Democratic Governance
Sept-Oct – Around 200 local councilors took part in trainings in Bishkek city (Chui province) and in every province centers. The training module was based on international materials adapted to Kyrgyzstan. Basic competencies such as local policy formulation, decision-making, acting in the best interest of local communities were discussed during the trainings. Moreover, participants also learned about representative role and oversight function of a councilor especially regarding executive bodies’ activities (Aiyl Okmotu). The mode of teaching was interactive with a large number of different cases taken from everyday life of local councils, role-plays and experience sharing exercise as local councilors were coming from different districts. Local councilors expressed a great interest to the subject and found the training very interesting and useful. Learn more from Ms. Damira Sulpieva, DGP LSG component coordinator (ds@dgov.undp.kg).
September 2-15 – Weeks before presidential elections, 36 trainings of 1122 officials, staff members of the Ministry of Interior were organized throughout the country. The training was carried out by six trainers: 3 provided by the Ministry of Interior and 3 by the UNDP Election Support Project and were aimed at strengthening capacity of police in fulfillment of their duties during the elections. All trainers were trained by the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES). The training was organized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs with support of the UNDP Kyrgyz Republic Election Support Project in partnership with IFES. KESP is funded by the European Union, Government of Germany and UNDP. Participants received pocket guides which summarized all the provisions and recommendations for police and manuals for law enforcement and protection of citizens' rights during the election period (6,500 copies each). Learn more from Olga Churakova (ochurakova@elcat.kg).
September 7 – A round table discussion on «Activities of the Council on Selection of Judges and the criteria of selection of judges – results, lessons learned, further steps» was organized with support of the EU-UNDP New Legal Framework Project. The main goal of the round table was to provide a platform for a dialogue of the Council on Selection of Judges with representatives of the President’s Office, MPs and leaders of civil society. Round table participants outlined problematic moments in the Council activities and developed recommendations. Around 40 MPs, members of the Council, experts took part in the round table. Learn more from Ms. Gulmira Mamatkerimova, Project Manager ( gm@dgov.undp.kg)
September 13 – EU-UNDP New Legal Framework Project helped to conduct a round table on “Improvement of legislation on selection of judges of the Kyrgyz Republic” together with the Council on Selection of Judges, OSCE Centre in Bishkek and Soros Foundation Kyrgyzstan. Participants of the round table developed and adopted recommendations on improvement of the work of the Council on Selection of Judges and current legislation on the judicial system. More than 100 MPs, representatives of the Presidents’ Office, Ombudsman’s Office, NGOs, judges, advocates and lawyers took part in the meeting. Learn more from Ms. Gulmira Mamatkerimova, Project Manager ( gm@dgov.undp.kg)
September 14 – EU-UNDP New Legal Framework Project assisted in conducting parliamentary hearings on the bill “On the National Centre for Prevention of Torture (NPM)”. The bill will be introduced to Jogorku Kenesh for adoption, with consideration of comments and recommendations of the hearing participants. More than 100 MPs, representatives of the President’s and Government Offices, ministries, Prosecutor General’s Office, Ombudsman Office, NGOs, international donors took part in the meeting. Prior to the parliamentary hearings Mr. Dastan Bekeshev, MP, and Mr. Ulugbek Azimov, advocate, organized a press conference at Kabar information center to explain to journalists and public the bill and highlight the importance of adopting the document in fighting torture. The press conference was organized with support of the European Union and UNDP. Learn more from Ms. Gulmira Mamatkerimova, Project Manager (gm@dgov.undp.kg).
September 15 – The EU-UNDP New Legal Framework Project assisted the Parliamentary Committee on international affairs and interparliamentary cooperation to conduct an expert discussion of a bill on foreign policy. The bill is aimed at distinction of authorities of state bodies and officials in the sphere of foreign policy and clarifying their interaction on drafting, adoption and implementation of external policy decisions. Opinions of 30 participants on necessity of such a law diverged. MPs, Government Office and some independent experts supported the bill and offered to refine it. Representatives of the President’s Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and part of independent experts offered to introduce changes to existing legislation. The Committee received a valuable feedback one of which was to to establish a working group for further wider discussion of the bill taking into consideration the participant’s comments. Learn more from Ms. Gulmira Mamatkerimova, Project Manager (gm@dgov.undp.kg).ListenDictionary
September 15-16 – EU-UNDP New Legal Framework Project assisted the Chamber of Accounts in organizing a Conference on Budget Transparency and the Role of Public Audit. The Conference discussed the role of Public Audit in other CIS, Baltic and Asian countries. Representatives of the Chamber of Accounts, Members of the Parliament and expert received important policy proposals to foster improvement of public finance management in the Kyrgyz Republic. Learn more from Ms. Gulmira Mamatkerimova, Project Manager (gm@dgov.undp.kg).
