DUSHANBE, December 20, 2012, Asia-Plus – The United Nations agencies operating in Tajikistan have welcomed the passage of the law against domestic violence in Tajikistan.

In a statement released on December 20, Mr. Alexander Zuyev, UN Resident Coordinator/UNDP Resident Representative in Tajikistan on behalf of the United Nations and all the UN agencies active in Tajikistan has welcomed Tajik parliament’s decision to pass the domestic violence prevention law.

“It is a very important step, demonstrating Tajikistan’s adherence to democratic principles, observance of human rights and protection of the vulnerable groups of the population,” the statement said.

UN resident coordinator/UNDP resident representative in Tajikistan expressed confidence that with the passage of the law against domestic violence an efficient mechanism of preventing domestic violence and countering the effects of domestic violence has appeared in the country.

According to him, the law will allow coordinating efforts of the ministries, organizations, NGOs, international and human rights organizations and introducing a system approach to seeking solution to the problem of domestic violence.

We will recall that Tajik parliament passed the country''s first law specifically targeting domestic violence on December 19. 

Tajik MPs have reportedly studied experience of Indonesia, Turkey, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Moldova while drafting the domestic violence prevention law.

The law determines ways of providing legal, medical and psychological assistance to the domestic violence victims.  It sets up administrative measures to deal with domestic violence, including up to 15 days’ imprisonment and fines for offenders.  The also includes a statement that the elderly should play an active role in preventing domestic violence among young families.  The advice of elders carries significant weight in traditional Tajik society.