Committee on the Rights of the Child

101st session

Geneva, 31 August–25 September 2026

Consideration of reports of States Parties

Replies of Tajikistan to the list of issues in relation to its combined sixth and seventh periodic reports * , **

[Date received: 1 June 2026]

Replies of Tajikistan to the list of issues in relation to the combined sixth and seventh periodic reports (CRC/C/TJK/Q/6-7)

Replies to the questions raised in paragraph 2

(a)Strategic and programme planning

1.In Tajikistan, the protection and promotion of children’s rights are ensured through a comprehensive system of strategic and programme planning. All the principles and provisions of the Convention have been integrated into national socioeconomic development strategies and programmes and relevant sectoral strategies and government programmes (table 1).

2.Dedicated financial and institutional resources are allocated from the State budget for the implementation of these strategies and programmes, and support from development partners is also mobilized. At the same time, work is under way to develop a separate programme on the protection of children’s rights, aimed primarily at improving the situation of vulnerable groups of children (the document is currently under review by the relevant ministries and departments).

(b)Monitoring the implementation of recommendations

3.To monitor the implementation of the Committee’s recommendations, with the assistance of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) country office in Tajikistan and with the participation of the Commissioner for Human Rights, monitoring activities were conducted across 25 relevant ministries and departments between 27 December 2024 and 22 January 2025.

4.The National Action Plan to implement the Committee’s recommendations for the period 2018–2022 was published in Tajik and Russian. Monitoring the implementation of this Plan helped to assess progress made, identify existing challenges and determine priority areas for future action. The findings were used in the design of subsequent strategic and programme documents relating to the protection of children’s rights.

Replies to the questions raised in paragraph 3

(a)Institutional framework and coordination

5.The implementation of the Convention is carried out by government bodies at the national and local levels within their respective areas of competence.

6.The bodies responsible for implementing the Convention at the national level are: the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Labour, Migration and Employment and other government departments.

7.To improve the effectiveness of implementing the Convention, consistent measures are being taken to strengthen interdepartmental coordination, optimize the allocation of financial and human resources and strengthen the capacity of child protection bodies, including relevant local entities.

(b)Participation of civil society and children

8.Civil society and children are actively involved in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of laws, strategies, plans and programmes relating to children’s rights. Children’s views on issues affecting them are taken into account through consultations, working meetings and public discussions.

9.In addition, representatives of civil society and children are involved in conducting joint monitoring of the implementation of children’s rights in institutions for children within the education, healthcare and social protection systems, in boarding schools and in places where liberty is deprived or restricted.

(c)Support for the non-governmental sector

10.To promote the development of civil society and strengthen its capacity, the Government is implementing measures to provide financial and organizational support for initiatives in the field of the protection of child rights.

11.More than 20 voluntary organizations are actively working in the field of children’s rights in Tajikistan. There is an ongoing dialogue between government bodies and voluntary organizations on improving legislation and its implementation. There are currently over 1,700 voluntary organizations and more than 400 branches and representative offices of national and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in the country. Voluntary organizations are involved in the work of 14 working groups under the National Development Council, including groups focusing on education, healthcare, social protection and the promotion of the rights of the most vulnerable children.

(d)Role of the media

12.The media play an important role in promoting children’s rights, raising legal awareness among the population and influencing public opinion in favour of protecting children’s rights. Government bodies systematically collaborate with the media to ensure broad coverage of programmes, events and initiatives aimed at implementing the Convention.

13.State-run television channels regularly broadcast specialized programmes, broadcasts, documentaries and public service announcements on children’s rights, violence prevention, parenting, psychological support and child development. These programmes feature public authorities, experts, psychologists and members of civil society.

Replies to the questions raised in paragraph 4

(a)Budgeting for children

14.Measures are being taken to improve the system for planning and allocating budgetary resources, taking into account the needs of children and the principles of the Convention. As part of government programmes and sectoral strategies, regular analyses are carried out of budget allocations directed towards education, healthcare and social protection for children.

15.Relevant ministries and departments are involved in the development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms designed to track the impact of resource allocation on the realization of children’s rights and the overall effectiveness of the measures taken.

(b)Collection and digitalization of disaggregated data

16.Measures are being implemented on an ongoing basis to establish and develop integrated information systems for the collection and management of disaggregated data on children in the areas of health, education and social protection and data on children in contact with the law.

17.A procedure has been adopted for the establishment of a unified national database on children with disabilities, orphans and children in vulnerable situations, with a view to its subsequent implementation at the national level. Work on developing an integrated digital system is continuing with support from UNICEF and the World Bank.

18.An integrated digital platform is being rolled out in stages to facilitate interdepartmental data exchange and improve the quality, comparability and level of detail of the data in accordance with international standards. In 2025, the country’s first specialized statistical publication on children, Children of Tajikistan, was published.

19.Since January 2024, statistical reporting has been collected electronically. The use of digital tools is being expanded, including for household surveys, demographic and health surveys and administrative reporting, together with the wider use of electronic information systems.

(c)Legal education and the assessment of its effectiveness

20.Information, outreach and educational activities are carried out on a regular basis to raise awareness of the Convention among children and their parents and professionals working with children. These activities include training sessions, seminars, lectures, thematic meetings, information campaigns and the distribution of materials on the provisions of the Convention. In 2023, a specialized module on children’s rights was developed and introduced into the activities of centres providing extracurricular education.

21.The impact of these activities is assessed by analysing the coverage of target groups, monitoring participation, reviewing feedback from participants and evaluating the level of legal awareness before and after the events. The data obtained are used to refine the content of the programmes and improve their effectiveness.

22.As part of the implementation of the Human Rights Education Programme for 2022–2026, large-scale events are held annually for children, parents and professionals, including teachers, law enforcement officers and civil servants.

Replies to the questions raised in paragraph 5

(a)Legislation on equality and non-discrimination

23.The Equality and Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Act is aimed at strengthening legal protection for citizens. As part of the implementation of this Act, steps are being taken to bring national legislation into full compliance with the provisions of article 2 of the Convention.

24.The following activities were carried out by the Commissioner for Human Rights between 2023 and 2025:

32 public awareness campaigns were organized in cities and districts to explain the provisions of the Act.

6 sessions and seminars were held for representatives of government bodies to explain the provisions of the Act, how it is applied in practice and the procedure for handling complaints relating to equality and non-discrimination.

10 training sessions were held at educational institutions with the participation of teachers and children and their parents to provide information about the law and the procedures for filing complaints with the relevant authority.

25.Between 2023 (when the law took effect) and 2025, the Commissioner for Human Rights received 27 complaints regarding discrimination.

(b)Protection of vulnerable children

26.Government policy is aimed at preventing discrimination and ensuring equal access for all children in vulnerable situations to healthcare, education and essential social services.

27.The country is implementing targeted social support programmes to improve the living conditions of vulnerable children. No cases of discrimination against girls, children with disabilities, children living in poverty and in rural areas, children living with HIV, Mugat (Lyuli) children, children from minority groups or migrant and refugee children have been recorded.

28.In 2025, under approved plans for joint action by government bodies, a large-scale awareness-raising and outreach campaign was organized in schools, university faculties and rural communities. As of 20 December 2025, the following have taken place:

5,175 meetings with upper secondary school students and their parents, reaching a total of 465,750 participants

587 meetings with students and faculty members, reaching 146,500 participants

16,550 public awareness and civic events held in conjunction with four major sporting competitions, reaching 742,568 participants

29.A total of 22,310 meetings and outreach activities were conducted in 2025 in cooperation with local entities and the Youth Union of Tajikistan, reaching 1,354,818 young people and community members. On 15 May 2025, a round-table discussion was held in collaboration with government bodies on the theme “Strengthening the family: the foundation of a society governed by the rule of law”, to mark Youth Day in Tajikistan and International Day of Families, with 70 experts in attendance.

(c)Right of the child to be heard

30.To realize children’s right to be heard in judicial and other proceedings affecting them, systematic measures are being taken to improve the application of the law in practice and develop mechanisms for taking children’s views into account, in accordance with their age and level of maturity.

