HRW Urges Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to Prioritize Human Rights in Border Deal

Human Rights Watch has urged Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to prioritize human rights in their border deal, highlighting the need for justice for victims of the 2022 conflict and investigations into war crimes. The recent agreement aims to resolve longstanding border disputes, but HRW stresses the importance of honoring this accord to ensure adequate resource access for local populations.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called upon Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to prioritize the human rights of local populations in their negotiations to resolve the enduring border crisis. The organization emphasizes the need for accountability for victims of the war crimes that arose from the 2022 conflict, advocating for thorough investigations into alleged violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.

HRW urges both nations to implement long-term initiatives that foster respect for human rights, including efforts to mitigate hate speech. According to Hugh Williamson, HRW’s director for Europe and Central Asia, “long-lasting peace will require rebuilding trust based on respect for human rights between border communities and reckoning with the injustices committed during past conflicts.”

Allegations of war crimes from the 2022 conflict indicate that at least 37 civilians were killed, with thousands displaced during four days of fighting. Previous skirmishes in 2021 also resulted in civilian casualties. Both Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are signatories to Additional Protocol I of the Geneva Conventions, which prohibits intentional attacks on civilians and indiscriminate warfare.

On March 13, 2025, a border deal was formally signed by the leaders of both nations and subsequently ratified by their respective parliaments, which aims to end the long-standing dispute over the 1,000km border. The accord includes commitments to share resources, demilitarize the border area, and facilitate equitable territorial exchanges. HRW has insisted that the agreement must be honored, ensuring local communities have access to essential services such as education, water, and housing.

In a related context, UN Secretary-General António Guterres recognized this treaty as a “historic achievement,” highlighting its significance in settling disputes over the undemarcated border that has sparked periodic conflict since the countries gained independence from the Soviet Union. The situation escalated notably in 2021, leading to substantial violence and loss of life.

HRW’s advocacy emphasizes the necessity to center human rights within the border negotiations between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Addressing past injustices and ensuring accountability for war crimes is critical to achieving lasting peace. Furthermore, the recent border agreement, while a significant step towards resolution, must prioritize the welfare of local populations by providing essential resources and services. Continued international attention and support will be vital in upholding these commitments.

Original Source: www.jurist.org