Central Asia: Respect Rights in Covid-19 Responses
Ensure Information Access, Curb Abuses, Protect Detainees

Tajikistan’s human rights record continues to deteriorate amid an increased crackdown on freedom of expression and the political opposition, as well as the targeting of independent lawyers, journalists, and family members of opposition activists abroad. Freedom of assembly is severely curtailed with any local protests, such as a series of protests in the Gorno-Badakhshan autonomous region, violently quashed. Authorities’ use of torture to obtain confessions remains a serious concern. The government blocks access to various websites that post information critical of the government and harasses human rights groups. Freedom of religion and belief is severely limited. Lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender people are subjected to wide-ranging discrimination and homophobia. Domestic violence against women is a serious problem, despite the adoption of a law in 2013 that provided some human rights protections in this area. Border conflicts with Kyrgyzstan have resulted in many deaths and serious human rights violations.
March 21, 2023
Ensure Information Access, Curb Abuses, Protect Detainees
Rights Violations Linked to Resettlements for Tajikistan's Rogun Dam
Extradition Places Him at Risk of Torture in Violation of International Law
Deportee Detained but Official Whereabouts Unknown, Faces Torture Risk
Release Unfairly Convicted Human Rights Defenders
Both Countries Should Endorse Safe Schools Declaration
Protect Civilians, Abide by Laws of War
Crackdown on Pamiri Minority Includes Forced Disappearances, Closed Trials Without Lawyers
Accountability for Deaths in Tajikistan, Kazakhstan Vital
Effectively Investigate Use of Lethal Force; Release Journalist; Restore Communications