31.In 2024, amendments were made to the legislation aimed at strengthening safeguards for children’s rights and requiring that children’s views be taken into account.

Replies to the questions raised in paragraph 6

(a)Universal birth registration

32.Measures are being taken to ensure universal birth registration and the timely issuance of birth certificates, including in rural areas and among vulnerable groups, and to simplify administrative procedures and raise public awareness of the importance of this process.

33.The Mobile Civil Registry Office regularly conducts outreach missions, during which free State registration of births is carried out in remote settlements. In 2024, the Mobile Civil Registry Office service carried out a total of 808 State registrations of civil status acts in rural areas of Kŭhistoni Badakhshon Autonomous Oblast and Sughd and Khatlon Oblasts. Of these, 672 were birth registrations.

34.Where parents do not have documents proving the identity or birth of individuals belonging to the Lyuli ethnic group, or where such individuals are not in the care of their parents, birth registration is carried out in accordance with the requirements of article 18 of the State Civil Registration Act. To prevent cases of unregistered births, digital modules for registering the births and deaths of children have been introduced and are now in operation.

(b)Prevention of statelessness

35.Government bodies are implementing coordinated measures aimed at preventing and reducing cases of statelessness among children. Systematic work is being carried out to improve legislation in the field of citizenship and its implementation, taking into account the country’s international obligations.

(c)Name, identity and freedom of conscience

36.In accordance with the requirements of the State Civil Registration Act, the assignment and correct spelling of a name must take into account ethnic culture, traditions and the Unified Register of Ethnic Names. At the same time, the rights of ethnic minorities to a surname, first name and patronymic are guaranteed and protected in accordance with their individual ethnic traditions.

37.The Freedom of Conscience and Religious Associations Act provides that children may not be involved in the activities of religious associations or receive religious instruction without the written consent of their parents or persons in loco parentis. Religious education is permitted only if the requirements of the law are strictly observed and with the consent of their legal representatives.

38.A government decision has also been drafted and adopted concerning the procedure for the religious education of Tajik citizens abroad. These measures are justified by the need to prevent the illegal religious education of children at dubious centres abroad.

Replies to the questions raised in paragraph 7

(a)Prevention of violence and protection under criminal law

39.The legal and institutional framework for preventing and combating all forms of violence against children, including sexual, domestic and gender-based violence, continues to be strengthened.

40.The Committee on Women’s and Family Affairs operates a Resource Centre with a 24-hour helpline (telephone: 221-40-30) and also sends out regular SMS updates to the public in Tajik and Russian. The Centre operates a support room that provides free legal and psychological support. Between 1 July and 30 December 2025, the Centre received enquiries from 967 members of the public (688 by telephone and 279 in person), including 777 women and 190 men. As a result, 968 people received comprehensive support, 15 women with children were promptly accommodated in shelters, and the victims were referred to the relevant authorities, including the procurator’s office and the courts.

41.During 2025, large-scale outreach activities were conducted throughout the country, including in universities, military units and correctional institutions, reaching more than 100,000 women and girls. Regional meetings and training sessions have been organized as part of the National Strategy for the Empowerment of Women (2022–2030).

42.In order to strengthen the protection of children under criminal law, amendments introducing more stringent provisions were made to articles 47, 71, 75, 76, 81, 138, 139, 141, 142 and 142¹ of the Criminal Code. A new criminal penalty has been introduced – a lifetime ban on holding certain positions or engaging in certain activities – as set out in the new article 50¹ of the Criminal Code.

43.The maximum penalties for a number of sexual offences against children have been increased to life imprisonment. In 2024, article 142 of the Criminal Code was amended to include a new paragraph 3, which provides for a sentence of 5 to 8 years’ imprisonment and a lifelong deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities if the crime is committed against two or more children under the age of 14.

44.At the same time, efforts are being made to strengthen the institutional mechanisms for identifying, investigating and bringing to court cases of gender-based and sexual violence, including through specialized training for judges, prosecutors, investigators and social workers, with the support of international partners, including UNICEF.

(b)Maternal health and prevention of family tragedies

45.Measures are being implemented to protect women’s maternal and mental health and to prevent extreme forms of domestic violence, including filicide and maternal suicide. As part of the work carried out by the healthcare and social protection systems, regular preventive measures and counselling sessions are organized, and psychological support is provided to women facing difficult life circumstances. No cases of sex-selective abortion or maternal suicide have been reported in healthcare facilities.

(c)Prohibition of corporal punishment and development of juvenile justice

46.Government policy is aimed at protecting children from all forms of abuse, including corporal punishment. Information and awareness-raising activities are being carried out to encourage the adoption of positive discipline and non-violent methods of child-rearing.

47.In 2024, these measures were significantly strengthened through improvements to legislation and its implementation, enabling Tajikistan to become the sixty-seventh country in the world to have introduced a comprehensive legal prohibition of corporal punishment of children in all settings.

(d)Social services and rehabilitation for victims of violence

48.To protect and restore the rights of child victims of violence, rehabilitation and reintegration services are being developed to provide comprehensive medical, psychological and social support tailored to the individual needs of children, including children with disabilities and children living with HIV/AIDS.

49.The social services system has been steadily expanding and currently comprises 124 facilities. In 2025, 3,655 persons, including 1,849 children with disabilities, received services from State rehabilitation facilities. The Prosthetics and Orthotics Plant, a State‑owned enterprise, and its branches provided 14,346 people with 15,378 rehabilitation, prosthetic and orthopaedic devices, including 2,249 supplied to children.

50.In 2025, there were 1,343 people living in residential care homes, including 993 people with disabilities, of whom 95 were children. A total of 96 guests were admitted to hospital, 52 people received health-resort treatment and 3,608 people received health-resort treatment through programmes provided by the relevant department.

51.A total of 5,573 people, including 945 children, received support at 44 home-based social service centres, while 6,401 people, including 5,021 children, received support at 57 social service centres operating under a government social service contract. In 2025, a total of 36,011 people received social services, including 10,233 children with disabilities.

52.No cases of discrimination in the provision of social services, including against people with disabilities, have been reported. A total of 298 people living with HIV/AIDS with a history of tuberculosis received care at three specialist centres.

(e)Awareness campaigns and complaint mechanisms

53.Government bodies, in collaboration with the media and civil society organizations, are carrying out long-term information and awareness-raising campaigns aimed at raising public awareness of children’s right to protection from all forms of violence and abuse, including violence perpetrated by carers. At the same time, mechanisms are being developed for the early detection of cases of violence and for interdepartmental support for children and families at risk.

54.The Commissioner for Human Rights regularly conducts educational and outreach activities aimed at improving the public’s legal literacy. Between 2022 and 2025, 12 training seminars were organized for 300 teachers and monitoring of children’s rights was carried out in 25 schools, 12 preschools and 25 specialized residential care homes. Awareness-raising sessions on protection against all forms of violence were held with children and staff at childcare facilities.

Replies to the questions raised in paragraph 8

(a)Deinstitutionalization and community-based services

55.As part of the ongoing reform of the child protection system, community-based family support services are being developed in stages, with the aim of preventing the institutionalization of children and providing support to low-income families, single mothers and families raising children with disabilities. Such services are being set up and expanded in stages. The aim is to strengthen the early identification of social risks, provide comprehensive social and psychosocial support to families and ensure that family care takes precedence over residential care.

(b)Support for children affected by migration

56.Government bodies are taking systematic measures to identify and provide comprehensive support to children without parental care, including children born out of wedlock and children whose parents are migrant workers. Social support programmes are implemented for these children, and access to education and specialized psychological support is ensured.

57.From 2018 to 2022, the programme “Protecting Children Affected by Migration in Southeast, South and Central Asia” was successfully implemented in collaboration with UNICEF and with financial support from the European Union. The project was initially launched in 6 pilot cities and districts, and this number had increased to 23 by the end of the implementation period.

