| TAJIKISTAN Republic of Tajikistan Jumhurii Tojikiston Joined United Nations: 2 March 1992 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 05/11/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Dushanbe
7,349,145 (July 2009 est.)
Emomali Rahmonov
President, Head of State and
Chairman of Supreme Assembly
since 19 November 1992
President, Head of State and
Chairman of Supreme Assembly
since 19 November 1992
President elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (eligible
for a second term); election last held 6 November 2006 (
Next scheduled election: November 2013
for a second term); election last held 6 November 2006 (
Next scheduled election: November 2013
| HEAD OF GOVERNMENT |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Oqil Oqilov
Prime Minister
since 20 January 1999
Prime Minister
since 20 January 1999
Prime minister appointed by the president
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Tajik 79.9%, Uzbek 15.3%, Russian 1.1%, Kyrgyz 1.1%, other 2.6% (2000 census)
| RELIGIONS |
Sunni Muslim 85%, Shi'a Muslim 5%, other 10% (2003 est.)
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Republic; Republic with 2 provinces (viloyatho, singular - viloyat) and 1 autonomous province Legal system is based on civil law
system with no judicial review of legislative acts
Executive: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (eligible for a second term); prime minister appointed by the
president; election last held 6 November 2006 (next to be held November 2013)
Legislative: bicameral Supreme Assembly or Majlisi Oli consists of the Assembly of Representatives (lower chamber) or
Majlisi Namoyandagon (63 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and the National
Assembly (upper chamber) or Majlisi Milliy (34 seats; members are indirectly elected, 25 selected by local deputies, 8
appointed by the president; 1 seat reserved for the former president; all serve five-year terms)
elections: last held last held on 28 February 2010 (next to be held in February 2015); Assembly of Representatives - last
held on 28 February 2010 (next to be held in February 2015)
Judicial: Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president)
system with no judicial review of legislative acts
Executive: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (eligible for a second term); prime minister appointed by the
president; election last held 6 November 2006 (next to be held November 2013)
Legislative: bicameral Supreme Assembly or Majlisi Oli consists of the Assembly of Representatives (lower chamber) or
Majlisi Namoyandagon (63 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and the National
Assembly (upper chamber) or Majlisi Milliy (34 seats; members are indirectly elected, 25 selected by local deputies, 8
appointed by the president; 1 seat reserved for the former president; all serve five-year terms)
elections: last held last held on 28 February 2010 (next to be held in February 2015); Assembly of Representatives - last
held on 28 February 2010 (next to be held in February 2015)
Judicial: Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president)
| LANGUAGES |
Tajik (official), Russian widely used in government and business
| BRIEF HISTORY |
The Ancient Age of Tajik history began around 4000 BC. This period of Tajik history started with the migration of Proto-
Indo-European (possibly the most distant ancestors of the Tajiks) from their native home which was possibly to the north of
Central Asia, to south Central Asia. Numerous and fascinating studies show that the Tajiks ancestors were the Scythians,
Massagetae, Bactrians Sogdians, Marvians and Aryans, who were living in Central Asia. At some time around 1750 BC,
the Tajik ancestors emigrated to North India. Thereafter, they emigrated to the Iranian Plateau (c. 1250 BC) and to the
northwest of Iran (c. 600 BC). This migration was crucial in formation of many Indo-European nations, languages, and
civilizations that are currently living in Eurasia. It resulted in the settling of the Proto-Indo-European tribes in areas of Eurasia,
some of whom were mentioned by Herodotus. The western Scythians started to be replaced by the Sarmatians and Alans in
Europe around 400 BC. It needs to be noted that Sarmatian and Alans were descendants of western Scythians. The people
who eventually became known as Bukharan Jews migrated into this area from the Middle East during this period as well.
Sogdiana, Bactria, Merv and Khorezm were the four principal divisions of Ancient Central Asia inhabited by the ancestors
of the present-day Tajiks. Tajiks are now found only in historic Bactria and Sogdiana. During the Achaemenid period,
Sogdiana was one of the provinces of the Persian empire. Among the cities of Tajikistan, Panjakent and Istarawshan are
founded in that period. After the Persian Empire was defeated by Alexander the Great Bactria, Sogdiana and Merv being
part of Persian Empire had to defend themselves from new invaders. For another 400 hundred years until AD 410, the
Kushan Empire would be a major power in the region along with Roman, Parthian Empire and Han Empire (China). The
Hephthalites are considered to be another Scythian-related tribe although there is controversy about their name (which
means 'White Hun') which normally refers to Mongolian-Turkish invaders. The origin of the Gokturks is uncertain, but it
seems likely that they had lived to the South of the Altai Mountains until the year 542 AD. Chinese sources suggest that they
were descended from the Huns and located to the North of them. The Transoxiana principalities never formed a viable
confederacy. Beginning in 651 AD, the Arabs organized periodic marauding raids deep into the territory of Transoxania, but
it was not until the appointment of Ibn Qutaiba as Governor of Khorasan in 705 AD, during the reign of Walid I, that the
Caliphate adopted the policy of annexing the lands beyond the Oxus. In 715 AD the task of annexation was accomplished.
