Police Reform

Regular meeting of the Sub-Working Group in Kurgan-tyube

The next meeting of the Sub-Working Group on Civil Society Assistance to Police Reform was held on 28 October 2014 in the premises of the OSCE Field Office in Kurgan-tyube.

During the meeting, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) of the Republic of Tajikistan (RT) was represented by the National Police Reform Coordinator Mr. Ali Bobonazarzoda, the OSCE Office in Tajikistan (OiT) was represented by the National Liaison Officer for Police Reform Mr. Khaydar Mahmadiev, by the National Police Reform Project Officer Mr. Firdavs Odinaev, as well as representatives of political parties of Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan, the People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan, police officers, representatives of public and non-governmental organizations, lawyers and human rights activists.

Discussion of the Draft Law of the RT "On Police" and updating the members of the Sub-Working Group on the police reform progress were envisaged in the agenda. It should be noted that in the framework of the Civil Education Program senior students from the local secondary schools were also invited to the meeting to familiarize them with the police activities. They had an opportunity to observe the discussion process of the Draft Law of the RT "On Police."

Mr. Bobonazarzoda during his speech has briefed the meeting participants about the police reform process in Tajikistan and informed them that in accordance with the Police Reform Programme and the Action Plan for its implementation, a new Draft Law "On Police" is being finalized. He stressed the importance of this Law and noted that upon its adoption, the “militia” will be renamed to the "police", structural and functional reforms will occur, as well as there will be changes in the education and training system of the police officers.

Mr. Bobonazarzoda also shared that in the period from 8 to 11 October a round table was held, where the experts from ministries and agencies, international organizations and embassies, as well as an international expert from Poland were invited. At the end of the round table a number of recommendations on this Law were adopted and it was agreed to finalize the Draft Law.

The OSCE OiT Police Reform National team and the National Police Reform Coordinator asked the participants of the meeting to be actively engaged in the finalization process of the Draft Law, which will further determine the entire course of police reform.

The meeting was held in a warm and friendly environment.