Within the framework of the project “Coordinated Civil Society Action to Promote Rule of Law for All”, implemented by the Legal Policy Research Centre (LPRC) and the International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR) with the financial support of the European Union, a call for proposals is announced for financial support of a project on monitoring the pre-trial stage of criminal justice in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Monitoring the Pre-Trial Stage of Criminal Justice in the Republic of Kazakhstan using the developed Methodology for Monitoring the Criminal Justice System (Sphere 6) and preparing a final analytical report.
1. Context
The assignment is implemented within the framework of the project “Coordinated Civil Society Action to Promote Rule of Law for All”, carried out by the Legal Policy Research Center (LPRC) and the International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR) with the financial support of the European Union. According to the project work plan, monitoring of the pre-trial stage of criminal justice in Kazakhstan is envisaged in accordance with the developed Methodology for Monitoring the Criminal Justice System (Sphere 6).
2. Objective of the Assignment
Conduct a comprehensive monitoring of issues related to the pre-trial stage of criminal justice in the Republic of Kazakhstan, in accordance with the Methodology for Sphere 6. The Methodology for Sphere 6 “Pre-Trial Stage” is available at: https://admin.rolforall.kz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sfera-6.-dosudebnyj-etap_final.pdf
Prepare a report analyzing the compliance of national legislation and practice with international standards, following the format developed by the contracting organization (examples of reports for other spheres): https://admin.rolforall.kz/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/rus-analytical-report-on-the-trial-stage-in-the-kyrgyz-republic.pdf)
3. Expected Results
| № | Result | Timeline | Format |
| 1 | Monitoring plan, including list of courts and calendar schedule | Within 2 weeks from contract signing | Word/PDF |
| 2 | Field visits and data collection conducted according to methodology | Within 4 months after plan approval | Interim Report |
| 3 | Analytical report with findings and recommendations on all indicators of Sphere 6 | No later than 6 months from contract start | Word + Final PDF Layout |
4. Methodology and Approach
Monitoring must be conducted strictly in line with the Methodology for Sphere 6.
The monitoring of the pre-trial stage of criminal justice will be based on a comprehensive, human rights-based, and evidence-based approach. The methodology combines legal analysis, observation of judicial proceedings, examination of law enforcement practice, and surveys of participants in the process. This approach ensures objectivity, completeness, and reliability of collected data, as well as compliance with international standards.
Main research methods:
- Legal analysis: Study of the Constitution, Criminal Procedure Code, legislation on state-guaranteed legal aid, and other acts regulating the pre-trial stage. Comparison of national norms with international standards (ICCPR, ECHR, UN and Council of Europe recommendations).
- Monitoring of judicial hearings: Direct observation of forms of judicial control (authorization of detention, house arrest, etc.) and the work of investigative judges, with special attention to cases involving vulnerable groups (minors, women).
- Study of judicial acts and statistics: Analysis of decisions of investigative judges, including reasoning and compliance with justification standards; collection and processing of statistical data.
- Surveys and interviews: Interviews and surveys among participants in the criminal process — detainees, lawyers, prosecutors, judges.
- Analysis of alternative sources: Reports by the Ombudsman, NGOs, media, and international organizations; thematic studies on specific case categories (e.g., involving minors or emergencies).
5. Geography of Monitoring
Republic of Kazakhstan
6. Implementation Period
Start: 1 November 2025
Completion: no later than 6 months after start.
Interim reports and approvals — according to the agreed schedule.
7. Language
All documents and reports must be submitted in Russian.
8. Budget and Financing
The total cost of services under this assignment must not exceed EUR 40,000 (including all taxes and fees, if applicable).
Funding is provided under the existing EU grant contract and includes:
- 95% (up to EUR 38,000) — covered by the project (EU funds);
- 5% (up to EUR 2,000) — own contribution by the implementer (in cash), which may include staff time, office rent, logistics, etc.
The budget proposal must be in euros and include a transparent breakdown by main cost categories (fees, transport, accommodation, field research, report preparation, etc.). All costs must be necessary, justified, realistic, and reflect value for money.
Payment schedule:
- 40% — upon submission of the monitoring plan;
- 40% — upon submission of the interim report and monitoring evidence;
- 20% — upon approval of the final report.
9. Eligibility Criteria
Applicants (civil society organizations or consortia) must:
- Be a non-profit legal entity registered in Kazakhstan;
- Have proven experience in human rights and court monitoring;
- Have experience in legal analysis in criminal justice;
- Have experience in data collection and analysis using quantitative and qualitative methods (surveys, interviews, observations);
- Experience preparing donor-compliant reports (EU, UN, OSCE, etc.) is an asset;
- Have a qualified team including:
- Lawyer/human rights defender with court monitoring experience;
- Sociologist/analyst (quantitative and qualitative methods);
- Experts on vulnerable groups;
- Field monitors.
- Be able to coordinate fieldwork and engage with state and non-state actors;
- Adhere to confidentiality, gender sensitivity, and inclusiveness standards;
- Properly administer the contract (accounting, reporting, cost documentation);
- Provide own contribution (at least 5% of total cost);
- Be able to handle confidential data and comply with ethical standards;
- Confirm absence of conflict of interest with state bodies (Supreme Court, local courts, prosecutor’s offices);
- Act in accordance with principles of independence, impartiality, professional ethics, and non-violence;
- Be ready to participate in special training on methodology.
10. Application Procedure and Deadlines
Applications are accepted from 2 October to 16 October 2025.
Each application must include:
- Completed Application Form (Appendix 1, max. 15–20 pages, in Russian) based on Sphere 6 methodology;
- Completed Budget Form (Appendix 2, in English, in euros);
- Certificate of registration in Kazakhstan;
- List of projects implemented 2023–2025 with donor and budget info;
- CVs of key project team members.
Forms: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1VTqYwRlCFqoYueqzUKacNhEHTmAfuUiZ?usp=sharing
Send all documents to apply@iphronline.org
Email subject: “Lot No.5 – Monitoring of Pre-Trial Stage – [Organization Name]”.
Info Session: 7 October 2025, 16:00 (Astana time)
📍 Online (link upon request)
📩 Request participation link by emailing omiroshnichenko@hotmail.com by 7 October, 15:00.
11. Evaluation Criteria
| Criterion | Points |
| Understanding of assignment and methodological approach | 40 |
| Team qualification | 30 |
| Work plan and timeline | 20 |
| Financial proposal | 10 |
12. Special Conditions
An organization/consortium may submit only one application for Lot 5 and may win only one lot across all five announced.
This publication was funded by the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of Legal Policy Research Centre and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union. This publication has been prepared within the project “Coordinated Civil Society Action to Promote the Rule of Law for All”, which is implemented by the Legal Policy Research Centre (LPRC) and the International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR), with the financial support of the European Union.