The entire region thus came under the control of the Caliph and of Islam, but the Arabs continued to rule through local
Soghdian Kings and dihqans. Islam spread rapidly in Transoxiana. The new religion was received mostly by popular
acclaim, for it promised greater social mobility and created favourable conditions for trade. With Islam there came Arabic
that became the language of Abbasid court. The Samanid dynasty, that ruled (819–1005) in Khorasan (Eastern Iran) and
Transoxiana, was founded by Saman-Khuda . The Samanids were one of the first purely indigenous dynasties to rule in
Persia following the Muslim Arab conquest. The modern state of Tajikistan considers that the Tajik name and identity,
although in existence for thousands of years in this area, began its formation during the Samanid period. After the collapse of
Samanid Dynasty Central Asia became the battleground of many Asian invaders who came from the north-east. The
Mongol Empire swept through Central Asia invaded Khorezm and sacked the cities of Bukhara and Samarkand, looting and
massacring people everywhere. Timur, founder of the Timurid Empire, was born 8th April 1336 in Kesh near Samarkand. A
Member of the Turkicized Barlas tribe, a Mongol subgroup that had settled in Transoxiana after taking part in Genghis
Khan's son Chagatai's campaigns in that region. In 1740 the Janid khanate was conquered by Nadir Shah, the Afsharid ruler
of Persia. The Janid khan Abu al Faiz retained his throne, becoming Nadir's vassal. Conflict with Russia started in 1865,
shortly after Russian conquest of Tashkent. Being more technologically advanced the Russians had little difficulty in
conquering the regions inhabited by Tajiks, meeting fierce resistance only at Jizzakh, Ura-Tyube, and when their garrison at
Samarkand was besieged in 1868 by forces from Shahr-e Sabz and the inhabitants of the city. At the end of August 1920
the last emir, Sayyid Alim Khan, was overthrown as a result of the invasion of the emirate by Soviet troops, and on 6
October the emirate was abolished and the Bukharan People's Soviet Republic proclaimed. Tajiks in this period underwent
the greatest catastrophe in their history. The Tajiks' lack of concern, especially their cosmopolitanism during this period, cost
them dearly. They were deprived of the use of their language, of achieving an independent republic, and of their historical
and cultural centers. The national-administrative divisions placed the ancient Tajik cities, Bukhara and Samarkand, outside
the Tajikistan SSR when the borders were drawn in 1928. As citizens of the Uzbek SSR many Tajiks came under pressure
to conform to their newly-ascribed 'Uzbek' identity, and under threat of exile or worse for nonconformity, many were forced
to change their identity. Tajik schools were closed and, Tajiks were not appointed to leadership positions simply because of
their ethnicity. With the establishment of Soviet rule, Jewish life seriously deteriorated and thousands of Jews left the region
due to religious oppression, confiscation of property, arrests, and repressions. In the last years of Soviet Union (1986-1990)
Tajikistan SSR went through numerous positive changes due to mass protests and initiative of few notable members of
Majlisi Oli (Verkhovniy Soviet) or Parliament, which lead the movement towards independence. During this time Kojiki
regains status of Oficial language of Tajikistan SSR next to Russian. Also ethnic Russians start loosing grip on power and
more Tajiks become politically active and in this time prominent leaders of movement towards independence also known as
Opposition, emerge. Opposition lead the mass protests in the capital city of Dushanbe and in august of 1991 forces
president K. Makhkamov to resign. In short, Tajik identity has been once again challenged with the out-break of Civil War.
The Tajiks have survived this blow of history too and finally reached a much-needed stage of self-examination and relative
prosperity. Nevertheless severe political problems remain, not least the fact that, having been run by Leninabadis (Khujand)
throughout the Soviet period, Tajikistan is now almost entirely controlled by Kulyabis, from the home region of President
Rakhmonov. Numerous notable individual were murdered during the war and throughout the 1990s. This list includes
journalist and politician Otakhon Latifi, journalist and Jewish leader Meirkhaim Gavrielov, and politician Safarali Kenjayev.
Since 1991, much of the country's non-Muslim population, including Russians and Jews, has emigrated due to severe
poverty and instability. In 1992 most of the country’s Jewish population was evacuated to Israel.
Sources: Wikipedia: History of Tajikistan
Indo-European (possibly the most distant ancestors of the Tajiks) from their native home which was possibly to the north of
Central Asia, to south Central Asia. Numerous and fascinating studies show that the Tajiks ancestors were the Scythians,
Massagetae, Bactrians Sogdians, Marvians and Aryans, who were living in Central Asia. At some time around 1750 BC,
the Tajik ancestors emigrated to North India. Thereafter, they emigrated to the Iranian Plateau (c. 1250 BC) and to the
northwest of Iran (c. 600 BC). This migration was crucial in formation of many Indo-European nations, languages, and
civilizations that are currently living in Eurasia. It resulted in the settling of the Proto-Indo-European tribes in areas of Eurasia,
some of whom were mentioned by Herodotus. The western Scythians started to be replaced by the Sarmatians and Alans in
Europe around 400 BC. It needs to be noted that Sarmatian and Alans were descendants of western Scythians. The people
who eventually became known as Bukharan Jews migrated into this area from the Middle East during this period as well.
Sogdiana, Bactria, Merv and Khorezm were the four principal divisions of Ancient Central Asia inhabited by the ancestors
of the present-day Tajiks. Tajiks are now found only in historic Bactria and Sogdiana. During the Achaemenid period,
Sogdiana was one of the provinces of the Persian empire. Among the cities of Tajikistan, Panjakent and Istarawshan are
founded in that period. After the Persian Empire was defeated by Alexander the Great Bactria, Sogdiana and Merv being
part of Persian Empire had to defend themselves from new invaders. For another 400 hundred years until AD 410, the
Kushan Empire would be a major power in the region along with Roman, Parthian Empire and Han Empire (China). The
Hephthalites are considered to be another Scythian-related tribe although there is controversy about their name (which
means 'White Hun') which normally refers to Mongolian-Turkish invaders. The origin of the Gokturks is uncertain, but it
seems likely that they had lived to the South of the Altai Mountains until the year 542 AD. Chinese sources suggest that they
were descended from the Huns and located to the North of them. The Transoxiana principalities never formed a viable
confederacy. Beginning in 651 AD, the Arabs organized periodic marauding raids deep into the territory of Transoxania, but
it was not until the appointment of Ibn Qutaiba as Governor of Khorasan in 705 AD, during the reign of Walid I, that the
Caliphate adopted the policy of annexing the lands beyond the Oxus. In 715 AD the task of annexation was accomplished.
