HRW Advocates for Human Rights Focus in Tajikistan-Kyrgyzstan Border Agreement

Human Rights Watch urges Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to prioritize human rights in their recent border agreement. The deal, signed on March 13, 2025, aims to resolve enduring conflicts over territory and resources while addressing the need for accountability regarding war crimes from previous conflicts. HRW emphasizes the importance of fostering trust between border communities.

On March 13, 2025, a significant deal was ratified by Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan’s leaders to resolve a long-standing border crisis, encompassing a 1,000km border. This agreement aims to promote mutual resource sharing, demilitarization, and an exchange of equal territorial sections, addressing decades of disputes over territory and resources.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged both countries to prioritize local populations’ human rights as they implement this agreement. HRW advocates for investigations into alleged war crimes related to the 2022 conflict, which resulted in 37 civilian deaths and widespread displacement. The organization emphasizes the necessity of addressing past injustices to foster trust and peace between border communities.

In promoting human rights, HRW also recommended that both nations reduce hate speech and enhance long-term initiatives that help respect these rights. Hugh Williamson, HRW’s Europe and Central Asia director, articulated that building long-lasting peace requires a consistent commitment to human rights between communities.

Both Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are signatories to Additional Protocol I of the Geneva Conventions, which prohibits the deliberate targeting of civilians. Yet, sporadic skirmishes and conflicts over border demarcation and resource disputes have persisted since their independence from the Soviet Union. Notably, the large-scale violence witnessed in 2021 further underscored these tensions.

The agreement between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan presents a pivotal opportunity to address long-standing border disputes while prioritizing human rights. The call from Human Rights Watch for justice and adherence to humanitarian laws emphasizes the need for accountability and respect for local communities. Progressing in these areas will be essential in achieving lasting peace and trust between these neighboring nations.

Original Source: www.jurist.org