Torture victims must have access to independent lawyer!

On January 24, 2019 the Government of Tajikistan has adopted National Plan of Actions for 2019-2022 to fulfill recommendations of the United Nations Committee Against Torture. The National Plan consists of 22 paragraphs: investigation of torture cases, punishment for torture, intensification of activity of Human Rights Ombudsman in RT, basic legal guarantees and remedies, access to independent lawyer, inspection of detention places, custodial detention conditions, independent grievance mechanism, indemnification and rehabilitation, etc.

The National Plan envisages around 80 measures aimed at improvement of legislation and law enforcement practices as to prevention of torture. Implementation of the National Plan involves a wide range of state authorities, courts, law-enforcement bodies, Ombudsman institution.

So, Paragraph №6 of the National Plan: “Access to independent lawyer”

This paragraph implies the implementation of the following measures:

·         Review the legislation and introduce amendments and changes in the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan “On the bar and advocacy” with regard to strengthening the independence of lawyers;

·         Consider an issue of inviting a UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers to the Republic of Tajikistan;

·         Consider an issue of improving the legislation of Tajikistan with regard to unimpeded communication of a lawyer with a person being defended;

·         Monitor the efficiency of a free legal assistance provision system.

This material has been prepared by the International Torture Victims Protection Day that is marked every year on June 26.

Torture is like a dreadful virus, and there is only one vaccine against it – public disclosure.    

Activities dedicated to the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture became possible within the framework of the project “Support for anti-torture agenda and human rights groups in Tajikistan”, funded by the European Union.