LocationsMinistry of Justice and UNDP Expand Access to Justice through the “Bus of Solidarity”
July 4, 2025
Alexandra Solovieva and Ayaz Baetov during the handover ceremony
Bishkek, 4 July 2025 – The Ministry of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic, in partnership with UNDP, is taking another step toward ensuring inclusive and equitable access to justice for all. Today, the Ministry of Justice received a new minibus from UNDP to support the expansion of the “Bus of Solidarity” initiative, a mobile legal aid service that brings free legal support to people in remote and underserved areas.
“The Bus of Solidarity helps us reach communities that have limited or no access to legal services. With UNDP’s continued support, we are building a legal aid system that is people-centered, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of our citizens,” said Ayaz Baetov, Minister of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Ayaz Baetov, Minister of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic
The initiative is being implemented with the support of UNDP within the framework of the implementation of the Programme of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic for the development of the system of state-guaranteed legal aid together with the Legal Aid Service under the Ministry of Justice.
UNDP Resident Representative Alexandra Solovieva emphasized the importance of scaling this model to ensure that no one is left behind in accessing justice: “The Free Legal Aid Service and the Bus of Solidarity are clearly a success story for the Kyrgyz Republic. From raising legal awareness to strengthening trust between government and citizens, this model shows how access to justice can become a driver of public effectiveness and sustainable development,” she said during the handover ceremony.
Alexandra Solovieva, UNDP Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic
“Mobile departure The Solidarity Bus is used for mobile legal consultations, helps to cover rural and hard-to-reach areas where there are no permanent legal aid points. It also allows to provide free legal advice to residents who cannot get to city or district centers on their own,” added Akjol Kalbekov, Chair of the Free Legal Aid Service.
Akjol Kalbekov, Chair of the Free Legal Aid Service
Together with the Government of Finland, UNDP has supported the Ministry of Justice in delivering impactful results:
24 offices of the Free Legal Aid Service operating across the country;
83795 people supported with legal consultations in 2024 alone;
Launch of a nationwide 114 legal hotline and automated FLA system.
UNDP and the Ministry of Justice reaffirm their joint commitment to advancing access to justice, supporting the rule of law, and ensuring that every person, regardless of location or circumstance, can realize their legal rights.
Related
content
content
