Tajikistan Review - 53rd session of Universal Periodic Review

إعلان مهم. يرجى من المتحدثين الكرام إلقاء بياناتهم بسرعة معقولة لضمان ترجمة فورية وفية وعالية الجودة. Speakers are kindly reminded to deliver their.

Statements at a reasonable pace to ensure complete and quality interpretation.

Напоминаем ораторам, что для того, чтобы устный перевод был полным и качественным, необходимо выступать в умеренном темпе. Se ruega a los oradores que pronuncien sus declaraciones a un ritmo razonable para garantizar una interpretación íntegra y de calidad.

Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, good morning to all. I hereby declare open the seventh meeting of the 53rd session of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review. We will now proceed with the review of Tajikistan. Before we begin, Please let me remind you that all delegations should upload their oral statements through the online system for inscription on the list of speakers, event, before the opening of the review they intend to address. In accordance with the Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, the review is based on the national report prepared by the State under review and the compilation of UN information and the summary of stakeholders' information, both prepared by the OHCHR. I now have the honour to give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Muzaffar Ashurion, Minister of Justice, to introduce the national report. Excellency, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, President. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Allow me on behalf of our delegation to express our deep respect to the UN Human Rights Council and welcome all participants at this meeting. For us, the Universal Periodic Review is an important mechanism for constructive dialogue, allowing us not only to present the results of our work achieved, but also to objectively assess remaining challenges, exchange experiences, and determine the further directions of action in the area of the protection and promotion of human rights. Our delegation is represented by Olga Firouz. from the human rights body under the President, we have the Prosecutor's representative, we have the representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, of Education, of Health and Social Protection, of the Agency for Statistics, of the Permanent Representation of Tajikistan to the UN, and others. Ladies and gentlemen, on 4 November 2021, the UN Human Rights Council reviewed Tajikistan under the third Universal Periodic Review, and recommendations were made as a result. We introduced a National Plan of Action to implement those recommendations for 2023-2026. Our National Plan was developed with the direct participation of civil society as well as international organizations and was subsequently distributed for implementation amongst state bodies and was also uploaded on the official site of the Human Rights Ombudsman. Following the previous UPR cycle, our country has continued to improve our national system for the protection of human rights. One of the main steps in this direction was the adoption of a National Strategy for Human Rights up to 2038 and its accompanying plans of action. This strategic document has key significance since it brings together in a single system the international obligations and the recommendations of UN treaty bodies, as well as the national priorities in the area of human rights. We have continuously been improving our mechanism for monitoring the implementation of international recommendations and strive to ensure their implementation in practice. In our country, we are implementing the national strategy for development up to 2030, aimed at a sustainable economic and social development, improving the quality of life of the population, reducing poverty, and effectively using our national resources. In 2025, we adopted a mid-term program for development for 2026-2030, which provides for the continuation of reforms and the achievement of our national development goals. In the short-term perspective, the priorities of our countries are determined as sustainable economic and social development, the creation of new jobs, improving health and education, broadening access of the population to social protection, and improving the quality of state services. Over the past years, we have demonstrated sustained rates of economic growth. At the end of 2025, the country GDP reached 181 billion Somoni, and the real GDP growth was 8.6%. Over the past decade, the national economy has grown on average by 7.6% per year. The GDP per capita in 2025 reached 17,000 somoni, and the mean average wage in September 2026 reached 3,658 somoni. The population by the 1st of July 2026 was 10,818,000 persons. Colleagues, A key role in the reform is played by the fight against torture and other forms of cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment. With a view to implementing the recommendations we received, we have increased the punishment for torture. In custody and in detention, we have improved the mechanism for submitting complaints and improved the mechanism for protecting the victims of torture, providing them psychological and medical treatment. And we have adopted new laws and regulations strengthening the guarantees in that area. In order to implement recommendations, we have introduced amendments to Article 143 of the Criminal Code, according to which criminal liability for such acts is increased from five to 15 years. Moreover, we excluded the possibility of using fines as a penalty for such acts, and the act itself has been reclassified as a serious offence. Moreover, In the law on amnesty of 16 June 2026, it is excluded to apply such amnesty to the perpetrators of such acts of torture. At the same time, we have increased the procedural guarantees for persons in custody, in particular by providing the right to access to a lawyer and medical treatment, the possibility to inform the family on the location of the custody. In order to implement UN Human Rights Council recommendations, we have adopted a strategy for reforming the system for the execution of criminal penalties up to 2030. We have confirmed a program for vocational training and employment for persons who are in prisons or who have served their sentences for 2025-2030. A government decree of 26 June 2026 has confirmed the plan of action for this strategy for 2026-2030, providing for further reforms of the penitentiary system and the improvement of the mechanism for guaranteeing the rights of prisoners. We have provided for an improvement of medical assistance provided in places of detention and developed a system for classifying for rehabilitation of prisoners once they have served their sentence and assessment of risk and classification of those persons. We have developed a project, a draft of a new criminal code. An important tool for a more humane criminal policy is the implementation of the act on amnesty. On 16 June 2026, we adopted the law on amnesty. and implemented it on the 35th anniversary of our independence. 18,038 prisoners were released, 11,305 had their sentences reduced, 6,733 persons had their sentences further reduced, 248 women were released, 259 women had their unserved portion of the sentences reduced, and 1,814 had their criminal cases stopped. One of the priorities is the training and successful promotion of legal aid free of charge for vulnerable categories of the population. In the context of implementing this project with the assistance of international partners for development, we have a state center for legal aid under the Ministry of Justice. This operates in 65 towns and cities. with 71 state lawyers appointed. For the legal settlement of this system, we adopted a law in 2020 on legal aid, providing the procedure for implementing the rights and obligations of citizens in a timely and effective fashion on a basis that is free of charge. Achievement of equality is a key factor in our state policy, as is the elimination of discrimination. In 2022, we adopted a law on equality and the elimination of all forms of discrimination. The law enshrines legal guarantees for equality and provides for mechanisms to counter direct and indirect discrimination. A special role is played by the Ombudsman for Human Rights. In 2024, the Powers of this office were extended, and it is provided that anti-discrimination assessments for any draft laws be carried out, as well as a mechanism to resolve discrimination disputes. We are developing a national strategy to promote the role of women for 2021-2030, and we have a state program for the training, the selection, and the placement of capable women and girls in leadership positions for 2023-2030. In 2023, we adopted a state program for the development of female entrepreneurship up to 2027. In 2026, we introduced amendments to the labor code to improve women's position in line with legislation on equality and the elimination of discrimination. As a result, there are labor guarantees excluding direct discrimination, sexual abuse, or abuse in work. Another important aspect is the rights of the child. In 2026, we adopted a program for the protection of children's rights for 2026-2030, providing for measures to ensure the rights of children, strengthening the mechanism for their protection and developing the relevant state system. In 2024, Tajikistan adopted legal amendments which prohibit corporal punishment of children in all settings, including the family and educational establishment, and became the 67th country in the world, the legislation of which prohibits the corporal punishment of children. The legislation provides measures to protect children from physical and psychological harm and cruel and degrading treatment, as well as strengthened requirements for a responsible and non-violent education of children. An important role in the national system for the protection of children is played by the Children's Rights Ombudsman, who carries out the monitoring of the rights of the child. reviews claims and improves legislation and the practice in this area. We are implementing the national program to eliminate the worst forms of child labor for 2024-2028, and considering measures for prevention, detection, and removing of violations of the rights of the child in the employment area. The age of marriage has been set at 18. In exceptional cases, this could be reduced by no more than one year. In line with a decree of the plenum of the Supreme Court of the 24th of July 2026 on certain issues relating to the legislation on family affairs and the reduction of the marriage age, the exclusive or exceptional circumstances for such a reduction must improve the well-being of the family, and these factors can be the birth of a child, the absence of any parental care, disability, or serious disease. The court assesses the social and material situation of the family, including the health and income. On this basis, measures to Measures to introduce awareness-raising campaigns have been adopted in order to avoid early marriages, forced marriages, or marriages without any state registration and their legal and social consequences. In the criminal code, there is liability for for marrying off a girl who has not reached the age of marriage. We are continuing the reform of juvenile justice, provided for a special care for children in conflict with the law, extending rehabilitation measures and alternative measures, as well as subsequent social reintegration of such children. We are adopting measures to protect children from human trafficking, exploitation, and the unlawful transfer and other forms of crimes. At the same time, we assess harmful information and risks relating to ITCs. Ladies and gentlemen, with a view to implementing the recommendations of the UN Human Rights Council, we have a government decree on on the state program to prevent violence in the family for 2025-2030.

The objective of the program is to protect the rights of families as the foundation of society, prevention, physical, psychological, economic, and gender-based violence by one member of the family against another member, including removal of the reasons and conditions that lead to violence in families, as well as increasing criminal responsibility, rather, the responsibility for the upbringing and education of children. On the 20th of February, 2025, the government, through a decree, created an interagency council to prevent violence in families under the auspices of the government. The main objectives our coordination of the activities of ministries, agencies and other stakeholders related to prevention of violence in families, elaboration of proposals to realize state policies in this area, providing assistance to those suffering from violence in families, as well as monitoring and analysis of the situation with prevention of violence in families. Officials of the Ministry of Interior have considered 10,060 complaints and petitions related to violence in families, 8,239 against women and 1,637 against men. In 2025, 268 criminal cases have been filed related to violence in families against 6,286 persons. administrative violations were inflicted, and 4,670 persons have received protective orders. In order to prevent crimes related to domestic violence, the courts of the countries have carried out 253 field visits and have Issued 428 private orders. In the Committee on the Questions of Women and Families, a resource center to prevent domestic violence and gender equality has been created with a hotline that provides free-of-charge legal and psychological support to citizens under the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population, a state agency, under the title Republic Center of Social Support to Victims of Trafficking and Those Suffering from Violence in Families. And this office has 27 staff officers. And starting in 2021, the center has provided assistance to 447 victims throughout the country. 115 persons are victims of trafficking, and 332 persons are victims of violence in families. In order to implement the recommendations of the UN Human Rights Council, the new version of the criminal code has a new article, violence in families, that provides for criminal responsibility for deliberate harm to the health of others. In 2022, amendments were introduced to Article 138 of the new criminal code, in line with which rape, in other words, a sexual act with violence or the threat of rape, including the involvement of a close relative, the punishment has been increased from 12 to 25 years of deprivation of liberty. All victims, in order to restore their legitimate rights, have the possibility to present a complaint to law enforcement agencies and the prosecutor's office, and also specialized centers of support and independent legal organizations provide consultive, legal, psychological, and medical assistance in order to develop a modern mechanism for collecting information related to domestic violence in the country, as well as creating a comprehensive single database related to all types of violence. An interagency working group has been created that includes representatives of different ministries and agencies, and as a result, what was developed and approved was instructions related to the registration and of violence against women and children, as well as a single mechanism of electronic registration of all forms of violence against women and children. Currently, the inter-agency working group is continuing its work in order to create a single system of registration and provide training for relevant officials. According to the results of a medical demographic study in Tajikistan in 2023, 12% of women in the age of 15 to 49 have suffered at least once from physical or sexual violence, and 10% has suffered only from physical violence and 1% from sexual violence, and 2% suffered from both versions of violence. The percentage of women the age of 15 to 49 that at least once suffered from physical or sexual Violence dropped from 24% in 2017 to 12% in 2023. Among women in the age group of 15 to 49 that were at least once married or have an intimate partner, the existence of any forms of violence in 2023 was lower in comparison to the period from 2017 to 2012-2017, and overall, husbands or partners committing any form of violence dropped from 31% in 2017 to 16% in 2023. Distinguished participants, in line with our legislation, everyone in our country has the right to freely express their opinion, and this is reflected in the freedom of seeking and receiving information through oral, written, electronic, or printed means. The country continues to improve its legislative framework related to the functioning of the mass media. In 2023, a new law related to electronic documents and electronic signature was prepared that provides additional legal foundation for development of a digital information space, including covering the mass media. In 2024, amendments And additions were introduced in our legislation line with which any criminal responsibility was removed for placing likes or publications in social media that have any references to terrorism or other serious crimes. Currently, there are 203 newspapers in the country. out of which 130 are state publications and 73 are independent newspapers, 202 magazines, 166 state, 36 independent, and five information agencies are operating. One of them is a state information agency, and four are independent also. There are 15 state Television channels, 16 private television channels and 10 state radio stations and 25 private radio stations, 17 cable networks, and five IPTV channels exist. Also, 19 organizations are focused on the preparation and production of audiovisual products. In line with the Constitution, every citizen has the right to independently determine relationship to religion. In the country, the state concept for policies in the area of religion is being implemented that focuses on long-term prospects for the protection of the religious rights and freedoms of individuals. Currently, one Islamic center is registered in the country, 48 central cathedral, five daily prayer mosques, 328 cathedral mosques, 3,612 mosques of the five daily prayers; two Islamist religious organizations and one Jamaat Khana; 65 non-Islamic religious organizations; one non-Islamic religious community; the opening of a new central mosque for more than 120,000 thousand people in the city of Dushanbe and a new building of the Islamic Institute of Tajikistan is a clear example of how our country respects and promotes the religious rights of children. In line with the Constitution, citizens have the right to assembly in line with the Law on Public Associations, 1679, public associations have been registered, and these organizations provide support to state structures in questions of ensuring the rights of individuals, improving the status of women and children, and persons with disabilities. Out of all NGOs, 39 public organizations of national minorities, 39 trade unions, 65 sports organizations, 402 public associations headed by women, 47 international public organizations, 22 public councils operating in the area of human rights, two public associations to prevent corruptions, and also 1,067 public associations functioning in different areas. In order to implement the recommendations of the Human Rights Council, currently With the assistance of UNDP and the active participation of civil society organizations, we are preparing a new law on non-profit organizations. One of the priorities of state policies is the protection of the health of the population. In the period from 2021 to 2026, we have seen positive trends in the growth in the number of public health institutions. The number has reached the level of 5,313. That is 16% more than in 2021, and the overall number of the increase is 728. And we also are increasing the funding of the health sector. In 2026, this figure reached 5 billion somoni, that is 16.1% higher than in 2025. In order to improve the quality of medical assistance to mothers and children, health institutions carried out activities to strengthen their material foundation. And for these purposes, 74 million somoni have been allocated for repairs in medical institutions and 125.1 million for the purchase of transport vehicles and equipment. In 2021, as part of a program on the prevention and control of oncological diseases for the period of 2025-2029, a set of measures has been adopted to ensure prevention and control, and currently, there's one Republic Center for Regional Center and 68 state and city and regional centers related to the prevention and monitoring of HIV. A special state program for reproductive health for 2023-2027 has been adopted, and a strategy for the prevention and treatment of non-infectious diseases. and trauma has been adopted for the period of 2024. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population has established an interagency coordination center to implement this strategy. There are 57 centers providing daily support to persons with disabilities, and the goal of the functioning of these centers to provide social services and rehabilitation persons with disabilities in 2023-2025, the number of centers for children with disabilities and older persons was 59, and social services were given to 21,447 citizens. and to provide social services to this category of the population in 2023-2025, 51.5 million somoni was allocated. Another priority of state policies in ensuring the rights of citizens to education in order to implement the National Strategy for Development of Education until 2030, a state program for preschool education, the state target program for development of mathematics and natural sciences were elaborated, as well as a state program to promote talent. In line with the plan of activities for 2026-2030 to implement the national strategy for promoting the role of women in the Republic of Tajikistan in 2021-2030, measures have been provided to involve women in higher educational institutions, and a draft decree of the government on the program of development of vocational training for 2026-2029 was adopted. Also, it was prepared and submitted for consideration of the government as a draft decree on recognizing the authority of adults over children in order to implement the recommendations of the Human Rights Council. Government decree of 26 December 2024 has adopted the concept note for inclusive education until 2045, and in line with the law on 1 March 2024 related to introducing amendments on the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan on education, mandatory education of 11 years has been established. And currently, 876 preschool educational facilities are functioning, covering 140,163 children, and 3,240 centers for development of children, covering 190,692 pupils. There are 4,109 general educational facilities. with 2,546,772 pupils and 1,233,512 of these pupils are girls. Over the last five years, as a result of investments, 1,269 educational facilities were built. to cover 275,580 pupils. 51 higher educational facilities are functioning in the country, 19 universities, 20 institutes, four law enforcement institutes, one academy, and five subsidiaries. And the overall number of students is 226,240. 94,000 of them are women. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, in conclusion, I would like to say that in this statement, we have not covered all of the achievements in the area of the protection of human rights. Our country is fully committed to strictly comply with our international obligations in the area of human rights and ready for future cooperation in this area. My colleagues and myself will be ready to provide you with additional detailed information related to any questions, and we are looking forward to your recommendations. Thank you.

