ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION IN KAZAKHSTAN: TOWARD JUDICIAL EFFICIENCY AND CITIZENS’ ACCESS TO JUSTICE
Year 2025,
Volume: 7 Issue: 3, 322 - 339, 30.07.2025
Kanat Zeydin
Abstract
This article investigates the progress of arbitration and mediation in Kazakhstan, aiming to enhance the efficiency of the judicial system and ensure citizens’ access to justice. The study utilizes statistical data analysis to provide quantitative indicators and compares alternative dispute resolution practices in Kazakhstan with those in other countries. It examines the legislative framework governing mediation and arbitration to identify its shortcomings. Findings indicate that alternative methods are more time and cost-effective, with a 30% increase in cases resolved through mediation in 2022, highlighting their effectiveness over traditional litigation. Key recommendations include establishing standards for mediation, developing training programs for mediators, and increasing public awareness of alternative dispute resolution options. These initiatives are essential for improving legal culture and protecting human rights in Kazakhstan, ultimately fostering a more effective and accessible dispute resolution system that enhances citizens’ trust in the judiciary and raises legal awareness in society.
Ethical Statement
This study did not require approval from an ethics committee as it did not involve human participants, animals, or sensitive personal data. All data used in this research were obtained from publicly available sources.
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