September 15 – Kebel Public Forum in partnership with the UNDP youth project and the Kyrgyz Election Support Project organized a roundtable discussion on "Democracy: civic engagement, equality, opportunity, independence", dedicated to the International Day of Democracy. Mrs. Dzhurabayeva Gulnara, CEC Deputy Chairman, made a presentation on the novelties of the CEC’s work to comply with the new electoral legislation. Also participants watched a short film featuring young people expressing their views on what democracy means for them and how they contributed to its development. Young citizens going to the polls for the first time, activists and leaders of youth organizations participated and were very active. They asked questions on certain provisions of the electoral laws and expressed their opinions on the legal quality of the electoral process. The roundtable provided a platform for discussion and exchange of views for youth that never participated in elections before. The International Day of Democracy is celebrated on the 15th of September as established by the UN General Assembly in 2007. The date coincided in 2008 with the 20th anniversary of the First International Conference of the New and Restored Democracies. Learn more from Ms. Nazira Satyvaldiyeva, Youth Program Coordinator (Nazira@youth.undp.kg).
September 15-20 – The Supreme Court of the Kyrgyz Republic and Judicial Training Centre affiliated to the Supreme Court of the KR with the assistance of Election Technologies Center under the CEC KR conducted trainings on adjudication of electoral disputes for 112 judges of first instance courts and Supreme Court. They were trained on resolution of electoral disputes by the courts. The following publications were developed for the participants in Russian and Kyrgyz: (1) Handbook for judges on protection of electoral rights of citizens and other participants of the electoral process, and (2) Collection of electoral laws (200 copies each). CEC also provided participants with updated legal documents reflecting the new electoral laws. The event was conducted with the support of the UNDP Kyrgyz Republic Election Support Project and the Rule of Law Program of the American Bar Association (ABA ROLI). Learn more from Olga Churakova (ochurakova@elcat.kg).
September 15-22 – Professional Training Centre of the General Prosecutor's Office (PTC) with support of OSCE and UNDP Kyrgyz Republic Election Support Project organized training for 160 employees of the prosecutor's offices from all districts and regions on organizing of prosecutorial supervision over implementationof the electoral legislation during the period of preparation and conduct of the Presidential elections. Participants of the training received a Collection of the electoral laws, as well as copies of the Direction of the Prosecutor General Salyanova on "Organization and execution of prosecutorial supervision over the implementation of requirements of the Constitution and Legislation of the KR during the preparation and conduct of the Presidential elections in the KR" and the Order of the Prosecutor General on “Preparation of the prosecution staff for the Presidential elections in KR". CEC also provided updated legal documents reflecting the new electoral law. Learn more from Olga Churakova (ochurakova@elcat.kg).
September 30 – October 2 – A three-day workshop on strengthening Public Advisory Councils through improvement of the legal framework and development of members’ ‘capacity” took place in Cholpon-Ata, Issyk-Kul. This event was initiated by the President’s Office and supported by UNDP Democratic Governance Programme CDF project and USAID. Members of Parliament, representatives of the President’s Office and the Government, members of the working group on a draft law on Public Advisory Councils, PAC members, including members of PACs under local self-governance participated in the seminar. The draft law on PACs and other forms of civil control were presented and discussed at the conference. The bill was developed by a special working group. Learn more from Ainura Kaparova, Capacity Development Facility Project Coordinator (ak@dgov.undp.kg).
Disaster Risk Management and Environmental Protection
September 9 – A round table discussion of “Interagency Cooperation for Sound Chemical Management” took place in Bishkek. It was organized as part of the “Kyrgyzstan, UNDP and UNEP partnership initiative for the integration of sound management of chemicals consideration into development plans and processes” Project. Participants discussed the institutional and regulatory frameworks assessment presented by the project experts and possible mechanisms of interagency cooperation in sound chemical management. As a result of the round table discussion a draft regulation “On Interagency Committee for Safe Chemical Management in the Kyrgyz Republic” was presented for public debate. Learn more from Tatyana Filkova, Project Manager (t.filkova@up.elcat.kg).