58.During the project, vulnerable children and their family members were issued with birth certificates and national passports and received the necessary medical care and social support. The children were provided with direct financial assistance, and, with a view to stabilizing the economic situation of migrant families, some of the beneficiaries were enrolled in vocational training establishments, while certain families were provided with sewing machines and production tools free of charge.

59.This work continued between 2021 and 2023 through the interdepartmental project on empowerment of families left behind for improved migration outcomes, which was successfully implemented in Kŭlob and the Dusti district of Khatlon Oblast by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), UNICEF and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women). Training seminars and counselling sessions were organized for the affected families. As an implementing partner of the project, the FAO representative office provided 202 vulnerable families (rural women) with small-scale equipment, seeds and mineral supplements free of charge to support the development of household farming activities.

(c)Reform of alternative care

60.As part of the reform of the alternative care system, children’s homes are being phased out and institutional care is being gradually reduced, with priority given to the development of family-based care arrangements.

61.New placement regulations have been introduced in family and child support centres, providing for the exclusively temporary placement of children, the development of day-care services, short-term respite care and family rehabilitation and support programmes. Residential institutional care is permitted only in exceptional cases, with social services required to work in parallel with biological families to facilitate the child’s return to his or her home environment or, failing that, placement under tutorship or guardianship or for adoption.

62.As a result of the reform, the number of children in long-term institutional care has been significantly reduced. For example, in 2025, 175 children were temporarily placed in such care centres (by way of comparison: 189 in 2023 and 185 in 2024), while 297 children received services from day-care centres, which confirms the priority placed on preventing institutionalization and keeping children in a family environment.

(d)Foster care and support for children leaving care

63.The foster care system continues to develop and government support for young people leaving care is being steadily strengthened. The measures include compulsory social support, assistance with vocational training and support for the employment and social integration of graduates from these institutions.

(e)Monitoring of alternative care

64.Mechanisms have been established and strengthened to ensure regular reviews of children’s placements and independent monitoring of the quality of alternative care. Accessible channels for children to report instances of abuse are in place and operational, and all information received regarding reported cases is promptly investigated by the competent authorities, who take appropriate action.

(f)International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health

65.In accordance with the order of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of 19 February 2025 on the classification of functioning and disability, and with a view to reforming the procedure for establishing disability status and promoting rehabilitation on the basis of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), the new arrangements are currently being implemented on a pilot basis in the Firdavsi district of Dushanbe and in the city of Tursunzoda.

(g)Support for children with autism spectrum disorders

66.A set of measures is being implemented to ensure the early identification, diagnosis and comprehensive support of children with autism spectrum disorders and to provide social, medical and counselling support to their families.

67.In collaboration with development partners, including UNICEF, particular attention is being paid to the development of early intervention services aimed at preventing disability, improving developmental progress and increasing the level of independence among children with autism spectrum disorders. In 2025, rural health centres in three districts and 15 health centres in Dushanbe were fully equipped with modern diagnostic tools, including the autism diagnostic observation schedule (ADOS), for professional autism screening.

68.To ensure the early detection of developmental disorders in young children (aged between 2 months and 3 years), mandatory developmental screening has been introduced into the standard child health record. In 2024, specialized training seminars were held for neurologists and family doctors to enhance their skills in the early diagnosis, intervention, socialization and integration of children with autism spectrum disorders. These measures help to significantly improve access for children with autism spectrum disorders and their families to high-quality early intervention services and comprehensive support.

Replies to the questions raised in paragraph 9

(a)Primary healthcare, vaccinations and health insurance

69.Systemic measures are being taken to expand access to primary healthcare for children and mothers, with a particular focus on rural areas and ensuring universal vaccination coverage. The country is implementing a series of reforms to the healthcare system and is also considering legal and economic mechanisms for introducing compulsory health insurance to ensure sustainable funding for the sector.

70.In all public primary healthcare facilities, antenatal care, medical services for pregnant women and specialized contraceptive care are provided free of charge. The monitoring results show a positive trend in key indicators:

The proportion of women using modern contraceptives rose from 42.2% in 2024 to 43.3% in 2025.

The proportion of home births fell by half, from 0.8% in 2024 to 0.4% in 2025.

The rate of women registered for antenatal care in 2025 reached 92.3%.

71.To ensure timely follow-up care and registration of newborns following discharge from maternity facilities, regular preventive check-ups and the provision of a basic package of healthcare services to children, record form No. 024, the child health and development record, was revised, updated and approved by an order of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection dated 16 June 2023.

72.Under the national immunization schedule, routine vaccination against 13 infectious diseases is currently provided. In accordance with article 106 of the Health Code, routine and non-routine immunization of children is provided entirely free of charge, regardless of where a person lives. In 2025, the overall immunization coverage rate for children stood at 96.7%.

73.The Health Insurance Act provides for the phased introduction of compulsory and voluntary insurance schemes and the establishment of a dedicated fund.

(b)Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV

74.Comprehensive government measures are being implemented to prevent mother-to-child transmission as part of relevant national health programmes and in strict accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. All pregnant women are ensured access to free pre-test counselling and HIV testing as part of antenatal care, including early screening and follow-up testing at intervals in accordance with national clinical protocols.

75.Thanks to the measures taken, there has been an annual improvement in the coverage rates for testing pregnant women and the provision of preventive measures:

In 2024, a total of 401,578 tests were conducted among pregnant women (248,639initial tests and 152,939 follow-up tests).

In 2025, this figure rose to 455,239 tests (270,091 initial tests and 185,144 follow-up tests).

76.Over the entire period of registration of HIV-positive pregnant women in the country (as at 31 December 2025), a total of 3,035 cases were identified, of whom 2,848 (93.8%) received timely and comprehensive preventive antiretroviral treatment.

77.An analysis of the epidemiological situation among children born to HIV-positive mothers shows a consistent positive trend: the rate of timely diagnosis of newborns using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method is increasing, thereby reducing the risk of vertical transmission. The coverage of newborns with initial PCR testing was as follows:

In 2024, 98.8% (240 out of 243 children were tested)

In 2025, 99.2% (244 out of 246 children were tested)

78.While the rate of mother-to-child transmission of HIV stood at 4.8% in 2016, this figure had been reduced to 2.7% by 2025.

(c)Improving nutrition for children and mothers and school meals

79.A coordinated government policy is being implemented to improve the quality of nutrition for children and mothers, including regular monitoring of the population’s nutritional status, prevention of diet-related developmental disorders, restrictions on the sale of unhealthy foods in educational establishments and the promotion of healthy living.

80.At the national level, there has been a 20% reduction on average in the prevalence of stunting among children under 5 years of age. According to comparative data from the nationally representative demographic and health surveys of 2017 and 2023, the trends in the indicators are as follows:

Anaemia among women: a decrease from 41% (2017) to 36% (2023)

Anaemia among children: a decrease from 42% (2017) to 35% (2023)

Stunting: a decrease from 18% to 14%

Low weight: a decrease from 8% to 5%

Wasting: the rate remained stable at 6%

Overweight and obesity: an increase from 3% to 5%

81.As part of preventive measures, nationwide vitamin A supplementation campaigns are conducted twice a year (in June and December) to children aged 6 to 59 months, with coverage exceeding 95% of the target group; a powdered vitamin and mineral supplement (“Sprinkles”) is also used to enrich the diet of children aged between 6 and 24 months. At the national level, breastfeeding is actively promoted. In 2023, 41% of infants were exclusively breastfed (36% in 2017), while 56% received complementary foods in a timely manner (63% in 2017).

82.Specialized beds have been set up in regional, district and city hospitals for the inpatient treatment of severe and moderate child malnutrition. Each year, between 5,000 and 6,000 children receive specialized therapeutic foods (F-75, F-100 and BP-100 formulas), while approximately 35,000 children receive the necessary outpatient treatment using specialized ready-to-use products, including BP-100 and Achamam.

