On March 11, 2020 the US Department of State released its annual country reports on human rights practices.
In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan needs to emphasize that there are international instruments, including the UN Human Rights Council and the Human Rights Committee that have the authority to assess the human rights situation in the world.
It should be noted that the US Department of State’s report does not provide a realistic analysis of the human rights situation in Tajikistan and it rather has a more political tone. In addition, the authors of the document relied primarily on sources of their interest, which casts doubt on the validity of published information.
The document includes some parts from previous reports, and provides unverified information about the situation with the human rights in Tajikistan. The report authors did not pay due attention to multiple aspects of the issue and overall negatively assessed the human rights situation in the country.
It raises eyebrows that the document does not reflect our country’s efforts in countering terrorism and extremism, ensuring security, sustaining peace and stability, without which human rights cannot be secured.
The Department of State issues similar reports annually, which is purely an internal document. Such an approach is opposing to the friendly relations and partnership between our countries. Moreover, these efforts are contrary to the principles mentioned in the UN Charter, in particular respect for the sovereignty of countries and non-interference in the internal affairs of other states.
It should be highlighted that Tajikistan, as a full-fledged member of the international community, has ratified most of the international treaties in the field of human rights and fulfils its international commitments within the framework of those treaties with a sense of responsibility. The national legislation has been gradually improved and the Commission for International Human Rights Commitments of the Government of Tajikistan, the offices of the Human Rights Ombudsman and Children’s Ombudsman are established and are successfully operating to ensure compliance with international human rights commitments.
Tajikistan believes the national instruments on assessment of human rights, which some countries of the world use unilaterally and purposefully to influence domestic and foreign policies of other countries, are unacceptable and contrary to international law.
Therefore, it calls on the U.S. Department of State to refrain from publishing unverified and groundless information not related to the actual situation with the rule of law and respect of human rights in Tajikistan.
Tajikistan stands always ready to continue open and constructive dialogue on human rights with the international community, including the United States.