In Tajikistan, there were held actions and campaigns to support torture victims: “Quiet Dialogue”, “Digital Candle”, Doors Open Day, and a host of other things…

Shortly before the International Torture Victims Support Day, which is marked every year on June 26, the civil society’s Coalition against Torture and Impunity in Tajikistan has held a set of activities aimed at attraction of attention to cruel treatment issues and enhancing public call-up for justice.

In the course of a month, throughout the country, there were conducted information campaigns, public discussions, legal initiatives and campaigns of solidarity with injured or aggrieved persons. These events have become a part of common efforts of the civil society to combat impunity and support injured or aggrieved persons.

In particular, “Today’s Saying” Headline — these are voices against torture[1], words that inspire[2] changes. These are important[3] quotations saying why torture is inadmissible[4] — from those who stand for truth, humanity and supremacy of law.

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To put an end to torture, as concerns detained persons suspected of committing a crime, as well as inmates in penitentiary institutions of Tajikistan” —  Speaker of the Higher Chamber of the Parliament of Tajikistan, Rustam Emomali[5].

“Let 100 crimes remain undiscovered, but never resort to torture”. — Minister of Interior of the Republic of Tajikistan, Ramazon Rakhimzoda[6].

June 26 – International Torture Victims Support Day: Efforts of Tajikistan to Counteract Torture
Republic of Tajikistan has ratified the United Nations Convention against Torture in 1995, having recognized the necessity of systemic combatting this grave violation of human rights. From then onward, certain things have been done in the country to enhance legal and institutional protection mechanisms.

Shortly before June 26 — International Torture Victims Protection Day — it is important to remind on achievements and on measures that the state continues to take to prevent torture, provide for justice and protect injured or aggrieved persons. For more on efforts of Tajikistan, see our information material: https://notorturetj.org/en/news/international-torture-victims-support-day-efforts-tajikistan-counteract-torture

“Quiet Dialogue” on the important things: What does prohibition on torture mean for us?

As we approach the International Torture Victims Support Day, June 26, members of the Coalition against Torture and Impunity in Tajikistan share their subjective impressions when it comes to the meaning of prohibition on torture for them. These short, but strong statements are part of the campaign “Quiet Dialogue”: https://notorturetj.org/en/news/quiet-dialogue-important-things-what-does-prohibition-torture-mean-us  

Discussions and Lectures[7]: Human Rights and Prevention of Torture[8]

On June 16 and 17, 2025, in order to deepen knowledge on international and national human rights protection mechanisms, discuss the practice of counteracting torture in prevention of cruel treatment, there were held online discussions and delivered lectures on human rights and prevention of torture. There were more than 50 participants from among the civil society, mass media, human rights activists, lawyers, and other stakeholders.

Stories that cannot be forgotten[9]…

“He was summoned for questioning and failed to return home…” This is how starts one of 14 stories collected by the Coalition against Torture in the Book “Broken Fates, Taken Away Lives”: https://notorturetj.org/en/news/electronic-version-shattered-lives-book

Doors Open Day[10]: Free legal assistance to everyone

Coalition against Torture and Impunity in Tajikistan, to celebrate the International Torture Victims Support Day, on Doors Open Day, provided free legal assistance to all those who wished, dedicated to human rights protection issues.

There was provided free primary legal assistance regarding the rights of suspected persons and their relatives, right to defense, and other procedural rights of apprehended persons.

Analytical Cards – they show[11] the extent[12] of the problem, driven by international law, facts[13] and actual stories. Each[14] fact speaks about the necessity of changes.

How many applications are documented?[15] Who is torturer?[16] Who fall victim to torture?[17] Who has been put to torture?[18] Legal assistance[19]; and many other things you will discover in our analytical cards.

Campaign “Digital Candle”[20] – Solidarity without words.  You can come in on campaign “Digital Candle” by changing your user icon in social media — by substituting it for black background or adding the image of a candle. It is a simple, but a symbolic gesture has become a symbol of support to victims of torture and their families. It does not require words, but shows empathy with those who have faced the horror of cruelty and violence.

Free Legal Advisory Services in Dushanbe

On June 30, 2025, as part of activities timed to coincide with the International Torture Victims Support Day (marked every year on June 26), lawyers of the civil society’s Coalition against Torture and Impunity in Tajikistan have provided on-site legal advisory services across the City of Dushanbe.

The purpose of these activities is to provide free legal assistance to the capital’s residents and tell about available human rights protection mechanisms, particularly in situations when it comes to torture, cruel treatment and other abuse and brutality forms. https://notorturetj.org/en/news/free-legal-advisory-services-dushanbe