From 9 to 13 February, a study visit to the United Kingdom took place within the framework of the project “Promoting and Protecting Human Rights in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan through Torture Prevention Initiatives”, with financial support from the UK FCDO. The visit was organized by the Public Organization “World of Law” in cooperation with the Centre for Development and Justice International (CDJI).
The delegation included representatives of state authorities, law enforcement agencies, and the Prosecutor’s Office of Tajikistan.
During the visit, the delegation held working meetings and discussions with:
– The Metropolitan Police Service (London), including a visit to the Charing Cross Custody Suite
– The College of Policing (London)
– The UK National Preventive Mechanism
– The City of London Police Training Centre
– The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
The main focus of the visit was on the United Kingdom’s practical experience in:
– conducting criminal investigations and interviews in compliance with human rights standards;
– organizing and managing detention facilities;
– mechanisms of internal and external oversight of places of detention;
– the role of training and professional ethics in reducing risks of ill-treatment;
– capacity building and professional development of law enforcement personnel.
Results of the Visit
– Gained a practical understanding of how human rights standards are integrated into daily police work;
– Discussed specific tools for reforming law enforcement practices;
– Strengthened professional dialogue between practitioners from the United Kingdom and Tajikistan;
– Developed ideas for further steps to reduce the risks of torture and ill-treatment within the ongoing reform of the criminal justice system.
