Written question asked by Baroness Cox (Crossbench) on Thursday, 24 October 2024, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 7 November 2024. It was answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Labour) on Monday, 4 November 2024 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Tajikistan: Human Rights

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the human rights situation in Tajikistan, in particular the right to freedom of religion or belief for the Pamiri minority; and what representations they have made to the government of Tajikistan to address ongoing discrimination and abuses against this group.

Answer: The UK is committed to Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for all, as guaranteed under international human rights law. We are clear that incitement of violence or hatred against individuals based on their religion or belief is unacceptable. Through our Embassy in Dushanbe, we monitor closely the human rights situation in Tajikistan, including the treatment of the Pamiri population in Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO). We regularly raise our concerns with Tajik authorities. Minister of State Stephen Doughty and Minister of State Hamish Falconer have separately encouraged Tajik counterparts to raise Tajikistan's compliance with international human rights.

Secondary information