Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to prioritize the human rights of local populations in their recently finalized border agreement. This plea comes as both nations work to resolve a long-standing border conflict that has seen significant tensions and violence, notably the 2022 clashes that resulted in the deaths of at least 37 civilians and displacement of thousands. HRW has urged the two countries to ensure justice for victims of alleged war crimes from this conflict, emphasizing the need for investigations into potential violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.
HRW has highlighted that long-lasting peace between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan will be dependent on rebuilding trust, which they believe hinges on the respect for human rights and accountability for past injustices. Hugh Williamson, the Europe and Central Asia director for HRW, noted that efforts should be made to address these issues as part of broader initiatives to reduce hate speech and promote human rights.
The border deal, signed on March 13, 2025, has been ratified by both countries’ parliaments and includes measures such as the demilitarization of the border area, mutual sharing of resources like water, and equal territorial exchange. HRW has called on both governments to not only respect this agreement but also to ensure that local populations have adequate access to essential services such as education, housing, and water. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has praised the deal as a “historic achievement.”
This agreement seeks to rectify a border that was never fully demarcated following the independence of both countries from the Soviet Union, which has been an underlying factor in the recurrent conflict, particularly over resources crucial for farming. Large-scale violence only erupted in 2021, underscoring the importance of the deal’s successful implementation to prevent future clashes.
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