I thank His Excellency and the delegation for this statement. We shall now begin our interactive dialogue. Before giving the floor to delegations for their questions and comments, I would like to remind you that the speaking time will be one minute and 15 seconds for all. I wish to reiterate that issues of a political, Bilateral and territorial nature should be kept out of our deliberations. Moreover, United Nations terminology should be used when referring to States and territories. Please be reminded that only the use of the words “recommend” or “recommendation” will ensure that the relevant parts of your statements are included in the recommendations section of the working group report. Also, allow me to recall that the Human Rights Council strongly rejects any act of intimidation or reprisal against individuals and groups who cooperate or have cooperated with the United Nations and its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights. We will now begin with the list of speakers. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mauritania.

So, Vice President, the Islamic Republic of Mauritania welcomes the delegation of Tajikistan. We thank them for presenting the national report and we commend the efforts made to promote human rights, especially the adoption of the National Strategy for Human Rights until 2038, and the Equality and Anti-Discrimination Act, as well as the new legislation on the rights of persons with disabilities, and in a constructive spirit, we recommend the following: 1. Continue expanding community services and vocational training for persons with disabilities, especially in rural areas. 2. Promote resilience of the water infrastructure to climate change and develop early warning systems in mountainous areas, while according special attention to vulnerable groups. We wish the Republic of Tajikistan every success.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mauritius via video.

Thank you, Chair. Mauritius welcomes the delegation of Tajikistan to this fourth cycle of the UPR. We thank Tajikistan for its continued engagement with the UPR process, which remains an important mechanism for peer dialogue, accountability, and the exchange of good practice in the promotion and protection of human rights. We also encourage Tajikistan to continue engaging constructively with all human rights mechanisms of the United Nations. In a constructive spirit, we recommend that Tajikistan accelerates its efforts to ensure full compliance with the Paris Principles by the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights, provides a conducive environment for civil society and human rights defenders, adheres to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, and repeals article 125 of its criminal code relating to criminalization of HIV exposure. We wish Tajikistan a successful review. Thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mexico via video.

Thank you, Mr. President. We would like to thank Tajikistan for its report, and we acknowledge the adoption of the amnesty law as well as the development of the new action plan 2023-2025 of the National Human Rights Strategy. In a constructive and respectful manner, Mexico recommends: 1. Strengthen guarantees for the enjoyment of the freedoms of opinion, expression, press, and association. including in the digital realm, and ensuring that legislation and its application are compatible with international human rights obligations; 2. accede to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and establish a national mechanism for the prevention of torture; 3. strengthen the legal and institutional framework to prevent, investigate, and punish all forms of violence against women and girls through the explicit criminalization of domestic violence and marital rape. We wish Tajikistan success in this review cycle. Thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mongolia.

Vice President, we thank the delegation of Tajikistan for presenting its national report and wish them a fruitful review. We appreciate Tajikistan's efforts to strengthen the national human rights framework, advance socio-economic development, and implement its international human rights commitments. We further welcome the legislative development aimed at strengthening non-discrimination and the rights of persons with disabilities. In the spirit of constructive engagement, we offer the following recommendations: 1. To continue strengthening the capacity of law enforcement officials, judges, and prosecutors through regular training and awareness-raising activities on human rights, access to justice, and the treatment of persons in detention. Two, to strengthen prevention and response mechanisms for domestic violence and violence against children by expanding access to legal aid, psychosocial support, and appropriate training for frontline professionals. I thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Montenegro.

President, Montenegro welcomes the distinguished delegation from Tajikistan. We commend the legislative and policy progress across various areas of human rights. particularly the strengthening mandate of the Commissioner for Human Rights and the comprehensive legal framework promoting equality and non-discrimination. We also recognize measures to enhance women's representation and protection against domestic violence, alongside progress in children's rights, education, and social protections, and therefore to accede to additional key international human rights instruments, notably OPAC. By welcoming this progress, we strongly encourage further steps to address reported restrictions on freedom of expression, particularly affecting independent journalists, and persistent barriers to women's full participation in public and economic life. Montenegro recommends that Tajikistan: one, expedite ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and ensure its effective implementation; and two, establish an independent national preventive mechanism with full access to all places of detention in accordance with international standards. We wish Tajikistan a successful review. Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Morocco.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. My delegation thanks the distinguished delegation of Tajikistan for the presentation of the national report. Morocco further takes note of Tajikistan's efforts to strengthen human rights protection and promotion, and commends.

Its interaction with the UN human rights system.

In a constructive spirit, my delegation wishes to make the following three recommendations: First, continue efforts to reform the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights with a view to achieve status A of the Paris Principles. Second, Continue efforts towards the ratification of the Optional Protocol of the Convention against Torture. And third, strengthen efforts to combat violence against women and girls, including through the adoption of the revised criminal code. We wish Tajikistan full success in this universal periodic review. Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mozambique.

Mr. Vice President, Mozambique welcomes delegation of Pakistan and congratulate it on the presentation of national report within framework of the fifth cycle of universal period review. Mozambique commends Pakistan for continuous commitment to cooperation with the international human rights mechanism, as well for the adoption of national human rights strategy until 2038. In a spirit of constructive engagement, Mozambique presents four recommendations. First, Continuous building on achievement of maternal and child health by improving access to quality healthcare and preventive service. Two, continuous effort to empower humans by providing increased representation and meaningful participation in public and political life, particularly in leadership and decision making position. Mozambique wishes Tajikistan very successful in this review. Thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Namibia.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Namibia extends a warm welcome to the esteemed delegation of Tajikistan and commends them for their comprehensive report as well as for their commitment with the UPR mechanism. In a constructive spirit, Namibia offers the following recommendation.

1.

Ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; 2. Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Aiming at the Abolition of the Death Penalty; and 3. Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We wish Tajikistan a successful review. Thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nepal.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Nepal warmly welcomes the delegation of the Republic of Tajikistan to the fourth cycle of UPR and thanks them for the presentation of national report. We appreciate Tajikistan's constructive engagements with human rights instruments and mechanisms and take positive note of its efforts to implement the recommendations of the previous cycle. Equally noteworthy is the progress achieved by Tajikistan towards disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation and mitigation. In a constructive spirit, Nepal recommends Tajikistan the following: 1. Continue efforts to enhance access to quality education for all, particularly for women, girls, and persons with disabilities. 2. Step up measures to protect vulnerable communities from the impacts of climate change through appropriate adaptation and mitigation strategies. 3. readable efforts to strengthen the national human rights institution in line with the Paris Principles. We wish Tajikistan a successful UPR. I thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Mr. Vice President, the Kingdom of the Netherlands thanks the delegation of Tajikistan for the presentation of its national report. The Netherlands commends the Government of Tajikistan for welcoming visits of multiple UN Special Rapporteurs since the third UPR cycle. In the spirit of constructive cooperation, the Netherlands recommends Tajikistan to: 1. Adopt comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation that explicitly includes gender and SOGIESCISCI as protected categories, as no progress on this has been reported since our recommendation during the last UPR. Two, ensure that all state actions in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region fully respect human rights and the rule of law, including through independent investigations and fair trials. Three, refrain from withdrawing from the Rome Statute and remain committed to the International Court of Justice, the Criminal Court, apologies. The Netherlands wishes Tajikistan success with the follow-up of all recommendations it receives during the fourth UPR cycle. Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Norway.

Mr. Vice President, Norway welcomes Tajikistan's participation in the UPR while remaining deeply concerned about the significant deterioration in the human rights situation. Norway recommends that Tajikistan: one, end politically motivated prosecution of human rights defenders, journalists, human rights lawyers, and political opposition; Immediately release those arbitrarily detained and cease all acts of transnational repression against Tajik nationals abroad. Two, end all politically motivated closures of NGOs and allow closed organizations to re-register and resume operations.

Three, guarantee media workers and journalists freedom to cover all.

Areas of public life and cease using administrative procedures to restrict the right to freedom of opinion and expression. Four, refrain from the misuse of national security or extremism concerns as justification for suppressing peaceful protests.

And five.

Establish an independent and effective mechanism to investigate allegations of torture and ill-treatment, as well as putting an end to the harsh conditions in prison.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I'll give the floor to the distinguished representative of Oman.