The entire region thus came under the control of the Caliph and of Islam, but the Arabs continued to rule through local
Soghdian Kings and dihqans. Islam spread rapidly in Transoxiana. The new religion was received mostly by popular
acclaim, for it promised greater social mobility and created favourable conditions for trade. With Islam there came Arabic
that became the language of Abbasid court. The Samanid dynasty, that ruled (819–1005) in Khorasan (Eastern Iran) and
Transoxiana, was founded by Saman-Khuda . The Samanids were one of the first purely indigenous dynasties to rule in
Persia following the Muslim Arab conquest. The modern state of Tajikistan considers that the Tajik name and identity,
although in existence for thousands of years in this area, began its formation during the Samanid period. After the collapse of
Samanid Dynasty Central Asia became the battleground of many Asian invaders who came from the north-east. The
Mongol Empire swept through Central Asia invaded Khorezm and sacked the cities of Bukhara and Samarkand, looting and
massacring people everywhere. Timur, founder of the Timurid Empire, was born 8th April 1336 in Kesh near Samarkand. A
Member of the Turkicized Barlas tribe, a Mongol subgroup that had settled in Transoxiana after taking part in Genghis
Khan's son Chagatai's campaigns in that region. In 1740 the Janid khanate was conquered by Nadir Shah, the Afsharid ruler
of Persia. The Janid khan Abu al Faiz retained his throne, becoming Nadir's vassal. Conflict with Russia started in 1865,
shortly after Russian conquest of Tashkent. Being more technologically advanced the Russians had little difficulty in
conquering the regions inhabited by Tajiks, meeting fierce resistance only at Jizzakh, Ura-Tyube, and when their garrison at
Samarkand was besieged in 1868 by forces from Shahr-e Sabz and the inhabitants of the city. At the end of August 1920
the last emir, Sayyid Alim Khan, was overthrown as a result of the invasion of the emirate by Soviet troops, and on 6
October the emirate was abolished and the Bukharan People's Soviet Republic proclaimed. Tajiks in this period underwent
the greatest catastrophe in their history. The Tajiks' lack of concern, especially their cosmopolitanism during this period, cost
them dearly. They were deprived of the use of their language, of achieving an independent republic, and of their historical
and cultural centers. The national-administrative divisions placed the ancient Tajik cities, Bukhara and Samarkand, outside
the Tajikistan SSR when the borders were drawn in 1928. As citizens of the Uzbek SSR many Tajiks came under pressure
to conform to their newly-ascribed 'Uzbek' identity, and under threat of exile or worse for nonconformity, many were forced
to change their identity. Tajik schools were closed and, Tajiks were not appointed to leadership positions simply because of
their ethnicity. With the establishment of Soviet rule, Jewish life seriously deteriorated and thousands of Jews left the region
due to religious oppression, confiscation of property, arrests, and repressions. In the last years of Soviet Union (1986-1990)
Tajikistan SSR went through numerous positive changes due to mass protests and initiative of few notable members of
Majlisi Oli (Verkhovniy Soviet) or Parliament, which lead the movement towards independence. During this time Kojiki
regains status of Oficial language of Tajikistan SSR next to Russian. Also ethnic Russians start loosing grip on power and
more Tajiks become politically active and in this time prominent leaders of movement towards independence also known as
Opposition, emerge. Opposition lead the mass protests in the capital city of Dushanbe and in august of 1991 forces
president K. Makhkamov to resign. In short, Tajik identity has been once again challenged with the out-break of Civil War.
The Tajiks have survived this blow of history too and finally reached a much-needed stage of self-examination and relative
prosperity. Nevertheless severe political problems remain, not least the fact that, having been run by Leninabadis (Khujand)
throughout the Soviet period, Tajikistan is now almost entirely controlled by Kulyabis, from the home region of President
Rakhmonov. Numerous notable individual were murdered during the war and throughout the 1990s. This list includes
journalist and politician Otakhon Latifi, journalist and Jewish leader Meirkhaim Gavrielov, and politician Safarali Kenjayev.
Since 1991, much of the country's non-Muslim population, including Russians and Jews, has emigrated due to severe
poverty and instability. In 1992 most of the country’s Jewish population was evacuated to Israel.
Sources: Wikipedia: History of Tajikistan
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Tajikistan has one of the lowest per capita GDPs among the 15 former Soviet republics. Because of a lack of employment
opportunities in Tajikistan, nearly half of the labor force works abroad, primarily in Russia and Kazakhstan, supporting
families in Tajikistan through remittances. The exact number of labor migrants is unknown, but estimated at around 1 million.
Less than 7% of the land area is arable. Cotton is the most important crop, but this sector is burdened with debt and
obsolete infrastructure. Mineral resources include silver, gold, uranium, and tungsten. Industry consists only of a large
aluminum plant, hydropower facilities, and small obsolete factories mostly in light industry and food processing. The civil war
(1992-97) severely damaged the already weak economic infrastructure and caused a sharp decline in industrial and
agricultural production. Tajikistan's economic situation remains fragile due to uneven implementation of structural reforms,
corruption, weak governance, widespread unemployment, seasonal power shortages, and the external debt burden. A debt
restructuring agreement was reached with Russia in December 2002, including a $250 million write-off of Tajikistan's $300
million debt. Completion of the Sangtuda I hydropower dam - finished in 2009 with Russian investment - and the Sangtuda
II and Rogun dams will add substantially to electricity output. If finished according to Tajik plans, Rogun will be the world's
tallest dam. Tajikistan has also received substantial infrastructure development loans from the Chinese government to
improve roads and an electricity transmission network. To help increase north-south trade, the US funded a $36 million
bridge which opened in August 2007 and links Tajikistan and Afghanistan. While, Tajikistan has experienced steady
economic growth since 1997, nearly two-thirds of the population continues to live in poverty. Economic growth reached
10.6% in 2004, but dropped below 8% in 2005-08, as the effects of higher oil prices and then the international financial
crisis began to register - mainly in the form of lower prices for key export commodities and lower remittances from Tajiks
working abroad, due to the global economic downturn. In 2009 GDP growth dropped to 3.4% as a result of the world
recession.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Tajikistan)
opportunities in Tajikistan, nearly half of the labor force works abroad, primarily in Russia and Kazakhstan, supporting
families in Tajikistan through remittances. The exact number of labor migrants is unknown, but estimated at around 1 million.
Less than 7% of the land area is arable. Cotton is the most important crop, but this sector is burdened with debt and
obsolete infrastructure. Mineral resources include silver, gold, uranium, and tungsten. Industry consists only of a large
aluminum plant, hydropower facilities, and small obsolete factories mostly in light industry and food processing. The civil war
(1992-97) severely damaged the already weak economic infrastructure and caused a sharp decline in industrial and
agricultural production. Tajikistan's economic situation remains fragile due to uneven implementation of structural reforms,
corruption, weak governance, widespread unemployment, seasonal power shortages, and the external debt burden. A debt
restructuring agreement was reached with Russia in December 2002, including a $250 million write-off of Tajikistan's $300
million debt. Completion of the Sangtuda I hydropower dam - finished in 2009 with Russian investment - and the Sangtuda
II and Rogun dams will add substantially to electricity output. If finished according to Tajik plans, Rogun will be the world's
tallest dam. Tajikistan has also received substantial infrastructure development loans from the Chinese government to
improve roads and an electricity transmission network. To help increase north-south trade, the US funded a $36 million
bridge which opened in August 2007 and links Tajikistan and Afghanistan. While, Tajikistan has experienced steady
economic growth since 1997, nearly two-thirds of the population continues to live in poverty. Economic growth reached
10.6% in 2004, but dropped below 8% in 2005-08, as the effects of higher oil prices and then the international financial
crisis began to register - mainly in the form of lower prices for key export commodities and lower remittances from Tajiks
working abroad, due to the global economic downturn. In 2009 GDP growth dropped to 3.4% as a result of the world
recession.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Tajikistan)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
The president, who is directly elected, is both the head of state and the head of government. The president appoints the
prime minister and all the members of the government, with parliamentary approval. Tajikistan is thus a presidential republic.
