Baroness Vivien Stern completes her official trip to Tajikistan
Baroness Vivien Stern, member of the British Parliament’s House of Lords visited Tajikistan from 22 to 29 May 2014.
Baroness Vivien Stern and HM Ambassador Robin Ord-Smith
Baroness Vivien Stern completed her fourth visit to Tajikistan yesterday. The aim was to continue her dialogue on Prison Reform and Human Rights as well as to promote Parliamentary relations. In a full and interesting program the Baroness met with government as well as non-government representatives, including, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Sirojidin Aslov, First Deputy Minister of Interior Mr. Abdurahmon Buzmakov, the Prosecutor General Mr. Sherhon Salimzoda, Ombudsman Mr. Zarif Alizoda, lawyers and the Deputy Leaders of the Islamic Rebirth Party of Tajikistan Mr.Saidumar Husayni and Mahmadali Khayit. The Baroness also had an opportunity to meet with the chairmen of the Human Rights and Legislation Parliamentary Committee Mr. Khudoyorzoda Bakhtiyor Tavar and Interparliamentary Cooperation Committee Mr. Farhod Rahimov.
In addition, Baroness Stern met with a number of local NGOs of Tajikistan.
Baroness Stern also had the opportunity to engage with young Tajik diplomats in a briefing on interparliamentary relations and the role of the UK Parliament in democratic life.
Baroness Stern visited the Juvenile Detention facility in Dushanbe together with Mr. Izatullo Sharipov, deputy Minister of Justice and head of Department of Execution of Criminal Sentences. She also visited the Women’s Detention Facility in Nurek. In addition, she visited a Women’s Wealth and Influence project supported by the UK Department for International Development and implemented by Save the Children Fund, Tajikistan. In Khuroson district she met with a group of inspirational women of Khuroson District.
At the end of her visit Baroness Stern said:
I am always delighted to visit this beautiful country. And I am encouraged to see that there has been progress since my last visit. I was delighted to meet with Foreign Minister Aslov and to discuss with the Tajik Parliament how to further build on the growing relationship between our Parliaments and two countries. I look forward to welcoming Mr. Aslov and his delegation to the British Parliament when they visit on July.