Tajikistan: round table on lawyers’ effective use of international law and mechanisms
Today, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), in cooperation with the Union of Lawyers of Tajikistan, the Office of the High Commission of Human Rights (OHCHR) Regional Office for Central Asia (ROCA), and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Dushanbe convened a round table in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, titled “The Use of International Law and International Mechanisms by Lawyers in Tajikistan”.
This event aimed to address the critical challenges facing the legal profession in Tajikistan, including the systemic impunity for violations of human rights within the criminal justice process, and to explore opportunities for enhancing the application of international law and standards by lawyers in the country.The participants explored the current state of the Tajik legal system, highlighting the pressing issues of torture, arbitrary detention, and unfair trials. They also scrutinized the lack of judicial independence and the fragile position of the Bar Association in Tajikistan. The event underscored the importance of lawyers in combating these issues by utilizing international human rights mechanisms and instruments, emphasizing the binding nature of international treaties, and exploring the integration of these international norms into the domestic legal framework.Participants engaged in a comprehensive examination of international human rights standards and the procedures for engaging with UN Treaty Bodies, alongside practical. These activities aimed to equip lawyers with the necessary knowledge and skills to use international mechanisms effectively in their practice. The event also served as a platform for discussing the broader implications of applying international law in Tajikistan, considering its potential to enhance the Rule of Law and public trust in the justice system.
The discussions included the systemic barriers to judicial independence and the independence of the legal profession, based on the ICJ’s report Neither Check nor Balance: the Judiciary in Tajikistan. The challenges faced by lawyers, especially those defending human rights, such as arrest and harassment, were also highlighted, emphasizing the urgent need for action to ensure their security and independence.
Attachment: Briefing Paper on RT for lawyers Oct 28, 2023 in Dushanbe