Tajikistan held a constitutional referendum on 22 June 2003 and the 2003 Constitution, among other amendments, set a limit
of two seven-year terms for the president.[1] Emomalii Rahmon's election to the office of the president in 2006 counts as his
first 7-year term under the 2003 Constitution, and in principle he may be re-elected for a second term in 2013, remaining in
office until 2020.
In this geographically divided country, the ceremonial position of prime minister traditionally is held by a person from the
north to nominally balance President Emomalii Rakhmon’s southern origin. In 2004 the executive branch fell further under
the control of the governing party as appointments by Rakhmon left the opposition with only 5 percent of major government
positions. This event followed the expiration of the 1997 peace guarantee that the United Tajik Opposition (UPO) would
occupy at least 30 percent of top government positions. Prior to the 2006 election, the Council of Ministers, which executes
the decisions of the president, included two deputy prime ministers, 19 ministers, nine committee heads, and several ex
officio members. After the election, Rakhmon abolished 10 ministries and five state committees and reappointed Oqil Oqilov
as prime minister. Rakhmon is said to have accumulated substantial informal power through patronage.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Tajikistan
prime minister and all the members of the government, with parliamentary approval. Tajikistan is thus a presidential republic.
Tajikistan held a constitutional referendum on 22 June 2003 and the 2003 Constitution, among other amendments, set a limit
of two seven-year terms for the president.[1] Emomalii Rahmon's election to the office of the president in 2006 counts as his
first 7-year term under the 2003 Constitution, and in principle he may be re-elected for a second term in 2013, remaining in
office until 2020.
In this geographically divided country, the ceremonial position of prime minister traditionally is held by a person from the
north to nominally balance President Emomalii Rakhmon’s southern origin. In 2004 the executive branch fell further under
the control of the governing party as appointments by Rakhmon left the opposition with only 5 percent of major government
positions. This event followed the expiration of the 1997 peace guarantee that the United Tajik Opposition (UPO) would
occupy at least 30 percent of top government positions. Prior to the 2006 election, the Council of Ministers, which executes
the decisions of the president, included two deputy prime ministers, 19 ministers, nine committee heads, and several ex
officio members. After the election, Rakhmon abolished 10 ministries and five state committees and reappointed Oqil Oqilov
as prime minister. Rakhmon is said to have accumulated substantial informal power through patronage.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Tajikistan
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
In 2006, China and Tajikistan pledged to commence demarcation of the revised boundary agreed to in the delimitation of
2002; talks continue with Uzbekistan to delimit border and remove minefields; disputes in Isfara Valley delay delimitation
with Kyrgyzstan
2002; talks continue with Uzbekistan to delimit border and remove minefields; disputes in Isfara Valley delay delimitation
with Kyrgyzstan
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDP) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
Major transit country for Afghan narcotics bound for Russian and, to a lesser extent, Western European markets; limited
illicit cultivation of opium poppy for domestic consumption; Tajikistan seizes roughly 80% of all drugs captured in Central
Asia and stands third worldwide in seizures of opiates (heroin and raw opium); significant consumer of opiates
illicit cultivation of opium poppy for domestic consumption; Tajikistan seizes roughly 80% of all drugs captured in Central
Asia and stands third worldwide in seizures of opiates (heroin and raw opium); significant consumer of opiates
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Reports: Tajikistan
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Tajikistan, with a population of more than seven million, is an authoritarian state, and political life is dominated by President
Emomali Rahmon and his supporters, drawn mainly from one region of the country. The constitution provides for a multiparty
political system, but in practice the government obstructed political pluralism. The 2006 presidential election lacked genuine
competition and did not meet international standards, although there were some improvements on voting procedures. Civilian
authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
The government's human rights record remained poor, and corruption continued to hamper democratic and social reform. The
following human rights problems were reported:
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Tajikistan, with a population of more than seven million, is an authoritarian state, and political life is dominated by President
Emomali Rahmon and his supporters, drawn mainly from one region of the country. The constitution provides for a multiparty
political system, but in practice the government obstructed political pluralism. The 2006 presidential election lacked genuine
competition and did not meet international standards, although there were some improvements on voting procedures. Civilian
authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
The government's human rights record remained poor, and corruption continued to hamper democratic and social reform. The
following human rights problems were reported:
- restricted right of citizens to change their government;
- torture and abuse of detainees and other persons by security forces;
- impunity for security forces;
- denial of right to fair trial;
- harsh and life-threatening prison conditions;
- prohibition of international monitor access to prisons;
- restrictions on freedoms of speech, press, association, and religion;
- government harassment of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs);
- security force abuse of refugees;
- violence and discrimination against women;
- trafficking in persons;
- child labor.
29 January 2010
Committee on the Rights of the Child
Fifty-third session
11-29 January 2010
Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 44 of the Convention
Concluding observations: Tajikistan
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the second periodic report, the written replies to its list of issues and the frank and
constructive dialogue with the high level, multi-sectorial delegation of the State party.
B. Follow-up measures undertaken and progress achieved by the State party
3. The Committee welcomes ratification of the following international instruments
(a) the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict on 5 August
2002.
(b) the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography
on 5 August 2002.
(c) the ILO Convention No. 182 concerning the Prohibition and Immediate Action for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child
Labour on 8 June 2005.
C. Factors and difficulties impeding the implementation of the Convention
5. The Committee notes that the State party has faced consequences of civil war and serious economic and social challenges during
the recent years, including, the impact of the global economic crisis, widespread poverty and corruption, which had an especially
severe impact on children.
D Main areas of concern and recommendations
1. General measures of implementation (arts. 4, 42 and 44, para. 6 of the Convention)
The Committee’s previous recommendations
6. While noting the State party’s efforts to implement the concluding observations on the State party’s previous report
(CRC/C/15/Add.136, 23 October 2000), the Committee however regrets that some of the concerns and recommendations
contained therein have not been adequately addressed or implemented.
7. The Committee urges the State party to take all necessary measures to address those recommendations from the concluding
observations of the initial report that have not – or not sufficiently – been implemented, in particular, those related, inter alia, to
increased budgetary allocation, collection of data concerning persons under the age of 18, prevention of institutionalisation of
children and violence against children, improvement of health services and inclusive education, prohibition of child labour and
development of juvenile justice system.
Click here to read more »
Committee on the Rights of the Child
Fifty-third session
11-29 January 2010
Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 44 of the Convention
Concluding observations: Tajikistan
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the second periodic report, the written replies to its list of issues and the frank and
constructive dialogue with the high level, multi-sectorial delegation of the State party.
