Dushanbe, 27–29 October 2025 – A three-day training session was held for 30 lawyers aimed at introducing a “Toolbox for Lawyers” developed for the systematic documentation and reporting of human rights violations in penitentiary settings.
During the training, participants were introduced to methods of conducting consultations with prisoners, standards for documenting human rights violations, mechanisms for providing legal assistance, and reporting procedures. Special attention was given to the protection of the rights of detainees and convicted persons, as well as adherence to professional ethics and confidentiality when working in closed institutions.
“The development and implementation of this Toolbox is an important step toward the systematic and professional documentation of human rights violations. It will help lawyers more effectively identify and record violations, thereby ensuring reliable legal protection for prisoners,” said Gulchehra Kholmatova, Director of the Public Organization “World of Law.”
Following the training, the lawyers will begin providing free legal consultations to prisoners and their family members within the framework of the project. Approximately 2,000 consultations are planned on issues related to human rights violations, treatment of prisoners, and access to legal protection. This will enable a more timely response to cases of violations and strengthen guarantees of human rights protection within the penitentiary system.
The implementation of such activities contributes to enhancing the professional capacity of specialists, strengthening partnerships between civil society and state institutions, and establishing sustainable practices of legal assistance for persons deprived of liberty. The project is implemented by three partner organizations: the Public Organization “Zerkalo,” the Public Organization “World of Law,” and the Dutch foundation Perspectivity Challenge.
The development of the toolbox and the training are carried out within the framework of the projects:
– “Enhancing Civil Society and the State’s Capacities on Accountability and Torture Prevention through Human Rights Initiatives in Tajikistan”, funded by the European Union. The project is implemented by three partner organizations: the Public Organization “Zerkalo,” the Public Organization “World of Law,” and the Dutch foundation Perspectivity Challenge.
– “Promoting Human Rights in Tajikistan through Capacity Building of the Ombudsman, Strengthening Civil Society, and Improving Legal Aid for Vulnerable Groups in Detention”, funded by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI).
