Tajikistan: UN experts sound alarm about tensions in GBAO, urge protection of Pamiri minority

GENEVA (20 April 2022) – UN experts* today expressed serious concerns over rising tensions in eastern Tajikistan, calling on the authorities to ensure the protection of Pamiri minority and respect for human rights in the autonomous region.

Tensions flared in Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) last November when the killing of a Pamiri man by security forces sparked widespread protests. The government responded forcefully, sending military reinforcements and implementing other measures such as shutting down the internet.

“Disregard of the Pamiri minority grievances by Tajik authorities and the securitization of the Gorno-Badakhshan autonomous region where they live could lead to a violent conflict if unaddressed,” the experts said.

“We are deeply troubled by efforts to crack down on protest movements by the Pamiri minority, through arrests, the excessive and unlawful use of force and the involvement of the military. We further call on the authorities to take measures to prevent the spread of the stigmatization against Pamiri protesters.”

The experts expressed concern over reports of an increased military presence and the fortification of security checkpoints in the regional capital Khorog, since the start of the protests in November 2021.  

On 25 November 2021, Gulbiddin Ziyobekov, a young Pamiri minority representative was allegedly tortured and killed by Tajik security forces. The same day, thousands marched on Khorog, the capital of the GBAO, to protest the killing. Among the protesters, there were pupils from the same village as Mr. Ziyobekov. Government forces reportedly opened fire on the demonstration, killing two protesters and wounding 17. Dozens of protesters were arrested and sentenced to prison for up to 4 years.

Based on reports from the GBAO, arrests and interrogations have continued, and protesters have been banned from leaving the territory, the experts said. They expressed concern that actions by the state security detention group – which allegedly sanctioned the arrest and murder of Mr. Ziyobekov – and officials who used lethal force against protesters have not yet been investigated. The experts said local residents who actively participated in the protests had been banned from leaving the territory.

“This is happening at a dangerous time, when representatives of the Pamiri minority activists are portrayed as criminals in the media and by public authorities,” they said.

Following the protests, access to the internet had only been available to state institutions and local banks, adversely impacting access to education for Pamiri minority youth and children, the UN experts said.

“We are particularly concerned by the use of internet restrictions to clamp down on protests and the media. Tajik authorities must respect the freedoms of peaceful assembly and of expression,” the experts said.

On 21 March 2022 Internet connectivity was restored to 2G, limiting access to websites, and reports said the harassment and violence against Pamiri activists had spiralled.

“While we welcome the restoration of internet connectivity in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomus Oblast, we urge the central government to immediately implement conflict-prevention measures that meet international human rights standards,” the experts said. “Tajik authorities must act now before it is too late.”

The experts are in contact with the Government of Tajikistan on the issue.

ENDS

*The UN experts: Mr. Fernand de Varennes, Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, Ms. Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of expression and opinion,  Mr. Clément Nyaletsossi Voule, Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association,Ms.Koumba Boly Barry, Special Rapporteur on the right to education, Ms. Tlaleng Mofokeng, Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, Mr. Morris Tidball-Binz, Special Rapporteur on extra-judicial summary or arbitrary executions
Special Rapporteurs are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity.
UN Human Rights, country page: Tajikistan