DUSHANBE, November 4, 2014, Asia-Plus — The Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower chamber of parliament) Chairman Shukurjon Zuhurov yesterday met here with the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) Astrid Thors.
Muhammadato Sultonov, a spokesman for the Majlisi Namoyandagon, says Tajik parliament speaker stressed during the meeting that ensuring observation of human rights was one of priorities of the Tajik government’s policy.
“Shukurjon Zuhurov, in particular, noted that recognizing that Tajikistan is a multiethnic country, the government committed itself to provide equal rights to all ethnic groups living in Tajikistan and protect rights of all ethnic and religious minorities living in the country,” Sultonov said.
Zuhurov reportedly also noted that the Tajik government had ratified all international legal documents on ethnic minorities.
OSCE HCNM, for her part, noted that Tajikistan was one of the key partners of the OSCE in the region, Sultonov said.
The High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) gets involved in a situation if there are tensions involving national minorities which could develop into a conflict. Much of the day-to-day work is in identifying and addressing causes of ethnic tensions and conflicts. The High Commissioner addresses the short-term triggers of inter-ethnic tension or conflict and long-term structural concerns. If a participating State is not meeting its political commitments or international norms, the High Commissioner will assist by providing analysis and recommendations. Based on experience, the HCNM publishes thematic Recommendations and Guidelines that give advice on common challenges and best practice. The High Commissioner also provides structural support through small collaborative projects that aim to achieve sustainability through increasing local ownership.
