HRW Calls for Human Rights Focus in Tajikistan-Kyrgyzstan Border Agreement
HRW urges Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to prioritize human rights in their border agreement, ensuring justice for victims of past conflicts and supporting local communities. The treaty signed in March 2025 aims to resolve longstanding disputes and improve relations, with calls for adherence to human rights standards.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to prioritize the human rights of local populations in the resolution of their prolonged border crisis. The organization also stresses the importance of ensuring justice for victims of alleged war crimes during the 2022 conflict. HRW calls for thorough investigations into these violations and emphasizes the need for long-term initiatives aimed at fostering human rights and reducing hate speech between communities.
Hugh Williamson, HRW’s director for Europe and Central Asia, highlighted that achieving lasting peace will require the development of trust predicated on respect for human rights. He asserts that reckoning with past injustices is crucial for repairing relations between border communities. Allegations of war crimes have emerged from the 2022 clashes, which resulted in the deaths of at least 37 civilians and the displacement of thousands.
The border conflict has historical complexity, including violent encounters previously recorded in 2021 resulting in further civilian casualties. Both Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan are signatories to Additional Protocol I of the Geneva Conventions, which prohibits deliberate attacks on civilians. This agreement, signed on March 13, 2025, marks a pivotal moment, as it reopens the approximately 1,000 km border and resolves a long-standing territorial dispute.
As part of the accord, both nations have committed to sharing resources and demilitarizing the disputed regions. Furthermore, HRW urges compliance with the agreement, advocating for improved local access to vital services such as education, water, and housing. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has recognized this treaty as a significant accomplishment in promoting regional peace.
In conclusion, HRW emphasizes the necessity for Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to prioritize human rights in their border agreement. It underlines the importance of addressing past war crimes, promoting mutual respect among communities, and ensuring adequate resources for local populations. The recent treaty marks a constructive step towards peace, yet adherence to the principles outlined is crucial for its long-term success.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
