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Ministry of Justice Opens Four Free Legal Aid Centers in Batken and Jalal-Abad Oblasts

The Ministry of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic, with the support of the USAID Collaborative Governance Program, implemented by East-West Management Institute, will inaugurate four Free Legal Aid Centers (FLACs) in the following towns of Batken Oblast: Isfana on June 14, 2017, and Kadamjai on June 15, and in Jalal-Abad city and Bazar Korgon village of Jalal Abad Oblast on June 16, 2017.

The Minister of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic, Uran Ahmetov, the Director of the USAID Collaborative Governance Program, Garry Ledbetter, Plenipotentiary representatives of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, representatives of local self-government bodies, and civil society organizations will participate in the inauguration ceremonies.

Currently, 12 FLACs operate in Chui, Osh, Talas and Issyk-Kul oblasts and in Bishkek. The number of citizens applying for free legal aid is increasing annually. So far, in 2017, 11,196 citizens have obtained free legal consultations, and since the FLAC’s began operations, 51,950 people have applied for legal aid at the centers.

FLACs are open to provide legal consultations to all those who wish, as well as to increase the level of legal protection for vulnerable populations, to provide access to justice, and to assist in the realization of rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of citizens. In such centers, visitors can receive consultations of highly qualified lawyers, public notary officers, as well as defense attorneys, who are entitled and included into the system of state guaranteed legal aid.

“Thanks to the activities of such centers, we are able to provide equal access to legal aid for citizens, which is guaranteed by the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic “On State Guaranteed Legal Aid”. Not a single person in need of legal protection of their rights and interests will remain without attention and aid” - Minister of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The USAID Collaborative Governance Program, implemented by East-West Management Institute, is supporting the initiative of the Ministry of Justice of the KR to improve access to legal aid and open six FLACs including two in Naryn Oblast that will be opened later. The USAID Collaborative Governance Program also plans to assist in strengthening the existing FLACs to improve the quality of the services provided by the centers.

More detailed information on the work of the FLACs and their contact information can be obtained in the territorial offices of the Ministry of Justice, and on its website: www.minjust.gov.kg.

The Collaborative Governance Program (CGP) promotes effective collaboration among civil society, the private sector, and the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic. The Program is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID), and is implemented by East-West Management Institute (EWMI).