On October 9, Elvira Tilek kyzy, Human Rights Officer at ECOM, delivered an oral presentation at the 72nd session of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights regarding the fourth periodic report of Tajikistan. In her statement, she touched upon the main points that deal with respect for the rights and freedoms of LGBT people in Tajikistan. They were described in full in the alternative report on the violation of rights on the grounds of SOGI, which ECOM submitted to the Committee earlier.
In its final recommendations, the committee expressed its concern about the excessive restrictions that non-governmental organizations face in the process of applying for and reporting on external grants, especially non-governmental organizations working to protect the rights of LGBT people. The Committee notes that such restrictions hinder the organizations’ activities dedicated to the protection and promotion of all human rights, including economic, social and cultural rights.
The Committee is concerned about stigmatization and discrimination against LGBT people that hinder their enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights, as well as the lack of public policies, programs or initiatives to counter such stigmatization and discrimination.
The Committee recommended that Tajikistan ensure effective protection against all forms of discrimination and violence on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity that hinder the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights. It also recommended that the state take all necessary measures to combat stigmatization and discrimination against LGBT people, including through awareness-raising campaigns.
ECOM will continue to support initiatives in the country and is ready to assist the government in implementing the recommendations.