September 12-22 - Rural Rescue Teams (RRT) of Cholpon, Tyulek, Tash-Bashat of Naryn province and Tort-Kul of Issyk-Kul province, conducted drill exercises. These teams were established and equipped by UNDP Disaster Risk Management Program in areas prone to various types of natural hazards. The exercises helped to test an early warning system, evacuation of students, first aid methods and transportation of victims. All together, the evacuation activities involved 890 high school students and teachers, 76 rescuers, 16 employees of district departments of MES and services of the Civil Protection Commission. 121 local residents participated in mitigation activities. They restored channel of Tortkul water reservoir, 6 bridges, 400m of fence in the intake of drinking water. Learn more from Enver Suerkulov, northern regional specialist (es@dm.undp.kg).
September 13-14 - Specialists of PCB identification laboratories took part in training organized by GEF/UNDP “Management and Disposal of PCB in Kyrgyzstan” Project. The training conducted by Prof. Ivan Holoubek from Masaryk University of Czech Republic covered such topics as analytical equipment, rules for handling PCB, methodology of researches, accreditation of laboratories and international cooperation. The trainees were specialists of the Department of State Epidemic Control of the KR Ministry of Healthcare, Preventive Medicine Research and Manufacturing Association, KR Science Academy, Alex Stewart Assay, SAEP&F. The second stage of the training was a study tour to the Masaryk University in Czech Republic and exchange of experiences with Czech colleagues. Learn more from Mirbek Ilyazov, Project Manager (m.ilyazov@up.elcat.kg).
September 16 - Government of the Kyrgyz Republic approved a new draft of environmental pollution charge methodology, which was prepared by experts within the UNDP/GEF “Capacity Building for Improved National Funding for Global Environment Management” Project. The new draft is based on the results of a thorough analysis of a situation on environmental funding, which has been established in the country during the last few years. Currently the project is conducting a series of training on a new methodology for specialists of SAEP&F, Ministry of Natural Resources, Sanitary Epidemiological Inspection and ecologists of nature user enterprises in all regions of the country. Learn more from Omurbek Elemanov, Project Manager (o.elemanov@up.elcat.kg).
September 21-23 – Two side events took place under the 7th ministerial conference “Environment for Europe” (Astana, Kazakhstan) with participation of UNDP environment projects in Kyrgyzstan. The activity of the following two projects: “Management and Disposal of PCB” and “Kyrgyzstan, UNDP and UNEP partnership initiative for the integration of sound management of chemicals consideration into development plans and processes” was presented at the parallel event on “Chemical Safety for Green Growth” . GEF/UNDP “Improving Energy Efficiency in Buildings” Project also presented its activity at the regional side-event “Green Buildings in Central Asia and South Caucasus”. Learn more from Project Managers: Tatyana Filkova (t.filkova@up.elcat.kg), Mirbek Ilyazov (m.ilyazov@up.elcat.kg), Elena Rodina (e.rodina@up.elcat.kg).
September 28 – Mitigation works within the joint project of UNDP Disaster Risk Management Programme, WFP "Food for work" programme and MES in 9 village districts of Chui and Kemin districts of Chui province were completed. The collaboration of international agencies, regional departments of the Kyrgyz Ministry of Emergency Situations, services of the Civil Protection Commissions and local population helped to restore 15 infrastructural facilities, protect 255 houses, where 1275 people live. Village districts mobilized 909 people and contributed 148,700 KGS to procure technical goods, MES allocated 145 gabions, the Disaster Risk Management Programme conducted technical studies of projects and allocated 189,000 KGS, while the Food for Work Programme provided 178.7 tons of flour and 16.8 tons of vegetable oil to the participants from vulnerable families. Learn more from Enver Suerkulov, North Regional DRM Specialist (es@dm.undp.kg).
28 September 2011 – Members of three high school eco-clubs in Kok-Moinok rural district had a tour to Jety-Oguz gorge. It was organized as part of UNDP/UNV “Rehabilitation of Riparian Forests in Kyrgyzstan” Project with an aim of strengthening teachers’ and school students’ capacity on conservation, rehabilitation and rational management of natural resources and expanding knowledge on biological specifics of coniferous forest trees of the Issyk-Kul province. Many students saw coniferous forest and rocky mountains for the first time, as well as learned about human induced negative environmental impact and the role of artificial forest plantations in conservation of environment. Learn more from Aleksandr Temirbekov Programme Manager (a.temirbekov@up.elcat.kg).
Socio-Economic Development
Aug 29 – Sep 10 – Manager a.i. of the UNDP Programme Support to the Government to Respond to HIV in the KR Larisa Bashmakova took part in development of the State AIDS Programme of Turkmenistan for 2012-2016. The work was done within technical support to the Ministry of Healthcare of Turkmenistan together with the national team of experts, UN AIDS Theme Group and another experts. The draft document was discussed with national and international experts and handed over to the Ministry of Healthcare of Turkmenistan. Learn more from Larisa Bashmakova, programme manager a.i. (lb@aids.gov.kg).