B. Follow-up measures undertaken and progress achieved by the State party
3. The Committee welcomes ratification of the following international instruments
(a) the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict on 5 August
2002.
(b) the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography
on 5 August 2002.
(c) the ILO Convention No. 182 concerning the Prohibition and Immediate Action for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child
Labour on 8 June 2005.
C. Factors and difficulties impeding the implementation of the Convention
5. The Committee notes that the State party has faced consequences of civil war and serious economic and social challenges during
the recent years, including, the impact of the global economic crisis, widespread poverty and corruption, which had an especially
severe impact on children.
D Main areas of concern and recommendations
1. General measures of implementation (arts. 4, 42 and 44, para. 6 of the Convention)
The Committee’s previous recommendations
6. While noting the State party’s efforts to implement the concluding observations on the State party’s previous report
(CRC/C/15/Add.136, 23 October 2000), the Committee however regrets that some of the concerns and recommendations
contained therein have not been adequately addressed or implemented.
7. The Committee urges the State party to take all necessary measures to address those recommendations from the concluding
observations of the initial report that have not – or not sufficiently – been implemented, in particular, those related, inter alia, to
increased budgetary allocation, collection of data concerning persons under the age of 18, prevention of institutionalisation of
children and violence against children, improvement of health services and inclusive education, prohibition of child labour and
development of juvenile justice system.
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FREEDOM IN THE WORLD- 2009
Political Rights Score: 6
Civil Liberties Score: 5
Status: Not Free
Overview
The regime of President Emomali Rahmon continued to encroach on religious freedoms and shackle the media in 2008, even as
basic services slipped, debt problems deepened, and public discontent increased. Tajikistan cooperated with international
organizations to ensure food security, but admitted that it had lied to the International Monetary Fund to obtain a $48 million loan.
The president broadened his influence to the cultural sphere in 2007, de-Russifying his surname to “Rahmon” in March and signing
legislation in May to establishspendinglimits on birthday and wedding celebrations.
The severewinter of 2007-08 featured widespread power outages and a number of spontaneous demonstrations, even in Dushanbe.
In February 2008, the United Nations appealed for $25 million in emergency assistance for the country to stave off famine. The UN
World Food Program noted in August that bread and vegetable prices had more than doubled over the last year, and in October, the
United Nations warned that one-third of Tajikistan’s inhabitants could face hunger during the coming winter.
Most of the population lives in poverty and survives on subsistence agriculture, remittances from relatives working abroad (mainly
in Russia), and foreign humanitarian aid. However, Tajikistan’s relations with international financial institutions were complicated by
an April 2008 admission that the Central Bank had lied about its reserves to secure a $48 million loan from the International
Monetary Fund, which demanded repayment over six months starting in September 2008. Meanwhile, the global economic
downturn in the fall threatened to cut off the vital remittance income.
Tajikistan is not an electoral democracy. The 1994 constitution provides for a strong, directly elected president who enjoys broad
authority to appoint and dismiss officials. Amendments adopted in 1999 increased the powers of the president and created a full-
time, bicameral parliament, while 2003 amendments allowed current president Emomali Rahmon to serve two additional seven-year
terms beyond the 2006 election. In the Assembly of Representatives (lower chamber), 63 members are elected by popular vote to
serve five-year terms. In the 33-seat National Assembly (upper chamber), 25 members are chosen by local assemblies, and 8 are
appointed by the president, all for five-year terms. Elections are neither free nor fair.
Patronage networks and regional affiliations are central to political life, with officials from the president’s native Kulyob region
dominant in government. Rahmon’s PDP is the ruling political party. Secular opposition parties are weak and enjoy minimal popular
support. The limited influence of the IRP, currently the only legal religion-based party in Central Asia, was further reduced by the
August 2006 death of Said Abdullo Nuri, its widely respected leader.
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Political Rights Score: 6
Civil Liberties Score: 5
Status: Not Free
Overview
The regime of President Emomali Rahmon continued to encroach on religious freedoms and shackle the media in 2008, even as
basic services slipped, debt problems deepened, and public discontent increased. Tajikistan cooperated with international
organizations to ensure food security, but admitted that it had lied to the International Monetary Fund to obtain a $48 million loan.
The president broadened his influence to the cultural sphere in 2007, de-Russifying his surname to “Rahmon” in March and signing
legislation in May to establishspendinglimits on birthday and wedding celebrations.
The severewinter of 2007-08 featured widespread power outages and a number of spontaneous demonstrations, even in Dushanbe.
In February 2008, the United Nations appealed for $25 million in emergency assistance for the country to stave off famine. The UN
World Food Program noted in August that bread and vegetable prices had more than doubled over the last year, and in October, the
United Nations warned that one-third of Tajikistan’s inhabitants could face hunger during the coming winter.
Most of the population lives in poverty and survives on subsistence agriculture, remittances from relatives working abroad (mainly
in Russia), and foreign humanitarian aid. However, Tajikistan’s relations with international financial institutions were complicated by
an April 2008 admission that the Central Bank had lied about its reserves to secure a $48 million loan from the International
Monetary Fund, which demanded repayment over six months starting in September 2008. Meanwhile, the global economic
downturn in the fall threatened to cut off the vital remittance income.
Tajikistan is not an electoral democracy. The 1994 constitution provides for a strong, directly elected president who enjoys broad
authority to appoint and dismiss officials. Amendments adopted in 1999 increased the powers of the president and created a full-
time, bicameral parliament, while 2003 amendments allowed current president Emomali Rahmon to serve two additional seven-year
terms beyond the 2006 election. In the Assembly of Representatives (lower chamber), 63 members are elected by popular vote to
serve five-year terms. In the 33-seat National Assembly (upper chamber), 25 members are chosen by local assemblies, and 8 are
appointed by the president, all for five-year terms. Elections are neither free nor fair.
Patronage networks and regional affiliations are central to political life, with officials from the president’s native Kulyob region
dominant in government. Rahmon’s PDP is the ruling political party. Secular opposition parties are weak and enjoy minimal popular
support. The limited influence of the IRP, currently the only legal religion-based party in Central Asia, was further reduced by the
August 2006 death of Said Abdullo Nuri, its widely respected leader.
Click here to read more »
Women on the frontline for human rights
10 December 2009
Women often bear the brunt of poverty and human rights abuses; but as activists they use these roles to trigger positive social
change. To mark World Human Rights Day, Amnesty International spoke to three women who put their lives on the line in defence
of human rights.
Women are affected by poverty, violence and human rights violations more than men because of the discrimination they face the
world over. Over 70 per cent of the world’s poor are women. Women earn only 10 per cent of the world’s income but do two
thirds of the world’s work.
