PRESS RELEASE
Tajikistan Launches Training Series on Universal Periodic Review Process
Dushanbe, 10 June 2025 — A one-week series of training sessions under the theme “The Universal Periodic Review as a Tool for Strengthening Human Rights: Approaches and Obligations” was officially launched in Tajikistan on 9 June 2025. The initiative brought together representatives from key government institutions and civil society organizations, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing the country’s human rights agenda.
The training featured expert contributions from both international and national specialists, including Mr. Pavlo Byalyk, UPR Regional Adviser at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR); Mr. Azamat Shambilov, Associate, International Penal and Penitentiary Foundation (IPPF), international expert; Ms. Elina Steinerte, Vice Chair on NPMs of the United Nations Subcommittee for Prevention of Torture; Mr. Sukhrob Shoev, National Programme Officer at OHCHR; Ms. Safargul Bukhorieva, representative of the Executive Office of the President of Tajikistan; and Ms. Tahmina Juraeva, Programme Coordinator at the NGO “Bureau of Human Rights and Rule of Law”.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Bukhorieva underscored the importance of the Universal Periodic Review as a key mechanism for fulfilling Tajikistan’s international human rights commitments. She reaffirmed that, under the leadership of the Leader of the Nation, Tajikistan continues to prioritize the promotion, protection, and realization of human rights, positioning them at the core of national policy and development strategies.
“Our national human rights mechanisms are aligned with international standards, and implementation of UPR recommendations is carried out through National Action Plans,” she stated.
Ms. Nargis Zokirova, Director of the “Bureau of Human Rights and Rule of Law,” highlighted the UPR’s role within the broader UN human rights architecture: “Since 2011, Tajikistan has successfully completed three UPR cycles. Tajikistan’s review within the fourth cycle is scheduled for 2026, and preparations are already underway across government and civil society. This training aims to refresh knowledge, foster cross-sectoral cooperation, and ensure broad and effective stakeholder engagement in the UPR process. A separate training for civil society organizations will take place on 11–12 June, featuring both national and international experts.”
Mr. Pavlo Byalyk of the OHCHR emphasized the importance of coordination and inclusiveness in preparing the national UPR report: “The Human Rights Guarantees Department of the Executive Office of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan plays a central role in coordinating this effort. Successful participation in the UPR requires the active involvement of all government institutions, constructive engagement with civil society, and close cooperation with UN agencies and development partners. Awareness and understanding at all levels of government are essential for implementing recommendations from previous UPR cycles.”
The training series will conclude with a joint coordination seminar on 13 June, bringing together human rights focal points from ministries, agencies, and civil society organizations. The seminar aims to serve as a platform for enhancing cooperation between state institutions and civil society in both the preparation of the national report and the follow-up to UPR recommendations.
This initiative is organized by the Human Rights Guarantees Department of the Executive Office of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan and the public organization “Bureau of Human Rights and Rule of Law,” in collaboration with the OHCHR. The training is conducted within the framework of the project “Facilitating Tajikistan’s Compliance with International Human Rights Obligations: Supporting the State’s and Civil Society’s Preparations for the UPR”, implemented with the support of the Government of the Switzerland.
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