On 2-3 December the EU-UNDP New Legal Framework Project conducted second training for staff of partner organizations (Ministry of Justice, Chamber of Accounts, Ombudsman) providing information for their official website. Participants were trained to prepare messages in line with best practices and learned how to use social networks and modern information technologies in the work of their press-services. The project assisted in development and modernization of websites of the Parliament, Ministry of Justice and the Chamber of Accounts. During independent assessment of websites of 80 state agencies, websites of the Ministry of Justice was recognized as the best public web site scoring 68 points out of possible 70. The Parliament website ranked third scoring 64 points and the Chamber of Accounts website was ranked fifth scoring 62 points. (http://www.gipi.kg/archives/2484). Learn more from Ms. Gulmira Mamatkerimova, Project Manager ( gm@dgov.undp.kg).
December 14 – “Kyrgyzstan in figures and facts”, a special infographics project was launched. The project is aimed at presenting basic facts on parliamentarianism, human rights, budget transparency, conflicts in Kyrgyzstan territory and other acute issues in simple graphic forms for general public. The materials are placed on websites www.tazabek.kg (Russian version), www.barakelde.org (Kyrgyz version), www.akipress.com (English version). It is also planned to create videos which will be broadcasted on EL-TR national TV channel. The project is implemented with support of the EU-UNDP a New Legal Framework Project with funding of the Peacebuilding Fund. Learn more from Ms. Gulmira Mamatkerimova, Project Manager ( gm@dgov.undp.kg).
On 16 December the parliamentary hearings of public debt of Kyrgyzstan were conducted. High level of public debt at 55% to GDP and low efficiency of the attracted loans induces taxpayers and MPs to keep the issue afloat. The Parliament budget committee initiated an open discussion of the issue to receive recommendations of expert community and civil society on improving public debt management. According to experts, expenses on management of the public debt may impact economic stability of the country and lead to further increase of budget deficit in the years to come. Organizers elaborated a number of proposals for the Government based on results of the hearings. Among other recommendations, chairman of the Budget Committee Mr. Japarov, recommended not only to promote social projects but develop conditions for expansion of the taxable base to ensure increase of the sustainable budget revenues. The EU-UNDP New Legal Reform Project assisted in organization of the parliamentary hearing. Learn more from Ms. Gulmira Mamatkerimova, Project Manager (gm@dgov.undp.kg).
December 16-20 - Five round tables have been conducted to discuss a draft law on provision of public and municipal services with the participation of representatives of NGO, expert’s community, ministries and agencies, LSG, Mayor of Bishkek, President Office, Parliament Office and members of the Parliament. A special working group established by the Head of the Prime-minister’s Office presented a draft law on provision of public and municipal services developed during the meeting. These discussions were initiated by the Prime-minister Office of the KR and supported by UNDP Democratic Governance Programme. Learn more from Ainura Kaparova, Capacity Development Facility Project Coordinator (ak@dgov.undp.kg).
December 21 – A project titled “Operationalising Good Governance for Social Justice”on improving good governance supported by the European Union and UN was launched in Kyrgyzstan. This project is implemented by UNDP, UNICEF, UN Women and UNESCO and will be implemented during 36 months until 2014. The project aims to increase democratic space in the country and institutionalize good governance at local and national levels. The purpose of the project is to increase and render more equitable access to priority public services to women, youth, and children in 30 selected municipalities in seven provinces of Kyrgyzstan through local and national good governance processes. The project will also enhance the capacities of rights-holders and duty bearers at individual, organizational and institutional levels for inclusive decision-making and quality service delivery. Learn more from Anara Alymkulova, Program Coordinator (aa@dgov.undp.kg).
On 22 December members of Parliament organized public discussions of a draft law on political parties initiated. MPs, leaders and representatives of political parties, NGOs and experts discussed acute problems of building parties in Kyrgyzstan, advantages and disadvantages of the bill. Special attention was given to the process of formation and registration of political parties, their financing. One of the main concerns of participants was the toughened legal regime of regulation of party activities, level of internal democracy and autonomy. Participants also discussed necessity of regional party branches and improving the quality of parties. Organizers of the event received valuable feedback on improvement of the bill. The hearings were organized with assistance of the EU-UNDP New Legal Framework project. Learn more from Ms. Gulmira Mamatkerimova, Project Manager (gm@dgov.undp.kg).
On 26 January 19 students of Bishkek high schools visited the Kyrgyz Parliament – Jogorku Kenesh. During the visit they learned about the Parliament’s work and met with the Speaker Jeenbekov and MP Bekeshev. During the meetings students had a chance to ask different questions to the Speaker and the MP, some of which were quite sharp. The next tour is planned for March 2012. It is planned that such tours will be part of the Parliament’s work on increasing its transparency and openness to the public. The tour was organized with assistance of the EU-UNDP New Legal Framework project. Learn more from Ms. Gulmira Mamatkerimova, Project Manager (gm@dgov.undp.kg).
