Report of the Special Rapporteur on torture Juan E. Méndez. Mission to Tajikistan

The Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment undertook a visit to Tajikistan from 10 to 18 May 2012. 

In the past two years, Tajikistan has introduced some encouraging changes in the normative framework, including, in April 2012, a new criminal provision defining torture and providing penalties for it. The broad awareness-raising campaign on prohibition of torture in international and domestic law initiated by the authorities is a step in the right direction. 

Significant gaps in legislation, policies and law enforcement practices, however, remain. The Special Rapporteur identifies a  number of overarching issues critical to combating torture and ill-treatment effectively. 

The Special Rapporteur calls upon the Government to take decisive steps to ensure immediate and effective implementation of his recommendations, and calls on the international community to assist Tajikistan in its fight against torture and ill-treatment by providing it with appropriate financial and technical support.