Position of the Republic of Tajikistan

on Priority Issues of the Agenda of the

71st session of the UNGA

1. Tajikistan is convinced that during the forthcoming UNGA 71st session the UN will be able to continue and enhance the positive dynamics of the implementation of the Outcome document of the Summit on Sustainable Development and other basic decisions of the UNGA 70th session.  The United Nations, the most universal and reputable international organization, remains the main universal platform for achieving consensus on the key issues of international security and development, as well as for coordinating joint and consistent efforts of the international community at meeting global challenges and  risks of a new generation. The UN Charter norms and principles retain their fundamental significance in the international relations.

2. It is not possible to address new issues without strengthening and reforming the entire UN system. The comprehensive reform of the UN should contribute to strengthening and enhancing of its capacity to timely and adequately respond to the developments around the world, and to efficiently address today’s challenges and threats. The principles for the UN reform should be in harmony with the principles and goals of the UN Charter.

We support the constructive discussions, within the framework of the Ad Hoc Working Group, on revitalization of the work of the UN General Assembly (AHWG), aimed at searching for ways of enhancing the role and efficiency of the GA.

The reform of the Security Council (SC) is an integral part of the comprehensive reform of the UN. We call for an equitable representation in the Security Council and enlargement of its membership in both categories. We are interested in a broad and equitable representation of interests of developing countries during the SC reform.

3. The UN plays the central role in the organization of a timely and coordinated response to conflicts in the world and regions.  The success of actions in prevention and settlement of conflicts depends on efficient use of tools of preventive diplomacy and mediation, concerted search for diplomatic and peaceful ways of resolving crises and disputes, broadening of interaction and partnership with regional and subregional organizations.

Measures on post conflict rehabilitation should include an efficient  interaction with the host governments, reinforcement of national potential and government institutions, introduction of effective mechanisms of mobilization and coordination of external resources, real assistance in rehabilitating the foundation and infrastructures for development, and addressing economic and social issues.

The UN peacemaking activities, including peacekeeping operations and special political missions, are vital tools for maintenance of international peace and security, settlement of conflicts, and post-conflict rehabilitation. Taking into account the ever-increasing needs in peacemaking activities, we enhance the participation of the Tajikistan’s police officers in the UN peacekeeping operations.

4. Stable peace in the Middle East can be achieved only through a decision based on peaceful coexistence of two independent states, Palestine and Israel. We support the willingness of Palestine to take its place in the national community as a full-fledged member. We stand for a speedy resumption of negotiations between the State of Palestine and Israel.

5. We support the efforts of Afghanistan at building up and reinforcing the progress in addressing the issues of the transit period, strengthening of the national dialogue and reconciliation, and post-conflict economic rehabilitation. We call for expanding a targeted assistance to Afghanistan aimed at economic rehabilitation, strengthening of the social sphere and creation of new jobs in the country.

Involvement of Afghanistan into the process of a multifaceted regional cooperation is key for success of the efforts undertaken by the international community. We are willing to take part in the rehabilitation of the social and economic infrastructure of Afghanistan through connecting the transport arteries of our two countries, creating an “energy bridge” CASA1000, providing the Afghan population with essential commodities and training specialists.

6. Strengthening of multilateral mechanisms of control over weapons, disarmament and non-proliferation is key to maintaining global security and stability. Establishment of nuclear free zones is an important component of nuclear disarmament and non- proliferation, expanding of cooperation on peaceful use of nuclear energy, and strengthening of regional and international peace and security. We attach special importance to the acceleration of ratification of the Protocol to the Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free-Zone Treaty signed on May 6, 2014 at the margins of the 3-d NPT PrepCom Conference. We call for a speedy enforcement of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).

7. We attach much importance to the efficient implementation of the Convention on the prohibition of the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of anti-personal mines and on their destruction (the Ottawa Convention). We actively call for Central Asia free from mines threat and strengthening of cooperation in the field of humanitarian demining.