September 1-20 – The UNDP Programme "Support to the Government to Respond to HIV in the KR" and UNAIDS conducted an evaluation of capacity on providing psychological aid and mechanisms of psychological aid to PLHIV and key population at higher risk upon request of the UNDP project on implementation of grants of GFATM. They also provided recommendations on developing such aid as a part of universal access of above mentioned people to treatment, care and support. The programme also developed TOT for psychologist and specialists of HIV related programmes. The TOTs were held in Osh city for 20 specialists. A special booklet for consultants was also prepared. Learn more from Larisa Bashmakova, programme manager a.i. (lb@aids.gov.kg).
September 1-30 – The UNDP Programme Support to the Government to Respond to HIV in the KR together with the Kyrgyz State Medical Institute for Retraining and Continuous Education (KSMIRCE) and the Ministry of Healthcare conducted analysis of education programs on HIV in healthcare sector. Expert working group developed recommendations and action plan for 2012-2016 to institutionalize postgraduate continuous education of health professionals. On October 5, 2011 a workshop was held to discuss the results of the evaluation. Representatives of the Ministry of Healthcare, Ministry of Education and Science and the National AIDS Center took part in the meeting. Learn more from Mr. Nurbek Tentiev, ICT Specialist (nt@aids.gov.kg).
September 5-23 – Over 320 young people aged 16-28 had gone through a five day business training programme at 16 Youth Friendly Centers in Osh and Jalal-Abad provinces (including Osh town, Alai, Aravan, Nookat, Karakulja, Karasuu, and Uzgen in Osh province and Jalal-Abad town, Aksy, Alabuka, Bazarkorgon, Karakul, Mailuu Suu, and Tash Komur in Jalal-Abad province). The business trainings encouraged and inspired the youth to form groups, join efforts and develop project proposals. Learn more from Mira Djangaracheva, Programme Manager (md@prp.undp.kg).
September 9 – Pradeep Sharma, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Ryan Grist, UNDP South Coordinator, and Shakirat Toktosunova, UNDP ARR, met with beneficiaries of Poverty Reduction Programme involved in the project funded by the Russian Federation “Support to restoration of local business environment in Osh and Jalal-Abad”. They are people with disabilities who initiated the project and now working in shops producing ketchup and mayonnaise as well as processing milk. Participants shared information and discussed urgent issues, ways to resolve them and plans for further development of such projects. Learn more from Mira Djangaracheva, Programme Manager (md@prp.undp.kg).
September 12-16 – “Support to restoration of local business environment in Osh and Jalal-Abad” project funded by the Government of the Russian Federation trained 12 entrepreneurs involved in poultry business on growing the High Line poultry. During the training the participants learned about modern approaches in improvement of poultry quality, growing of egg breed hens and keeping technology of the Hign Line poultry. Learn more from Mira Djangaracheva, Programme Manager (md@prp.undp.kg).
September 23 – The UNDP Programme Support to the Government to Respond to HIV in the KR, UNAIDS together with the Kyrgyz Republic Ministry of Healthcare and Theme Group on drug addiction under CCM organized a round table on discussion of a draft State Programme on HIV infection for 2012-2016. Representatives of the Government office, Ministry of Healthcare, other Ministries and state agencies, nongovernmental and international organizations participated in the meeting. Recommendations of participants were included into the final version of the new State programme. Learn more from Larisa Bashmakova, programme manager a.i. (lb@aids.gov.kg).
September 29 – A monitoring mission from Soros Foundation with Scott Abrams, Soros Foundation Evaluation Expert and Nurlan Djakubov, Soros Foundation Program Coordinator visited projects sites of the “Rehabilitation of the social infrastructure through creation of temporary employment for unqualified labor in Osh and Jalal-Abad provinces” Project funded by The Soros Foundation. Experts visited such project cites as new children plying yard, repaired public kindergartens and schools, cleaned irrigation channels, new bridges etc. The mission assessed the project as successful. Learn more from Mira Djangaracheva, Programme Manager (md@prp.undp.kg).
September 30 – UNDP Programme Support to the Government to respond to HIV in the KR organized a meeting of experts to discuss a draft law in the area of HIV, social advertisement and patenting of drugs. Representatives of Jogorku Kenesh, Republican AIDS Center, KR Ministry of Social Protection, Advisory Board of the KR Ministry of Culture and Information and NGOs provided their comments on the document. Updated versions of the bills are passed on to Jogorku Kenesh for further approval. Learn more from Ilim Sadykov, Legislation Component Coordinator (is@aids.gov.kg).