Three quarters of the world’s illiterate are women. Women produce up to 80 per cent of the food in developing countries but own
only one per cent of the land.
In spite of these overwhelming odds, women are often the most active agents of positive social change in their communities,
working tirelessly to improve their lives and the situation of their families. Women are responsible for some of the most effective
grassroots-based human rights work all over the globe.
Zebo Sharifova, head of the League of Women’s Lawyers, Tajikistan
"Those women who don’t know their rights turn to centres including League of Women's Lawyers and ask them to defend their
rights in courts.
"Before women did not know where to go if they wanted to find out about their rights. Today…they are more aware of their rights.
"A lot of women who cannot find a way out of the situation [domestic violence] commit suicide. In our centre we have a
psychologist who these women can talk to.
"According to the statistics there are about 20 registered crisis centres [for women] in Tajikistan. But these crisis centres only
work when foreign organisations provide funding for them. As soon as funding stops, their work also stops. The state does not
have the funds to finance shelters [for women] and our organization has to accept these women. But eventually they are forced to
return to their families where they are subjected to domestic violence.
"[We have] initiated and developed a draft law on Protection from Domestic Violence. We have lobbied throughout the whole of the
Republic, gathered a lot of signatures in support of this draft law.
"If we helped at least one woman who comes and tells [us], ‘Thank you! You have helped me. I live at my home now and I get the
alimonies’, then we have won the process.
"We see how her eyes sparkle and it is worth working for such a moment."
Click here to read more »
10 December 2009
Women often bear the brunt of poverty and human rights abuses; but as activists they use these roles to trigger positive social
change. To mark World Human Rights Day, Amnesty International spoke to three women who put their lives on the line in defence
of human rights.
Women are affected by poverty, violence and human rights violations more than men because of the discrimination they face the
world over. Over 70 per cent of the world’s poor are women. Women earn only 10 per cent of the world’s income but do two
thirds of the world’s work.
Three quarters of the world’s illiterate are women. Women produce up to 80 per cent of the food in developing countries but own
only one per cent of the land.
In spite of these overwhelming odds, women are often the most active agents of positive social change in their communities,
working tirelessly to improve their lives and the situation of their families. Women are responsible for some of the most effective
grassroots-based human rights work all over the globe.
Zebo Sharifova, head of the League of Women’s Lawyers, Tajikistan
"Those women who don’t know their rights turn to centres including League of Women's Lawyers and ask them to defend their
rights in courts.
"Before women did not know where to go if they wanted to find out about their rights. Today…they are more aware of their rights.
"A lot of women who cannot find a way out of the situation [domestic violence] commit suicide. In our centre we have a
psychologist who these women can talk to.
"According to the statistics there are about 20 registered crisis centres [for women] in Tajikistan. But these crisis centres only
work when foreign organisations provide funding for them. As soon as funding stops, their work also stops. The state does not
have the funds to finance shelters [for women] and our organization has to accept these women. But eventually they are forced to
return to their families where they are subjected to domestic violence.
"[We have] initiated and developed a draft law on Protection from Domestic Violence. We have lobbied throughout the whole of the
Republic, gathered a lot of signatures in support of this draft law.
"If we helped at least one woman who comes and tells [us], ‘Thank you! You have helped me. I live at my home now and I get the
alimonies’, then we have won the process.
"We see how her eyes sparkle and it is worth working for such a moment."
Click here to read more »
Tajikistan: Don’t Return Asylum Seeker to Kyrgyzstan
Investigate Torture Allegations and Allow Access to a Lawyer
March 25, 2010
(New York) - Tajik authorities should not forcibly return a Kyrgyz human rights defender who is also a registered asylum seeker to
Kyrgyzstan, Human Rights Watch said today. They should immediately grant the man, who is in custody, access to a lawyer and
investigate allegations that his detention in Tajikistan was arbitrary and that he has been tortured.
Nematillo Botakozuev, who works with two human rights organizations, has been held incommunicado by the Tajik State
Committee for National Security (GKNB), the country's central intelligence agency, since his arrest a month ago. Neither a lawyer
hired by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCHR) nor a lawyer hired by his family have been allowed to
speak to him.
"Botakozuev urgently needs protection," said Andrea Berg, Central Asia researcher for Human Rights Watch. "Tajik authorities
should act now to protect him from abuse in custody and ensure that he is not returned to Kyrgyzstan."
Botakozuev was last seen at liberty on the evening of February 26, 2010, when he left the UNHCR office. When he did not return
home, his family alerted the UNHCR and international human rights organizations. Two weeks later, a source known to Human
Rights Watch learned that Tajik police agents had stopped Botakozuev on the street and checked his documents. Because
Botakozuev did not have identification with him, the police pulled him into their car and took him to the detention facility.
The source told Human Rights Watch that he was able to see Botakozuev informally for a few moments on March 14, two weeks
after he disappeared.
"He was hardly able to breath," the source said. "He told me that his body is covered in bruises and that he had been tortured. When
he got up from a bench he couldn't put any weight on one leg. He kept his hand on his heart. I am very concerned about his health
because he has suffered two heart attacks in the past."
Botakozuev, who is in his early 40s, has been working with Truth - Justice, a human rights group based in Osh, in southern
Kyrgyzstan, since 2004. He also works with the Paris-based organization Human Rights in Central Asia. Botakozuev's work
focuses on the ethnic Uzbek community and people accused of religious extremism in southern Kyrgyzstan.
Click here to read more »
Investigate Torture Allegations and Allow Access to a Lawyer
March 25, 2010
(New York) - Tajik authorities should not forcibly return a Kyrgyz human rights defender who is also a registered asylum seeker to
Kyrgyzstan, Human Rights Watch said today. They should immediately grant the man, who is in custody, access to a lawyer and
investigate allegations that his detention in Tajikistan was arbitrary and that he has been tortured.
Nematillo Botakozuev, who works with two human rights organizations, has been held incommunicado by the Tajik State
Committee for National Security (GKNB), the country's central intelligence agency, since his arrest a month ago. Neither a lawyer
hired by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCHR) nor a lawyer hired by his family have been allowed to
speak to him.
"Botakozuev urgently needs protection," said Andrea Berg, Central Asia researcher for Human Rights Watch. "Tajik authorities
should act now to protect him from abuse in custody and ensure that he is not returned to Kyrgyzstan."
Botakozuev was last seen at liberty on the evening of February 26, 2010, when he left the UNHCR office. When he did not return
home, his family alerted the UNHCR and international human rights organizations. Two weeks later, a source known to Human
Rights Watch learned that Tajik police agents had stopped Botakozuev on the street and checked his documents. Because
Botakozuev did not have identification with him, the police pulled him into their car and took him to the detention facility.
