UN member states criticized Tajikistan for human rights violations

The 39th session of the Universal Periodic Review of the UN Human Rights Council (UPR-39) took place in Geneva on November 4. At this meeting, the delegation of Tajikistan reported to member states on the human rights situation.

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After hearing Tajikistan’s report, representatives from more than 10 countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa, including the USA and Australia, urged Tajikistan to release political prisoners and end the persecution of civil society activists and journalists.

The representative of Luxembourg called on Tajikistan to release imprisoned political activists and journalists, cease persecution and pressure on human rights defenders, and fulfill its obligations to the international community regarding human rights.

Australia and Austria also recommended that Tajikistan stop the practice of imprisoning political prisoners, allow peaceful opposition groups to continue their activities, guarantee freedom of expression in Tajikistan, and refrain from actions that undermine the work of local media.

The representative of the Netherlands also urged Tajikistan to review all laws that restrict freedom of religion and belief.

At the meeting, Norway called on Tajikistan to strengthen the fight against torture and violence, include all forms of sexual violence in the Criminal Code, create conditions for the free activities of human rights defenders, and ensure freedom of expression.

Ireland recommended that Tajikistan review its criminal legislation. In particular, representatives of the country were advised to reconsider the article that provides for criminal penalties for insulting the president and other government officials, create favorable conditions for independent media, and amend laws that impose penalties on dissenters.

Germany also thanked Tajikistan for hosting Afghan refugees and welcomed Tajikistan’s initiative to review its list of individuals associated with terrorism.

At the same time, the representative of Germany expressed concern about the situation regarding freedom of speech, strict media censorship, and civil and political freedoms in Tajikistan.

Germany recommended that Tajikistan improve detention facilities in accordance with Nelson Mandela standards, allow representatives of the Red Cross to visit prisons, and conduct independent investigations into prison riots. Germany also suggested reviewing the anti-terrorism law, particularly Article 17 of that law.

At the 39th UPR session, Tajikistan was accused of abusing anti-terrorism laws, using them to restrict freedom of expression, persecute, detain, imprison, and repress political activists and opposition members, as well as repress all opposition groups and civil society activists.

It should be noted that the 39th session of the Universal Periodic Review of the UN Human Rights Council (UPR-39), which discussed the human rights situation in Tajikistan, started in Geneva on November 4. The Tajik delegation, led by Minister of Justice Muzaffar Ashuriyon, participated in the meeting via videoconference. The 39th session of the Universal Periodic Review of the UN Human Rights Council was chaired by the Deputy Chair of the UN Council, Ms. Keva Lorraine Bain, Permanent Representative of the Bahamas to the UN.