8. The response to the ever-increasing threat of terrorism and violent extremism, the global challenge of today, should be comprehensive, with the UN as a key coordinator. The UN global counter terrorism strategy, the UNGA and UNSC resolutions, and the UN counterterrorism conventions form the backbone of joint fight against terrorism.  The efforts should be focused on elimination of military infrastructure of international terrorism and blockage of the channels of its political, military and financial support, prevention of use of Internet for radicalization of moods, for recruiting and propaganda of extremism and violence.

Regional organizations play an important role in combating terrorism and extremism.  We call for expanding the cooperation between the UN CTC and regional organizations, including OSCE, SCO, CSTO and CIS.

9. Prevention of illicit drug trafficking that has turned into a breeding ground for terrorism and organized crime, requires joint and coordinated actions on the regional and international levels, within the framework of the three UN conventions on narcotic drugs . During the period of its membership in the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs Tajikistan will focus its efforts on broadening efficient interaction and cooperation on combating the increase of a global   narcotic threat.

The UN General Assembly Special Session on Drugs (UNGASS) 2016 provided an unprecedented opportunity for searching for new and additional ways of strengthening of interaction and cooperation on combating the roots and impact of the world drugs problem. Tajikistan supports the UNGASS Outcome document and hopes that member states and international organizations will strengthen their cooperation on the implementation of the UNGASS Outcome document.

10. Accelerated spread of information and communication technologies (ICT) not only provides broad opportunities for development but also poses new and complex problems in the field of security.  We support the activities of the United Nations Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on Developments in the Field of Information and Telecommunications in the Context of International Security. We believe that the efforts should be aimed at preventing ill-intended use of ICT, preventing illegal actions involving use of ICT, expanding of information exchange and mutual support for preventing illegal actions involving criminal use of ICT, and also at confidence building, cooperation and capacity building.

11. The UN Human Rights Council (UN HRC) is a central forum for facilitating a dialogue and cooperation in the field of promotion and protection of human rights.  Our view is that the UN HRC should promote universal respect and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, without any distinction, on a just and equitable basis. We believe that in its decision-making the UN HRC should be guided by the principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity, nonselectivity, and a constructive dialogue, with the aim to promote and protect human rights the world over.

The main priorities pursued by Tajikistan in HRC are strengthening of international mechanisms of human rights protection, bona fide enforcement of the commitments undertaken in this area, expanding of multilateral cooperation in the field of promotion and protection of human rights. We support the continuation of a constructive dialogue within the implementation of second cycle of the Universal Periodic Review. In May 2016 Tajikistan submitted the 2nd National report, within the procedure of the Universal Periodic Review.

12. We condemn all forms of discriminations, in particular, racism, xenophobia and related intolerance that ignores human rights and insults human faith, dignity, culture, nationality and other human values. We support comprehensive implementation of and the follow-up to the Durban Declaration and Program of Action.

13. We note the central role of the UN in combating human trafficking, which turned into one of the worst forms of violation of human rights and freedoms. More attention should be paid to the strategies aimed at protection and rehabilitation of victims of human trafficking. Setting up regional and international mechanisms of cooperation to combat human trafficking is an important component in the struggle against this evil. We participate in the work of the Group of Friends united against human trafficking.

14. The UN Commission on the Status of Women is the main intergovernmental forum for promotion of gender equality, empowerment of women and increasing their participation in all spheres of life. It is essential that the Commission aim its efforts at the search for ways of active and creative involvement of women in the process of achieving sustainable development goals and eliminating all forms of violence against women.

15. The Outcome document adopted by the UN Sustainable Development Summit entitled Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development  provides a collective vision, which during next 15 years will be guiding our efforts in eradication of poverty and inequality, promotion and introduction of sustainable  production and consumption, protection and rational use of natural resources, promotion of sustainable economic growth and social integration, creation of employment opportunities and dignified job for everyone. Our hope is that member states will undertake all possible efforts to meet their commitments with regard to the 2030 Agenda.

