17 April 2026

Tajikistan: Civil Society Representatives Brief UN Committee against Torture in Geneva

At its session in Geneva on 14-15 April 2026, the UN Committee against Torture (CAT) examined Tajikistan’s fourth periodic report on the implementation of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

In connection with the review, representatives of the Coalition against Torture and Impunity in Tajikistan, International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR), Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights (HFHR) and the World Organization Against Torture (OMCT) conducted advocacy with the UN Committee against Torture in Geneva, briefing its members about progress and challenges in the fight against torture and ill-treatment in Tajikistan.

The civil society representatives presented the findings of their joint submission for the review – one of only two civil society submissions and the only one covering multiple issues. The joint 36-page submission covers key developments since the last review and addresses legislative and policy changes, the definition of torture, statistical data, statutes of limitations and amnesties, legal safeguards, investigations, redress, and the exclusion of evidence obtained under torture, as well as torture and ill-treatment in cases of domestic violence, against LGBT people, in the armed forces. It is based on ongoing monitoring, documentation and analysis. In particular, the submission covers findings from the prison monitoring of the independent, CSO prison monitoring group, comprised of members of the Coalition against Torture and Impunity.

CAT representatives expressed great appreciation for the detailed and expert input they received from the alternative submission and the in-person briefings, and key issues raised were reflected during the Committee’s interactive dialogue with the Tajikistani state party. Following its review, the CAT will adopt concluding observations and recommendations addressed to Tajikistan.