By the end of 2024, Tajikistan scored only 5 out of 100 points in political rights and civil liberties. The country has been included in the list of nations with the worst freedom indicators in the world over the past decade, according to a new report by Freedom House.
Out of 67 countries and territories worldwide classified as "not free," the worst situation is observed in 17 countries, including Tajikistan.
These findings come from the "Freedom in the World 2025" report, published annually by the international non-governmental organization Freedom House. Analysts have recorded a decline in political rights and civil liberties in these countries over the past decade.
In 2005, Tajikistan's freedom level was 30 points, whereas by 2024, this figure had dropped to 5. Political rights in the country received a zero score out of 40, while civil liberties were rated 5 out of 60.
Notably, Tajikistan has maintained a zero score in political rights for the past seven years, and its civil liberties rating has continued to decline annually.
Other countries listed among the "worst of the worst" include Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Belarus, North Korea, Syria, Eritrea, and others.
Factors behind the low ranking
The report highlights key factors contributing to the low rankings of these countries:
- Widespread corruption
- Suppression of the rule of law
- Increased repression against the opposition
- Persecution of journalists and legal professionals as a growing authoritarian tactic
Over the last decade, judges, prosecutors, and lawyers in at least 78 countries have been imprisoned, detained, or charged for political reasons, according to the report.
Among the most extreme cases of repression in 2023 were observed in Russia and Belarus.
The largest 10-year decline in freedom
The report lists 38 countries that have experienced the largest decline in freedom over the past decade. Among Central Asian countries, besides Tajikistan, the list includes Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan, along with Russia, Ukraine, Pakistan, and Azerbaijan. Nicaragua and Tunisia top the list.
Central Asian region freedom scores (2024)
- Kyrgyzstan: 26/100 (best in the region)
- Kazakhstan: 23/100
- Uzbekistan: 12/100
- Afghanistan: 6/100
- Turkmenistan: 1/100 (worst in the region)
Analysts note that in Uzbekistan, last year's presidential elections were marked by electoral manipulation, including:
- Candidate control
- Election rule changes
- Abuse of state resources
Russia scored 12 points, dropping by one point compared to last year. Its low ranking was influenced by the ongoing war with Ukraine.
None of the countries in the region, including Russia, were listed among those that improved political rights and civil liberties.
Freedom declining for the 19th consecutive year
The "Freedom in the World 2025" report covers 195 countries and 13 territories. The freedom index is based on 25 indicators, each rated from 0 to 4.
The least free places in 2024
- Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories (freedom index in negative figures)
- Tibet (0 points)
- South Sudan & Turkmenistan (1 point each)
The freest countries in 2024
- Finland (100/100)
- Norway, Sweden, New Zealand (99/100)
Global trends
According to Freedom House, global freedom levels have declined for 19 consecutive years.
Key reasons in 2024 included armed conflicts, attacks on democratic institutions by elected leaders
and deepening authoritarianism
Last year, political rights and civil liberties worsened in 60 countries, while improvements were recorded in only 34 countries.
Freedom in numbers
- 80% of the world's population lives in "not free" or "partly free" countries.
- Over 170 million people transitioned from "partly free" to "not free" in 2024.
- Freedom improved for 15% of the world’s population, but worsened for 42%.
Conclusion
The report concludes that freedom can be improved by applying new solutions to old problems. Those who understand the value of political rights and civil liberties must act together to defend democracy and be ready to seize opportunities for progress.
