DUSHANBE, April 25, Asia-Plus -- The Tajikistan Country Report for 2006 notes that corruption hinders social and democratic reform.  It also documents incidents of torture by security forces, restrictions on freedom of speech and press, harassment of international non-government organizations, lack of access to prisons, and violence and discrimination against women among many other issues.

Restrictions on freedom of religion are an area of concern.  In 2006 and in the first four months of 2007, multiple sources, including the media, have reported that university and high school administrators prohibited girls to wear hijabs.  Tajik law does not restrict citizens from wearing religious headdress or clothing in public institutions.  The U.S. Embassy is concerned that public officials are acting outside the scope of the law and encourages all public institutions to be tolerant of all students regardless of religious affiliation. 

The U.S. Embassy is also concerned about the recent closure of several mosques, infringing on people’s rights to practice their religion freely.  Tajikistan’s constitution and legislation guarantee the freedom of conscience and religious belief as well as the establishment of religious associations.  Closing mosques contradicts these rights.  The Embassy encourages the Tajik government to work with religious groups to legally register religious associations according to the law.

The 2006 Tajikistan Country Report notes Tajikistan’s improvements in fighting trafficking in persons.  Although the country’s human rights record remains poor overall, the U.S. Embassy is working jointly with the Tajik government, international organizations and NGOs to support legislative and social reform to create improved living conditions for the people of Tajikistan. 

The State Department published its annual Human Rights Country Report on Tajikistan on March 6.  The State Department’s annual Human Rights Reports objectively report human rights violations as well as improvements during 2006 in countries around the world, including Tajikistan.  The report aims to raise awareness and provide information to the Tajik government, international organizations, and civil society, in the hopes that all parties will work together to improve conditions in Tajikistan.   The report’s content comes from sources in the Tajik government, international organizations, media outlets, and non-governmental organizations.