The source told Human Rights Watch that he was able to see Botakozuev informally for a few moments on March 14, two weeks
after he disappeared.
"He was hardly able to breath," the source said. "He told me that his body is covered in bruises and that he had been tortured. When
he got up from a bench he couldn't put any weight on one leg. He kept his hand on his heart. I am very concerned about his health
because he has suffered two heart attacks in the past."
Botakozuev, who is in his early 40s, has been working with Truth - Justice, a human rights group based in Osh, in southern
Kyrgyzstan, since 2004. He also works with the Paris-based organization Human Rights in Central Asia. Botakozuev's work
focuses on the ethnic Uzbek community and people accused of religious extremism in southern Kyrgyzstan.
Click here to read more »
Summary Statement of H.E. Mr. Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, at the General Debates of
the 64-th Session of the UN General Assembly
Statement Summary
23 March 2010
MOMALI RAHMON, President of Tajikistan, said that the United Nations continued to encourage Member States to attain the
Millennium Development Goals, while playing a central role in how Member States addressed both the benefits of globalization, in
terms of progress, economic growth and development, and the negative aspects of globalization, such as emerging ecological
challenges and international terrorism, to name a few. In that effort, the United Nations peacekeeping operations were one of the
significant activities of the Organization.
When common problems, among them illicit drug trafficking, terrorism and organized crime, merged, a greater threat faced the
international community, he stated. In that regard, he encouraged Member States to expedite the adoption of the comprehensive
convention on international terrorism. The prevention of illicit drug trafficking was a core aspect in challenging international
terrorism. “ Tajikistan has developed bilateral, regional and multilateral short-term and long-term programs of actions, and ratified
about 30 intergovernmental agreements,” he said. Because of such concerted efforts, in terms of confiscated drugs, Tajikistan
now rated number one in post-Soviet territory and number four in the world. Because of that, an estimated 36 million human lives
were saved from drug addiction.
As one of the countries bordering Afghanistan and thus on the front lines of trafficking, Tajikistan stymied the spread of narcotics,
terrorism and extremism. However, in the past, the support from Member States had not been sufficient to properly address the
increasing illicit drug industry and its involvement in international terrorism. A military response was, in his view, clearly not
effective, and he called upon the international community to participate in implementing social and educational projects to create a
peaceful rehabilitation, one in which the Afghan people could claim ownership. Assistance of that nature to Afghanistan would be
an effective way to counteract the drug threat emanating from that country and, in turn, impact the shared problems of the global
community.
“It is anything but a secret that mankind is already facing the problem of shortage of freshwater, which is not accessible to more
than 1 billion people on the planet, and in some countries the price of freshwater currently exceeds the price of gasoline,” he said.
Reminding Member States of the degradation of the Aral Sea, he urged that Central Asia countries review their strategies and work
towards an integrated approach towards water and other natural resources. Only by working together would beneficial long-term
solutions be possible. He then proposed that the year 2012 be declared as “The International Year of Water Diplomacy”.
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the 64-th Session of the UN General Assembly
Statement Summary
23 March 2010
MOMALI RAHMON, President of Tajikistan, said that the United Nations continued to encourage Member States to attain the
Millennium Development Goals, while playing a central role in how Member States addressed both the benefits of globalization, in
terms of progress, economic growth and development, and the negative aspects of globalization, such as emerging ecological
challenges and international terrorism, to name a few. In that effort, the United Nations peacekeeping operations were one of the
significant activities of the Organization.
When common problems, among them illicit drug trafficking, terrorism and organized crime, merged, a greater threat faced the
international community, he stated. In that regard, he encouraged Member States to expedite the adoption of the comprehensive
convention on international terrorism. The prevention of illicit drug trafficking was a core aspect in challenging international
terrorism. “ Tajikistan has developed bilateral, regional and multilateral short-term and long-term programs of actions, and ratified
about 30 intergovernmental agreements,” he said. Because of such concerted efforts, in terms of confiscated drugs, Tajikistan
now rated number one in post-Soviet territory and number four in the world. Because of that, an estimated 36 million human lives
were saved from drug addiction.
As one of the countries bordering Afghanistan and thus on the front lines of trafficking, Tajikistan stymied the spread of narcotics,
terrorism and extremism. However, in the past, the support from Member States had not been sufficient to properly address the
increasing illicit drug industry and its involvement in international terrorism. A military response was, in his view, clearly not
effective, and he called upon the international community to participate in implementing social and educational projects to create a
peaceful rehabilitation, one in which the Afghan people could claim ownership. Assistance of that nature to Afghanistan would be
an effective way to counteract the drug threat emanating from that country and, in turn, impact the shared problems of the global
community.
“It is anything but a secret that mankind is already facing the problem of shortage of freshwater, which is not accessible to more
than 1 billion people on the planet, and in some countries the price of freshwater currently exceeds the price of gasoline,” he said.
Reminding Member States of the degradation of the Aral Sea, he urged that Central Asia countries review their strategies and work
towards an integrated approach towards water and other natural resources. Only by working together would beneficial long-term
solutions be possible. He then proposed that the year 2012 be declared as “The International Year of Water Diplomacy”.
Click here to read more »
Tajik Prosecutor General Sacks Public Prosecutors
April 15, 2010
DUSHANBE -- Tajikistan's new prosecutor-general has fired 13 public prosecutors in what he says is an effort to reform the
prosecutor's office, RFE/RL's Tajik Service reports.
Sherkhon Salimzoda, who was chairman of Tajikistan's Anticorruption Agency before being named prosecutor-general in
mid-February, said at a press conference in Dushanbe on April 12 that the sackings were necessary because "there were many
deficiencies in the prosecutors' activities."
Salimzoda, 53, said three of those fired were accused of not preventing corruption in their offices. He said eight were found not to
be applying property laws in their work and the other two were suspected of covering up crimes.
No criminal cases have yet been opened against the fired procurators.
President Emomali Rahmon named Salimzoda to replace Bobojon Bobokhonov, who had been a rival of Salimzoda when he headed
the Anticorruption Agency.
Salimzoda added that human rights activist Nematullo Botakoziev, a Kyrgyz citizen, is not being detained in Tajikistan. Kyrgyzstan
has asked that Botakoziev be extradited, but Salimzoda said Tajik authorities are asking for Kyrgyz officials to clarify their request
and the charges against him.
Rights groups said Botakoziev was being held in detention in Tajikistan.
Salimzoda said if there is evidence that the Kyrgyz case against Botakoziev is political, Tajikistan will have to consider his request
for asylum based on Tajik law.
