From August 22-25, 2016, Lake Issyk-Kul served as the backdrop for some of the top law students from every region of the Kyrgyz Republic to enhance their knowledge and skills in a multitude of areas related to human rights.
November 11, 2016
Summer School Program Trains Students on Human Rights Issues
ABA ROLI and the Legal Clinics Association hosted 15 student-clinicians from seven law schools located throughout the Kyrgyz Republic in a summer school program focused on human rights issues and international legal standards.
The American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) and the Legal Clinics Association hosted 15 student-clinicians from seven law schools located throughout the Kyrgyz Republic in a summer school program focused on human rights issues and international legal standards.
These top-tier students, all with demonstrated leadership skills and academic success, attended workshops and training sessions to explore a wide range of legal issues related to human rights on a national and international level, including the right to life, education and freedom of thought and religion. They also learned basic regulations set by international conventions on the elimination of all forms of racial and gender discrimination and torture.
Students also had the opportunity to strengthen their professional skills, including preparing legal documents and working with case evidence, all aimed at protecting the rights and interests of clients. The continued development of their practical skills ensures that the next generation of advocates will be prepared to provide high-quality legal representation to their clients when they embark on their professional careers after graduation.
Aigerim Kalmamatova, a student from the Osh Legal Institute’s clinic, enjoyed all aspects of the summer school, saying that “This summer was the best one of my life, because I was very lucky to participate in the summer school event organized by ABA ROLI. I liked everything: food, trainers and students. I made many new friends from different regions of Kyrgyzstan. My interest in the study of human rights increased after this event. The training sessions were very interesting and fun, which made the time go by quickly. Thank you very much to the organizers.”
The lectures and master classes were led by two experienced defense advocates from the International University of Kyrgyzstan who also engaged the attendees in group workshops and a mock trial.
The summer school program was made possible through ABA ROLI’s Support to the Kyrgyzstani Legal Defense Community Program, which is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The program seeks to improve access to and build public confidence in the legal system and promote stability in the Kyrgyz Republic by enhancing the skills, capacity, and knowledge of practicing attorneys and the next generation of Kyrgyzstani lawyers.
To learn more about our work in Kyrgyzstan, please contact the ABA Rule of Law Initiative at [email protected].