September 30 – Coordination Committee on Millennium Development Goals (MDG) held its regular meeting in the Ministry of Economic Regulation of the Kyrgyz Republic. The main objective of the meeting was to discuss problems related to achievement of goals related to healthcare and education (Goals 2, 4, 5 and 6) and ways to overcome them. Vice-ministers and deputy heads of agencies, responsible for MDG implementation in Kyrgyzstan, representatives of UNDP and UN Agencies participated in the meeting. Learn more from Mira Djangaracheva, Programme Manager (md@prp.undp.kg).
Peace and Development
September 7-9 – 35 young activists from several districts of Osh province participated in the consultative Peace and Development Analysis workshops (PDA). Within these three days the local youth discussed main issues creating real obstacles for development of youth and possible solutions. The workshop trainers presented the Peace and Development Analysis (PDA) programme and informed participants on basic principles of the workshop. The participants were selected through a special selection process and represent public sector, business, NGOs, religious organizations, academia, women's and youth organizations of Aravan, Uzgen, Karasuu and Nookat districts of Osh province. Upon completion of series of PDA consultative workshops UNDP will provide grant support for ideas and project proposals identified by the participants as the most important and relevant. The project was initiated by Peaceful Development in Ferghana Valley Public Foundation and supported by UNDP Peace and Development Programme. The workshops are organized in cooperation with UNICEF, UNHCR, local administrations and consultative committees of Osh and Jalal-Abad provinces. Learn more from Ms. Ainura Umetalieva, Programme Manager (au@pdp.undp.kg).
September 21 – The UNDP Peace and Development Programme organized an Open Doors Day, dedicated to the International Day of Peace. During the event Abdiraim Jorokulov, UNDP Peace and Development Programme Chief Technical Adviser, and other staff members shared their experiences, practical knowledge and made a presentation on the current activities of the Programme. In conclusion of the event specialists of the Programme asked guests to send their suggestions, requests, claims related to improvement of the Programme’s work in order to ensure effective and constructive dialogue between the Programme and citizens. The participants expressed their gratitude for the organized event and noted the importance of the Programme's policy of open doors, when everyone can visit the Office and familiarize with its work. Learn more from Ms. Ainura Umetalieva, Peace and Development Programme Manager (au@pdp.undp.kg).
September 28 – Women Peacemakers of Kyrgyzstan Network with support of the UNDP Peace and Development Programme organized a Friendship Festival on Ala-Too Square (Bishkek). 36 Young Peace Ambassadors made an appeal to the President of the Kyrgyz Republic and members of Jogorku Kenesh to strengthen peaceful and friendly relations among peoples of Kyrgyzstan. Participants enjoyed a concert, after which they launched symbolic "Balloons of Hope”. The event was concluded with sharing of a twenty-meter long "Cake of Peace". President Roza Otunbayeva met with young ambassadors and during the meeting young activists told the President about their activities and meetings, and shared their peace building ideas. The Friendship Festival was preceded by a mission of the Young Ambassadors Caravan consisting of 30 young activists of different ethnicities that was launched on September 14 in Kyzyl-Kiya city. During the caravan young activists spent time communicating to their peers about ideas of peace, development and harmony all over the country and learned about peculiarities of living in all the provinces as they spent time in inter-ethnic families. Learn more from Ms. Ainura Umetalieva, Peace and Development Programme Manager (au@pdp.undp.kg).
Regional Cooperation
12-13 September 2011 – Border Guards Commanders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan met in Issyk-Kul (Kyrgyzstan) for a two-day meeting organized by the EU-UNDP Border Management in Central Asia (BOMCA) Programme. The so-called “Issyk-Kul Initiative” facilitated by BOMCA provides a forum for senior border guards to discuss border management and regional cooperation issues in Central Asia. During the meeting, Commander of the Kyrgyz Republic Border Troops signed bilateral joint complex plans of interaction and cooperation with his counterparts from other Central Asian states. Participants of the meeting made presentations on introduction and future implementation of National Integrated Border Management (IBM) strategies in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and discussed issues of regional cooperation, joint interest and concern. BOMCA presented a concept of the Central Asian Border agencies’ training institutions consortium to be created in the nearest future. Learn more from Asel Sekimova, BOMCA Regional Communication Specialist, (asel.sekimova@bomca.eu).
