Summary

Tajikistan has yet to come to terms with the violations of human rights committed during the civil war. More than 20 years after the civil war ended, the wounds remain deep, but go intentionally ignored. However, it is not too late for healing and reconciliation. It is most important that State authorities, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, develop and implement a comprehensive policy to address past abuses on all sides, including enforced disappearances. There is also an urgent need to engage in a process of investigation, exhumation and identification of the remains of disappeared and missing persons so that they can be handed over to those persons’ families

The Working Group stresses that enforced disappearances cannot be considered an issue of the past. Enforced disappearance is a continuous crime that persists until the fate and whereabouts of a forcibly disappeared person are clarified. The lack of judicial enquiries and the continuing impunity for cases of enforced disappearance are not only violations of the victims’ rights to truth and justice, but may also be a source of future violations.

The classification of some opposition parties as “extremist” or “terrorist” organizations, and the escalation of harassment and imprisonment of their members have led to alleged extraterritorial abductions and enforced disappearances in recent years.

Victims of violations, their family members and human rights defenders, including lawyers, continue to face reprisals from State authorities for speaking out. Reportedly, there is a climate of self-censorship and fear among such groups. Urgent steps are needed to reverse that extremely concerning trend.

Tajikistan has made welcome legislative improvements in protection against enforced disappearances in recent years, particularly by strengthening notification and registration requirements during arrest and detention. However, additional measures are needed to ensure fuller protection from enforced or involuntary disappearances. Notably, there is a lack of implementation of the new guarantees and a concerted effort is needed to eradicate the prevalent problem of short-term enforced disappearances.

The invitation that the Government extended to the Working Group and its engagement is a positive and encouraging step. The Working Group reiterates its willingness to continue a constructive dialogue with the Government. It also reaffirms its solidarity with the victims of enforced disappearance and their families, as well as representatives of civil society and lawyers who continue to advocate for human rights in difficult circumstances.