The Committee for the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights reviewed the initial report by Tajikistan on 13 and 14 July 2005. The concluding observations were adopted on 22 July 2005. The Committee noted the progress made by Tajikistan and noted a number of issues that still need to be addressed to be in compliance with the Covenant. The gender-related issues discussed by the Committee included concern about the high rate of domestic violence, the gender imbalance in government positions and the general status of women in society, and Tajikistan's status as a major source country for trafficking. Tajikistan was commended for establishing legal sanctions against forced marriage and polygamy. The Committee encouraged them to continue to work towards improving the status of women in society and decreasing the gender imbalance. To combat trafficking, Tajikistan was encouraged to ensure that no state actors are involved in the practice and urged to "redouble its efforts to combat" trafficking, with the cooperation of other countries in the region. Moreover, efforts must be made to protect the rights of the victims.
The Committee requested Tajikistan to submit follow-up information on certain specific recommendations given, none of which relate to gender, within one year. For all other recommendations, including the gender-related issues noted above, Tajikistan was asked to include follow-up information in its next periodic report.
Cited in: "Consideration of Reports Submitted by States Parties Under Article 40 of the Covenant: Concluding observations of the Human Rights Committee - Tajikistan," United Nations (CCPR/CO/84/TJK), 18 July 2005.