The United Kingdom has voiced strong support for the work of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Programme Office in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, while calling for continued progress on several fronts.
Ambassador Neil Holland, addressing the OSCE Permanent Council, welcomed the appointment of Ambassador Kempel after a prolonged vacancy and stressed the importance of leadership and adequate resourcing for OSCE field missions.
Gender Equality and Domestic Violence
Ambassador Holland highlighted the Programme Office’s efforts to promote gender equality and support victims of domestic violence through Women’s Resource Centres.
He emphasised the UK’s commitment to addressing gender-based violence, stating:
“The importance the UK attaches to addressing domestic violence cannot be understated. These OSCE centres support vulnerable women and help them engage in crucial advocacy with local administrations to prevent Gender Based Violence.”
Cross-Border Cooperation and Security
The UK commended Tajikistan’s progress in border demarcation with Kyrgyzstan, noting that 94% of the border has been successfully delineated. Ambassador Holland praised this achievement as a testament to the value of diplomacy and peaceful dialogue.
He also reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to working with Tajikistan, its neighbours, and the OSCE to address challenges arising from Afghanistan.
Human Rights and Rehabilitation
While applauding the mission’s efforts in prisoner rehabilitation and human rights training, Ambassador Holland expressed concerns about the detention and prosecution of journalists and political opposition, particularly in the Gorno Badakhshan autonomous region.
He cautioned that these issues could undermine Tajikistan’s international reputation and investment prospects.
Climate and Water Security
The UK praised Tajikistan’s leadership on climate and water security, highlighting recent events:
- Water management event at the 31st OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum in Prague
- Water Conference in Dushanbe in June
Ambassador Holland stressed the increasing importance of cooperation and solutions as climate change intensifies water access challenges.
Economic Development and Business Climate
To drive economic development, the UK urged Tajikistan to focus on creating a predictable business environment.
Ambassador Holland emphasised:
Main Factors for Economic Growth |
|---|
| Predictable business environment |
| Profit generation opportunities |
| Quality foreign investment |
| Clean growth |
| Job creation for Tajik citizens |
To Sum Up
While no specific timelines were mentioned for future actions, Ambassador Holland’s address underscored the UK’s ongoing support for the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe and its work in Tajikistan.
The speech highlighted areas of progress while also pointing out challenges that require continued attention and effort from both the OSCE and Tajikistan’s government.
Sources: THX News, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office & Neil Holland