16. The plans and programs of action in the field of sustainable development should be reinforced by adequate means of implementation, in particular, by mobilization of additional financial recourses, reduction of burden of external debts, expanding of technology transfers and reinforcement of national capacity. In this regard, efficient implementation of the decisions of the Third International conference on Financing for Development (Addis Ababa, July 13-16, 2015) acquires special importance.

17. The High Level Political Forum on sustainable development is called to become an effective and universal platform for a regular and constructive dialogue and review of progress in the implementation of the SDGs, and for development and coordination of subsequent actions on achieving sustainable development.

18. The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is the central intergovernmental forum for discussion of social, economic and ecological issues of the UN agenda. We have been actively participating in the following ECOSOC subsidiary bodies:  Commission on Narcotic Drugs and Commission on the Status of Women. Tajikistan is willing to make its contribution to the implementation of the new post-2015 program of action. As a member of the ECOSOC for the term of 2017-2019 Tajikistan is willing to do everything in its capacity to expand and coordinate efforts at addressing the complex issues of development and achieving the SDGs.

19. Access to modern and cost efficient energy services is key to achieving sustainable development. We believe it is essential to intensify the efforts of the UNGA and ECOSOC, and “UN-Energy” at providing a wide access to energy. Tajikistan actively supports the initiative of the UN Secretary-General “Sustainable energy for all” and the International Decade of sustainable energy for all, 2014-2024.

20. Lack of access to sea complicates integration of land locked developing countries (LLDC) into the system of multilateral trade and has a negative impact on other aspects of sustainable development. We call for the provision of a regime of preferential treatment in trade to the LLDCs. We call for elimination of all artificial and economically unsubstantiated barriers and obstacles in transport and communications that do not contribute to development and strengthening of cooperation and partnership.

21. Climate change is a serious and complex challenge that undermines the efforts of the international community at achieving sustainable development. The response to this challenge should be coordinated and should be based on short- and long-term measures. It is essential to strengthen the existing financial mechanisms and create effective mechanisms for technology transfer and promotion of development of the developing countries’ capacity for adaptation to climate change. We attach much importance to speeding up the process of ratification and enforcement of the Paris Agreement on climate change. Tajikistan plans to introduce this year a system of regular (once in 2 years) accounting and reporting of greenhouse gases.

22 .Climate change also brings about natural disasters, whose intensity and frequency have been increasing, and which seriously affect the achievement of sustainable development. It is necessary to strengthen, under the UN coordination, the cooperation on risks reduction and mitigation of consequences of natural disasters. We attach particular importance to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, which is called upon to promote improvement of systems of early warning, to increase investments in programs on natural disasters risk reduction   and to render financial assistance to developing countries.

23. The High level events held last year in accordance with UNGA resolution 69/215, noted the progress made in the implementation of the International Decade of Action “Water for Life”, 2005-2015” and called to intensify the efforts at the implementation of the SDGs, to improve coordination of actions undertaken by member states, international and regional organizations, and to broaden water cooperation and diplomacy. In addition, the High-level International Conference on the Implementation of the International Decade held in Dushanbe on 9-10 June 2015 recommended considering the ways of preparation and declaration of a new International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”.

In oder to promote the implementation of the new UN water agenda the Government of Tajikistan, in cooperation with the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA), organized a High level Symposium on SDG6 and Targets “Ensuring that no one is left behind in access to water and sanitation”, which was held in Dushanbe on August 9-11, 2016.

The Symposium focused on  discussing the ways of capacity building of national governments and local authorities for advancing integrated management of water resources;  sharing knowledge and expertise in innovative practices on improving  access to water, sanitation and hygiene, increasing efficiency of water use, reducing water polution, water basins and ecosystems protection, advancement of international cooperation and partnerships; development of regional and multilateral cooperation and advancement of specific partnerships initiatives on the implementation of SDG6 and Targets.

The Symposium adopted the outcome document entitled “The Dushanbe Call for Action”, which alongside with other recommendations, calls for the support of a new International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”. In this regard, we intend, in cooperation with the other interested member states, to advance at the 71st UNGA session a relevant draft resolution of the 2nd Committee, and sincerely hope that all member states will render us support in this endevour.