Thank you, Mr. President. We would like to welcome the delegation of Tajikistan, a friendly country, and we welcome the progress that has been made in maternal and child care, namely the improvement of nutrition for children. We also welcome the support given to the support received from the Human Rights Commissioner. We welcome the adoption of a violence prevention program for 2025-2030. We also welcome the implementation of the Law on the Rights of Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities of 2026 and the implementation of the revisions of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which was recently ratified. Also, to intensify measures to preventing combat terrorism and extremism by 2040. And we commend the action program for 2026-2030. We welcome the delegation's efforts and look forward to further progress. Thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Pakistan.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Pakistan welcomes the delegation of Tajikistan, and we thank them for their constructive engagement with the UPR process. We appreciate Tajikistan’s ongoing efforts to promote and protect human rights, including the adoption of the Law on Equality and Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination, as well as its legislative measures to prohibit corporal punishment of children. In a constructive spirit, Pakistan recommends that Tajikistan: 1. Continue its efforts towards the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, with a view to further strengthening the protection and inclusion of persons with disabilities; 2. Continue efforts to promote accessible birth registration, particularly of children in the country. Pakistan wishes Tajikistan continued success in its efforts to promote and protect human rights. I thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Paraguay.

Thank you, Vice President. We greet the delegation of Tajikistan and appreciate the report. We appreciate the adoption of the National Human Rights Strategy by 2038, as well as a National Action Program 2023-2026 to implement the recommendations of the previous UPR cycle. With all due respect, we recommend: 1. To consider the ratification of the main international human rights instruments that are still pending, in particular the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. as was already recommended. 2. To continue improving policies aimed at promoting the economic autonomy of women through equal employment opportunities, access to social protection, and extending child protection services, especially for vulnerable women. 3. To redouble efforts in order to combat human trafficking, particularly that of women and children, improving the early identification of victims, their protection and assistance, as well as investigation and prosecutions of those responsible; and 4) to continue improving the national implementation mechanism and the mechanism for presentation and follow-up on reports and recommendations of international human rights bodies, promoting inter-institutional coordination, participation of civil society, and the exchange of best practices with other States. Thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Philippines.

Mr. Vice President, the Philippines warmly welcomes the delegation of Tajikistan and takes note with appreciation of the updates provided on the implementation of recommendations from the previous UPR cycle. We welcome the adoption of the National Human Rights Strategy for the period up to 2038, the Equality and Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Act, and the Rights and Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act. We likewise welcome the integration of human rights into climate and disaster risk reduction strategies. In a constructive spirit, allow us to offer the following recommendations: First, expedite the process for the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Second, continue efforts toward criminalizing domestic violence as a distinct offense under the criminal code. And third, consider institutionalizing continuous human rights training for judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officials, particularly on gender equality and the protection of the rights of women and children. The Philippines wishes Tajikistan a successful review. Thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Poland.

Thank you, Vice President. Poland would like to thank Tajikistan for its participation in the UPR process. We note the adoption of the National Strategy and Action Plan on Preventing Extremism and Terrorism, which leads to fulfilling international standards. However, we remain concerned that overly broad definitions of the terrorist threats and extremist phenomenon may lead to disproportionate restrictions on human rights, including the rights of different religious and ethnic minorities, as well as social and professional groups. We also acknowledge Tajikistan's efforts to strengthen its justice system, including through special trainings of lawyers, development of criminal defense modules, and implementing gender equality standards. In this context, Poland recommends that Tajikistan: 1. Continue bringing counter-terrorism and counter-extremism legislation and practices fully in line with international human rights standards, taking into account recommendations from the previous UPR cycles. 2. Ensure full respect for freedom of religion or belief and eliminate all forms of discrimination against persons belonging to religious minorities. Three, protect freedom of expression and refrain from imposing restrictions on journalists, civil society activists, and human rights defenders.

I thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Portugal.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Portugal welcomes the delegation of Tajikistan, and we welcome the 2025 amendments to the criminal code removing criminal liability for liking social media content deemed extremist, which previously carried long prison sentences. Portugal respectfully recommends that Tajikistan: one, abolish the death penalty for all crimes and ratify the second optional protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political.

Rights;

Two, ratify the optional protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. And three, protect freedom of expression and media freedom, and ensure that extremist-related legislation complies with international human rights standards. Portugal would like to wish Tajikistan a successful review.

I thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Qatar.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. We would like to welcome the Republic of Tajikistan, a country that has presented several reports during the period under review. We take note of the measures taken nationwide to improve the protection and promotion of human rights in various areas, including the right of women, the protection of children, and development, as well as human trafficking, we have the following recommendations: Continue to bolster the Human Rights Office so that it can fully discharge its mandate; to improve measures to combat human trafficking by increasing efforts to protect survivors; Three, to increase health care in rural areas and pursue efforts to provide high-level education, such as teacher training and improving educational infrastructure. Thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Republic of Korea.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The Republic of Korea warmly welcomes the delegation of Tajikistan to its first cycle of the UPR. My delegation commends Tajikistan's efforts to implement previous UPR recommendations. We take note of the adoption of the National Human Rights Strategy through 2038, the legislative ban on corporal punishment of children, and the Parliament's approval to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Building on this progress, we would like to present the following recommendations: 1. Promote the full inclusion and equal participation of persons with disabilities in line with the CRPD. 2. Fully implement the 2022 Law on Equality and Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination by adopting, implementing regulations, and strengthening complaint and monitoring mechanisms. Three, expedite the adoption of the draft criminal code to explicitly criminalize domestic violence and strengthen protection and support services for victims. We wish Tajikistan a successful review. I thank you.

Thank you.

Sorry.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Republic of Moldova.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The Republic of Moldova welcomes the high-level delegation of Tajikistan.

We welcome Tajikistan’s.

Consistent efforts to promote and uphold human rights across various sectors, in particular significant progress in combating trafficking in persons – country being upgraded to Tier 2 in the Trafficking in Persons Report; measures to address domestic violence; targeted social assistance reform; expanding child-sensitive benefits; introducing gender quotas and preferential scoring for women in public service recruitment. In a constructive spirit, Moldova recommends the following: continue the efforts on adopting comprehensive reforms on the full decriminalization of domestic violence and stronger survivor protection and services; continue improving actions on protection of trafficking in human beings victims by operationalizing the national referral mechanisms and strengthening inter-agency coordination; And third, consider the ratification of the second optional protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at abolition of the death penalty. We wish the delegation of Tajikistan every success in its UPR review. I thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Romania.

Thank you, Vice President.

Romania welcomes the delegation of Tajikistan and wishes it a successful outcome of this review. We welcome Tajikistan's efforts to strengthen its response to trafficking in persons through dedicated national action plans. We also welcome Tajikistan's efforts to maintain strong access to education and the continued investment in the sector. Romania constructively recommends Tajikistan the following: 1. Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and establish the relevant independent national preventive mechanism. Two, strengthen efforts to combat trafficking in persons by further improving victim identification and protection, ensuring effective investigation and prosecution of trafficking offenses, and providing victims with access to adequate support. And three, strengthen measures to prevent and combat domestic violence and all forms of gender-based violence, including by criminalizing domestic violence and adopting a consent-based definition of rape in line with international standards. I thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. We thank the delegation of Tajikistan for its report. We welcome its efforts to implement the recommendations of the third UPR cycle. We note with satisfaction the national strategy and human rights up to 2038, the law on equality and the elimination of discrimination, human rights activities for the protection of women and children's rights and domestic violence. We note that there is a moratorium on the death sentence. We appreciate the positive contribution to the UN treaty bodies, the efforts to improve the quality of life, efforts to reduce poverty and the participation of women in all state bodies. We recommend that Tajikistan continue its steps to improve legislation, in particular with respect to the rights and freedoms of humans. We will support Tajikistan in promoting and protecting human rights.

Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Rwanda.

Mr. Vice President, Uganda warmly welcomes the distinguished delegation of Tajikistan. We commend Tajikistan for its concrete achievements in poverty reduction and economic growth, driven by annual growth averaging over 7 percent, as well as its ongoing efforts to address statelessness. Consistent with our constructive approach, Uganda offers the following recommendation. consider acceding to the Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons and the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness to further advance national efforts to address statelessness. In conclusion, Rwanda wishes Tajikistan a successful review. I thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sierra Leone.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. We extend warm welcome to Tajikistan and thank them for presenting the national report. Commends Tajikistan for its ongoing commitment to advancing human rights, including providing 11 years of free and compulsory primary and secondary education. We also welcome the prohibition of corporal punishment for children from 2024, the adoption of legislation to regulate compensation for moral damages arising from torture, and the adoption of the National Programme on the Protection of Children's Rights for 2026-2030. While acknowledging these positive steps, Sierra Leone encourages ongoing efforts to enhance the protection of children and women and to promote more inclusive access to education, especially at the pre-primary level. In this respect, Sierra Leone recommends the following: One, guarantee at least one year of free and compulsory pre-primary education for all children. Two, ensure access to free education for all children without discrimination, including regardless of nationality or citizenship status. And three, introduce structural reform for the teacher training, teacher service to meaningfully improve teacher retention, motivation, and professional status. Tadjikistan a successful review.

I thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Singapore.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Singapore welcomes the participation of the Republic of Tajikistan in the UPR process. Singapore welcomes Tajikistan's efforts to improve access to legal assistance, including the expansion of its legal aid center to 55 cities and districts. Singapore recommends that Tajikistan further expand the availability of free legal assistance for vulnerable groups and raise public awareness of legal aid services. Singapore also welcomes Tajikistan's efforts to improve access to safe drinking water and sanitation. Singapore recommends that Tajikistan continue to improve access to safe drinking water and sanitation in rural areas, building on the implementation of the National Water Strategy through 2040 and related national programs. We wish Tajikistan every success in its review. I thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Slovenia.

Mr. Vice President, Slovenia welcomes the delegation of Tajikistan and its presentation today. Slovenia would like to make the following recommendations: one, to continue to adhere to the main international and regional instruments on human rights, in particular to ratify optional protocol to the Convention against Torture, and the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities; two, to take all necessary measures to combat discrimination and violence against women, including domestic violence. Slovenia welcomes Tajikistan's adoption of National Action Plan for 2026-27 in February this year on ensuring the fulfilment of international human rights obligations. In this regard, we particularly highlight the need to create an environment for unrestricted work of the civil society and to guarantee that human rights defenders can freely exercise their activities, including those belonging to national minorities. I thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of South Africa.

Thank you very much, Vice President.

My delegation welcomes the report of the distinguished delegation of Tajikistan to the 53rd session of the UPR. We note that since the third cycle of the Universal Periodic Review, Tajikistan has successfully submitted reports to and undergone reviews by a number of United Nations treaty bodies. We encourage Tajikistan to continue to foster constructive engagement with the United Nations human rights mechanisms. We recommend to Tajikistan to consider: 1.

Expediting the development of a roadmap for the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities;

Two, consider facilitating accession to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other cruel, inhumane.

Or degrading treatment or punishment and establish a national preventive mechanism. Three, consider catalyzing efforts to ensure complete abolition of death penalty.

And four, consider publicly condemning human rights violations such as police abuse and discrimination against.

LGBT+ people and include the protection of the rights of LGBT+ people in national strategy action plans.

South Africa wishes Tajikistan a successful review and continued cooperation.

I thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Spain.

Thank you very much, Vice President. Spain welcomes the delegation of Tajikistan. We welcome the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as well as the approval of the National Human Rights Strategy. Spain recommends: To eliminate the death penalty from the legislation and ratify the Second Optional Protocol of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Two, to adopt measures to effectively protect the freedom of expression and association, and to allow human right defenders, lawyers, journalists, civil society representatives, and members of the opposition to freely carry out their activities safely throughout the country. Three, to approve comprehensive criminal legislation harmonized with international human rights standards that would criminalize gender violence as a specific crime and reform the definition of rape to use a consent-based approach. Four, to reconsider the decision of leaving and withdrawing from the International Criminal Court and thereby strengthen its commitment with a rule-based international order, multilateralism, and international justice. Thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sri Lanka.

Mr. Vice President, Sri Lanka welcomes the delegation of Tajikistan and appreciates their constructive engagement with this Council. We take positive note of the national report and the progress achieved by Tajikistan in countering gender discrimination and promoting women's participation in society, including the incorporation of a gendered perspective to the National Development Strategy. In a constructive spirit, Sri Lanka recommends that Tajikistan continues to build on the achievements in child protection by expanding the National Programme on Child Rights for 2026-2030 and strengthening child protection services; develop and implement a national disability inclusion strategy through broad consultations, including with persons with disabilities and their representative organizations.

Continue to improve access to social security for persons with disabilities, and finally, continue to promote women's participation and.

Leadership across all sectors of society through the incorporation of a gendered perspective in the national development strategy. We wish Tajikistan success in its UPR engagement. Thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the State of Palestine.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The State of Palestine would like to thank, to welcome Mr. Muzaffar Ashriun, the head of the delegation and the member of the delegation. And we thank Tajikistan for standing by the rights of the Palestinian people. We commend the efforts in terms of education, health, and social protection. We would like to recommend the following: to continue implementing the strategies, national strategies for health and social care, particularly in rural and remote areas, and to expand the early education services and addressing the sanitation problems, particularly for women and children, too, to address the -- to continue implementing the law on disability until 2045 in order to provide equal opportunities for them. Third, to integrate human rights in the climate change and risk reduction strategies, giving particular attention to women and the elderly, as well as rural people. We wish Tajikistan all success in this process. Thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Switzerland.

Monsieur Loew.

Mr. Vice President, Switzerland extends a welcome to the delegation of Tajikistan and makes the following recommendations to it: First, guarantee equal treatment and protect persons of minority groups against all forms of discrimination, in particular within the framework of arrest, detention, and judicial procedures. Establish a national prevention mechanism for torture, which is independent and sufficiently funded, able to carry out regular and unannounced visits in all places of deprivation of liberty. Third, amend the criminal code in order to make domestic violence a criminal offence as a distinct offence and guarantee effective inquiries. Fourth, guarantee that the legislation on combating terrorism and extremism not be used to criminalize the peaceful enjoyment of the freedom of expression and arbitrarily restrict access to information. Thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Syrian Arab Republic.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. We wish to bid a warm welcome to the friendly Republic of Tajikistan. led by the Minister of Justice. We express our appreciation for the national report, which reflects the efforts deployed to implement the international obligations, in addition to cooperating with, engaging positively with the international human rights instruments and civil society organizations who also value the efforts taken in the area of human rights, particularly the legislative and institutional measures. We wish to advance the following recommendations: one, to continue efforts to strengthen social security for the elderly and persons with disabilities; two, to continue building on the achievement made in the area of inclusive education at the national level. We wish them all success in this UPR session.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Togo.

Mr. Vice President, Togo congratulates Tajikistan on its excellent cooperation with the international human rights protection mechanisms. and takes note with satisfaction of the progress achieved since the previous UPR cycle. In a constructive spirit, my delegation makes the following recommendations: 1. Strengthen the protection of asylum seekers and refugees by pursuing the harmonization of the national legal framework with international laws relating to international protection. 2. Strengthen the legal framework for combating all forms of discrimination on racial grounds. Third, continue the effective implementation of the National Human Rights Strategy to 2038, as well as its plan of action. Togo wishes Tajikistan the best of success in this review. Thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Türkiye.

Mr. Vice President, We welcome Minister of Justice Ashurjon and the delegation of Tajikistan and thank them for their presentation. We commend Tajikistan for the important steps taken to strengthen its human rights framework, including the adoption of the National Human Rights Strategy until 2038 and its accompanying action plans. We welcome the government's engagement with UN human rights mechanisms and its cooperation with international partners. We also acknowledge the measures taken to combat domestic violence, as well as efforts to strengthen the rule of law and access to justice. As a friendly and brotherly country, Turkey stands ready to support Tajikistan's active endeavours in the field of human rights. In a constructive spirit, Turkey recommends to Tajikistan One, continue its efforts to ensure effective implementation of the National Human Rights Strategy through practical action plans and institutional capacity building. Two, continue investment in prevention, victim support, and effective implementation that will further strengthen the protection of women and children. We wish Tajikistan every success in its UPR process. Thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Turkmenistan.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Turkmenistan warmly welcomes the distinguished delegation of Tajikistan and thanks it for the presentation. We appreciate Tajikistan's constructive engagement with the Universal Periodic Review and its commitment to promoting and protecting human rights. We encourage continued efforts to implement the accepted recommendations in cooperation with the relevant United Nations mechanisms, taking into account national priorities. As a close neighbor and partner, Turkmenistan wishes Tajikistan every success in advancing the well-being of its people and stands ready to strengthen our constructive cooperation. Thank you very much.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ukraine.

Thank you, Mr. President. Ukraine welcomes the delegation of Tajikistan and thanks it for the presentation of its national report. We acknowledge Tajikistan's efforts to strengthen its national human rights framework, including the adoption of the National Human Rights Strategy until 2038 and legislation aimed at combating discrimination. We also welcome steps to strengthen the mandate of the Commissioner for Human Rights, improve safeguards against torture and ill-treatment, and enhance cooperation with United Nations human rights mechanisms. In the spirit of constructive dialogue, we encourage Tajikistan to take further steps towards the effective protection of human rights in the country and recommend: first, strengthen safeguards for the protection of political opponents, journalists, lawyers, and human rights defenders, and reviewing cases of alleged arbitrary detention for exercising their fundamental rights; second, to ratify the Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance; And third, to guarantee judicial independence and fair trial rights and amend counter-terrorism and counter-extremism legislation to ensure its implementation in full compliance with international human rights standards. We wish the delegation of Tajikistan a successful review. I thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Arab Emirates.

Thank you, Mr. President.

We would like to welcome the Republic of Tajikistan, and we thank the delegation for the presentation of its report. We welcome efforts made to implement the human rights strategy up to 2038. In the framework of a constructive dialogue, we have the following two recommendations: one, promote the implementation of the law on equality; and the fight against all forms of discrimination through awareness raising campaigns and through ensuring that people are aware of their rights. To promote gender equality through the National Strategy for the Empowerment of Women 2021-2030, importance should be attached to women's participation in decision making. Similarly, They should be allowed to take up leadership roles in business. We wish the best of success to Tajikistan in this review. Thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Thank you, Vice Presidents. The United Kingdom welcomes Tajikistan's recent adoption of legislation aimed at promoting equality and reducing discrimination and violence, including the recent.

Ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

We urge the relevant authorities in Tajikistan to take steps to fully implement the legislation and protect the human rights of women, children, the LGBT community, and religious and minority groups. We recommend Tajikistan: 1. Criminalises all forms of domestic and intimate partner violence, and amend the Family Code to prohibit all forms of child marriage without exception. 2. Ensures all media outlets and journalists can operate freely, both online and offline, through legal protections. and bring their criminal code in line with Article 19 and 20 of the ICCPR, including by incorporating precise definitions of crimes relating to extremism, terrorism, and national security to ensure that peaceful expressions of dissent and exercising media freedom are not punished; and three, ratifies the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and establishes an independent National Preventive Mechanism. Thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uzbekistan via video.

Thank you, Chair. Uzbekistan welcomes the delegation of Tajikistan and thanks it for presenting its national report. We commend Tajikistan for its commitment to human rights and cooperation with international mechanisms. Uzbekistan welcomes the adoption of the National Human Rights Strategy until 2038. We also appreciate Tajikistan’s efforts to protect children’s rights, including the prohibition of corporal punishment and the adoption of the National Programme on the Protection of Children’s Rights for 2026-2030. Uzbekistan makes the following recommendations: First, continue to strengthen the institutional capacity, operational independence, and accessibility of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Second, build upon the progress achieved in reducing poverty and expanding access to essential social services by strengthening targeted social protection programmes. Uzbekistan wishes the delegation of Tajikistan every success in its review. Thank you for your attention.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. We greet the delegation of Tajikistan and we thank them for the presentation of the report. We appreciate the efforts that have been made by the State for the adoption of national plans for the promotion, protection and enjoyment of human rights, including the right to development, such as the National Human Rights Strategy up until 2038. The approval of the law on equality and elimination of all forms of discrimination, as well as legislative progress made to better protect persons with disabilities, all promote a fair, more equal environment. With the construct of spirit, we recommend, one, to continue pursuing, drafting, and approving public policies and national plans to promote the right to development in keeping with the sustainable development goals. Two, to improve programs aimed at providing subsidies and incentives to promote economic autonomy and entrepreneurship of women. Three, to continue along the lines of measures to promote employment and economic growth, seeking sustainability in poverty reduction programs nationwide. To conclude, we wish you every success in this UPR. Thank you very much, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Vietnam.

Mr. Vice President, Vietnam warmly welcomes the delegation of Tajikistan and thanks it for the comprehensive presentation of its national report. We highly appreciate Tajikistan's continued commitment to human rights and commend its notable achievements in poverty reduction. as well as the adoption of the National Human Rights Strategy up to 2038. In the spirit of friendship and constructive dialogue, Vietnam would like to offer two recommendations. First, continue advancing poverty reduction and social protection programs to further improve living standards, particularly for rural and vulnerable communities. Second, further promote women's economic empowerment through enhanced access to vocational training, entrepreneurship opportunities, and support for women-led businesses. Vietnam wishes Tajikistan continued success in its socio-economic development and human rights endeavors. I thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Afghanistan.

Mr. Vice President, Afghanistan warmly welcomes the distinguished delegation of Tajikistan, leading by His Excellency Muzaffar Ashurjon, Minister of Justice, and thanks.

Them for the presentation of national report.

Afghanistan commends Tajikistan for the adoption of 2022 law on equality and elimination of all forms of discrimination and the state program to prevent domestic violence for 2025-2030, as well

as for the extension of secondary free legal aid to several administrative cases since January 2025.

In the spirit of constructive engagement, my.

Delegation wishes to make the following recommendations: One, adopt internal regulation on refugee status determination, including terms of reference, for the competent interministerial commission to guarantee unhindered and fair access to asylum.

Procedures, uphold the principle of non-refoulement under Article 33 of Geneva Convention.

Finally, Afghanistan wishes Tajikistan every success in its review.

I thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Albania.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Albania also thanks the delegation of Tajikistan for the presentation of its national report.

We acknowledge the efforts made to strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights.

As well as the adoption of national human rights strategy and the law on equal and non-discrimination. We particularly welcome initiatives aimed at improving the protection of women and children, judicial.

Reform, the efforts to prevent torture and ill-treatment. However, for substantial and tangible results, Albania recommends Tajikistan to: 1) establish an independent mechanism for the prevention of torture; 2) guarantee freedom of expression and protection of journalism as well as human rights defenders; and 3) strengthen the independence of the Commissioner of Human Rights in accordance with the Paris Principles. We wish Tajikistan a successful review. Thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Algeria.

I thank you, Mr. Vice President. Algeria welcomes the delegation of Tajikistan and thanks it for the presentation of its national report. Algeria commends the progress made by Tajikistan since the previous review. We welcome in particular the Act of Equality and the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination, the National Human Rights Strategy up to 2038, and the new Act on the Right and Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities. We also commend the significant reduction in poverty and the progress in maternal and child health. In a constructive spirit, Algeria would like to recommend further strengthen the protection of women and children against violence, including through and the adoption of the provisions criminalizing domestic violence in the draft criminal code. Algeria wish Tadjikistan a successful review. I thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Angola.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Angola warmly welcomes the delegation of Tajikistan and thanks it for the presentation of its national report. We commend Tajikistan commitment to human rights through constructive dialogue and cooperation with international mechanisms, including treaty bodies and special procedures also. welcome the recent amnesty law, the national human rights strategy, and efforts to strengthen the ombudsman mandate and independence. In the spirit of constructive dialogue, Angola wishes to make the following recommendations: one, strengthening implementation of anti-discrimination legislation, including measures to address multiple forms of discrimination and raise public awareness of available remedies; And hence, to enhance the implementation of gender equality policies, ensuring women's equal access to employment, social protection, and affordable child care services. And third, ensure that climate adaptation policies address the specific needs of vulnerable populations, particularly women in rural and rural communities. Angola wishes Tajikistan every success in its review. Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Armenia.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Armenia warmly welcomes the delegation of Tajikistan and thanks it for presenting its national report. We appreciate Tajikistan's continued engagement with United Nations human rights mechanisms, the adoption of its national human rights strategy, and its recent ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Armenia further appreciates Tajikistan's constructive efforts in advancing international cooperation on water-related challenges, including important initiatives on glacier preservation and sustainable water management within the UN. In this spirit, Armenia would like to offer the following recommendations: continue advancing access to safe drinking water and sanitation, particularly in rural communities and educational institutions, in line with the national water strategy; Further strengthen inclusive policies and measures to promote the full participation of persons with disabilities in all areas of society, building on the recent ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Armenia wishes Tajikistan every success in implementing the recommendations received during this review. I thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Australia.

Thank you, Vice President.

We thank the delegation for its presentation.

Australia welcomes Tajikistan's ratification of the Ujand Treaty, recognizing the contribution of regional cooperation to the protection and promotion of human rights. However, Australia is concerned by the deterioration of the human rights situation in Tajikistan since its last UPR. Australia recommends Tajikistan One, release political prisoners detained for peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association, and religion or belief, and uphold these rights in law and practice. Two, ensure judicial independence and compliance with fair trial standards, including by ending politically motivated prosecutions and arbitrary detention.

Three.

Cease the arbitrary closure of non-governmental organizations and remove barriers to their lawful operation. Four, abolish the death penalty. Thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Austria.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Austria welcomes the delegation of Tajikistan to the UPR and thanks them for the report and presentation. Austria recognizes the efforts undertaken and progress achieved since the last review, such as the strengthening of the mandate of the Commissioner for Human Rights and the alignment of the definition of torture in Article 143(1) of the Criminal Code with the Convention against Torture. We would like to offer the following recommendations: 1. Establish an independent mechanism to investigate allegations of torture and ill-treatment. 2. Guarantee the freedom of expression and media freedom and prevent anti-terrorism and anti-extremism legislation from being misused to pressure independent media; three, ratify the second optional protocol to the ICCPR; and four, revise the decision to withdraw from the Rome Statute.

I thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Azerbaijan. I understand the delegation is absent. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bahrain.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. We would like to welcome the delegation of Tajikistan and express our appreciation for the efforts and positive initiatives undertaken by the country in order to promote human rights. In a constructive spirit, we have the following recommendations: One. Pursue efforts to improve the education system and provide quality education and improved access to education. Secondly, pursue initiatives and programs for the empowerment of women and support for their participation in all areas of development. Three, pursue the promotion of programs for the protection of the family and children and improve healthcare services for those groups. Finally, we wish the best of success to Tajikistan. Thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bangladesh.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Bangladesh warmly welcomes the distinguished delegation of Tajikistan and thanks them for the presentation of national report. We commend Tajikistan for its continued efforts to promote and protect human rights, particularly through the adoption of the National Human Rights Strategy and legislative reforms to strengthen equality and non-discrimination. We also appreciate its progress in reducing poverty, expanding social protection, improving access to education, and strengthening major Measures to protect women and children. In a spirit of constructive cooperation, Bangladesh would like to recommend the following: 1. Consider ratifying outstanding core international human rights instruments. 2. Strengthen measures to prevent child marriage and violence against children. children, including through effective implementation of child protection laws and policies; three, enhance access to quality health care and social protection services, particularly for vulnerable populations in rural and remote areas. We wish the delegation every success in its review. I thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Belarus.

Distinguished Vice President, I would like to welcome the distinguished delegation of Tajikistan, headed by the Ministry of Justice. We take a positive view of the efforts of the government to reduce poverty, create employment, development, education, and health services, protect women, and improve the health of children. We welcome the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and we wish the country full success in the implementation of their plans. We would like to recommend the following: strengthen national measures to realize the right to development through further integration of SDGs into state programs; two, improve legislation and implementation practice in the areas related to women, including protection from domestic violence; and three, to continue to strengthen the system of protection of children through comprehensive measures, the development of social, educational, medical services, and improve the institutional capacities. We would like to wish the country full success during this UPR. Thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Belgium.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Belgium welcomes the efforts undertaken by Tajikistan since its previous review, including measures to address violence against women and continued engagement with international human rights mechanisms. In a constructive spirit, Belgium recommends the Government of Tajikistan to: 1. Take concrete steps towards the abolition de jure of the death penalty, including through the adoption of a roadmap and the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights aiming at the abolition of the death penalty; Two, fully implement existing policy, institutional, and legal framework to prevent and combat gender-based violence and ensure that all forms of gender-based violence, including domestic violence, marital rape, intimate partner violence, and technology-facilitated gender-based violence are explicitly criminalized. Three, protect journalists, human rights defenders, lawyers, civil society representatives, and political opponents from arbitrary arrest, intimidation, and reprisals, and ensure that legislation relating to extremism and national security is fully aligned with international human rights standards. Four, reconsider any initiative aimed at withdrawing from the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and continue to support international efforts to combat impunity for the most serious international crimes.

I thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bhutan.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Bhutan warmly welcomes the delegation of Tajikistan to the fourth cycle of the UPR and thanks them for presenting their national report. We acknowledge the concerted efforts undertaken by Tajikistan since its last review and note with appreciation the reduction in national poverty rate that has been achieved. the expansion of means-tested targeted social assistance, and the establishment of a human rights model of disability based on inclusion. To support its continued efforts in promoting and protecting human rights, we recommend to Kyrgyzstan to: 1. Strengthen targeted measures to promote girls’ retention in secondary and higher education, particularly for young women in remote rural areas. Two, further increase public health financing to strengthen primary health care and reduce out-of-pocket costs for vulnerable populations. And three, expand child-sensitive targeted social assistance and scale up climate-resilient drinking water and sanitation infrastructure in rural communities. We wish Tajikistan a successful review. I thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brazil.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Brazil welcomes the delegation of Tajikistan and notes with appreciation the country's efforts to promote child health through policies aimed at combating undernutrition and anemia. We encourage Tajikistan to expand the protection of minorities, particularly in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, including by ensuring their right to freedom of assembly and expression, and by investigating all reports of disproportionate use of force against protesters. In a constructive spirit, Brazil recommends that Tajikistan: 1) ensure systematic and continuous training for judges, prosecutors, and other justice sector professionals on fair trial guarantees, gender equality, the rights of persons with disabilities, and juvenile justice; and 2) adopt policies to guarantee the right to freedom of assembly, expression, and privacy, particularly by avoiding internet shutdowns, and the blocking of media websites, preventing arbitrary interception of communications and surveillance, and ceasing the use of anti-terrorism legislation against human rights defenders and journalists. We wish Tajikistan a successful review. Thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brunei Darussalam.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Brunei Darussalam warmly welcome the delegation of Tajikistan to Geneva and thanks them for the update provided since their last review. We recognize Tajikistan continued commitment to promote and protect fundamental human right. In particular, we welcome the adoptions of the rights and social protections of person with disability act 2026 in line with the UN Convention on the Right of Person with Disability, CRPD, as well as the Social Entrepreneurship Act 25, which aims to support and promote the social and economic empowerment of vulnerable group to job creations and social services. In the spirit of constructive engagement, we propose two recommendation. First, to continue implementing policy and program aimed at supporting and empowering socially vulnerable group. Second, to intensify effort to reduce child undernutrition. Mr. Vice President, Brunei Darussalam wishes Tajikistan a successful review. I thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bulgaria.

Thank you. Mr. Vice President, Mr. Minister, Bulgaria welcomes the distinguished delegation of Tajikistan and thanks for the presentation of the national report. We note with appreciation that Tajikistan has upgraded the legislative, institutional, and policy framework for the protection and promotion of human rights in the country, in line with the recommendations accepted during the third cycle of the UPR. We highlight the adoption of the Act on the Rights and Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities, the implementation of the National Strategy to Promote the Role of Women, and the State Programme for the Prevention of Domestic Violence for the period 2025-2030. Bulgaria encourages Tajikistan to continue its efforts to protect the freedom of expression, civil society activities, and human rights defenders. In the spirit of constructive cooperation, Bulgaria would like to offer the following two recommendations: First, further strengthen the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights by providing sufficient financial and human resources for the independent and effective execution of its mandate; and second, to consider the adoption of legislation that would make preschool education for children mandatory for a period of at least one year. We wish Tajikistan a successful review. Thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Burkina Faso.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Mr. Vice President, Burkina Faso welcomes the delegation of the Republic of Tajikistan and congratulates it on the presentation of its report. My delegation welcomes the participatory process in drafting this report. We note with satisfaction the notable progress achieved by Tajikistan in the area of maternal and child health, fighting torture, and ill-treatment, as well as the establishment of a single-window information centre on the prevention of terrorism, extremism and cybercrime. In a constructive spirit, my delegation recommends to Tajikistan: one, that it improve women's access to arable lands; two, that it take necessary measures to strengthen women's access to prevention and treatment for HIV/AIDS, as well as to legal protection. We wish the best of success to Tajikistan in this review. Thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Burundi.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Burundi extends a welcome to the delegation of Tajikistan and wishes it a successful review. We note with appreciation the appointment of a human rights ombudsman as the competent authority in terms of equality and non-discrimination. We also welcome the national human rights strategy to 2038 and the national prevention programme for family violence, as well as the efforts aiming to categorize domestic violence as a criminal offense and the extension of the help centers to victims, as well as reforms in the area of juvenile justice and fighting the worst form of child labor. We recommend that Tajikistan continue its encouraging efforts in juvenile justice, fighting family violence, and the protection of children against the worst forms of labor. Thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Canada.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Canada thanks Tajikistan for participating in this Universal Periodic Review. Canada recommends that Tajikistan: Ensure legislation governing media, civil societies and religious activities respects the right to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association, and religion or belief, and enables the work of journalists, lawyers, human rights defenders, and civil society organizations. 2. that all detained persons have prompt access to legal counsel and fair trial guarantees, and strengthen safeguards against arbitrary detention. Three, expand inclusive vocational and technical education programs for women, girls, persons with disabilities, and people living in rural areas, and strengthen pathways from training to employment. Thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Chile.

Thank you very much, Mr. Vice President. Chile welcomes the delegation of Tajikistan and takes a positive view of the adoption of the Law on Rights and Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities and Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities and adoption of a national protection programme. related to the rights of children for the period of 2026-2030. In a constructive spirit, Chile would like to make the following recommendations: First, accede to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons Against Enforced Disappearances. Two, abolish the death penalty in its criminal legislation and accede to the second optional protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Three, Amend national legislation to establish as minimum age for marriage 18 years without exceptions with a view of effective eradication of child marriages. 4. Criminalize domestic violence as a separate autonomous crime in national legislation, establishing effective prevention mechanisms, protection of victims, and punishing those responsible. 5. Incorporate in national legislation a definition of violation based on the absence of consent. We wish Tajikistan full success during this review.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of China.

Mr. Vice President, the Chinese delegation welcomes Tajikistan's constructive engagement in the UPR. Tajikistan has been actively implementing its national human rights strategy and the National Development Strategy 2030. Following the adoption of the counterterrorism law, the country has continued its fight against terrorism. It has been promoting sustainable socioeconomic development through efforts to reduce poverty, improve livelihoods, safeguard the rights of groups of concern, and combat corruption. We commend Tajikistan's efforts and achievements in promoting and protecting human rights. wish to offer three recommendations: One, continue to promote sustainable socio-economic development, strengthen social protection, and further improve livelihoods; two, continue policies and measures to protect the rights of groups of concern, including women, children, PWDs, and older persons; three, continue to implement the National Human Rights Strategy and integrate human rights protection into its overall development planning. Thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Colombia.

Thank you very much, Vice President. Colombia welcomes the distinguished delegation of Tajikistan, and we recognize the progress achieved in the adoption of the action plan for reviewing the recommendations prepared by the Special Rapporteurs of the United Nations 2026-2027. We take this opportunity, in a constructive spirit, to recommend the following: Derogate all legal discriminatory provisions against women and girls, including restrictions to access of women to certain professions; 2. Move forward in implementation of the commitments adopted as part of the confidential decision 62/R1 of the Human Rights Council; 3. Continue moving forward in a timely manner in the work of the Interinstitutional Working Group that is reviewing the possible accession to the Convention on Statelessness of 1954 and the Convention on Reducing Cases of Statelessness of 1961, with a view that recommendations could be presented in a timely fashion. We wish Tajikistan full success during this review cycle. Thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Costa Rica.

Thank you very much, Vice President. Costa Rica would like to thank Tajikistan for presenting its report and congratulate the country on adoption of the Action Plan 2026-2027 on human rights defenders, freedom of religion, and other vulnerable groups. Costa Rica recommends the following continue: the review of the full abolition of the death penalty through the work of the interdepartmental working group; and maintain the indefinite moratorium on the death penalty; 2. establish an independent mechanism to investigate complaints of torture and ill-treatment under police custody and in remand prisons, and guarantee effective remedies and rehabilitation for victims; 3. criminalize domestic violence as a separate crime and definition of violence based on consent, criminalize violations, violence committed within marriages, and broaden legal remedies and rehabilitation services for victims. Four, align legislation and practice related to the freedom of assembly, peaceful association, expression, in line with international norms. And thank you very much.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Côte d’Ivoire.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Côte d’Ivoire welcomes the delegation of the Republic of Tajikistan and thanks it for the presentation of its national report. My delegation congratulates the Tajik Government on progress achieved in promoting human rights in the country since the last UPR cycle, in particular as regards fighting torture and ill-treatment. country encourages Tajikistan to pursue its fight against human trafficking, domestic violence, and the protection of women and children, as well as efforts to integrate the SDGs in public policies and the relevant national programs. In a constructive spirit, my delegation would like to make the following recommendations: 1. continue to strengthen the integration of the needs of older persons in social programs and the public service. Two, finalize the process of ratification of the second optional protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty. Three, strengthen the protection against violence of children, child labor, and child marriage. To conclude, Côte d'Ivoire wishes the best of success to the delegation of Tajikistan.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba.

Mr. Vice President, I would like to extend a warm welcome to the delegation of Tajikistan. We recognize the commitment of the country with the UPR. In a constructive spirit, with full respect, I would like to make the following recommendations: 1. Move forward in the implementation of the law on safeguards and rights and social protection of persons with disabilities. 2026 to continue with efforts to strengthen the health system, especially protection of mothers and children as part of the national strategy for the protection of health until 2033, continue with the implementation of the national development strategy until 2030, and the strategy for development of social protection until 2040 to move forward in the implementation of the right to development and combating poverty. We would like to wish Tajikistan full success in this review and implementation of the accepted recommendations. Thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cyprus.

Thank you, Vice President. Cyprus welcomes the delegation of Tajikistan and thanks it for presenting its national report. We commend the prohibition of corporal punishment against children, the adoption of disability rights legislation, and measures to strengthen protection of survivors of domestic violence. Building on these steps, Cyprus recommends that Tajikistan: 1. Ratifies the ICPRD and the second optional protocol to the ICCPR aimed at the abolition of the death penalty; 2. Considers introducing a specific criminal offence for domestic violence and further strengthening survivor-centred protection, access to justice and support services; Three, further strengthens child protection by establishing 18 as the minimum age of marriage without exception and addressing child labour and violence against children. And four, advances the implementation of the disability law, including through inclusive education and accessibility. We wish Tajikistan a successful review. I thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Czechia.

The Czech Republic welcomes the delegation of Tajikistan and thanks it for presenting its national report. We acknowledge the steps taken by Tajikistan and encourage further progress in the promotion and protection of human rights. The Czech Republic recommends that Tajikistan: First, ensure a safe and enabling environment for media workers and civil society, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association. Two, ensure that national security concerns are not used to restrict peaceful dissent. Three, investigate allegations of arbitrary detention, torture, and ill-treatment promptly and impartially. Ensure accountability and ratify the optional protocol to the Convention Against Torture, and establish a national preventive mechanism. abolish the death penalty, and accede to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. We wish Tajikistan a successful UPR process. Thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The Democratic Republic of the Congo welcomes the delegation of Tajikistan and thanks it for the presentation of its national report under the fourth UPR cycle. My delegation welcomes the continued legislative efforts, in particular by the adoption on 16 June 2026 of a new law on the social protection of persons with disabilities instituting a human rights-based model. We also welcome the 19 July 2022 law on equality and the elimination of all forms of discrimination. In a constructive spirit, my delegation would make the following recommendations to Tajikistan: 1. Ratify the 1954 Convention on the Status of Stateless Persons, as well as the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. 2. ratify the optional protocol to the Convention against Torture. And finally, the Democratic Republic of the Congo wishes the best of success to Tajikistan on the continuation of this review. Thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Dominican Republic.

Thank you very much, Vice President of the Mincon Republic. I'd like to welcome the delegation of Tajikistan, and we recognize the efforts to strengthen protection of human rights, especially through the adoption of a national strategy for the protection of human rights until 2038, the equality law, and elimination of all forms of discrimination, the prohibition of corporal punishment against children and adolescents. In a constructive spirit, we recommend the following: 1. Ratify Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 2. Accede to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. 3. Guarantee the uniform application of quotas and gender incentives in public institutions, and establish periodic mechanisms of follow-up and accountability related to the participation of women in leadership positions. 4. I would like to say that we wish Tajikistan full success in this UPR. Thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Egypt.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

We would like to welcome the delegation of Tajikistan. We have taken note of the content of the report submitted to the UPR, and we welcome the cooperation of the country with international human rights mechanisms aiming to promote the enjoyment of human rights by its citizens. In a constructive spirit, we would like to make the following two recommendations: 1. Continue the implementation of the National Human Rights Strategy and the National Programme on the Rights of the Child for the period 2026-2030; 2. Continue to strengthen legislation relevant to the promotion of gender equality, including the law on the equality and elimination of all forms of discrimination of 2022. Thank you, Mr. President. We wish Tajikistan the best of success.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Eritrea.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

We warmly welcome the distinguished delegation of the Republic of Tajikistan. We note the reduction in poverty, the implementation of the National Food Safety Program, and the expansion of school meals benefiting more than 450,000 children. We also welcome the adoption of the National Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Program, alongside efforts to strengthen access to safe drinking water. In the area of health, we commend the implementation of the Public Health Strategy to 2030, increased health sector funding, and progress in reducing maternal and child mortality. Eritrea share the following two recommendations: one, continue strengthening access to safe drinking water and sanitation, particularly in rural communities and educational institutions, while advancing efforts to reduce poverty and improve food security; two, further strengthen accessible and affordable health care, with particular attention to maternal and child health, HIV prevention, and treatment. We wish the Government every success in implementing the recommendation that it will accept. I thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Estonia.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Estonia welcomes the delegation of Tajikistan to its fourth UPR. Estonia welcomes Tajikistan's efforts to strengthen anti-torture safeguards and to protect detainees' rights, as well as the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Estonia recommends to: 1. Protect freedom of expression and media freedom, online and offline, by aligning extremism-related legislation with international law in a manner that safeguards the rights of journalists, bloggers, lawyers, and human rights defenders, and releasing those detained in this context.

2.

Criminalize domestic violence and marital rape, adopt a consent-based definition of rape, and expand state-funded protection and rehabilitation services for survivors. Three, ratify the second optional protocol to the ICCPR. And four, ratify OPCAT and establish an independent national preventive mechanism with unrestricted access to all places of deprivation of liberty. We wish Tajikistan a successful review. Thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ethiopia.

Vice President, Ethiopia warmly welcomes the distinguished high-level delegation of Tajikistan. We thank the delegation for presenting its national report and commend the government for its constructive engagement with the Universal Periodic Review mechanism. We appreciate the efforts made by Tajikistan to advance socio-economic development, expand access to education and health care, strengthen social protection, and promote gender equality. In a spirit of constructive dialogue and cooperation, Ethiopia wishes to offer the following two recommendations: One, continue enhancing access to quality education and health care, particularly for rural and disadvantaged communities. Two, continue strengthening policies for environmental protection, sustainable water management, and climate resilience. In conclusion, Ethiopia encourages Tajikistan to continue its constructive engagement with the international human rights mechanism and wishes a successful outcome of this review and the effective implementation of its UPR recommendation. I thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of France.

Thank you, Vice President. France would like to warmly welcome the delegation of Tajikistan, and we would like to wish them a UPR Congress success. We would like to encourage the Tajiki authorities to implement the recommendations that follow: 1. To guarantee the freedom of expression and freedom of the press, mainly by reviewing laws that disproportionately restrict the enjoyment of these rights by journalists and human rights defenders. as well as by protecting journalists' security; two, to guarantee the independent, impartial, and transparent investigation to deaths of civilians and allegations of human rights violations in Hajibakchan in 2021-2022; two, to reinforce measures to combat discrimination and violence against women, including family and domestic violence. Fourth, to step up combating torture and ill-treatment and ratify the Optional Protocol on the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of The Gambia via video.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The Gambia welcomes the delegation of Tajikistan and congratulates them for the presentation of their fourth UPR report. We also commend the government for the continued cooperation with the UPR process. We commend the June 2026 disability legislation and encourage ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. As a developing country, we encourage international cooperation to support national reforms and strengthen the climate resilience of essential services. In the spirit of constructive dialogue, we humbly recommend that Tajikistan: 1. Guarantee in law at least 12 years of free primary and secondary education, supporting completion, particularly for rural girls.

2.

Implement the 2024 domestic violence reforms, ensuring victims access to protection, shelters, legal assistance, and justice. 3. Establish 18 years as a minimum marriage age without exception and strengthen prevention of child and forced marriage.

4.

Accede to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. We wish Tajikistan every success in implementing its human rights obligations.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Georgia.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Georgia welcomes the delegation of Tajikistan and thanks it for the presentation of the national report. We commend Tajikistan for the adoption of the National Human Rights Strategy for the period up to 2038, as well as the National Action Plan for the implementation of the Universal Periodic Review recommendations for 2023-2026. We also welcome the measures taken to strengthen the protection of children's rights, including the prohibition of corporal punishment of children in all settings and the adoption of the National Programme on the Protection of Children's Rights for 2026-2030. In the constructive spirit, Georgia would like to recommend to Tajikistan: one, to continue the reforms of the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights with a view to bringing it into full compliance with the Paris Principles and achieving category A accreditation; Two, to ensure the effective implementation of the 2026 Rights and Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act, including through the policy framework for inclusive education for the period up to 2045. Thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Germany.

Vice President, Germany welcomes the delegation of Tajikistan. We commend Tajikistan for anchoring human rights standards and the Sustainable Development Goals in its National Human Rights Strategy 2038.

However, Germany remains concerned about repression against civil society, journalists, human rights defenders, religious organizations, and the political opposition, including through torture and lack of judicial independence. Germany recommends that Tajikistan first urgently establishes an effective and accessible complaint and investigation system for torture victims, and guarantees adequate compensation and rehabilitation. Second, further protects women through aligning the definition of rape to CEDAW standards and creating comprehensive, free, and easily accessible rehabilitation services for women affected by gender-based violence.

Third, improves freedom of assembly and of association by simplifying state registration.

Of civil society organizations through electronic procedures. We wish Tajikistan a successful review process.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iceland.

Mr. Vice President, Iceland welcomes the delegation of Tajikistan and its national report.

In the spirit of constructive engagement, Iceland recommends the following: ratify the second optional protocol to the ICCPR, and abolish the death penalty; 2. protect and fulfill the right to freedom of expression and the right to freedom of assembly and association, in line with international human rights standards, including reviewing legislation on extremism and defamation; 3. criminalize all forms of gender-based violence, including domestic violence and marital rape; 4. eliminate child marriage by raising the minimum age of marriage to 18 years without exception; Five, amend the law on equality and non-discrimination to explicitly prohibit discrimination against persons of diverse social orientation and gender identity, and ensure effective remedies for violations. Six, take concrete measures to combat the persecution of persons of diverse social orientation, including arbitrary detention. And seven, establish an accessible, transparent, and non-discriminatory administrative procedure for legal gender recognition based on self-determination. I wish Tajikistan all success for its review.

I thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of India.

Mr. Vice President, India warmly welcomes the delegation of Tajikistan and thanks them for the presentation of their national report.

We appreciate the steps.

Taken by Tajikistan for promotion and protection of human rights, such as the adoption of the Rights and Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act in June 2026.

And the extension of compulsory general secondary education to 11 years in 2024. We also note Tajikistan's initiatives on water and glacier preservation, including the International Year of Glaciers Preservation 2025.

In the spirit of constructive engagement, we recommend the following to Tajikistan: 1.

Further strengthen women’s economic empowerment through financial inclusion.

Support for small enterprises, and vocational training, particularly for women in rural areas.

Building on the National Strategy to Promote the Role of Women 2021-2030.

2. Continue efforts to expand access to safe drinking water and sanitation, particularly in rural schools and communities.

3.

Continue to expand access to early childhood and preschool education, particularly in rural areas. Tajikistan a successful UPR review. Thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Indonesia.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Indonesia commends Tajikistan’s active engagement with the UN – with the Human Rights Council’s mechanisms, including the UPR. We also welcome the ongoing legislative and institutional reforms, the strengthening of the criminal justice and penitentiary systems, and enhanced protection against domestic violence. Building on this progress, we would recommend Tajikistan to first ensure effective implementation of the National Action Plan for 2026-2027, as well as its National Human Rights Strategy 2023-2028. accelerate its efforts towards ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, strengthen the capacity of its human rights ombudsman with a view to full compliance with the Paris Principles. We wish Tajikistan every success in its UPR. Thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The Islamic Republic of Iran warmly.

Welcomes the high-level delegation of Tajikistan and thanks for the presentation of their national report.

We commend Tajikistan for its ongoing efforts and commitment to promoting and protecting human rights, as well as advancing health, education, and other essential social sectors. In the spirit of constructive cooperation, we offer the following recommendations to Tajikistan.

First, Further promote access to cultural life and foster active participation in cultural activities by supporting community-based initiatives and safeguarding the country's national heritage, particularly in rural and remote areas. Second, continue strengthening access to safe drinking water and sanitation by building on the implementation of the National.

Water Strategy through 2040 and improving water and sanitation conditions in schools and communities.

Third, continue efforts to implement the national strategy for the development of education and enhance access to quality education.

The Islamic Republic of Iran wishes Tajikistan a successful review.

I thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iraq.

Thank you, Vice President. We would like to welcome the delegation of Tajikistan, and we appreciate the efforts that have been made in drafting the fourth report. We also welcome the adoption by Tajikistan in 2026 of a new law on the rights of persons with disabilities, as well as the green economy development strategy for 2023 and 2037. Iraq would like to make the following recommendations: one, To continue efforts to improve the health sector, ensure access to safe drinking water and good sanitation, especially in the regions most vulnerable to climate change. Two, to continue efforts to increase the number of those enrolled in education at all levels, allocating sufficient resources to school establishments, and improve the quality of education. Thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ireland.

Thank you, Vice President. Ireland welcomes the delegation of Tajikistan and thanks it for its presentation today. Ireland acknowledges Tajikistan's efforts to advance human rights domestically and notes progress made since the last EPR cycle, including the adoption of the Equality and Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Act in 2022. amendments to the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act in 2024, and the recent ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Ireland regrets that harmful practices, including early marriage through court-approved exceptions, continue. Ireland is also concerned by the continued shrinking of civil society space, in particular the closure of 700 non-governmental organisations in 2022 and 2023. Ireland recommends that Tajikistan: 1. Introduce a consent-based definition of rape in its legal code and ensure that marital rape and intimate partner rape are treated as aggravating circumstances, and define the age of consent; 2. Bring legislation and practice governing public associations and other non-profit organizations into compliance with Article 22 of the ICCPR and ensure that civil society organizations and human rights defenders can carry out their legitimate activities without intimidation, undue restrictions, or reprisals. We wish Tajikistan every success in this review. I thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Italy.

We sincerely thank Tajikistan for its presentation today and commitment to the UPR. Italy welcomes the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and commends the adoption of a national human rights strategy to 2038. Italy offers Tajikistan the following recommendations: formalize a de jure moratorium on executions and adhere to the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR, with a view to formally abolishing the death penalty; strengthen independent mechanisms for the prevention and monitoring of torture; and enforced disappearances, including by ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. We wish Tajikistan a very successful review. I thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Japan warmly welcomes the delegation of the Republic of Tajikistan to this session. Japan highly appreciates the positive steps taken by Tajikistan to protect and promote human rights, including the adoption of its national strategy on human rights for the period up to 2038 and the ratification of the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities last month. Japan would like to reiterate its second and third recommendations from the previous review cycle: first, ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance; and, second, develop a national action plan in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, with the aim of promoting respect for human rights in the context of business activities. We wish the delegation of Tajikistan every success in the review.

I thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Jordan.

Thank you, Vice President.

We greet the delegation of Tajikistan, chaired by the Minister of Justice. We wish them every success in this UPR. We welcome the efforts that have been made to further promote and protect human rights. The National Human Rights Strategy was adopted, covering the period up until 2038. Also, the Law on Equality and the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination as well as the adoption of a new law on persons with disabilities. Constructively, we recommend continue promoting the rights of older persons as part of social services program, and to take measures to encourage entrepreneurship and create greater number of employment opportunities for all. while also supporting measures that benefit the most vulnerable. To conclude, we wish you every success in implementing the recommendations to promote and protect human rights. Thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kazakhstan.

Thank you, Chair. Kazakhstan warmly welcomes the ratification of Tajikistan. We positively note the adoption of the National Human Rights Protection Strategy for the period until 2038 and the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We would like to make the following recommendations: 1. Continue developing inclusive education, with particular attention to teacher training and to accessible learning environments for children with disabilities. to expand economic opportunities for women, particularly in rural areas, through vocational training and improved access to entrepreneurship support programs. We wish the delegation of Tajikistan a successful review. Thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kuwait.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. We would like to welcome the head of the Tajikistan delegation and the members of the delegation, we commend the adoption of the National Strategy for Human Rights 2038 as reported, a matter which supports the national efforts to promote and protect human rights. We would like to recommend the following in a constructive spirit: continue the efforts aimed at expanding access to education in the early childhood stage, which would lead to providing an environment for children to accede to primary education on an equal basis, to continue the maternal and child health care, and providing proper nutrition programmes as well as health care. We wish Tajikistan all success in this UPR session. Thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Lebanon.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Lebanon welcomes the delegation of Tajikistan and acknowledges its efforts to strengthen human rights protection, notably through the adoption of its National Human Rights Strategy and legislative reforms promoting equality and social inclusion. We also welcome progress in protecting women and children, particularly the expansion of support services for survivors of domestic violence. Building on this progress, Lebanon wishes to offer three recommendations: 1. Strengthen efforts to combat trafficking in persons by improving early identification of victims and ensuring their access to protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration services.

2.

Accelerate the adoption of legislation criminalizing domestic violence and strengthen and access to legal assistance and protection services for survivors, including in rural areas; three, advance inclusive education by improving school accessibility and teacher training, particularly to ensure equal educational opportunities for children with disabilities. Lebanon wishes Tajikistan every success in its review. I thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Luxembourg.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. We would like to thank Tajikistan for the report and thank them for the work that they have done in combating discrimination and improving social protection. Luxembourg remains concerned by several ongoing challenges in the area of human rights, and we would like to recommend Tajikistan: one, To review legislation governing civil society organizations in order to align it with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; To formally abolish the death penalty; To guarantee the freedom of expression and put an end to acts of intimidation and arbitrary prosecution of human rights defenders; To ratify the Optional Protocol of the Convention against Torture; and to set up a national prevention mechanism, one that is independent; five, to guarantee full cooperation with the International Criminal Court. Thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Malaysia.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Malaysia welcomes the delegation of Tajikistan and appreciates the presentation of its national report. We commend Tajikistan's continued efforts in advancing human rights since its last UPR cycle, including by adopting the National Human Rights Strategy up to 2038, enacting the Rights and Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act 2026, and strengthening measures to promote inclusive education. In the spirit of constructive engagement, Malaysia recommends the following: one, strengthen access to social protection for persons with disabilities, including by ensuring adequate benefits, accessible services, and effective coverage for persons from disadvantaged groups; 2. Continue efforts to strengthen education system for its population by implementing its Education Development Strategy 2030, Inclusive Education Concept 2045, and Digital Transformation Strategy; and 3. promote the economic participation of women by expanding access to social protection, safe working conditions, and affordable childcare. Malaysia wishes Tajikistan a successful review. Thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Maldives.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The Maldives warmly welcomes the high-level delegation from Tajikistan to this fourth cycle review and thanks them for their presentation today. The MOWDS commends Tajikistan for fully implementing several recommendations it received during its third cycle review under the National Action Plan, including the National Human Rights Strategy, the Equality and Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Act, and the new Rights and Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act, among others. In a constructive spirit, the MOWDS presents the following recommendations to Tajikistan: 1. Strengthen the enforcement of laws prohibiting violence against children, child labour, and child marriage. Continue efforts to ensure the right to inclusive education for girls and persons with disabilities. We wish Tajikistan a successful review. I thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mali.

Mali.

I understand the delegation is absent. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. My delegation welcomes the head of the delegation of Tajikistan, His Excellency the Minister of Justice, and the members of We thank them for the national report, which reflects the efforts undertaken by Tajikistan to promote the legislative and institutional framework, as well as implementing the national development strategies and improving basic services. We highly value the progress made in Tajikistan in social and economic development and its efforts to realize sustainable development goals. In a constructive spirit, we would like to advance the following recommendations: one, to continue. implementing the programmes and policies to ensure the right to development; second, to consider a plan of action to implement the recommendations of the UPR. Thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Azerbaijan.

Thank you. Mr. Vice President, Azerbaijan warmly welcomes the distinguished delegation of the Republic of Tajikistan and thanks it for the presentation of its national report. We commend Tajikistan’s efforts and positively note the measures undertaken to implement the recommendations received during its previous UPR cycle. In a spirit of constructive dialogue and cooperation, Azerbaijan recommends Tajikistan to: First, further continue the implementation of national programmes aimed at strengthening the protections of women, children, and persons with disabilities; second, sustain efforts to advance its comprehensive nationwide education agenda through the implementation of the National Strategy for the Development of Education up to 2030; and third, continue its global initiatives on climate action, complementing its broader efforts towards achieving sustainable development. We wish the delegation of Tajikistan a productive and successful review process. Thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Lithuania.

Thank you, Vice President. Lithuania would like to welcome the delegation of Tajikistan and thank for its national report. We commend Tajikistan for ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and welcome its continued support for the global moratorium on the death penalty declared by the UN General Assembly. Lithuania would like to make the following recommendations: one, Consider the ratification of the second optional protocol to the ICCPR, aiming at the complete abolition of capital punishment. 2. Strengthen cooperation with UN human rights mechanisms by extending a standing invitation to all UN special procedures mandate holders. 3. Refrain from all forms of transnational repression by ceasing intimidation, surveillance, harassment, and coerced returns targeting political opponents, journalists, human rights defenders, and members of diaspora communities outside the country. Prevent reprisals against them. Four, refrain from measures that hinder or obstruct the work of independent civil society organizations, activists, and media, including the practice of labeling them as extremist organizations. I thank you.

Thank you.

Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, this was the last speaker on my list for this review. I now give the floor to His Excellency to address observations and comments that have been raised so far and to make final remarks. Excellency, you have the floor.

Distinguished members of the working group of the UPR, ladies and gentlemen, we are grateful to you for the recommendations presented to us, and we will endeavour to answer questions that you have put to us within the time allotted here. As regards questions on the law on fighting poverty in its new version, as we've already said, this law is indeed in existence, but is currently being finalized, it is considered that violence by a family member against another family member who are not of age falls within family violence. The criminal code in its new draft provides a separate offence regarding violence, and that includes violence or the threat of violence against women. That includes violence inflicted by an intimate partner or spouse. With regard to the question On the defense of the rights of the child, from the 17th of March 2025, we have a law on the right of the child, and in its pursuance, every child has the right to life and to be free of violence and to a full development. The child is protected through the dignity of life, which is the principle. ruling. There is also a law on responsibility for education and upbringing of the child, which provides for responsibility for such acts and liability in case they are committed. With respect to the age of marriage, this appeared in many recommendations. We have ruled out any possibility for reducing the age of marriage by courts. It is true, however, that in the Family Code there is a condition where judges may do this, and I already referred to this in my introductory statement. In addition, We are carrying out comprehensive awareness-raising work, including amongst the bodies responsible for civil status, civil registry bodies and other authorities. So work is being carried out in order to ensure that early marriages do not take place. If there are grounds to reduce the age of marriage, as I said again, this would be ruled by a judge, and we have to ensure that all conditions are met. With regard to steps to improve the legislation, we are continuing our work. The main area is to bring our national legislation in line with international human rights law and the standards of other international organizations. We aim to raise the awareness of our population on law and to disseminate this knowledge throughout society. We cooperate on human rights issues, and the main purpose is to promote the human rights of persons, to improve our legislation, bring it in line with international standards. Alongside the improvement of our national legislation, we are also carrying out other steps. With regards to the question of the closure of the NPO, of NGOs, they may in fact operate freely within the framework of the law on civil organizations, civil society organizations. There was in the past indeed trend to cut short their activities. However, this trend has been reversed. Compared to previous years, the cessation of activities of NGOs has significantly been reduced. In addition, as you know, NGOs carry out their activities on the basis of funding. provided, and when these resources run out, well, then the activity ceases. We have repeatedly introduced additions to the criminal code in order to ensure that the criminal code is fully aligned with the Convention against Torture and inhumane treatment or punishment. With regards to efforts to provide greater assistance to vulnerable segments of the population, and in particular legal aid free of charge, as I've said, this has already been introduced by the Ministry of Justice, and the scope of persons covered is ever increasing. This includes remote and mountainous areas where people are provided with such help. And in all cities and towns, there is a list of persons who can provide such assistance, and the population does use these services. With regard to an independent national mechanism with access to all places of detention, In this area, we have established a group under the Human Rights Ombudsman, and this group includes representatives of civil society. Over the past year, their number has increased, and in 2025 They carried out monitoring activities in eight institutions and had interviews with 138 prisoners, including women. We have recommendations to further improve this situation. In addition, we would just like to bring to your attention that in 2025, we had a national survey on improving the criminal code and improving the involvement of civil society, and in this context, these issues were discussed. With regard to the adoption of the equality and anti-discrimination law, which prohibits all forms of direct and indirect discrimination, we have this law on equality and the elimination of all forms of discrimination, which provides equal opportunities and freedoms to all. and access to justice to eliminate these forms of discrimination. We are conducting activities to make this law better known. The Human Rights Ombudsman has determined a schedule for activities, according to which they visited dozens of towns and regions with such awareness-raising activities. With regard to limitations on the activities of human rights defenders organizations, we have the appropriate legislative framework to govern such cases. And within this framework, all civil society organizations are guaranteed the right to freely act in society within the framework of the law. With regards to the protection of the freedom of opinion and the freedom of the press, I would like to inform you that in 2025, with six organizations, we had a conference on human rights and the press. and there were international media organizations that took part. In 2025, we had an increase in the number of published news sites, many of which won awards, and we also conduct other activities that aim to support such initiatives for the press. As we noted, there are over 1600 NGOs active in the country in various areas of life, and we comprehensively support those organizations which carry out their activities within the framework of the law, and we facilitate their activities so as to ensure that they can freely carry them out.

My colleagues will now continue.

