Welcome
Human Rights Commissioner Kofler on reports concerning lists of homosexuals in Tajikistan
Bärbel Kofler, Federal Government Commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Aid at the Federal Foreign Office, issued the following statement today (25 October):
Reports from Tajikistan concerning lists created by the interior authorities of allegedly homosexual persons fill me with concern. Many indications here point to a violation of the personal and sexual freedom of those affected.
I call on the Tajik authorities to establish clarity in this matter and to curb any form of discrimination in order to avoid injustice. All forms of discrimination on account of sexual orientation must be opposed.
Background information:
On 17 October 2017, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in Tajikistan reported that the Prosecutor-General of the Republic of Tajikistan had created a registry of allegedly homosexual women and men following two raids last year. Homosexuality is not officially a punishable crime in Tajikistan. However, those affected have reported social discrimination and a feeling that their rights are being greatly restricted.
