Advancing Prison Reform and Probation Development in Tajikistan - Dushanbe, September 2025

Dushanbe, September 2025

A constructive meeting was held in Dushanbe between General Mansurjon Umarov, Deputy Minister of Justice and Head of the Prison Service of the Republic of Tajikistan, and Azamat Shambilov, President of the Centre for Development and Justice International (CDJI).

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The discussion focused on ongoing prison reform efforts in Tajikistan and the Government’s Strategic Action Plan for 2026–2030, which outlines key priorities in the modernization of the penitentiary system. General Umarov presented the main objectives of the reform, including improvements in prison management, rehabilitation, and reintegration of
prisoners into society.

Azamat Shambilov introduced CDJI’s Strategic Plan for 2025–2030, highlighting the organisation’s focus on supporting human rights–based prison management and the introduction of probation services as effective alternatives to imprisonment. The parties explored opportunities for collaboration in developing national capacities, strengthening institutional frameworks, and implementing pilot initiatives in the area of non-custodial measures.

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Special attention was given to recent progress made by the Prison Service in the field of education and vocational training - with more than 7,000 prisoners trained in seven professions over the past year - as a key element in rehabilitation and successful reintegration.

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The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue cooperation between the Ministry of Justice, the Prison Service, and CDJI in advancing prison reform and promoting a balanced, humane, and effective criminal justice system in Tajikistan.