HRW Urges Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to Center Human Rights in Border Agreement

HRW urges Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to place human rights at the forefront of their border deal, emphasizing the need for justice for war crime victims from the 2022 conflict. The organization calls for investigations into rights violations and measures to promote respect for human rights, including reducing hate speech. Both nations are encouraged to respect the recent border agreement for sustainable peace.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called upon Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to prioritize the human rights of local populations within their border agreement, which aims to resolve a protracted border dispute. The organization highlights the importance of addressing the needs of victims of the 2022 conflict, urging both nations to facilitate inquiries into past human rights violations and to implement strategies that foster a culture of respect for human rights, including measures against hate speech.

Hugh Williamson, HRW’s Director for Europe and Central Asia, stated that sustainable peace necessitates rebuilding trust among border communities. He emphasized that addressing historical injustices is crucial for fostering long-term stability: “Long-lasting peace will require rebuilding trust based on respect for human rights between border communities and reckoning with the injustices committed during past conflicts.”

The conflict in 2022 resulted in the deaths of at least 37 civilians and widespread displacement within the region, with previous skirmishes in 2021 also causing civilian casualties. Both nations are signatories to Additional Protocol I of the Geneva Conventions, which prohibits the intentional targeting of civilians.

The border agreement, signed on March 13, 2025, and subsequently ratified by both parliaments, aims to resolve the disputes by managing mutual resources and facilitating the exchange of territory. HRW urges both nations to adhere to the agreement and ensure local access to essential services such as education, water, and housing.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres commended this agreement, deeming it a “historic achievement.” The border, which remained undemarcated post-Soviet Union independence, has historically been a source of conflict, culminating in violence largely over resources crucial for agriculture. Large-scale hostilities began in 2021, highlighting the need for resolution.

In conclusion, the resolution of the Tajikistan-Kyrgyzstan border dispute necessitates prioritizing human rights and addressing past injustices to foster peace. Human Rights Watch emphasizes the importance of effective investigations into violations and the commitment of both countries to ensure adequate living conditions for affected populations. The recent border agreement presents an opportunity for both nations to build a more stable and respectful relationship moving forward.

Original Source: www.jurist.org