International Torture Victims Support Day: Efforts of Tajikistan to Counteract Torture

On June 26, there is marked the International Torture Victims Support Day declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 1997 (Resolution 52/149). This date has not been selected by chance — it is June 26, 1987 when the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment has come into force.

This day is to remind to the whole world that torture is absolutely inadmissible practice forbidden by international law, with no excuse under any circumstances.

Participation of Tajikistan in Global Efforts to Eradicate Torture

Republic of Tajikistan, having ratified the Convention against Torture in 1995, has recognized the importance of combatting this problem and, in the intervening years, has made several steps toward strengthening the legislation and institutional human rights protection mechanisms.

In the context of June 26, as the international day of remembrance and solidarity with victims, it is worth emphasizing a number of key efforts of Tajikistan aimed at prevention of torture:

Legislative Recognition of Torture as Crime: In 2012, the Criminal Code of Tajikistan was amended by adding Article 143 (1) that introduces a separate criminal liability for torture. It was an important step to bring the national legislation into compliance with the definition of torture in Article 1 of the UN Convention. Thus, they have laid legal foundations for holding liable persons who commit acts of torture.

Development of the National Prevention Mechanism: Efforts are underway to broaden the mandate of Human Rights Ombudsman and engage community watch-dog groups in monitoring detention facilities that will serve as a platform to discuss cases of cruel treatment and monitor the observance of human rights, including the prohibition on torture. It is worth noting that in 2025 a number of custodial institutions have been monitored by representatives of civil society, with the cooperation of the heads of detention facilities, promoting the transparency and prevention of torture in places of detention.

Education and Training: Supported by development partners and Civil Society Organizations (CSO), there are held trainings and other educational activities for law-enforcement officers, judges and prosecutors regarding prevention of torture and cruel treatment. Raising awareness will help modify the practice of conducting an interrogation and dealing with apprehended persons.

International Accountability: Tajikistan has presented periodic reports to the UN Committee against Torture, has been participating in Universal Periodic Reviews (UPR), and has been adopting international recommendations. Of prime importance is to note a visit of the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture in 2012 — this has redoubled attention to the problem. Cooperation with international mechanisms has been enhancing the accountability and facilitating reforms.

…and a host of other things …

Torture Victims Support: On this day, it is also important to talk about victims support. In Tajikistan, efforts to provide psychological and legal assistance to persons suffered from cruel treatment are made both, through human rights protection organizations-members of the Coalition against Torture and Impunity in Tajikistan and with the assistance of international entities.

Why is it important today?

June 26 is not only the day of remembrance, but also an opportunity to assess progress, identify challenges and bolster solidarity with victims. For Tajikistan, it is an opportunity to confirm the commitment to obligations under the Convention and continue the course for strengthening legal safeguards against torture and impunity.