Dushanbe, November 2025

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Judge Renata Winter, former Chair of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, judge to the Special Court for Sierra Leone and Honorary President of the Centre for Development and Justice International (CDJI), and Azamat Shambilov, President  of the Centre for Development and Justice International (CDJI) with team of Public Foundation “Tashabbusi Huquqi” conducted a monitoring visit to the Juvenile Educational Colony YAС 3/12 in Dushanbe.

The visit was carried out jointly with representatives of the Public Foundation “Tashabbusi Huquqi”, as part of ongoing efforts to promote the protection of the rights and best interests of children in conflict with the law, in line with international human rights and child protection standards.

Independent Assessment of Conditions and Rehabilitation Practices

During the visit, CDJI and PF “Tashabbusi Huquqi” reviewed the conditions of detention, living facilities, and the organisation of educational and rehabilitative programmes for juveniles deprived of their liberty. Particular attention was paid to the availability of educational activities, psychosocial support, and measures aimed at the social reintegration of young people.

Judge Winter provided a highly positive assessment of both the material conditions and the approach taken by the facility in working with juveniles, noting the importance of maintaining a child-centred, rehabilitative environment that prioritises education, personal development, and respect for human dignity.

Child Rights and International Standards

The visit underscored the importance of compliance with international standards, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (the Beijing Rules), and the UN Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty. These standards emphasise that deprivation of liberty for children should be used as a measure of last resort and for the shortest appropriate period, with a strong focus on rehabilitation and reintegration.

Commitment to Continued Engagement

CDJI reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen child-friendly justice, promote independent oversight of places where children are deprived of liberty, and enhance cooperation between state institutions and civil society.
The visit reflects the shared commitment of national and international stakeholders to ensuring that juvenile justice systems are grounded in human dignity, rehabilitation, and the best interests of the child, contributing to safer communities and more just societies.