Regional Conference of the Central Asian Alliance for the Elimination of Gender-Based Violence, entitled “Empowerment through Action” was held in Almaty, Kazakhstan in late June.  The event participants shared their experiences, achievements, and the grim statistics from their countries.  Among the key discussions was Tajikistan's plan to adopt the "Sultanat Law," which aims to criminalize domestic violence.

The law “On amendments to ensure the rights of women and the safety of children,” which is popularly nicknamed the “Saltanat Law,” came into force in Kazakhstan in April this year.

The new law, dubbed "Saltanat Law”, was prompted by public calls for action surrounding the high-profile trial of Kuandyk Bishimbayev, a businessman and a former government minister sentenced to 24 years in prison for murdering his wife, Saltanat Nukenova.

The Central Asian Alliance to End Gender-Based Violence was established in Almaty a year ago. On July 27-28, 2023, representatives of civil society, activists, experts, government officials, academia, and media from all five Central Asian countries gathered to discuss the state of gender-based violence in the region and the efforts being made by both governments and civil society.

Tajikistan was represented at the conference by representatives from the government and public organizations.  Ms. Sabohat Rustam, head of the Information Department of the Committee for Women and Family Affairs under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, stated that the country has created a legislative framework to address gender equality issues.

A working group within the President's Executive Office is reportedly working to improve regulations related to eliminating gender stereotypes, protecting women's rights, and preventing domestic violence. The government is currently reviewing the Law on the Prevention of Domestic Violence, which has been in effect since 2013, but is now undergoing amendments.

With support from UN Women, experts are developing a new State Program to Prevent Domestic Violence in Tajikistan until 2030.  In the meantime, Tajikistan provides legal consultations to victims of domestic violence to help them protect their safety.

Ms. Rustam highlighted that there are 110 resource information and consultation centers a 1313 hotline, and a resource center for gender equality and domestic violence prevention are operating at the subdivisions of the Committee for Women and Family Affairs,. The Ministry of Justice reportedly operates 38 legal aid bureaus, and the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population runs a Reproductive Health Center and shelters for providing initial psychological assistance.

In 2023, the working group was led by Presidential Advisor for Legal Matters, Zarif Alizoda, and that summer, the group continued to work on the project.  

The new article, "Domestic Violence," states:

 

  1. Acts committed by one family member against another: These include systematic beatings or other violent actions causing moderate harm to health –

are punishable by correctional labor for up to one year, a fine of up to 180 calculation indicators (currently one calculation indicator equals 72 somonis), restriction of freedom for up to one year, or imprisonment for the same term.

  1. Aggravating circumstances:
    1. Committed against two or more family members;
    2. In connection with protective orders;
    3. Against a pregnant woman, a minor, or a helpless person;
    4. In the presence of a minor;
    5. Motivated by religious hatred, punishable by restriction of freedom for up to three years or imprisonment for the same term –

are punishable by restriction of freedom for a term of up to three years or imprisonment for the same term.

  1. Acts referred to parts 1 and 2 of this article:
  2. Causing severe bodily harm;
  3. Committed with particular cruelty –

are punishable by imprisonment for three to six years.

  1. Acts referred to parts 1, 2 and 3 of this article causing the death of the victim or other severe consequences by negligence – are punishable by imprisonment for four to seven years.
  2. Acts referred to parts 1, 2 and 3 of this article causing the death of two or more persons by negligence – are punishable by imprisonment for seven to ten years.

 

Currently, domestic violence in Tajikistan is considered an administrative offense, punishable by a fine of up to five calculation indicators (approximately US$36.00).

The Central Asian Alliance to End Gender-Based Violence was officially launched in Almaty, Kazakhstan on June27, 2023, as part of the Spotlight Initiative Regional Program for Central Asia and Afghanistan. Generously supported by the European Union, this groundbreaking initiative aims to combat gender-based violence (GBV), advance Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality, and strengthen civil society.

The Alliance’s goal is to create a platform for knowledge-sharing and expertise to prevent and address gender-based violence in the region, benefiting an estimated 35 million women and girls in five Central Asian countries.

The establishment of the Alliance is a key achievement of the Spotlight Initiative Regional Program.  Since its launch in 2020, the program has raised awareness on gender equality and healthy masculinity among 7 million people in Central Asia, facilitated the formation of a regional network of more than 500 civil society actors, an informal youth network as well as a community of practice for police.  The program has also conducted a number of national and regional comprehensive assessments and studies on sexual and gender-based violence legal frameworks and their alignment with international standards, implementation of gender-responsive budgeting and financing of crises centers, the coordination of health, social and police sectors in the Multi-Sectoral Response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, and launched two studies on intersectionality and gender-based violence in Central Asia.