22nd July 2026

Submission to the CEDAW Committee for the Follow-up Assessment of Tajikistan

End sexual violence Europe and Central Asia

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This submission is jointly made by Equality Now, Women Lawyers for Development, and the Public Foundation “Your Choice”.

In 2024, the CEDAW Committee considered the seventh periodic report of Tajikistan on the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. In its concluding observations, the Committee identified several areas of concern and issued specific recommendations to the authorities of Tajikistan on measures needed to advance the rights of women and girls.

Tajikistan is currently undergoing the CEDAW follow-up procedure concerning the implementation of selected recommendations issued by the Committee in 2024.

This submission provides information on the lack of effective implementation of the recommendations contained in paragraphs 37(a) and 53(a) of the Committee’s concluding observations, which relate to violence against women in Tajikistan, in particular domestic and sexual violence.

What’s included in the submission?

This submission highlights ongoing gaps in Tajikistan’s legal and institutional response to gender-based violence against women and girls. It provides information detailing the lack of implementation of the recommendations highlighted in Paragraphs 37(a) and 53(a) of the CEDAW Committee’s concluding observations, which are subject to the Committee’s follow-up procedure. 

The submission highlights that domestic and sexual violence remain inadequately criminalised, leaving survivors without comprehensive legal protection. Despite repeated government commitments to reform the Criminal Code, adoption of the new legislation has been delayed for years, with limited transparency and insufficient consultation with civil society and independent experts.

The submission further highlights that gender-based violence remains widespread in Tajikistan. This situation is further exacerbated for women and girls facing intersecting forms of discrimination, who often face additional barriers to reporting violence, accessing protection, and obtaining justice.

Who’s it for?

  • CEDAW Committee
  • Tajikistan Government Institutions
  • Policy makers
  • United Nations Human Rights Council
  • Civil Society Actors
  • Legal professionals

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Key takeaways and recommendations

  • Adopt a consent-based definition of rape in line with international human rights standards and ensure that marital and intimate partner rape are treated as aggravating circumstances.
  • Criminalise all forms of gender-based violence against women and girls, including domestic violence, stalking, and forced marriage.
  • Ensure that all cases of violence against women and girls, including sexual violence, child marriage and forced marriage, are investigated, prosecuted and adjudicated using a victim-centred approach and from a gender-, age-, and disability-sensitive perspective.
  • Establish mandatory protocols and guidelines for responding to cases of gender-based violence against women and girls.
  • Provide mandatory training for law enforcement, judicial officers, healthcare providers, social workers, and other frontline professionals on preventing and responding to gender-based violence against women and girls.
  • Implement sustained public awareness campaigns to challenge harmful gender stereotypes and increase understanding of the rights and protections available to survivors.

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22 July 2026

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EN

Classification

Submissions
End sexual violence
Europe and Central Asia

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For more information, contact programs@equalitynow.org.

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