Dialogue on Peace and the Future through Law was held between the Constitutional Court Judges from 15 Countries in Astana
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In Astana, the International Forum on Constitutional Justice ‘Peace and the Future through Law’ brought together chairpersons and judges of constitutional control bodies, ombudspersons, leading legal scholars and human rights defenders from 15 countries across Europe, Asia, and Africa, representatives of international organizations, as well as heads of central government bodies, the legal profession, and Kazakhstan’s academic community.
The Forum, organized by the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan to mark the 30th anniversary of the country’s Constitution, united more than 150 participants.
By opening the plenary session, Chairperson of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan Ms Elvira Azimova emphasized that the relevance of the forum stems from the need to reflect on the role of law not only within an individual state but also on a global scale. In the era of modern global challenges, law remains the most reliable tool for preserving peace and resolving disputes. It makes social life predictable, which is a key condition for stability and development.
‘The constitution is not just a law, but a guarantee of equality, justice and the protection of human rights. It strengthens public trust in the authorities and promotes dialogue. A constitutional economy protects property rights and opens up opportunities for investment and innovation. It is a solid foundation for long-term growth. Therefore, ‘'Peace and the Future Through Law’ is the path to a society based not on force but on law, where justice and stability become key values,’ said Azimova.
Ms Claire Bazy Malaurie, President of the European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission), addressed the plenary session of the International Forum. In her speech, she congratulated Kazakhstan on the 30th anniversary of its Constitution, noting the importance of the rule of law, the protection of human rights and the role of constitutional courts in maintaining peace and stability in the state. Ms Claire Bazy Malaurie highlighted the successful cooperation between the Venice Commission and Kazakhstan and expressed her readiness to further strengthen it.
H.E. Mohammed Hamad Mohammed Al Badi Al Dhaheri, President of the Federal Supreme Court of the United Arab Emirates, shared his country’s successful experience in constitutional justice, including ensuring citizens’ access to constitutional procedures and the use of digital technologies to simplify judicial processes. He stressed that constitutional justice strengthens public trust in state institutions, promotes stability and development, and is a key factor in building peace and a just future.
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe Mr Luke Malaba noted the crucial role of constitutional courts in ensuring peace and development through law. Constitutional control, in his opinion, allows for the formation of sound jurisprudence that supports the principles of constitutionalism, the rule of law and the separation of powers, and is an important tool for strengthening the stability and legitimacy of the state.
Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court of Mongolia Mr Bayasgalan Gungaa emphasized the role of constitutional courts in upholding the rule of law, protecting human rights, and defending democratic values. He emphasised that the law is the foundation of peace, sustainable development and the fair coexistence of people, and that the international forum serves as an important platform for sharing experiences and jointly seeking solutions to ensure rights, freedoms and justice.
The Forum continued with three thematic sessions and a special networking block aimed at strengthening professional partnerships and sharing best practices.
During the Forum, leading constitutional lawyers and judges from various countries presented their reports. Judge of the Constitutional Court of Kyrgyzstan Ms Chinara Aidarbekova stressed the importance of the rule of law as the foundation of sustainable development and human rights protection. Judge of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Korea Ms Kim Bok Hyung noted constitutional adjudication as a safeguard against abuse of power. Judge of the Constitutional Court of Tajikistan Quvvatzoda Foteh Juma spoke about the role of the Constitution in protecting national rights and interests. President of the Higher Administrative Court of the Rhineland-Palatinate (Germany) Mr Lars Brocker presented an analysis of the stability and evolution of the Basic Law through the interpretation of constitutional provisions.
An important addition to the main program were guest lectures by foreign experts at the Management Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and СудеAcademy of Justice under the Supreme Judicial Council of the Republic of Kazakhstan. These events contributed to strengthening academic and professional cooperation, as well as transferring international experience to Kazakhstani specialists.
The Forum confirmed the importance of international cooperation and exchange of experience in the field of constitutional justice, fostering the development of national legal systems.
Reference:
There are more than 120 countries worldwide with constitutional courts or equivalent bodies. They review the compliance of normative legal acts with the basic law of their state, oversee the procedures of elections, referenda, and appointments to elective positions, and safeguard the rights and freedoms of citizens.
To promote constitutional justice as a foundation of democracy, human rights protection, and the rule of law, national constitutional control bodies established the World Conference on Constitutional Justice and Equivalent Institutions. Its working body is the European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission) – an advisory body of the Council of Europe, which includes 122 member states.
The main activity of the Constitutional Court of Kazakhstan is to review the constitutionality of laws and other legal acts upon requests from persons who have the right to appeal to the Constitutional Court, including citizens, the Human Rights Ombudsman and the Prosecutor General, who were granted this right as a result of the 2022 constitutional reform.
From January 2023 to August 2025, the Constitutional Court received more than 11,000 appeals from citizens. During their consideration, more than 5,000 legal norms were examined and more than 400 decisions were made, of which 74 were final decisions based on the results of a final review for constitutionality.
Based on the results of constitutional proceedings, the following were recognised: 65 provisions as consistent with the Constitution; 20 provisions as inconsistent with the Constitution; 25 provisions as consistent with the Constitution in the interpretation given by the Constitutional Court; 2 provisions on the official interpretation of the Constitution; 2 provisions in additional final decisions clarifying previously adopted final decisions of the constitutional control body.
The Constitutional Court of Kazakhstan consists of 11 judges, including the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson. The Chairperson is appointed by the President with the consent of the Senate of Parliament. The Deputy Chairperson is appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Chairperson from among the judges. Four judges are appointed by the President, three by the Senate, and three by the Mazhilis of Parliament.