Training on the Istanbul Protocol for Pe

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Training on the Istanbul Protocol for Penal System Professionals in Tajikistan

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Dushanbe, 24-25 September 2025 – The World of Law, the Centre for Development and Justice International (CDJI), and the Perspectivity Challenge Foundation jointly organised a two-day training on the Istanbul Protocol in cooperation with the State Forensic Science Centre, the Main Directorate for the Execution of Sentences (GUIUN) of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Tajikistan, and the Lawyers’ Association of Tajikistan.

Training on the Istanbul Protocol for Penal System Professionals in Tajikistan

The training brought together medical staff, forensic experts, and lawyers from across the penitentiary system to strengthen their capacity to identify, document, and respond to cases of torture and ill-treatment in accordance with international human rights standards.

Building Capacity through International Expertise

Around 25 participants took part in the training, which focused on the practical application of the Istanbul Protocol – the Manual on the Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

The sessions were led by distinguished international experts:

Dr Rusudan Beriashvili, international expert on the Istanbul Protocol, member of the UN-mandated Working Group on its revision, Professor and Head of the Department of Forensic Medicine at Tbilisi State Medical University (Georgia), and Board Member of the Centre for Development and Justice International (CDJI);

Azamat Shambilov, President of the Centre for Development and Justice International (CDJI) and Associate Member of the International Penal and Penitentiary Foundation (IPPF) (Spain).

Participants discussed effective methods of medical and legal documentation, ethical obligations, and the importance of cooperation between health and justice professionals in the prevention of torture.

“The Istanbul Protocol remains the cornerstone of accountability and justice. Accurate and impartial documentation of torture, especially by medical professionals is not only a technical duty but a profound human rights responsibility. Each medical record, when done properly, becomes a voice for those who cannot speak”

Dr Rusudan Beriashvili, International Expert on the Istanbul Protocol and Professor of Forensic Medicine, Tbilisi State Medical University

Promoting Humane Treatment and Early Documentation

The training underlined that quality medical support and early, thorough documentation are fundamental safeguards against torture and ill-treatment. International experience shows that the first hours of detention or police investigation are the most critical for detecting and preventing abuse.

“The right to health and the quality of medical support in closed facilities are inseparable from the protection of human dignity. Every person deprived of liberty must have access to independent medical care from the very first hours of detention. Proper documentation at this stage is vital, it saves lives, deters abuse, and strengthens the credibility of justice”

Azamat Shambilov, President of the Centre for Development and Justice International (CDJI)

Through interactive case studies and scenario-based exercises, participants developed practical skills to recognise signs of physical and psychological trauma, complete medical reports in line with international standards, and ensure that evidence of ill-treatment is preserved and communicated lawfully.

Partnership for a Culture of Zero Tolerance

This initiative reinforces the importance of cooperation between national institutions and civil society in fostering a professional, transparent, and humane penitentiary system.

CDJI and its partners expressed appreciation to the Main Directorate for the Execution of Sentences (GUIUN), the State Forensic Science Centre, and the Lawyers’ Association of Tajikistan for their active participation and openness to rights-based institutional reform.

By strengthening professional capacity and ethical responsibility, such training contributes to Tajikistan’s compliance with the Convention against Torture (CAT), the Nelson Mandela Rules, and the Bangkok Rules, promoting a system grounded in justice, dignity, and prevention.

This event was conducted within the framework of the EU-funded project “Paths to Justice: Strengthening Human Rights through Torture Prevention and Penitentiary System Reform”, implemented by the World of Law, in partnership with the Centre for Development and Justice International (CDJI), and the Perspectivity Challenge Foundation.

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