Human Rights Watch urges Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to prioritize human rights in their border agreement. The organization calls for justice for war crimes victims and investigations into alleged abuses. The recent agreement aims to resolve long-standing disputes and reestablish border relations, with a focus on shared resources and local needs.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called upon Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to center the human rights of local populations in their efforts to resolve the enduring border crisis. The organization also emphasized the necessity of delivering justice to victims of war crimes connected to the 2022 conflict. HRW advocates for thorough investigations into violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, alongside initiatives designed to foster respect for human rights and mitigate hate speech within border communities.
Hugh Williamson, HRW’s Europe and Central Asia director, stated that achieving enduring peace necessitates rebuilding trust by prioritizing human rights and addressing past injustices. Both Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are reportedly facing allegations of war crimes linked to the 2022 conflict, during which at least 37 civilians lost their lives, and thousands were displaced. The previous clashes in 2021 also brought about civilian fatalities, raising concerns about adherence to international legal standards, as both states are signatories to protocols prohibiting harm to civilians.
On March 13, 2025, leaders from both nations signed an agreement that has since been ratified by their respective parliaments. This pact aims to reopen the 1,000-kilometer border, thereby terminating a protracted dispute. The accord stipulates commitments including mutual resource sharing, demilitarization of the border region, and equitable territory exchanges. HRW emphasized the importance for both countries to uphold this agreement and ensure local populations have sufficient access to essential services such as education, water, and housing.
Additionally, UN Secretary-General António Guterres commended the agreement, referring to it as a “historic achievement.” The border dispute, which has persisted since their independence from the Soviet Union, has been characterized by sporadic skirmishes over critical agricultural resources. The situation escalated significantly in 2021, leading to large-scale violence that highlighted the fragility of border relations between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
The call from Human Rights Watch underscores the importance of incorporating human rights into the resolution of the Tajikistan-Kyrgyzstan border crisis. The safety and dignity of local populations must be prioritized as both nations work toward peace and reconciliation. Effective implementation of the agreement signed in March 2025 will be crucial for ensuring justice for victims of past conflicts and fostering cooperative relations moving forward.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
