit procedures).
3. Enabling authorities and courts to adapt internal administrative procedures to the new legal standards.
4. Establishing continuous training for judges, lawyers, administrative officials and other legal practitioners to apply the new standards in administrative decision-making.

Last update: September 2023