Meeting of the National Team with Sub-Working Group "Civil Society assistance to Police Reform" in Garm
- Details
- Published on 07 March 2014
On 26 February 2014 the representatives of the OSCE Office in Tajikistan (OiT) have met with the Sub-Working Group on Civil Society assistance to Police Reform in the Field Office of the OSCE OiT in Garm.
The Head of the OSCE OiT, Ambassador Markus Mueller, National Liaison Officer, Khaidar Mahmadiev, National Project Officer Firdavs Odinaev, Field Officer in Garm Yulia Rangelova have participated in the meeting.
In the meeting an earlier established Sub-Working Group on Police Reform in Garm was represented by the civil society.
During the meeting the draft Provision "on Public Council for Civil Society assistance to Police Reform" was discussed.
While opening the meeting, the Head of the OSCE OiT has mentioned that he has personally witnessed several times how the civil society was active during the meetings on police reform. According to him the events of the past year for discussion of the Action Plan and Development Program for the period of 2013-2020 confirms it. He has also noted that the Office even in the future will continue a comprehensive promotion of police reform in Tajikistan.
The Ambassador drew attention of participants also to the fact that the Public Council is aimed entirely at reforming the police. In particular, it affects community policing aspects to develop the main directions of the state policy in the field of police reform and issues related to the protection of public order; to implement the principle of transparency and openness in the police activity; to protect the rights and freedoms of citizens of the Republic of Tajikistan.
Khaydar Mahmadiev, who made a presentation on the Draft Provision "On Public Council," in the beginning of his speech mentioned that the main objectives of the Council would be the following: taking participation in the activities of the Special Board consisting of the Chief Inspector of the MIA appointed by and accountable to the Minister of Internal Affairs; and two civil society representatives appointed by the members of Public Council on civil society promotion of police reform; participation in the entrance examination of cadet-candidates and students of educational institutions of the MIA; as well as participation in the activities of the Examination Boards of the MIA and DIA to ensure an objective and integrated assessment of persons entering the police force.
Mr. Mahmadiev explained that even upon completion of the OSCE OiT police reform program, the Public Council will still operate throughout the period of police reform program, which is expected until 2020. Further the Council will function in the framework of the Law "On Police."
The National Liaison Officer shared that in accordance with the approved National Strategy, the Public Council will be created on a voluntary basis from the authorized representatives to achieve general goals in the police reform. According to him, members of the Public Council should have an authority in the society, managerial skills, as well as should be aware of the expectations and concerns of the society.
During the discussion, civil society organizations have offered to distribute accurate and timely information on the progress of the police reform program. It was suggested to keep informed all internal and external stakeholders on the events and direction of the proposed ways to reform the police.
In conclusion, the representative of the OSCE OiT has assured the working group that all comments and proposals made during the meeting will be taken into consideration and discussed with the management of the MIA. Also, the Provision will be posted both on the MIA website and on the OSCE police reform website for all stakeholders to make their adjustments and feedbacks on the Provision.