83.The school meals programme currently successfully serves 450,000 children in 2,000 primary schools located in 52 towns and districts (representing 45.3% of the total number of primary school students). Tajikistan is an official member of the School Meals Coalition. To support the implementation of the State Programme for the Development of School Meals, the following amounts were allocated from the State budget:

5.5 million somoni in 2022 and 2023

11.7 million somoni in 2024

18.8 million somoni in 2025

(d)Combating tuberculosis among children

84.A targeted government policy is being implemented to ensure the timely detection, prevention and treatment of tuberculosis among children, ensuring equal access to modern diagnostic methods, free treatment and follow-up care, including in cases where drug‑resistant forms of the disease are detected.

85.Tuberculosis prevention and treatment in children are provided free of charge through individually tailored tuberculosis preventive treatment regimens and validated shorter treatment regimens adapted for drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

86.According to departmental statistics, in 2025:

The total number of newly diagnosed tuberculosis cases reported nationwide was 4,160, of which 338 cases (8%) were among children and adolescents under the age of 18.

There were 348 reported cases of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, of which 22 (6.3%) were children under the age of 18.

(e)Support for breastfeeding and procurement of specialized infant formulas

87.Government policy is aimed at comprehensively promoting exclusive breastfeeding for infants during the first six months of life. As part of existing maternal and child health programmes, healthcare staff regularly advise pregnant women and new mothers on the best ways to feed their babies, including encouraging early breastfeeding and maintaining lactation.

88.In cases where breastfeeding is completely contraindicated for medical reasons, the Government ensures free access to high-quality breast milk substitutes (milk formula).

89.All HIV-positive mothers registered with the clinic receive comprehensive specialized counselling, and their newborns are fed formula strictly in accordance with medical protocols. In recent years, there has been a steady increase in budget funding for the centralized procurement of infant formula for babies born to HIV-positive mothers: while 749,930 somoni were allocated for this purpose in 2024, the amount allocated in 2025 was 737,875 somoni.

(f) and (g)Mental health, suicide prevention and substance abuse

90.Comprehensive measures are being implemented to strengthen mental healthcare for children and adolescents, to promote early prevention of suicidal behaviour and to prevent domestic violence through the development of accessible psychological support services, cross-sectoral cooperation and the timely provision of specialist care.

91.In 2025, 745 children had access to inpatient psychiatric and psychotherapy services at specialized medical facilities. During the period in question, 9 children sought help in connection with suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts; all of them were immediately hospitalized, underwent a full course of treatment and medical and psychological rehabilitation and were subsequently discharged under ongoing outpatient follow-up care.

92.In 2025, crisis centres and support rooms provided specialized assistance to 4,754 individuals, including 4,086 women. The applications received were distributed as follows:

Domestic violence prevention: 1,822

Marriage and family disputes: 1,089

Prevention of divorce and family preservation: 980

Family members of labour migrants: 558

Employment assistance, homelessness and other acute social issues: 305

93.At the same time, the relevant authorities are implementing coordinated measures to prevent substance abuse, alcohol consumption and tobacco use among children. As of the end of 2025, only eight children under the age of 18 were officially registered with drug treatment services. Of these: one adolescent was diagnosed with cannabis dependence, one with dependence on other psychoactive substances and six with polydrug dependence.

(h)Sexual and reproductive health and healthy living

94.In accordance with the country’s laws, specialized educational programmes on sexual and reproductive health are systematically integrated into the general secondary education system. The programme is age-specific and designed to help adolescents develop a responsible attitude towards their own health.

95.With methodological and technical support from UNICEF, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection and the Ministry of Education and Science developed and published specialized teaching materials for grades 4–11 for the Healthy Living course. During the pilot phase, 800 secondary schools were selected to test these materials and introduce themed lessons on healthy living.

96.Currently, all secondary schools in the country devote eight academic hours per year, as part of their mandatory educational programme, to teaching students key aspects of healthy living. Topics relating to hygiene, puberty and reproductive health are incorporated into the mandatory personal development curriculum for grades 6–11.

(i)Statistics and support for children living with HIV

97.Continuous epidemiological monitoring of the prevalence of HIV infection among children is being carried out, and a set of measures is being implemented to provide medical prevention, treatment and comprehensive social support for children living with HIV/AIDS. Strict infection prevention and control measures have been implemented in all healthcare facilities, and children are ensured equal access to treatment without discrimination.

98.As at 31 December 2025, the total number of children under the age of 18 living with HIV stood at 992 (out of a total child population of 4,305,400). The prevalence rate of HIV infection is therefore 23 cases per 100,000 children.

99.The coverage rate for life-saving antiretroviral therapy among children living with HIV is 97.6% (968 out of 992 registered children are receiving treatment).

(j)Adolescent medical counselling centres and abortion statistics

100.A network of 21 medical counselling centres for adolescents and young people has been established and is operating successfully within reproductive health centres. The strategic goal of their work is to expand adolescents’ free access to high-quality information and specialized medical and psychological services based on the principles of “youth-friendly clinics”.

101.The country’s legislation guarantees children the right to receive moral and sex education. In 2025, 36,072 persons sought advice at medical counselling centres for adolescents and young people (compared with 33,990 in 2024), of whom 78.2% (28,217) were girls and young women. The age distribution of service users in 2025 was as follows:

10–14 years: 3,570 (9.9%)

15–19 years: 10,503 (29.1%)

20–24 years: 14,230 (39.4%)

25 years and over: 8,451 (23.4%)

102.With regard to reproductive healthcare, a significant decline in the number of induced abortions has been recorded. In 2025, the number among 18- to 19-year-olds decreased from 543 to 422 cases, while among those aged 20 to 24 it decreased from 4,137 to 3,200 cases.

103.The total decrease in the number of abortions in these age cohorts between 2024 and 2025 amounted to 1,058 cases, which is the result of compulsory pre-abortion counselling and family planning programmes.

(k)Access to safe water and sanitation in schools

104.The Government is taking systematic measures to improve access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities for all those involved in the education system, including the modernization of infrastructure to support girls’ personal hygiene during their periods. The current rate of access to safe drinking water in educational institutions is 93% in urban schools and 73% in educational establishments located in rural areas.

(l)Protecting children from natural disasters and reducing risks

105.A coordinated set of preventive, engineering and technical measures and information and awareness-raising initiatives is being implemented to protect children from the effects of natural disasters and reduce child mortality in emergency situations.

106.In 2025, the Committee on Emergency Situations and Civil Defence carried out a number of large-scale initiatives to protect children in emergency situations, including the production of six specialized educational videos and the publication of three types of informational brochures on safe behaviour, adapted for children with various disabilities.

107.Practical drills and interactive sessions for schoolchildren are conducted throughout the country, educational materials are regularly posted on the Committee’s website, and large-scale public awareness campaigns are organized to improve preparedness for earthquakes, mudflows and landslides. During the summer swimming season, units of the Committee carry out enhanced preventative measures near bodies of water and recreational areas, aimed at preventing cases of children drowning.

Replies to the questions raised in paragraph 10

(a)Educational reform and the transition to a 10-point grading system

108.A long-term, comprehensive educational reform is being implemented. The key objectives are to improve the quality of education, ensure universal access to it, implement a competence-based approach and digitally transform the learning process, all in line with leading international standards.

109.As part of the reform, national educational standards, core curricula, subject-specific syllabuses and learning materials have been completely updated. New curricula have been successfully trialled in 80 pilot secondary schools with a view to their subsequent phased roll-out across the country. The updated curriculum places special emphasis on helping students develop practical life skills, a sense of legal and civic responsibility and the fundamentals of digital literacy.

110.At the same time, the national system for the training, retraining and professional development of teaching staff is being strengthened: all practising teachers have completed specialized courses, and during 2023 more than 30,000 teachers enhanced their professional qualifications.

111.A modern 10-point system for evaluating student performance was officially introduced on 1 September 2025 and is in use in all general education institutions.

112.The reform is underpinned by the modernization of the regulatory framework and measures to increase the share of budgetary funding for the education sector each year.

