Statement of the “Reforms and Development of Tajikistan” Movement to the Governments of the United States of America, Canada, and European Union Countries

Dear Leaders of the United States, Canada, and European Union Countries,

The “Reforms and Development of Tajikistan” Movement addresses you with an urgent request for intervention in the critical situation concerning human rights and religious freedoms in Tajikistan. Under the leadership of President Emomali Rahmon, the rights and freedoms of Muslims in the country are being systematically violated through the adoption and enforcement of repressive laws. We urge you to take concrete measures, including imposing sanctions on the regime of Emomali Rahmon and his associates.

Legislative Suppression of Religious Freedoms

In June 2024, Emomali Rahmon signed a new law titled “On the Regulation of Ceremonies and Rituals,” which bans the “import, sale, and wearing of clothing alien to the national culture” in public spaces. This law effectively legalized the prohibition of the hijab and other religious attire, dealing a severe blow to the rights of the country’s Muslim community. This legislation continues a series of harsh measures taken by the government to suppress religious freedom and citizens’ self-expression.

Examples of Violations Committed by the Rahmon Regime

1. Ban on Wearing Hijab and Religious Clothing

• The law directly affects Muslim women, who face discrimination and persecution for wearing the hijab. Police and state institutions conduct raids, and women who refuse to remove their hijabs are fined and publicly humiliated. These actions violate their right to freedom of religion and gender equality.

1. Ban on Wearing Beards

• Men adhering to Islamic tradition by wearing beards face forced shaving, insults, and arrests. The Tajik police regularly conduct raids to shave beards in public places, humiliating men and depriving them of their personal freedom and religious practices.

1. Restrictions on Religious Education

• The government prohibits children under 18 from studying the Quran or attending mosques. Parents who teach their children religion are subjected to arrests and fines. This is a blatant violation of the rights of parents and children to religious upbringing.

1. Closure of Mosques and Religious Schools

• Since 2010, Tajik authorities have closed over 2,500 mosques, including places of worship and madrassas, under the pretext of administrative violations. These measures destroy Islamic infrastructure and deprive Muslims of the opportunity to practice their religion.

1. Persecution of Religious Leaders

• Islamic scholars, imams, and preachers face arrests, torture, and lengthy prison sentences. The regime uses repressive laws to suppress independent religious voices.

Law Suppressing the Rights and Freedoms of Citizens

1. Violation of International Human Rights Standards

• The law “On the Regulation of Ceremonies and Rituals” and accompanying repressive measures contradict Tajikistan’s international obligations, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Tajikistan is violating its citizens’ rights to freedom of religion and personal integrity.

1. Undermining Social Stability

• Repressions against the Muslim community increase social tensions. Restrictions on religious rights and discrimination may lead to the radicalization of certain groups and destabilization in the region.

1. Gender Discrimination

• The ban on wearing the hijab violates women’s rights to self-expression and religious freedom, constituting a form of gender discrimination and undermining their dignity.

Our Demands

In light of the ongoing human rights violations in Tajikistan, we urgently call on the governments of the United States, Canada, and European Union countries to:

1. Impose Targeted Sanctions Against President Emomali Rahmon and His Associates

• We urge you to take measures to apply personal sanctions against Emomali Rahmon, his family members, and senior officials responsible for violations of religious and civil rights in the country. These sanctions should include asset freezes, travel bans, and restrictions on business dealings with these individuals.

1. Utilize International Pressure Mechanisms to Repeal Repressive Laws

• Diplomatic and economic pressure must be applied to the Tajik government to repeal the “Law on the Regulation of Ceremonies and Rituals” and other laws restricting religious freedoms, such as bans on beards, restrictions on religious education, and the closure of madrassas.

1. Support Independent Investigations into Human Rights Violations

• We call on international organizations and governments to initiate independent investigations into the systematic human rights violations in Tajikistan, including the repression of religious and political activists.

1. Provide Support to Civil Society and Human Rights Organizations in Tajikistan

• The international community must support independent human rights organizations, activists, and journalists who work under constant threats and repression from the Tajik regime. Support should include financial assistance, training, and international attention to their activities.

We believe that your actions can have a significant impact on the situation in Tajikistan and contribute to the protection of the rights of millions of citizens who face persecution on a daily basis. The international community must not remain indifferent in the face of such flagrant violations.

Sincerely,
Chairman of the “Reforms and Development of Tajikistan” Movement
Sharofiddin Gadoev
September 19, 2024