Human Rights Watch and other international rights groups have urged Tajikistan not to send Botakoziev to Kyrgyzstan. He is
wanted by Kyrgyz officials for organizing mass protests in 2008.
Tajikistan's ombudsman, Zarif Alizoda, said in March that the Norouz holiday had resulted in a delay in the investigation into
Botakoziev's case.
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April 15, 2010
DUSHANBE -- Tajikistan's new prosecutor-general has fired 13 public prosecutors in what he says is an effort to reform the
prosecutor's office, RFE/RL's Tajik Service reports.
Sherkhon Salimzoda, who was chairman of Tajikistan's Anticorruption Agency before being named prosecutor-general in
mid-February, said at a press conference in Dushanbe on April 12 that the sackings were necessary because "there were many
deficiencies in the prosecutors' activities."
Salimzoda, 53, said three of those fired were accused of not preventing corruption in their offices. He said eight were found not to
be applying property laws in their work and the other two were suspected of covering up crimes.
No criminal cases have yet been opened against the fired procurators.
President Emomali Rahmon named Salimzoda to replace Bobojon Bobokhonov, who had been a rival of Salimzoda when he headed
the Anticorruption Agency.
Salimzoda added that human rights activist Nematullo Botakoziev, a Kyrgyz citizen, is not being detained in Tajikistan. Kyrgyzstan
has asked that Botakoziev be extradited, but Salimzoda said Tajik authorities are asking for Kyrgyz officials to clarify their request
and the charges against him.
Rights groups said Botakoziev was being held in detention in Tajikistan.
Salimzoda said if there is evidence that the Kyrgyz case against Botakoziev is political, Tajikistan will have to consider his request
for asylum based on Tajik law.
Human Rights Watch and other international rights groups have urged Tajikistan not to send Botakoziev to Kyrgyzstan. He is
wanted by Kyrgyz officials for organizing mass protests in 2008.
Tajikistan's ombudsman, Zarif Alizoda, said in March that the Norouz holiday had resulted in a delay in the investigation into
Botakoziev's case.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM RUSSIAN BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
News
April 20, 2010
Tajikistan is preparing to UPR
April 20, 2010 in the Building Office of the Ombudsperson for Human Rights of the Republic of Tajikistan met human rights
defenders, members of the Commissioner for Human Rights and non-governmental organizations working in the field of human
rights. This event was dedicated to the Universal Periodic Review.
The mechanism of providing universal periodic review (UPR) was approved by UNGA Resolution 15 March 2006 № 60/251. All
192 UN member states must undergo periodic review of the Universal Human Rights in the UN Council on Human Rights.
Frequency of review for the first cycle of four years. This implies the consideration of 48 States per year. The basis of the review
are the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, international human rights treaty to which the State is voluntary
pledges and commitments of States, as well as the rules of international humanitarian law.
According to the Coordinator of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Tajikistan Munira Sanginov review
granted by the State to compulsorily allow a better understanding of the human rights situation in the country. In turn, after
granting the review, the Council of the UN Human Rights will provide its recommendations to improve the human rights situation.
Every 4 years at the second meeting of the UPR will be tracked by the results of the recommendations.
In 2011, Tajikistan will provide its UPR in UN Council on Human Rights. According to Deputy Director of the NGO Bureau for
Human Rights and Rule of Law in Tajikistan Zulfikora Zamonova will be a coalition with the participation of civil society. Coalition
to provide additional information worthy of the civil society on the human rights situation in the country. Develop a work plan for
the additional information for the ISS - is the main work of the coalition. It is expected that the Government in preparing the KJV
will go to the coalition group for the establishment of dialogue and consultation with human rights defenders. Deadline KJV
stakeholders 14 May 2011.
Click here to read more »
News
April 20, 2010
Tajikistan is preparing to UPR
April 20, 2010 in the Building Office of the Ombudsperson for Human Rights of the Republic of Tajikistan met human rights
defenders, members of the Commissioner for Human Rights and non-governmental organizations working in the field of human
rights. This event was dedicated to the Universal Periodic Review.
The mechanism of providing universal periodic review (UPR) was approved by UNGA Resolution 15 March 2006 № 60/251. All
192 UN member states must undergo periodic review of the Universal Human Rights in the UN Council on Human Rights.
Frequency of review for the first cycle of four years. This implies the consideration of 48 States per year. The basis of the review
are the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, international human rights treaty to which the State is voluntary
pledges and commitments of States, as well as the rules of international humanitarian law.
According to the Coordinator of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Tajikistan Munira Sanginov review
granted by the State to compulsorily allow a better understanding of the human rights situation in the country. In turn, after
granting the review, the Council of the UN Human Rights will provide its recommendations to improve the human rights situation.
Every 4 years at the second meeting of the UPR will be tracked by the results of the recommendations.
In 2011, Tajikistan will provide its UPR in UN Council on Human Rights. According to Deputy Director of the NGO Bureau for
Human Rights and Rule of Law in Tajikistan Zulfikora Zamonova will be a coalition with the participation of civil society. Coalition
to provide additional information worthy of the civil society on the human rights situation in the country. Develop a work plan for
the additional information for the ISS - is the main work of the coalition. It is expected that the Government in preparing the KJV
will go to the coalition group for the establishment of dialogue and consultation with human rights defenders. Deadline KJV
stakeholders 14 May 2011.
Click here to read more »
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| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
Current situation: Tajikistan is a source country for women trafficked through Kyrgyzstan and Russia to the UAE, Turkey,
and Russia for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation; men are trafficked to Russia and Kazakhstan for the purpose
of forced labor, primarily in the construction and agricultural industries; boys and girls are trafficked internally for various
purposes, including forced labor and forced begging
Tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Tajikistan is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts
to combat human trafficking, especially efforts to investigate, prosecute, convict, and sentence traffickers; despite evidence
of low- and mid-level officials' complicity in trafficking, the government did not punish any public officials for trafficking
complicity during 2007; lack of capacity and poor coordination between government institutions remained key obstacles to
effective anti-trafficking efforts (2008)
and Russia for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation; men are trafficked to Russia and Kazakhstan for the purpose
of forced labor, primarily in the construction and agricultural industries; boys and girls are trafficked internally for various
purposes, including forced labor and forced begging
Tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Tajikistan is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts
to combat human trafficking, especially efforts to investigate, prosecute, convict, and sentence traffickers; despite evidence
of low- and mid-level officials' complicity in trafficking, the government did not punish any public officials for trafficking
complicity during 2007; lack of capacity and poor coordination between government institutions remained key obstacles to
effective anti-trafficking efforts (2008)