Resilience, Inclusivity, Support and Equality (RISE): leading to a democratic society through empowerment of CSOs in Tajikistan 

Duration: 1 March 2023 – 28 February 2025

Country: Tajikistan

Communities: vulnerable communities (including women, youth, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities) in Districts of Republican Subordination, Khatlon Region and Sughd Region of Tajikistan

What is this programme about?

This programme aims to contribute to a resilient and inclusive society in Tajikistan, a society guided by a rights-based and accountable public governance which recognizes the needs and challenges faced by vulnerable groups in realizing their rights. It is, thus, essential that local civil society actors and rights holders have an effective understanding of human and minority rights, as well as monitoring and advocacy.  

We will strengthen the capacities of local civil society organizations (CSOs), grassroots organizations and civic activists to monitor the implementation of human rights commitments. We will achieve this by giving trainings and building a network for local CSOs to improve their strategic thinking, sharpen their skills, and foster evidence-based advocacy opportunities and more inclusive social and policy dialogue. We will also promote human rights awareness and fundamental freedoms by engaging and supporting local CSOs in democratic governance to increase minority participation and the inclusion of vulnerable groups at the local, regional, and national levels in Tajikistan.

Why are we delivering this programme?

CSOs in Tajikistan representing the interests of vulnerable communities are struggling to influence decision-makers and maintain their credibility among key stakeholders. Generally, they lack the organizational capacity to plan strategic and sustainable programmes and to undertake effective advocacy. In most cases, they also face limited access to funding. While collaboration amongst CSOs exists, an inter-regional basis for exchange of ideas and expertise and for the development of joint programmes and advocacy campaigns is still undeveloped. 

In the current political atmosphere of Tajikistan, there are attempts to foster the development of a flourishing civil society. However, the legislative basis, tools, and policies which mainstream equal access to human rights and underline the importance of civic society, while present, are often not implemented in practice and fragmentary in nature. Vulnerable communities, especially minorities, have low levels of education and lack the tools to advocate for their rights. The influence of civic actors over decision-making and their participation in policy implementation and monitoring remains very limited. 

Further challenges for CSOs have been raised by recent trends in national legislation including frequent inspections and more rigid financial reporting requirements. The lack of cooperation between the government and the civil society on issues including human rights and the poor performance of the civic sector affects the acknowledgement of policymaking and monitoring endeavours undertaken by CSOs by those in power as well as the larger population. As a result, human rights policies and practices at local and national levels often fail to address the needs of the most marginalized people. 

Youth, ethnic minorities, women, and people with disabilities face various obstacles in realizing their social, economic, and cultural rights. Such groups are highly vulnerable to poverty, unemployment, gender inequality, ill-health and lack of political and public representation.   

Creation of equitable living conditions for everyone alongside regional development must become a foundational principle for representatives of the Tajikistani government authorities. To this end, it is important to build the capacity of duty-bearers to improve their collaboration with civil society, the private sector, and other development partners.

What are we doing?

Who are our partners?

Who is funding this programme?

The European Union supports this programme.