Police Reform

Meeting of the Sub-Working Group in Kulyab

The regular meeting of the Sub-Working Group on the Civil Society Assistance to the Police Reform was held on 22 October 2014 in the premises of the OSCE Field Office in Kulyab.

The event was attended by the National Police Reform Coordinator Mr. Ali Bobonazarzoda, National Police Reform Project Officer of the OSCE Office in Tajikistan (OiT) Mr. Firdavs Odinaev, Field Officer of the OSCE Office in Khatlon Ms. Erica Masiero, representatives of political parties of the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan, the People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan, police staff, representatives of public and non-governmental organizations, lawyers, human rights activists and other civil society actors with active civil position. According to the agenda the Draft Law "On Police" was reviewed and finalized.

During the meeting, the National Police Reform Coordinator Mr. Bobonazarzoda has informed the participants about the progress of the Draft Law "On Police", as well as on the police reform process at whole. He informed the participants that according with the Decree of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan on 3May 2014, №296, two documents are approved: the Police Reform Programme and the Action Plan for its implementation. According to these documents, the development and adoption of the new Law "On Police" is planned, followed by some changes in personnel policy, in the educational system of the MIA RT Academy, in determining the main police tasks and functions, as well as changes in the title of the police.

Mr. Bobonazarzoda also informed the representatives of the civil society that within the period from 8 to 11 October a round table was organized, to which the experts from ministries and agencies, international organizations and embassies, as well as an international expert from Poland were invited. Upon completion of the round table, a number of recommendations related to the Law were adopted, and it was agreed to finalize the Draft Law.

It was proposed to the National Police Reform Coordinator and members of the Police Reform National Team of the OSCE OiT by the representatives of the Sub-Working Group of Kulyab city to conduct broader outreach campaigns through radio and TV, as well as through newspaper media amongst the community, namely amongst the youth. According to them, the population is not informed enough about the forthcoming reforms in the MIA RT system, and as a consequence, not significantly active participation of citizens in the process of police reform is observed.

Members of the Police Reform National Team of the OSCE OiT and the National Police Reform Coordinator have asked the participants of the meeting to be actively engaged in the process of the primary Draft Law finalization, which will further determine the entire police reform progress.

The meeting was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere.