Corruption

While noting the measures taken to combat corruption, including the Decree No. 465 of 28 October 2016 to analyse corruption risks in organizations, and the Plan of Action to implement the recommendations made by the OECD in the framework of the 2018–2019 Istanbul Action Plan, the Committee expressed concerned about reports that corruption in the country is still widespread. The Committee also asked questions about the definition of corruption in the national legislation, which is not yet in accordance with international standards. The Committee is also concerned that the main specialized body in charge of detecting and investigating corruption offences, namely the Agency for state financial control and combating corruption, is not sufficiently independent from the executive branch.

The delegation in this regard mentioned that relevant measures have been taken by the government to honour its commitments, including full criminalization of corruption. The government has toughened the sanctions in this regard and has expanded the criteria for this crime. Such sanctions also include confiscation of property. The delegation also mentioned the difficulties the State faces, due to the historical mindset of the people in Tajikistan, which creates obstacles in fully implementing measures to combat corruption. The delegation did not provide specific information on possible cases where the above-mentioned regulations have actually resulted in trying a state official. The safeguards provided for whistle-blowers also remained unanswered.

Torture

The Committee raised serious concerns regarding the continued reports of torture or ill-treatment of persons deprived of their liberty, particularly for the purposes of extracting confessions, including against human rights defenders and political opponents. The Committee asked about the availability of independent mechanisms to prevent such acts, to investigate and sanction them and to provide compensation to the victims. The Committee inquired about training sessions for officials in this regard. The Committee also expressed concerns regarding alleged reconciliations between prosecutors and victims of torture.

The delegation replied that the punishment for torture has been toughened, and an independent mechanism has been put in place, where reports of torture are thoroughly investigated. According to the delegation, there were 16 complaints of torture in 2013, 13 in 2014, 21 in 2015, 10 in 2016, 23 in 2017 and 54 in 2018. Out of all these cases, only 10 were substantiated. However, the delegation did not mention the results of these cases. They did not address the factuality of questions about deaths in custody, and whether possible perpetrators of torture have been punished or whether victims have received compensation.

Freedom of Associations and NGOs

The Committee raised concerns with regard to a shrinking space for civil society organizations, due to recent amendments to the Public Associations Act. Based on these amendments, NGOs now have to inform the Ministry of Justice about their financial resources and funds and publish their incomes and expenses. The Committee is concerned that these are very stringent measures that have a chilling effect on the work of NGOs and have even resulted in the closure of some of these organizations.

The delegation responded that the new amendments have been made as part of their counter terrorism policies, in order to prevent organizations to be used for money laundering and finance terrorism, and that these measures are considered as notifications to the State and not authorizations. However, it should be mentioned that this issue was one of the main concerns raised by the NGOs who were present at the session, moreover, the Committee reminded the delegation that counter-terrorism measures should be in compliance with the ICCPR regulations, and should not be misused to restrict civil society’s freedoms. The delegation also mentioned that there are more than 2000 active NGOs in Tajikistan, out of which 70 work in the field of human rights. According to reports by the civil society, this number in reality is lower.

Recommendations of the Committee

By 26 July 2021, the State party should provide information on the following recommendations from the Committee's Concluding Observations:

Surveillance and interception of private communications

The State party should ensure that: 

• all types of surveillance activities and interference with privacy, including online surveillance, interception of communications and communications data (metadata) and retrieval of data, are governed by appropriate legislation that is in full conformity with the Covenant, in particular articles 17 and 19, including with the principles of legality, proportionality and necessity, and that State practice conforms thereto;
• surveillance and interception is conducted subject to judicial authorization as well as effective and independent oversight mechanisms; and
• affected persons have proper access to effective remedies in cases of abuse.

Freedom of Expression

The State party should revise its laws and practices with a view to guaranteeing the full enjoyment of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly by everyone, taking into account the Committee’s general comment No. 34 (2011) on freedoms of opinion and expression. It should, inter alia:

• Consider decriminalizing insult or libel against the President/Leader of the Nation and insult against other State officials;
• Promote plurality of opinions in the media, and ensure that the media and media workers can operate free from undue State interference;
• Repeal or otherwise amend the laws and regulations providing for the restrictions referred to above with a view to bringing them into full compliance with the State party’s obligations under the Covenant;
• Lift all other undue restrictions on the exercise of freedom of expression and ensure that any restrictions comply with the strict requirements of article 19 (3) of the Covenant;
• Ensure that the right of access to information held by public bodies can be effectively exercised in practice, including by addressing any practical or administrative obstacles in processing information requests and by ensuring timely responses to such requests;
• Take all measures necessary to ensure the independence of the broadcasting and licensing authority;
• Ensure the effective protection of independent journalists and media workers against any form of intimidation and refrain from using civil and criminal provisions, including the provisions on extremism, as well as other regulations, as a tool to supress critical reporting on matters of public interest.

Participation in public affairs

The State party should bring its electoral regulations and practices into full compliance with the Covenant, including its article 25, inter alia by:

• Giving full effect to the right of every citizen to genuinely take part in the conduct of public affairs; and fostering a culture of genuine political pluralism;
• Refraining from using criminal laws as a tool to harass and exclude opposition members from meaningful participation in public life and electoral processes; and conducting a thorough, credible and impartial investigation into the alleged enforced disappearance of Ehson Odinaev;
• Revising the limitations on the right to stand for election with a view to ensuring their compatibility with the Covenant;
• Revising legislation providing for a blanket denial of the right to vote to all convicted prisoners which does not meet the requirements of article 10 (3), read in conjunction with article 25 of the Covenant; and for denial of the right to vote to any person declared incompetent by a court;
• Ensuring the full independence of the Central Commission for Elections and Referenda;
• Implementing equal electoral campaigning conditions for all, including equal access to State-run television.

The State is expected to submit its next report on 26 July 2025.