Lawyers improve skills to impact lives of Probation Clients in Kyrgyzstan

By protecting their rights and providing essential legal support, they help pave the way for a successful return to society.

Recognizing the importance of this role within the criminal justice system, a specialized training program was launched to enhance lawyers' knowledge and skills in probation-related matters. In late February, two training sessions were held - one in Bishkek for 25 lawyers from northern Kyrgyzstan and another in Jalal-Abad for 23 lawyers from the southern region. Over four days, participants engaged in intensive learning to deepen their understanding of the probation system and improve their ability to support their clients effectively.

With guidance from experts of the EU/UNODC "JUST4ALL" project and experienced criminal law professionals, the lawyers embarked on a learning journey aimed at strengthening their ability to provide tailored legal representation for probation clients.

The training covered a broad spectrum of topics. Participants explored the history of probation, gaining insights from international experiences and best practices. They examined relevant national legislation, acts, and regulations that shape probation services in Kyrgyzstan. Each type of probation was analyzed in detail, along with the critical role lawyers play in different scenarios.

Mr. Sergey Ratchenko, an experienced lawyer with 25 years of practice, shared his insightful journey attending the training: “Previously, probation was unfamiliar territory for me. Suddenly, I found myself facing two cases that required understanding its mechanisms and how to best assist my clients. To my surprise, I discovered a multifaceted probation system that goes beyond mere supervision, actively engaging with each client to facilitate positive change.'"

The training went beyond simply sharing information - it was a collaborative effort with the Lawyers’ Training Centre to develop a comprehensive probation training manual for lawyers. This manual aims to equip legal professionals not only for current challenges but also for future developments in probation law and practice. “We will establish a lasting structure after the manual is integrated into the Lawyers' Training Center curriculum, where trained lawyers could continue to educate their peers engage in peer-to-peer distribution of knowledge,” emphasized Gulmira Turdumambetova, Director of the Lawyers’ Training Centre under the Bar of the Kyrgyz Republic.

As the training concluded, participants felt a strong sense of accomplishment. They realized that their role extended beyond legal procedures—it was about making a real impact. By advocating for their clients' rights, they could play a crucial part in their successful reintegration into society.

This initiative, part of the broader EU/UNODC "JUST4ALL" project, was designed to bridge critical knowledge gaps that many criminal justice practitioners still face, even as reforms continue. To ensure a more comprehensive approach to probation, specialized manuals are also being developed for judges, prosecutors, prison officers, local government authorities, and NGOs, further strengthening the justice system’s capacity to support rehabilitation and reintegration.

“The training not only gave lawyers the tools to advocate for their clients but also sparked a passion for probation,” said Mr. George Abadjian, International UNODC Programme Manager. “As they return to their offices and courtrooms, they are more than legal representatives—they are agents of change, working to make justice a reality for every probation client.”

For more information, please contact Vasilina Brazhko, Communications Officer at +996775987817 WhatsApp