Remarks by Dr (Ms) Pratibha Mehta,

UNDP Resident Representative in Tajikistan

09.10.2020, Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Your excellency Mr. Muzaffar Ashuriyon, Minister of Justice

Mr. Umed Bobozoda, Human Rights Commissioner;

Mr Rahmonzoda Saidali, Deputy Chairmen of the Supreme Court,

Ms Salome Steib, SDC Country Director;

Ms Marjo Ahvenainen and Ms. Tiina Markkinen colleagues from MFA Finland, who are joining us online

Colleagues from HELVETAS and NGO partners.

Ladies and gentlemen!

It is my pleasure to participate in today’s Rule of Law and Access to Justice Projects Joint Steering Committee meeting.

2020, unfortunately has started with an unprecedented COVID-19 crisis that has negatively affected all countries around the globe, including Tajikistan. While it has primarily impacted health and socio-economic development, it has also shaken governance, human rights and social cohesion. Corona Virus has not discriminated against rich and poor, powerful and marginalized and while the virus has challenged our very  survival, it has also taught us many lessons and It is very clear that  we will not be able to recover from this crises without ensuring equality, upholding rule of law and protecting Human Rights of all citizens without any prejudice.  

Worldwide during the pandemic, countries are recording increase in domestic violence, abuse, loss of jobs and income and pyscho-social problems -  this mixture can lead to dramatic increase in crime, theft and wrong doings.     

During such unprecedented crisis, the role of Supreme court, Office of the Ombudsman and all justice institutions which are required to uphold human rights, ensure rule of law, instil public confidence in justice becomes even more important.  In this regard, monitoring Human Rights , especially focusing on vulnerable population, is crucial in ensuring their access to health services, education, safe water, sanitation, food, etc.

The Rule of Law and Access to Justice Project is geared to achieve these objectives and despite the pandemic, several results have been achieved. Let me highlight a few.

First, under the leadership of the Ministry of Justice, the new law on free legal aid has been adopted this April. Today, primary free Legal aid is available for around 4 million people in 34 districts and cities of Tajikistan. The most important results of this year, thanks to leadership of the Ministry of Justice, is that SALAC has received first 20% portion from the state budget in the total amount of TJS 455,844. We hope that during 2021 and onwards the Government of Tajikistan will continue its gradual contribution to make legal aid centers fully sustainable.

Second, the project is extensively working with government and CSOs to bring disability agenda to help Tajikistan meet its international commitments. The UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities was signed in 2018. The Project supported the elaboration of the National Plan of Action to comply with the Convention which was adopted by the Government in this February. We stand ready to work with all the partners to help in its implementation and move towards ratification of the Convention.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to inform that recently International Disability Alliance, International Commission of Jurists and UNDP have adopted International Principles and Guidelines on Access to Justice for Persons with Disabilities, we encourage all partners to adopt these principles in justice sector reforms to ensure that no one is left behind in accessing justice.

This year Tajikistan is preparing the Mid-Term Development Programme for 2021-2025. UNDP has extended technical assistance for the overall planning process and we are very pleased that the new MTDP will include  rule of law and access to justice, we very much hope that MOJ will take the lead in mainstreaming SDG16 indicators, nationalized by MOJ, and budget for implementation in the five year mid - term development program.   

In conclusion, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Ministry of Justice, Office of the Ombudsman and the Supreme Court for their leadership and fruitful partnership, and special thanks to SDC and MFA Finland for their continued financial support.

Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to a productive meeting!