UK Statement on Tajikistan at the 25th Session of the Universal Periodic Review, Geneva, 2 - 13 May 2016
The UK delivers its statement on the Universal Periodic Review of Tajikistan, 6 May 2016.
The UPR takes place at the Palais des Nations, Geneva
Thank you, Mr President,
The United Kingdom welcomes Tajikistan’s delegation and its constructive engagement with the UPR process.
We welcome the Government of Tajikistan’s willingness to co-operate with the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression during his recent visit and encourage it to and take action on key recommendations.
We look forward to seeing Tajikistan’s medium term National Development Strategy and encourage the Government to ensure it includes steps to promote the human, economic and social rights of its citizens including addressing discrimination against women and work to further their empowerment.
We are seriously concerned about restrictions and pressures on legitimate political opposition including the banning of the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan and encourage Tajikistan to uphold freedoms of expression, association and assembly. We also remain concerned about restrictions on civil society and the funding of NGOs. We call on Tajikistan to ensure that all legislation adopted is in line with its international human rights obligations.
We have two recommendations for the Government of Tajikistan:
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To sign and ratify the Optional Protocol of the Convention Against Torture.
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To introduce measures to ensure the free, fair and open conduct of trials in accordance with international standards including access to Legal Counsel in pre trial custody
Thank you, Mr President.