Transcript NGOs and War: the case of Tajikistan

“T
ajikistan is still recovering from a devastating civil war,
one that claimed tens of thousands of lives and ended in
a peace agreement in 1997. Where nongovernmental efforts were once directed toward humanitarian relief, Tajik NGOs
are now turning their attention to the promotion of civil and political rights. But they are caught between an all-powerful state unwilling to undertake political reforms and a weary population reluctant
to provoke further conflict. In focusing their aid efforts, international organizations must take this post-war reality into account and
recognize that Tajik NGOs have unique priorities at this time. Understanding this historical
and political context, the international community should develop a long-term strategy to help
Tajik civil society find its voice—one that is
strong, independent, and able to engage on an
equal footing with the government.
”
—Nigina Bakhrieva, June 6, 2007
NGOs and War:
The Case of Tajikistan
Nigina Bakhrieva
Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellow
National Endowment for Democracy
June 6, 2007
Please note that the views expressed in this presentation represent the
opinions and analysis of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect
those of the National Endowment of Democracy.
Tajikistan: Basic Facts










Tajikistan is slightly smaller than Wisconsin (143,100 km2)
The capital is Dushanbe
The national language is Tajik (Farsi)
The country’s population is 7 million
26% of Tajiks live in urban areas, 74% in rural areas
93% of the country is mountainous
Rivers and lakes are a major natural resource
Government consists of two chambers: the National
Assembly, comprising 25 elected and 8 appointed
members; and the Assembly of Representatives, each of
whom is elected for 5-year terms
The president is elected for a maximum of two 7-year
terms
Emomali Rahmon has been president since 1992
Map of Tajikistan
Tajikistan: A Brief History

1991: Tajikistan gains independence
• Public unions and informal associations play
important role

1992–1997: Civil War
• NGOs focus on services and humanitarian aid

1997: Peace agreement
• First human-rights organizations

1997–Present
• Professionalization of NGOs
• Challenge: How to advance democratic
reforms?
NGOs After Independence
1991–1992




New laws on language, freedom of
religion, freedom of association, and other
issues create a legal base for the
establishment of public organizations and
parties
At the same time, revival of nationalism
and Islamic party lead to regional divisions
Organizations take political sides and are
actively involved in struggle for power
As a result, by the end of 1992, the
Supreme Court orders most public
organizations to shut down
NGOs During Civil War
1992–1997





Violent civil war causes 50,000 deaths,
displaces 800,000 people; many villages
burned to the ground
International donors provide humanitarian
services and disaster relief
Donors also assist in the formation of local
NGOs that provide similar services
Local NGOs, however, are not designed to
promote human rights or basic freedoms,
nor do they participate in national political
debate
By 1997, 380 such organizations are
registered in Tajikistan, mostly in the
Dushanbe area
NGOs After the War: 1997–2007




1997 peace agreement between government
and opposition forces emphasizes foundation
of democratic society
However, president maintains one-party rule
First human rights organizations founded in
2000; attempt to provide legal aid and
educational programs
Later, groups begin advocating public
interest, participate in national legislation
• Women’s rights, death penalty, other specific
issues
• Complaints to UN Committee on Human Rights
• Work with international NGOs (Amnesty
International, Human Rights Watch)
NGO Strengths and Weaknesses
STRENGTHS:
 NGOs have achieved peace and stability
• Dialogue and cooperation with government (unlike human
rights organizations of other Central Asian countries)
• Professional and non-political

NGOs influence decisions
• Law on gender equality, human trafficking, blocking of legislation on religious organizations, moratorium on death penalty
WEAKNESSES:
 NGOs are still timid, self-limiting
 Too few NGOs
Many NGOs are led by government officials
• Strength: Effective lobbyists
• Weakness: Do not pressure government to improve
human rights
Recommendations for the
International Community

Be aware that GONGOs (govt.-operated NGOs) are widespread
• While effective for organizing educational activities, supporting
GONGOs limits the operations of independent groups.

Do not expect concrete results
• Often, prevention of violations are results
• Some good initiatives end in disappointment
• Results accrue over time (e.g. moratorium on death penalty)

Support sustainable development
• Donors should not ask NGOs merely to execute their wishes
• Grants should allow NGOs to design their own strategies,
projects, and priorities
• Demand inclusion of local NGOs; many donors prefer large,
international programs

Don’t be too rigid with categories
• NGOs with diverse skills can tackle more problems effectively
NGOs and War:
The Case of Tajikistan
THE END
Nigina Bakhrieva
Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellow
National Endowment for Democracy
June 6, 2007