NEWS

Human Rights Dialogue in Tajikistan: Building Trust,Partnership, and Progress

Human Rights Dialogue in Tajikistan: Building Trust, Partnership, and Progress

Start Now

Human Rights Dialogue in Tajikistan: Building Trust, Partnership, and Progress. Dushanbe, 26 September 2025

Dushanbe, 26 September 2025 – The capital of Tajikistan hosted the Second Dialogue between the State and Civil Society on the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights, reaffirming the shared commitment of national institutions, civil society, and international partners to advancing human rights and justice reform through cooperation and trust.

The Dialogue brought together more than 70 participants, including representatives of the Executive Office of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, the Majlisi Oli (Parliament), the General Prosecutor’s Office, the Supreme Court, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Main Directorate for the Execution of Sentences (GUIUN), the Office of the Ombudsman, as well as leading civil society organisations, youth activists, diplomats, and international experts.

The event was organised by the NGO World of Law, the Ombudsman of Tajikistan, and Perspectivity Challenge Foundation within the framework of the EU-funded project “Paths to Justice: Strengthening Human Rights through Torture Prevention and Penitentiary System Reform”, implemented in partnership with the Centre for Development and Justice International (CDJI), the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and the International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR).

Advancing International Human Rights Standards

“This dialogue is more than just a meeting. It is a recognition that the protection of human
rights is a shared responsibility. Governments, civil society organisations, and international
partners each play a crucial role. When we come together, we build trust, mutual understanding,
and accountability.”
H.E. Radosław Darski, Ambassador of the European Union toTajikistan, emphasised In his opening address.

The Dialogue assessed progress on the 2024 recommendations and defined new priorities in line with key international human rights instruments, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention against Torture (CAT), the Nelson Mandela Rules, the Bangkok Rules, and the Beijing Rules.

Discussions focused on:

Preventing torture and improving conditions in places of detention;
Expanding access to justice through digital technologies;
Promoting citizen participation and social accountability;
Advancing gender equality and inclusion in national reforms.

The Role of Civil Society and Dialogue

The Dialogue reaffirmed that open civic participation is central to protecting human rights. As enshrined in the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders (1998), an active civil society serves as a vital bridge between the people and the State, promoting transparency, oversight, and solutions rooted in community experience.

Participants worked across four thematic groups to develop recommendations on:

1. Torture Prevention and Oversight Mechanisms
2. Digital Technologies and Human Rights Innovation
3. Prison Reform and Reintegration of Offenders
4. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion

“Human rights are a universal value and form the foundation of peace, social stability, and sustainable development. We highly appreciate the efforts of all partners in strengthening and promoting human rights and freedoms.”

H.E. Firuzi Ozruzoda, Head of the Human Rights Guarantee Department of the Executive Office of the President

Global Engagement, Local Commitment

Elina Steinerte, Vice-Chair of the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) and Chair of the Board of the Centre for Development and Justice International (CDJI), commended Tajikistan’s engagement with international mechanisms:

“Tajikistan’s participation in the Convention against Torture for over two decades is a testament to its commitment to eradicating torture and ill-treatment. We hope Tajikistan will soon join the family of States Parties to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT) and further strengthen its preventive framework.”

“True reform begins when dialogue replaces distance and trust replaces doubts. Civil society is not a bystander but a partner in shaping justice. The more inclusive our cooperation, the stronger the foundations of dignity, humanity, and human rights.”

In closing, Azamat Shambilov, President of CDJI, highlighted the transformative potential of dialogue:

A Platform for Sustainable Reform

The outcomes of this Dialogue will guide future national reforms, ensuring that Tajikistan’s justice and human rights institutions evolve in harmony with international standards and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

This annual platform has become a cornerstone for constructive engagement between the State and civil society, helping to transform commitments into tangible progress and ensuring that human rights remain at the heart of national development.

Find us:

Madrid, Spain

Terms & Conditions

Refund Policy