EU, Tajikistan Hold Human Rights Dialogue, Address Key Concerns

The EU and Tajikistan have held their 15th Human Rights Dialogue in Brussels, focusing on progress and ongoing challenges in human rights and the rule of law.

The talks covered women’s rights, gender-based violence, and non-discrimination, with the EU urging Tajikistan to turn legal reforms into real-world impact, The Caspian Post reports via Tajik media.

Discussions also highlighted the need for stronger protections against torture, improved prison oversight, and the creation of an independent monitoring system.

The EU expressed concern over shrinking space for journalists, civil society, and human rights defenders, calling for the re-registration of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the unconditional release of imprisoned activists and lawyers.

Special attention was given to the situation in Gorno-Badakhshan (GBAO), with calls for fair trials and open dialogue with the Pamiri minority.

Both sides reaffirmed that regular human rights dialogue is vital to their relationship and tied future economic cooperation under the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) to progress in democratic governance and civic freedoms.