(b)Modernizing vocational education and expanding access for girls

113.The country is rapidly developing its system of initial and secondary-level vocational education through a comprehensive overhaul of curricula, the expansion of the list of modern, in-demand specializations and the creation of effective incentives to encourage girls to pursue vocational training.

114.In 2025, a new Secondary Vocational Education Act was enacted and the corresponding State standard for secondary vocational education was approved. In accordance with these laws and regulations, the standard duration of study in a number of fields has been reduced by one year, which has significantly increased access to vocational education for young people and eased the associated financial burden on household budgets. Based on the new standards, updated curricula have been developed and implemented for more than 636 specializations.

115.As part of efforts to modernize the system of initial vocational education, experts conducted a comprehensive review of more than 3,000 existing curricula. Based on the findings, outdated programmes were revised and replaced with new ones aligned with current labour market requirements.

116.The Government is placing particular emphasis on expanding girls’ access to vocational training and overcoming gender stereotypes in the workplace. There are 7,898 girls enrolled in initial vocational education institutions and 77,360 girls in secondary vocational education institutions (colleges and technical colleges), which confirms the steady growth in women’s participation in the vocational sector.

(c)Compulsory 11-year education and an inclusive environment

117.The Government is taking coordinated measures to expand the national network of preschool institutions and reduce the dropout rate among children in general education schools, with a particular focus on keeping girls in school, especially in rural areas and during the transition period following the completion of ninth grade.

118.In 2024, fundamental amendments were made to the Education Act, making it compulsory for all citizens to complete their general secondary education.

119.A package of implementing regulations has been adopted to promote inclusive education, provide financial support to small rural schools, ensure high-quality home-based instruction and facilitate flexible, individualized educational pathways for children in difficult life circumstances or children with special psychological or physical needs.

(d)Multilingual education and support for ethnic minorities

120.A balanced government policy is being implemented, aimed at ensuring multilingual education and the full integration of the languages of ethnic minorities into the general school education system.

121.During the 2025/26 school year, general education institutions providing instruction in Tajik, Russian, Uzbek, Kyrgyz, Turkmen and English continued to operate, together with an extensive network of multilingual schools offering education in more than one language (table 3).

(e)Respect for the principle of non-discrimination on the grounds of HIV status in schools

122.International obligations to protect children’s rights and strictly adhere to the principle of non-discrimination in education are consistently upheld. The law prohibits any form of restriction on access to education based on health status, including for reasons related to the HIV status of the child or the child’s parents or legal guardians.

Replies to the questions raised in paragraph 11

(a)Preventing children from entering street situations and supporting their reintegration

123.A range of interdepartmental measures is being implemented to identify and address the underlying socioeconomic causes that lead to child neglect and place children in street situations. The internal affairs authorities, in collaboration with the education and social protection services, carry out coordinated efforts to identify such children in a timely manner, provide them with emergency social, psychological and legal support and facilitate their safe reintegration into their biological families and the educational environment.

(b)Ending the use of punitive measures against children in street situations

124.Government bodies are taking systematic measures to reform the way they deal with children in street situations, shifting the focus from punitive and administrative measures to prevention, rehabilitation and social support.

125.Alternatives to administrative detention and placement in special reception centres are being introduced into practice in the application of the law, with priority given to referring the children identified to specialized social, crisis and rehabilitation services. All activities of the central authorities in this sector are fully aligned with the fundamental principle of ensuring the best interests of the child.

(c)Elimination of child labour: situation in the cotton industry

126.To prevent children from being involved in arduous, harmful and hazardous types of work, the National Programme to Eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labour for the period 2024–2028 was approved by a government decision dated 30 August 2024. This programme provides for a significant strengthening of interdepartmental cooperation, updating of the regulatory framework, the conduct of regular inspections and close monitoring of employers’ compliance with labour legislation.

127.According to the results of regular monitoring, the practice of child labour in cotton farming has now been completely eradicated.

(d)Combatting trafficking in children

128.Government bodies are implementing systematic and comprehensive measures to identify, prevent, suppress and prosecute offences related to child trafficking, in strict conformity with the country’s international obligations.

129.In 2025, a new National Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons for the period 2025–2027 was approved by a government decision. This strategic document brings together the efforts of law enforcement agencies and civil society organizations, focusing on the early identification of risks, the protection, rehabilitation and reintegration of children identified as victims of trafficking in persons and on ensuring their safety throughout legal proceedings.

(e)Rights of refugee children, migrant children and asylum-seeking children

130.Coordinated measures are being taken to ensure unimpeded access for refugee children, asylum-seeking children and unaccompanied migrant children to basic health, education and social services, and also specialized assistance. Mechanisms are in place to protect children in these categories from all forms of exploitation, violence and abuse.

131.Matters concerning the possible detention, arrest or deportation of foreign nationals and stateless persons with children are handled in strict accordance with national law and the country’s international humanitarian obligations.

132.To date, there are 2,884 refugee and asylum-seeking families officially residing in the country, caring for a total of 3,428 children. During the reporting period, there were no instances of children from such families being deported from the country.

133.There were no reports of official requests for asylum made directly by unaccompanied refugee or migrant children, nor were there any reports of their forced detention or arrest by law enforcement agencies.

Replies to the questions raised in paragraph 12

(a)Reform of the justice system in the best interests of children

134.The Juvenile Justice Reform Programme for 2023–2027 is being implemented in a systematic manner.

135.Throughout 2024, specialized training sessions on children’s rights and juvenile justice standards were conducted for judges, prosecutors, investigators and members of the legal profession. In total, more than 3,300 specialists completed specialized training between 2023 and 2025.

136.At the same time, the competent authorities have organized large-scale outreach campaigns: more than 37,000 meetings and lectures have been held to promote the provisions of the legislation on the prevention of youth offending.

(b)Alternative, non-custodial measures and diversion programmes

137.The State is taking consistent measures to expand the use of alternative, non-custodial measures for young offenders.

138.With expert support from UNICEF, a draft programme for the exclusion of children from the formal justice system for 2026–2030 has been prepared; its adoption is intended to establish restorative justice as a priority and minimize the use of custodial sentences for children.

(c)Free legal assistance for vulnerable children

139.In 2025, lawyers of the State Legal Aid Centre provided qualified, free primary and secondary legal aid to 12,082 persons, including 7,762 women. In terms of the breakdown of aid recipients, 75 were orphans and 19 were persons with disabilities.

140.In order to improve the public’s legal literacy, an active public awareness campaign was conducted in 2025 on the topic: “The rights and benefits of children and children with disabilities under national law”.

(d)Rehabilitation and conditions of detention ofchildrendeprived of liberty

141.Practical measures are being implemented to develop accessible rehabilitation services, psychological support and reintegration programmes for children in conflict with the law and children identified as victims of crime, with a view to restoring their rights and effectively preventing reoffending. In juvenile detention centres, priority is given to the educational process.

142.There is a library at the closed special rehabilitation institution for young offenders: this year, 85 books were added to its collection; the institution took out subscriptions to 32 newspapers and magazines through departmental funding in 2025 and to 39 in 2026.

143.Learning a profession or trade is a key factor in reintegration. During the reporting period, 15 short-term vocational training courses were successfully conducted, with 307 children in detention participating in the training. The breakdown of trainees by occupation is as follows:

Appliance repair technicians: 70

Welders: 72

Carpenters: 20

Plumbers: 20

Plasterers: 15

Hairdressers: 20

Jewellers: 20

Bakers: 20

144.In line with current labour market requirements, 122 children have undergone in‑depth training in Russian and English. Regular in-house and interdepartmental sports competitions in futsal, table tennis, weightlifting and volleyball are held on a regular basis.

145.Three full-time psychologists provide ongoing psychological support to the detained persons. Six months before the end of their sentence and their official release, each young person participates in a comprehensive programme to prepare them for life outside of detention, which includes career guidance, individual social, legal and medical counselling and group training sessions. Compulsory psychological support is provided for newly arrived children during their stay in the quarantine and assessment unit.

(e)Protection of child victims and child witnesses of crime

146.A set of measures is being implemented to ensure State protection and the legal and psychological safety of children who are victims or witnesses in criminal proceedings. To provide timely legal assistance and prevent offences, specialized child protection teams operate throughout the country; they carry out door-to-door visits, organize discussions with parents, identify hidden cases of domestic abuse and promptly refer affected children to emergency psychological and social support services.

147.Between 2023 and 2025, outstanding issues regarding juvenile crime, and the investigation of crimes committed against children, were repeatedly placed on the agenda of the Coordinating Council of Law Enforcement Authorities. Following the discussions, recommendations were drawn up and interdepartmental decisions were taken to strengthen protective measures.

Replies to the questions raised in paragraph 13

(a)Response to reports of torture and ill-treatment

148.Reports of torture and ill-treatment of children by law enforcement officials are addressed in strict accordance with the provisions of criminal and criminal procedure legislation. Incoming reports must be recorded immediately and thoroughly investigated. Appropriate procedural decisions are taken on the basis of the results of the initial inquiries. In 2025, not a single case of torture of children by law enforcement officers was recorded.

(b)Monitoring places of detention and preventing solitary confinement

149.The Commissioner for Human Rights is empowered to visit and monitor places of detention, including specialized institutions for children, without hindrance. A monitoring group for places of detention and alternative care institutions operates on a permanent basis under the Commissioner for Human Rights with the participation of representatives of non‑governmental human rights organizations on an equal basis.

150.Based on the findings of monitoring visits, detailed recommendations are drawn up and forwarded to the relevant government bodies so that practical measures can be taken to address the shortcomings identified and to further improve the conditions in which children are held.

(c)Complaints mechanisms for children

151.Targeted measures are being taken to establish and develop accessible, safe and child‑friendly mechanisms for filing and reviewing complaints related to deprivation of liberty, conditions of detention, internment or ill-treatment. These legal remedies are implemented through the procuratorial system, the courts and the administrations of correctional and educational institutions, along with the direct involvement of the Commissioner for Human Rights.

152.Children are guaranteed the right to make representations both verbally and in writing, including the right to lodge strictly confidential complaints. All enquiries received must be dealt with within the time limits laid down by law.

153.During the reporting period, no official complaints by children concerning conditions of detention, deprivation of liberty, internment or ill-treatment were recorded.

Replies to the questions raised in paragraph 14

Implementation of the Optional Protocol to the Convention

154.Comprehensive measures are being implemented to comply with the Committee’s recommendations on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.

155.Unlawful acts such as the involvement of children in prostitution, the use of children in pornographic material, the possession, production and distribution of child pornography and trafficking in children are fully covered by the provisions of the current Criminal Code and are classified as serious and especially serious offences.

156.The competent government bodies systematically carry out investigative and preventive measures aimed at the timely detection, investigation and prevention of these offences and at organizing comprehensive protection and psychological and social rehabilitation for children identified as victims of these forms of exploitation.

Replies to the questions raised in paragraph 15

(a)Handling of weapons in military educational institutions

157.The training of cadets at military educational institutions is organized in strict accordance with national laws and age requirements. Cadets who have not reached the age of majority (18) undergo exclusively theoretical training and receive a basic introduction to the rules for handling firearms; however, they are not issued with service weapons.

(b)Prohibition of the recruitment of children in armed conflicts

158.The law imposes a direct and unconditional ban on the recruitment and use of children in armed conflicts. During the reporting period, there were no recorded cases in the country of children under the age of 15 being recruited to commit war crimes, nor were there any instances of children under the age of 18 being recruited or involved in hostilities.

(d)Protection against landmines and rehabilitation of victims

159.To ensure children’s safety, protect them from landmines and inform the public about how to assist victims, large-scale outreach campaigns are regularly held as part of the implementation of the National Mine Action Strategy for 2021–2030.

160.In 2025, 36,080 people, including children and adolescents, were reached through special programmes to raise awareness of the dangers of landmines and unexploded ordnance in general education schools and in villages and settlements in the target regions.

161.With a view to providing comprehensive rehabilitation for victims, specialized summer rehabilitation camps and workshops are organized annually with the support of the Programme Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE) in Dushanbe, during which children are provided with qualified medical and psychological care free of charge.

(e)Repatriation, rehabilitation and reintegration of children from conflict zones

162.Government bodies are carrying out coordinated efforts to record and maintain data on repatriated families, including children returned from conflict zones.

163.Between 2019 and 2024, a total of 381 people (including 291 children) were repatriated from Syria and Iraq.

164.In cities and districts, interdisciplinary working groups have been set up to facilitate the effective reintegration of returning women and children, with the participation of local branches of the relevant ministries, departments and executive authorities. These teams provide victims with emergency psychological, psychosocial and social and educational support.

165.Authorized specialists conducted an initial and comprehensive assessment of the well‑being of all repatriated children at the household level; based on the results of this assessment, individualized social service plans (a case management system) were developed for each child, with the involvement of his or her legal representative.

166.To organize targeted support at the national level, a programme to facilitate the rehabilitation, adjustment to normal life and employment and education of women and children returning from conflict zones for 2023–2027 was adopted and is currently being implemented. A programme on mental health for children and families affected by armed conflict has also been developed, along with a specialized training programme for psychology lecturers on the topic of “Psychological and social aspects of the rehabilitation and reintegration of women and children returning from conflict zones”.

167.As part of the implementation of these programmes, continuous monitoring and targeted information campaigns are carried out. It is noted separately that 84 children who were repatriated in 2019 and initially placed in State residential care facilities were successfully placed in long-term care and living arrangements with their close relatives during 2023.

Replies to the questions raised in paragraph 16

(a)Updates to legislation on the protection of children’s rights

168.During the reporting period, a number of key laws and regulations were adopted and updated with the aim of strategically strengthening the national system for the protection of children’s rights and bringing the regulatory framework into full compliance with the country’s international obligations (table 4). In particular, significant amendments were made to the laws governing legal relationships in the areas of education, social protection, healthcare, the prevention of violence and the protection of children in vulnerable situations. A package of implementing regulations has been approved to ensure the implementation of these laws.

(b)Coordination of the vocational education system

169.In 2023, the Committee on Initial and Secondary Vocational Education was officially established under the Government. This organizational step has created favourable conditions for the centralized oversight of children’s education and development within the technical and vocational education system, which had previously been managed in a fragmented manner by several ministries and departments. At the same time, the Ministry of Education and Science was designated by law as the sole authorized government body bearing overall responsibility for children’s education and development in the country.

(c)Strategic development programmes

170.Table 1 lists the sector-specific national strategies and programmes approved by government decisions and aimed at ensuring the full realization of children’s rights and their harmonious development.

(d)International legal framework

171.The country continues to pursue a consistent policy of strengthening the international legal framework for the protection of human rights. The relevant government bodies are currently examining and analysing in detail the possible ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty.

Replies to the questions raised in paragraph 17

Budget allocations for the social sector and child protection

172.Over the past three years, funding for social sectors that directly affect children’s rights and legitimate interests of children has steadily increased. Every year, earmarked funds are allocated from the State budget for the care of children in social care institutions.

173.The total amount of funds allocated over the three-year period was 386,804,914 somoni. The trend in annual budget allocations is as follows:

83,358,522 somoni in 2023

132,695,843 somoni in 2024

170,750,549 somoni in 2025

174.These funds are allocated to cover key protected expenditure items, including staff salaries and social insurance contributions, the purchase of medicines and food, current repairs and building maintenance, the procurement of technical equipment, medical supplies, bedding and other soft furnishings, the payment of utility services and other operating and administrative expenses (table 2).

Replies to the questions raised in paragraph 18

Statistics on offences, domestic violence and child-friendly justice

175.The collection, organization and in-depth analysis of statistical data on cases of abuse and violence against children are carried out by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the bodies of the procuratorial system, the courts and healthcare and social protection institutions. Statistical records are kept, with data broken down by specific types of violence and the children’s age and sex. Criminal cases are initiated for each identified incident, investigations are conducted, and those responsible are held accountable.

176.Departmental statistics show the following trends:

Sexual violence: 25 child victims were recorded in 2025, compared with 10 in 2024 and 12 in 2023.

Battery: 1 case was recorded in 2025, compared with 4 in 2024 and 8 in 2023.

Domestic violence: the number of children officially recognized as victims of domestic violence reached 409 in 2025, compared with 269 in 2024 and 171 in 2023.

177.In 2025, the courts heard 666 criminal cases involving young offenders. Of these, 635 cases resulted in convictions, while 20 cases were dismissed by the court on legal grounds, with the adolescents being subject to compulsory educational measures.

178.In 2023, the Statistics Agency, with guidance from UNICEF, conducted a representative demographic and health survey. The survey found that 56% of children aged 1 to 14 had been subjected to violent discipline in the home. The forms of violent discipline reported were:

Psychological aggression: 54%

Physical punishment: 34%

Severe physical punishment: 6%.

179.At the same time, compared with the findings of the 2017 study, there has been an overall decline in the incidence of physical violence against children – from 69% to 56% – while the proportion of respondents who consider physical punishment of children to be an acceptable part of child-rearing has fallen from 15% to 4%.

180.To ensure the proper protection of children who are victims and witnesses of crimes in practice, eight specialized child interview rooms were set up and equipped with the necessary technology in 2025 with the support of UNICEF, and the first child-friendly courtroom was opened.

(b)Rehabilitation and integration services

181.Between 2017 and 2025, 108,844 persons received rehabilitation and integration services, of whom 50,523 were children.

No.	Year	Total number of beneficiaries of rehabilitation services	Including children
1	2017	10 162	4 233
2	2018	10 611	4 884
3	2019	10 830	5 009
4	2020	11 561	4 398
5	2021	11 783	5 442
6	2022	12 462	6 019
7	2023	13 685	6 807
8	2024	14 691	7 613
9	2025	13 059	6 118
Total	108 844	50 523

(c)Communications from children

182.Data on communications received from children are collected and recorded through specialized hotlines, agencies of tutorship or guardianship, educational institutions and law enforcement agencies. All communications are handled in accordance with the procedures established by law, and timely and appropriate measures are taken in response.

(d)Forensic medical examinations of children

183.In 2025, the Centre for Forensic Medical Examination and its regional departments in Sughd Oblast and the centrally administered towns and districts conducted forensic examinations of the bodies of children under 18 years of age in the following cases: 105 accidental deaths, 61 suicides and 2 deaths resulting from abuse.

(e)Monitoring and support for children living with HIV

184.Children living with HIV are recorded by the national epidemiological surveillance system. Children are provided with access to free treatment, medical care and social support. Over the past three years, children living with HIV have been systematically monitored and registered, with data disaggregated by age, sex and geographic location.

185.Overall numbers and trends:

2023: 1,058 children under 18 were living with HIV; 1,044 (98.7%) were registered for follow-up care, and 1,036 (97.9%) were receiving antiretroviral therapy.

2024: 1,022 children were living with HIV; 1,014 (99.2%) were under medical supervision, and 1,009 (98.7%) were receiving antiretroviral therapy; 2025:992children were living with HIV; 973 (98.1%) were registered for follow-up care, and 968 (97.6%) were receiving antiretroviral therapy.

186.The treatment success rate in 2025 was 91.1%. The demographic profile was as follows:

Total number of children living with HIV: 992, including 406 girls (40.9 per cent)

Children aged 10–18 years: 813

187.State social benefits are provided to children under 16 living with HIV:

As at 31 December 2024, 688 children were eligible for the benefit, of whom 669(97.2 per cent) were receiving a monthly social allowance. The allowance amounted to 525 somoni per child per month.

In 2025, total expenditure on social benefits for children amounted to 4,469,850somoni.

(f)Registration of adolescent pregnancies

188.In 2025, 273,502 pregnant women were registered, including 60 adolescents aged 17–18 who were pregnant (compared with 80 in the same age group in 2024).

(g)Children of migrant workers

189.Information on children whose parents are working abroad is compiled based on administrative data from relevant ministries and departments and the results of sample surveys of household budgets.

(h)Prevention of statelessness

190.Registration is carried out by law enforcement agencies and the immigration service. Interdepartmental efforts to register the population and prevent statelessness among children are carried out on an ongoing basis.

(i)Migrant and refugee children

191.The data is collected by immigration authorities. Children of migrants and refugees are provided with full access to essential basic services in accordance with the law.

(j)Ethnic minorities

192.Official statistical data are collected and disaggregated by ethnic origin through population censuses, with information on ethnic affiliation provided by respondents on a strictly voluntary basis. According to the 2020 population and housing census, the population comprises members of a wide range of ethnic groups, with 83 ethnic groups represented in the country. Specifically, the Lyuli ethnic group has a population of 3,365 people, of whom 1,739 are men and 1,626 are women. Compared with the 2010 population and housing census, the population of Lyuli increased by 1,031 people, or 44.2%.

(k)Prohibition of the worst forms of child labour

193.The information is compiled by the Ministry of Labour, Migration and Employment and bodies of the State labour inspectorate. During the reporting period, efforts to prevent and eliminate the worst forms of child labour were significantly increased.

(l)Child victims of trafficking

194.The data is collected by law enforcement agencies and specialized interdepartmental commissions. Child victims of trafficking are provided with a range of protection, rehabilitation and reintegration services.

(m)Children in street situations

195.Records are maintained by law enforcement agencies and institutions of the social protection system. Programmes aimed at returning children to their family environment and providing them with alternative forms of care are being implemented systematically.

(n)Child poverty indicators

196.Data on individuals living in poverty are compiled on the basis of regular household budget surveys. Between 2021 and 2023, there was a steady decline in child poverty. Over the period in question, the national rate of child monetary poverty fell from 27.2% to 20.4%. The main reason for this decline is the overall economic recovery following the pandemic, which has been particularly evident in urban areas. At the same time, the rate of decline in child poverty in urban areas was, on average, 2.8 times higher than in rural areas.

(o)Consideration of offences against children

197.Reports of offences against children are registered by law enforcement bodies and adjudicated by the courts in strict accordance with procedural law.

(p)Prevention of child suicide

198.Data on suicide cases and attempts are analysed in detail by health and internal affairs authorities with the aim of developing and implementing effective interdepartmental preventive measures.

Replies to the questions raised in paragraph 19

(a)Restoration of family links

199.Information about children separated from their families is collected by agencies of tutorship or guardianship. The relevant authorities are taking comprehensive measures to trace relatives and reunite families.

(b)Information on the number of children in residential care homes

200.Information on the number of children in residential care institutions in the health sector:

	Institution	Total number of children	Sex	Age
Boys	Girls	5–9	10–14	15–18
1	Yavan District Residential Home for Older Persons and Persons with Disabilities	39	24	15	3	14	22
2	Jabbor Rasulov District Residential Home for Persons with Psychoneurological Disorders	55	35	20	4	21	30
3	Chorbog National Centre for the Rehabilitation of Children with Disabilities in Varzob district	199	137	62	43	98	58
Total	293	196	97	50	133	110
4	Family and Child Support Centre No. 1, Dushanbe	59	30	29	4	28	27
5	Family and Child Support Centre No. 2, Dushanbe	81	54	27	1	26	54
6	Family and Child Support Centre, Khujand	28	12	16	5	8	15
7	Family and Child Support Centre, Istaravshan	13	7	6	2	5	6
Total	181	103	78	12	67	102

201.Information on the number of children in residential care institutions in the education sector:

No.	Year	Number of institutions	Total number of students	Girls
1	2023	61	7 089	2 098
2	2024	61	7 037	2 162
3	2025	61	7 173	2 448

(c)Registration of foster families

202.Foster families are registered by the agencies of tutorship and guardianship. Children and foster families are provided with comprehensive social and psychological support on an ongoing basis.

