HRW Urges Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to Emphasize Human Rights in Border Deal

Human Rights Watch called for Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to prioritize human rights in border deal negotiations and ensure justice for war crime victims from the 2022 conflict. The organization highlighted the need for investigations into alleged human rights violations while emphasizing that long-term peace relies on rebuilding trust and addressing past injustices. The recent agreement, praised by the UN Secretary-General, aims to resolve the border crisis by reopening the border and ensuring mutual cooperation on resources.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) urged the governments of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to prioritize human rights in their ongoing negotiations to resolve the longstanding border conflict. Furthermore, the organization emphasized the necessity for justice for victims of war crimes resulting from the 2022 conflict, during which numerous human rights violations occurred.

HRW called for thorough investigations into alleged violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, alongside long-term measures to foster respect for human rights, particularly efforts to curtail hate speech. Hugh Williamson, HRW’s Director for Europe and Central Asia, stated, “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 2022 clashes between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan resulted in significant civilian casualties, with reports indicating at least 37 deaths and thousands displaced within just four days of violence. Historical context reveals that earlier skirmishes, such as those in 2021, also led to civilian fatalities. Both nations are signatories of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions, which prohibits the intentional killing of civilians and indiscriminate attacks.

On March 13, 2025, a landmark border agreement was ratified, effectively reopening the 1,000 km border and resolving ongoing disputes. The accord includes commitments to mutual resource sharing, demilitarization, and equitable territorial exchanges. HRW insisted that both countries must uphold the terms of the agreement and ensure local populations gain essential access to education, water, and housing.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres also commended the agreement, labeling it a “historic achievement.” The border issues stem from a lack of official demarcation following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, resulting in intermittent conflicts over resources vital to agriculture in Tajikistan and the Batken region of Kyrgyzstan. Significant violence only escalated into large-scale confrontations in 2021.

In conclusion, Human Rights Watch has emphasized the importance of incorporating human rights into the resolution of the Tajikistan-Kyrgyzstan border crisis. The organization continues to advocate for justice for war crime victims, thorough investigations into past violations, and the importance of trust-building between both communities. The recent border agreement is praised as a pivotal step forward, provided that it is respected and the needs of local populations are effectively addressed.

Original Source: www.jurist.org