On July 27, 2018, the Ministry of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic will inaugurate two new Free Legal Aid Centers in Kerben and Karakul of Jalal-Abad oblast. Visitors of the centers will be able to get free consultation of a lawyer, public notary officer, or defense attorney. The opening ceremonies in Kerben will take place at 10 a.m. at Kerben Mayor’s Office (7 Niyazaly st.) and at 14.00 in Karakul at Karakul Mayor’s Office (1 Lenin st).
The centers are established with support from the Collaborative Governance Program funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by the East-West Management Institute (EWMI).
In accordance with the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Law on State Guaranteed Legal Aid, Free Legal Aid Centers provide equal access to legal aid for citizens and increase the level of legal protection for vulnerable populations. Currently, 24 centers operate in Chui, Osh, Talas, Jalal-Abad, Batken, Naryn and Issyk-Kul Oblasts and in Bishkek.
USAID through its Collaborative Governance Program is supporting Kyrgyz Republic’s efforts to improve access to legal aid by establishing more of free legal aid centers. Previously, the program helped to open eight centers in Batken, Issyk-Kul, Jalal-Abad and Naryn oblasts. USAID also works with the Ministry of Justice to improve the quality of services provided by the centers.
Detailed information on the work of the Free Legal Aid Centers and their contact information can be obtained in the territorial units of the Ministry of Justice, and on its online map of legal service providers at: http://legalmap.gov.kg/ru/ and/or www.minjust.gov.kg.
The USAID Collaborative Governance Program (CGP) promotes effective collaboration between civil society, the private sector, and the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic.