DUSHANBE, April 27, Asia-Plus -- Visiting United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour yesterday held discussions with senior representatives from Tajik political parties and pubic associations. 

The meeting focused on the human rights situation in Tajikistan.    

Rahmatullo Valiyev, deputy leader of Mahmadruzi Iskandarov-run Democratic Party (DPT), told Asia-Plus that he had asked United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to raise the issue of the imprisoned leader of the party at a meeting with President Emomali Rahmon.

The DPT leader Mahmadruzi Iskandarov, charged with terrorism, the embezzlement of state funds, and the illegal storage of weapons, was sentenced to 23 years in prison on October 5, 2005.   

For his part, Muhiddin Kabiri, the leader of the Islamic Revival Party (IRPT) said in an interview with Asia-Plus that he had brought issues related to rights of Tajik women to Arbour’s attention.  “In the course of the talks I informed the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights of Tajik educational authorities’ decision to put ban on hijab (headscarves) for students at educational facilities,” said Kabiri, “I also informed Ms. Arbour of ruling banning women from attending mosques, which is in contrary with norms of Islam and the country’s Constitution.”   

We will recall that by ruling issued by Council of Ulamo (religious scholars) – Tajikistan''s highest Muslim body – on August 17, 2004, women have been forbidden from attending religious services.  

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour arrived in Dushanbe on April 25.   Today afternoon, she will meet with President Emomali Rahmon.        

The High Commissioner''s visit to Tajikistan aims at increasing her Office''s engagement in the region.  The visit will allow her to discuss future cooperation and issues of mutual concern with Tajik Government and other key actors in the country.  She hopes that the visit will enhance dialogue and technical cooperation between her Office and the Government and people of Tajikistan.

The visit to Tajikistan is part of her first four-country tour to Central Asia.  The first leg of her tour of Central Asia was visit to Kyrgyzstan on April 24-25.  The High Commissioner will also be visiting Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.