DUSHANBE, June 12, 2012, Asia-Plus  -- Torture and ill-treatment have become systematic in Tajikistan and the authorities must take more specific measures to fulfill their obligations before the international community.

Experts stated this today while delivering statements at the seminar for representatives of civil society formally titled “Freedom fro m Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.”

The seminar was organized by the Delegation of the European Union to Tajikistan.

Speaking at the seminar, Ms. Mohira Usmonova, Chairperson of the Sughd Barristers’ Association, noted that there were many cases of use of torture and ill-treatment during detention and interrogations.

She, in particular, offered to set up an independent organization for investigation of use of torture and ill-treatment by law enforcement officers.

Ms. Rachel Bugler, Amnesty International''s researcher on Tajikistan, noted that the Tajik authorities admitted that torture was the problem “number one” in the country and were taking appropriate measures, including removing libel and insult from the Criminal Code.  However, implementation of these measures remains problematic, especially among the law enforcement agencies, she added.  According to her, torture and ill-treatment are used by all law enforcement agencies and pretrial detention facilities.

We will recall that United Nations Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, Juan Mendez, visited Tajikistan last month to assess measures taken by the Tajik government to bring its torture prohibition legislation into compliance with international standards.

Mr. Mendez noted that while the Tajik government has taken some steps to reduce the incidence of human rights violations, there remain significant gaps in legislation, policies and law enforcement practices.