The UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Nazila Ghanea, will conduct an official visit to the Republic of Tajikistan from 11 to 21 April 2023.
The UN expert will assess freedom of religion or belief, including how it intersects with the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of association, as well as issues of gender equality and the human rights of women, children and those belonging to religious or belief minorities. She will also assess any efforts to promote and maintain peaceful coexistence among different religious communities while countering extremism and terrorism.
Ghanea noted the recommendations made by the former UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Asma Jahangir, after her visit in 2007.
During her 11-day visit, the Special Rapporteur will meet with Government officials, representatives of religious or belief communities, civil society organisations and the United Nations. She will also visit cities outside of Dushanbe, having requested visits to Khorog and Khujand.
At the end of her visit on Friday 21 April 2023, the expert will share her preliminary observations at a press conference at the UN Headquarters in Dushanbe, 5/1 Lohuti Street at 15:00 local time.
Access will be strictly limited to journalists.
Ghanea will present a report on her visit to the Human Rights Council in Geneva in March 2024.