Distinguished President, ladies and gentlemen, on criminalization of domestic violence, I would like to say that the draft, new draft of criminal code, there's a separate article 153, domestic violence, that established criminal responsibility for violence in families as a separate crime that covers not just physical, but also psychological, economic, and sexual violence. In terms of criminalization of rapes in families, I'll say that being in a marriage does not remove any accountability or responsibility for rape. because Article 132 of the Criminal Code establishes responsibility for rape regardless whether the persons are in a marriage. Also, the law on prevention of domestic violence also includes violent activities that violate the sexual integrity and sexual freedom of an individual, and this law gives law enforcement agencies and the courts to issue protective orders in order to give protection to those victims. 9,954 protective orders were issued in 2018. 2021, 2047 and 2147 in 2023, 2053 in 2024, and in 2025, 2031, and during the nine months of this year, 1596 victims receive legal, psychological, and medical support in special crisis centers. On this same issue, I would like to say that the country continues to introduce measures to improve national legislation, strengthening the institutional mechanism that increase effectiveness of prevention and punishment of all forms of gender-based violence, including domestic violence, a separate law was adopted related to the prevention of domestic violence on 19 March 2013 that covers the psychological, physical, sexual, and economic violence in families and establishes measures of prevention and assistance to victims, including measures of protection. The draft criminal code's new includes a new separate article 153 related to domestic violence. The decree of the government 26 December 2024 established the state programs related to the prevention of domestic violence for 2025-2030 and the action plan for 2025-2027. In 2025, in the support of the OC, Special education events were held for public officials and representatives of civil society in April 2025. Special training courses were organized on questions of reaction to cases of domestic violence for representatives of the police forces, and in December, other educational courses were organized for representatives of state authorities and civil societies in their work with individuals that commit domestic violence in order to increase public awareness on this issue and stepping up information campaign efforts. In 2025, state authorities and the Committee on Family Issues under the government, together with law informers, the prosecutor's office, and local authorities, UN organizations, civil society organizations, and youth associations, All of them together carried out dozens of information campaigns, including as part of the annual international campaign related to 16 active steps to combat gender-based violence. And this information is broadly disseminated, helping raise awareness and helps improve prevention of domestic violence and includes the special hotline number. Also, there are mandatory educational courses for members of law enforcement agencies, the prosecutors' offices, and tribunals and courts on questions related to the cat to preventing domestic violence, to the inaccessibility of ill treatment and providing assistance to all victims of violence and provision of ethics of safe investigations without enforcement measures. As part of the gender equality program of the Academy of the Minister of Interior, starting in 2010, special educational courses were introduced, the prevention of domestic violence, covering 36 academic hours. and exams take place after this course. More than 2,000 officials have taken part in these courses.

Distinguished President, distinguished members of the committee, Within the implementation of international obligations on human rights, the Republic of Tajikistan has completed a major step in officially adopting the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities under number 563. We should note that earlier this year, Tajikistan adopted a new law on the promotion and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities. The new law has been renamed, and persons with disabilities are now called that. Moreover, in Tajikistan, there is accessible access for persons with disabilities, and there are draft documentations for the construction. In every case, it is mandatory to provide access for persons with disabilities when design projects are submitted. For the prevention of discrimination against persons with disabilities, the State provides equal access for children with disabilities to education, medical assistance, and social services. as well as inclusive education. We aim to shape an accessible environment in all educational facilities, ensuring the right to education and a tolerant attitude towards children with disabilities. With regard to the right to health, in particular for specific groups such as women. Tajikistan has taken consistent steps to ensure the right to health, including the rights of women, youth, and persons living in rural and remote areas to high-quality services which are affordable, including sexual and reproductive health services. health programme up to 2030 strengthens preventive and basic health care, as well as maternal and child health care.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to draw your attention to some of the questions that were raised in this hall. On the question of ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, I'd like to draw your attention that starting in 2004, our country has established a moratorium on the death penalty. We have since been looking into the issue of abolishing the death penalty. In our constitution, this question is reflected, and the constitution is only changed on the basis of a referendum, and after any such referendum we'll be able to abolish the death penalty. Now, the next question on statelessness and reducing the number of stateless persons, the two conventions 1954 and 61. Currently, our country is studying this issue, an inter-agency working group has been created related to accession to these conventions, and we we'll be including this in our future plan of actions on human rights. On the further strengthening of the judiciary and any relevant reforms, I'd like to say that we have implemented four programs related to the reform of the judiciary: 2007, 2010, 2011-15, 2017, 2021, and we're now preparing the next program for the reform of the judiciary that will be extended for the years 2027-2030. And a lot of work has been carried out to prepare relevant staff to strengthen the independence of the judiciary. So the judges have 10-year terms with the right to be reelected, and we're also strengthening the material foundation for the judiciary, increasing also the salaries of our judges. Thank you.

Distinguished Vice President, distinguished members of the Council, regarding the question of providing resources to the Human Rights Ombudsman, I'd like to emphasize that thanks to the support of the government, the volume of funding for this body is increasing every year. In 2009, the state budget earmarked 33,000 Somoni. On the 1st of August 2026, the volume provides for 4,590,000 Somoni. And this demonstrates an increase of almost 15 times. There is, thanks to that, an increase in the growth of number of staff from 17 to over 40. And this also includes regional structures. There are separate departments on freedom of discrimination and equality. There are special services that are also provided to entrepreneurs. There is an important effect from the law on equality and elimination of discrimination, and there were also introductions of amendments to the law on the Human Rights Commissioner, expanding his scope of authority. their anti-discrimination assessments that are carried out within the framework of the adoption of laws to ensure equality. As to the question on increasing the representativeness of women in public life, I'd like to emphasize that there's a government decree of the 30th of April 2021, which confirmed a national strategy to empower women. from 2021 to 2030 and establishes events towards that goal. Moreover, there's a governmental decree of 2022 which confirms the government program to train and select women for the promotion to leadership roles. There's a greater number of women in state roles and leading roles from 13% to 25%. The state budget provides over 3 million somoni such activities, which is far greater than the funding in previous years for similar programs. There are support services for women, including social services and grants and quotas for women to allow them to exceed leadership roles. And the civil service in 2025 comprised over 4,000 women, which is is approximately 25% of the total. Of the total number of leaders, 18% are women. Compared to the previous period, this represents an increase of 104 persons. On the third question, the enhancing of a constructive dialogue with the United Nations Organization, I'd like to emphasize that Tajikistan is continuing to strengthen its cooperation with the human rights, human rights, United Nations human rights mechanisms. So we take into consideration their recommendations and the recommendations of treaty bodies. An important step was reached in October 2026 by the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and we continue to cooperate with the Committee on the Rights of the Child, the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the Committee on Racial Discrimination. In 2025-2026, we are intending to extend consultations with specialists from the UN and We intend to establish a coordinating committee in our country in the area of human rights in order to provide for capacity building on human rights issues. We are synchronizing with the global initiatives and with the UN General Assembly, which declared 2027 the International Year of Legal Literacy. There are events in Dushanbe, for example, a high-level UN conference on strengthening peace. These strengthen the national mechanism for human rights, which has been revamped, taking into consideration international standards.

Thank you very much.

Distinguished Vice President, members of the Council, I would like to talk about our work related to combating terrorism and extremism. Over the period under review, our legislative framework has been renewed to combat extremism, terrorism, and also combating legalization of any resources obtained illegally by criminals, as has already been pointed out by the head of our delegations. Related to articles 179 and 307 of the criminal code, amendments have been made that remove criminal responsibility for approving any materials on social networks. So criminal punishments for social media activities have been removed. Starting April 2023, under the General Prosecutor's office, there exists a single information portal to combat extremism, terrorism, and cybercrimes. Also, I'd like to focus on the question of criminalization of enforced disappearances. Currently, our criminal code includes responsibility for any acts related to enforced disappearance as abductions, illegal deprivation of liberty, tortures, abuse of office, and a special protocol related to detention should be drawn up during the three-hour period after individual is brought to a police office. Any violations are considered as a public offense, and relatives of the detainee are informed of the detention immediately. On persecutions of journalists, lawyers, and human rights defenders, I would like to say that there is no practice in Tajikistan based on political professional grounds. Criminal responsibility is only held by those individuals who committed crimes regardless of their professional activities, and any violations of rights are reviewed by prosecutors' offices in line with the law. and complaints can be presented to a court or to the ombudsman. Distinguished Vice President, on the question of education of teachers, we're taking measures to improve the quality of education through building professional capacities, employment, and continued professional vocational training of educational staff and also broadening the educational network and building the relevant infrastructure. We continue to improve the qualification of teachers through special training courses and other forms of continuous professional education, including new, modern, contemporary methods of teaching, including in the digital domain. On the question of ensuring access to quality education for all persons, including women and persons with disabilities, Tajikistan is taking relevant measures to ensure equal access to quality education for women. girls and persons with disabilities, regardless of their social position, place of living, and salaries, as part of our national strategy until the year 2030. We're broadening the possibility, especially through presidential quota, in 2025. general educational services have enrolled more than 77,000 girls, and the coverage of children is more than 95.5% in 2025. Pre-school education covered three 117,000 children and guarantees free of charge education in line with Article 41 of the Constitution. Everyone in our country has a right to education. The state guarantees free of charge mandatory education in state educational facilities. In the Republic of Tajikistan, 11-year education is part of the free of charge state program, and the guarantee covers all children regardless of gender, nationality, and conditions, health conditions. Thank you.

Mr.

President, distinguished participants in this meeting, the National Strategy for the Development of Tajikistan up to 2030 is a foundation for the long-term development of the country, aimed to ensure a resilient economy and growth, and ensure the well-being of the population and develop the human capital in our country. An important element in developing this strategy is the recognition of the human as highest value, as well as their well-being. We have achieved significant Advances in economic growth, the GDP has been multiplied by 3.4. The rate of annual growth is around 7.6% in terms of GDP. Special attention was paid to the reduction of poverty, improvement of employment rates, as well as education, health, and social protection. One of the key results was the reduction of the level of poverty. Within the framework of the implementation of our strategy for 2021-2025, the level of poverty was reduced from 26.3 to 19%, and the level of extreme poverty was about 6%. The funding of targeted social assistance to low-income families was increased from 86 million somoni to 273 million somoni in 2025. Such assistance was provided to over 250,000 families. An important development is improving the incomes and the social protection of the population. In September 2026, the average monthly wage was 3,650 somoni, and this represented

Thank you. Mr. President, distinguished members of the Council, unfortunately, the lack of time does not now allow us to provide a comprehensive answer to all of your questions. If you allow, we will therefore provide written replies to the questions that we could not address in this time frame. In particular, as regards combating human trafficking, we have an existing inter-agency commission which has been doing much work and has improved the outcome of our work in this area. And we will provide a written reply to that and to other questions as well. We will give you detailed answers. Ladies and gentlemen, in conclusion, allow me once again to express gratitude to the UN Human Rights Council and representatives of States for this constructive dialogue and the recommendations made. Allow us to ensure you that our country will continue to fulfill its international obligations in the area of human rights, to improve its legislation and strengthen national mechanisms for the protection of the rights and freedoms of humans. An important area of work is the national strategy of Tajikistan in the area of human rights up to 2030, and the implementation of the National Plan of Action to implement recommendations received during the discussions today. The recommendations during this review will be carefully considered by the relevant state bodies, and their further consideration and implementation will take into consideration the international obligations of Tajikistan, our national priorities, and the need to consistently strengthen the guarantees for the rights and freedoms, human rights and freedoms. We will continue to develop a constructive cooperation with the Human Rights Council, the OHCHR, and treaty bodies. and other partners in order to further promote human rights. Finally, allow me to express a special gratitude to the President, distinguished members of the Council, representatives of states, and all participants in this high-level event. We thank them for the preparation, and we separately thank the interpreters. for giving us the opportunity for an unimpeded and timely discussion of high quality on crucial topics. I am convinced that this exchange of opinions will foster the further strengthening of cooperation and the continued improvement of our national system for the protection of human rights and freedoms. Thank you.

Thank you, Excellency. I thank Excellency and the delegation for the presentation and participation in this review. The report of the review will be prepared by the members of the Troika, namely the representatives of Côte d'Ivoire, Estonia, and Japan. In accordance with the procedure implemented in 2015, the recommendations section of the report is scheduled for distribution on Monday, 9 of November at 6:00 PM. In addition, let me recall that according to President's statement PRST/OS/19/1 adopted on 8 December 2025, the recommendation section of all reports of the working group will be considered for adoption on Friday, 13 November, in the last meeting of the session from 2:30 PM. The full report, including the summary section, will be distributed by e-mail on Friday, 20 November 2026. So now this brings us to the end of our meeting. We will reconvene this afternoon at 2:30 PM for the review of the United Republic of Tanzania. Speaking time will be one minute and five seconds for all. Inscribed speakers who wish to withdraw from the list are kindly invited to use the online system event for withdrawals at the latest 30 minutes before the start of the review. With this, I hereby close the seventh meeting of the 53rd session of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review.