Today, the ICJ and IBAHRI filed their submission to the UN Human Rights Committee on the compliance by Tajikistan with its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
During its 126th session, from 1 to 26 July 2019, the Human Rights Committee will examine the Republic of Tajikistan’s implementation of the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, including in light of the State Party’s third periodic report.
In the context of this review, the International Bar Association Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) and the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) bring to the Committee’s attention some issues of concern pertaining to Tajikistan’s implementation of the ICCPR. Their submission highlights a number of concerns relating to the lack of independence of the legal profession in Tajikistan, and its consequences for the protection of certain Covenant rights. In particular, the submission addresses:
(a) the legal profession’ lack of independence;
(b) the authorities’ interference with lawyers’ legitimate activities;
(c) restrictions placed on lawyers’ access to their clients and the rights of the defence; as well as
(d) specific cases of concern.
These concerns are relevant for the Committee’s evaluation of the Republic of Tajikistan’s implementation of the right to a fair trial under article 14 ICCPR, as well as other Covenant rights, including for example the State’s obligations under articles 2, 7, 9, and 10 of the ICCPR.
See the submission here: ICCPR report_Tajikistan_IBAHRI_ICJ_2019_eng.