Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan: Prioritizing Human Rights in Border Agreement
Human Rights Watch urges Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to prioritize human rights in their recent border agreement, signed March 13, 2025. The deal includes land swaps and commitments against military escalation. Acknowledging past injustices and protecting local community rights are essential for lasting peace, especially after severe violence in 2022. International support is encouraged for investigations into wartime violations.
On March 28, 2025, Human Rights Watch urged Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to prioritize the human rights of local populations in the context of their recent border agreement. The historical deal, signed on March 13 by Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, aims to address long-standing territorial conflicts, especially following a violent clash in September 2022.
The agreement, which has garnered approval from both nations’ parliaments, includes provisions for land swaps and collaborative management of water resources. There is also a mutual commitment to refrain from deploying military equipment along the border. Hugh Williamson, head of Human Rights Watch for Europe and Central Asia, emphasized that although the deal marks progress, enduring peace is contingent upon acknowledging past injustices and fostering trust rooted in respect for human rights.
The 2022 conflict had severe repercussions for civilians, with Human Rights Watch documenting at least 37 fatalities and numerous injuries resulting from hostilities. Both nations engaged in actions that potentially amounted to war crimes, including indiscriminate attacks on civilians by Kyrgyz forces and deliberate assaults on non-combatants by Tajik forces. Previous conflicts in April 2021 also resulted in significant casualties and damage to civilian property.
The principles of international humanitarian law mandate all combatants to differentiate between civilians and soldiers, prohibiting indiscriminate attacks that disproportionately harm non-combatants. Accountability for such actions is a critical obligation for both governments, yet neither has made findings of violations public. In this recent border deal, provisions include transferring the village of Dostuk from Kyrgyzstan to Tajikistan, accompanied by assurances for residents’ rights in their new locations.
Additionally, both countries are encouraged to cultivate initiatives that enhance human rights in border communities and to endorse international agreements protecting civilians. International partners are also urged to help facilitate accountability for humanitarian law violations and support the efforts of both nations to strengthen trust and respect for human rights.
Williamson remarked, “The border agreement is an opportunity for Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to look to the future… prioritizing the rights of local people and remedying past wrongs are essential steps.” A focus on human rights and justice will be paramount in ensuring the stability and prosperity of the border regions moving forward.
In summary, the recent border agreement between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan provides a crucial opportunity to address past conflicts and foster human rights. The call from Human Rights Watch for a focus on local populations’ rights highlights the need for accountability and justice for victims. Continued efforts by both governments and international partners are vital for rebuilding trust and ensuring that the rights and well-being of affected communities are respected and protected.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