(d)Children available for adoption

203.Information on children declared legally available for adoption is compiled and maintained by agencies of tutorship or guardianship in accordance with the established procedure. When determining a child’s legal status, primary consideration is given to the best interests of the child and to compliance with all procedural safeguards provided for under national legislation.

(e)Domestic adoption

204.Records of domestic adoptions are maintained by civil registry offices and agencies of tutorship or guardianship. The State promotes domestic adoption through legislation as the preferred form of care for children without parental care and carries out regular post-adoption monitoring.

Replies to the questions raised in paragraph 20

(a)Children with disabilities in families

205.Most children with disabilities live at home with their families and receive the necessary social, medical and educational support in their communities.

206.Information on children with disabilities registered with social protection authorities

	2021	2022	2023	2024
Total number of children with disabilities under the age of 18 who receive social pensions	31 810	32 382	33 074	34 034
Including:
Boys	19 090	17 162	19 495	19 739
Girls	12 720	15 220	13 579	14 295

(b)Specialized care and deinstitutionalization

207.Some children with severe disabilities remain temporarily in specialized institutions as the State continues the gradual implementation of its deinstitutionalization policy.

Total number of children with disabilities receiving formal care in residential institutions	2021	2022	2023
Including:	2 044	2 232	2 430
Boys	1 351	1 460	1 577
Girls	693	772	853

(c)Inclusive preschool education

208.Access to preschool education for children with disabilities, including inclusive programmes, is being systematically expanded.

	2023	2024	2025
Total	Of whom, girls	Total	Of whom, girls	Total	Of whom, girls
Mental and physical illness	131	39	151	48	434	150
Children who are blind or have visual impairments	180	83	183	90	186	78
Deaf and hard-of-hearing children	20	10	26	7	22	9
Deaf children	20	11	8	5	19	10
Mute children	20	12	19	7	20	4
Children with cerebral palsy	21	9	20	10	13	6
Total	392	164	407	167	694	257

(d)Inclusive education in primary schools

209.Measures are being implemented to promote inclusive education and improve the accessibility of school infrastructure. Administrative data show the number of children enrolled in inclusive classes at general education schools. Information on the number of children with disabilities enrolled in grades 1–4:

	2023/24	2024/25	2025/26
Total	Of whom, girls	Total	Of whom, girls	Total	Of whom, girls
Mental and physical illness	1 262	435	1 135	374	1 138	350
Children who are blind or have visual impairments	672	315	702	301	586	276
Deaf and hard-of-hearing children	205	83	181	74	167	70
Deaf children	107	51	262	119	244	113
Mute children	347	156	78	28	197	79
Children with cerebral palsy	426	148	525	199	371	143
Total	3 019	1 188	2 883	1 095	2 703	1 031

(e)Inclusive education in lower and upper secondary schools

210.Continuous follow-up and support are provided to students with disabilities in general education schools. The data is recorded as part of the overall system of education statistics. Information on the number of children with disabilities enrolled in grades 5–11:

	2023/24	2024/25	2025/26
Total	Of whom, girls	Total	Of whom, girls	Total	Of whom, girls
Mental and physical illness	1 666	576	1 619	559	1 826	645
Children who are blind or have visual impairments	1 181	586	1 375	653	1 214	579
Deaf and hard-of-hearing children	215	82	219	92	240	91
Deaf children	153	72	344	128	348	123
Mute children	408	160	93	49	268	123
Children with cerebral palsy	799	312	927	351	712	290
Total	4 422	1 788	4 577	1 832	4 608	1 851

(f)Individualized programmes

211.Children with special needs are provided with individualized, adapted educational programmes, educational support assistants and specialized support services, as part of inclusive education.

(g)Special educational institutions

212.The education system includes special residential and semi-residential educational institutions for children with special educational needs. Information on the number of children enrolled in special education institutions:

No.	School year	Number of teachers	Total	Of whom, girls
1	2023	13	2 430	786
2	2024	13	2 369	822
3	2025	13	2 390	802

(h)Home schooling

213.For children receiving home-based education, all necessary measures are taken to ensure their continuous participation in the educational process and the progressive removal of physical and communication barriers. One of the key ways of ensuring universal access to education is to provide home-based instruction for children with complex disabilities. Information on the number of children with disabilities who are homeschooled:

No.	School year	Total	Of whom, girls
1	2023	972	375
2	2024	981	380
3	2025	995	386

(i)Coordination of guardianship measures

214.The information is compiled on the basis of consolidated data from social protection agencies and agencies of tutorship or guardianship. Guardianship and social protection agencies are taking immediate steps to place such children in family settings and ensure that they receive appropriate professional care.

Replies to the questions raised in paragraph 21

(a)Juvenile justice statistics

215.In 2025, the courts considered 666 criminal cases involving 875 children, compared with 576 cases involving 724 children in 2024. Of the children concerned, 36 were girls, compared with 29 in 2024. The courts imposed custodial sentences on 177 children, compared with 160 in 2024. By age group, 247 children were between 14 and 16 years of age at the time of the offence, compared with 176 in 2024, while 632 were between 16 and 18 years of age, compared with 538 in 2024. In 2025, 66 children were held in pretrial detention facilities, the same number as in 2024 (66) and up from 50 in 2023. All were between 14 and 18 years of age.

(b)Alternative justice measures

216.As part of the administration of justice, the use of restorative justice measures and alternatives to detention is being further expanded. In 2025, courts terminated 20 criminal cases involving children and imposed compulsory educational measures, demonstrating the growing use of alternatives to criminal punishment.

(c)Trends in pretrial detention centres

217.In 2025, 66 children were held in pretrial detention facilities, the same number as in 2024 (66) and up from 50 in 2023. All were between 14 and 18 years of age.

(d)Separate detention from adults

218.The relevant government bodies take strict measures to prevent the joint detention of children and adults. Current legislation expressly requires that children and adults be held separately at all stages of criminal proceedings and during the serving of sentences.

(e)Statistics on the serving of sentences

219.In 2025, the courts heard 666 criminal cases involving children, of which 635 resulted in convictions. In 2025, 117 young offenders were serving custodial sentences. Of these, 116 were held in a specialized correctional facility for young offenders and 1 in a women’s correctional facility. For comparison, 120 young offenders were serving custodial sentences in 2024 and 85 in 2023. All of them served their sentences exclusively in a juvenile correctional facility.

Replies to the questions raised in paragraph 22

Integration of the Sustainable Development Goals

220.The implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals is carried out in accordance with the fundamental principles of the Convention. National long-term strategies and sectoral programmes incorporate the principles of child participation, non-discrimination and the best interests of the child and the systematic collection of disaggregated statistical data. A dedicated interdepartmental working group has been established under the Statistics Agency, and standardized methodologies and reporting forms have been adopted to monitor and assess the impact of government measures on the situation of children in the country.

Replies to the questions raised in paragraph 23

Updated data and international developments

221.The State Party regularly updates and verifies statistical and analytical data relating to the protection of children’s rights. In the context of international protection of children’s rights and manifestations of hatred and violence beyond the country’s borders, Tajikistan wishes to draw attention to an incident that occurred on 16 December 2025 at a school in the Odintsovo District of Moscow Oblast in the Russian Federation, where, motivated by ethnic intolerance, a 15-year-old student, Timofei Kulyamov, murdered a 10-year-old Tajik national, Kobiljon Aliev.

Replies to the questions raised in paragraph 24

Priority areas and regional cooperation

222.The key priority areas of Tajikistan for the long-term implementation of the Convention include:

Promoting inclusive, safe and quality education

Strengthening the national child protection system

Preventing all forms of violence, exploitation and abuse

Pursuing deinstitutionalization and expanding alternative family-based care

Protecting the health of children and adolescents and providing quality healthcare

Strengthening the child justice system and bringing it further into line with child‑friendly and juvenile justice standards

223.The protection of children’s rights and the realization of their best interests depend to a large extent on effective regional and international cooperation among relevant human rights institutions.