Social protection - The Times Of Central Asia

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Population

Central Asia’s Population Surpasses 80 Million, With Rapid Growth Expected to Continue

The population of Central Asia has reached a historic milestone, exceeding 80 million people as of December 2024. Projections indicate this figure could surpass 100 million by 2050, highlighting the region’s rapid demographic growth and the challenges it brings for sustainable development. Rapid Population Growth According to the Eurasian Development Bank’s (EDB) macroeconomic forecast, Central Asia’s population has grown by nearly one and a half times over the past 24 years, increasing by approximately one million people annually. Tajikistan and Uzbekistan lead the region in demographic growth. Tajikistan’s population reached 10 million at the beginning of 2024, marking an 80% increase since 1991. Uzbekistan, the region’s most populous country, has maintained an annual growth rate of 1.1–1.2%, with its population now exceeding 36.7 million. The region as a whole has a youthful demographic profile, with an average age of 26.2 years. Diverging Population Estimates PopulationPyramid.net estimates Central Asia’s 2024 population at over 82 million. The discrepancy with other sources likely arises from differing methodologies and data collection techniques. Despite this, all sources agree that the population has surpassed the 80 million mark. Future Projections and Challenges Central Asia’s population is expected to exceed 100 million by 2050. However, rapid demographic growth presents serious challenges for the region. Key concerns include: • Sustainable Economic Development: Ensuring that economic growth keeps pace with population increases. • Job Creation: Addressing the needs of a growing labor force. • Quality of Life: Improving access to education, healthcare, and essential services. Managing these issues will be a top priority for state policies in the coming decades, as governments seek to balance population growth with sustainable development.

Social protection

Animal Protection Activists’ Voice Concern Over Dog Meat Dishes in Uzbek Cafes

Uzbekistan’s animal protection society, Mehr va Oqibat, has raised concerns after receiving numerous complaints from locals and foreign visitors about cafes and restaurants in Uzbekistan offering dog meat dishes on their menus. Controversial Supply and Health Concerns According to Mehr va Oqibat, Uzbekistan lacks specialized farms for raising dogs for meat, unlike some other Asian countries. The organization suggests that state services responsible for capturing stray animals might be the primary suppliers of dog meat. Activists argue that the purported medicinal benefits of dog meat remain scientifically unproven. Additionally, they warn that dog meat can transmit viruses during preparation and consumption, posing potential health risks. Mehr va Oqibat has officially contacted Uzbekistan’s State Veterinary Committee and the Sanitary-Epidemiological Service to clarify whether dog meat consumption is permitted in Uzbekistan. The organization has also inquired as to whether cafes and restaurants have obtained official authorization to serve dog meat dishes. Cultural and Historical Context The consumption of dog meat in Uzbekistan, as well as in neighboring Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, is primarily linked to the Korean minorities residing in these countries. This practice is not widespread and is generally followed by small groups of ethnic Koreans and others, including Russians, Uzbeks, Kazakhs, and Kyrgyz, who consider it an “exotic” culinary choice. Ethnic Koreans were forcibly deported to Central Asia from the Russian Far East in the late 1930s under Joseph Stalin’s regime. Uzbekistan is now home to the largest Korean minority in Central Asia. As of 2023, over 200,000 ethnic Koreans lived in the country, according to the Uzbek Embassy in South Korea, making it the fifth-largest Korean diaspora in the world after the United States, China, Japan, and Canada. A Shift in Perspective The issue of dog meat consumption has garnered increasing attention globally. In January 2024, South Korea’s National Assembly passed a law banning the production and sale of dog meat, with the ban set to take effect in 2027. While dog meat consumption remains a niche practice in Uzbekistan, activists hope that raising awareness about ethical and health implications will encourage the authorities to address the issue comprehensively.

Employment

Tajikistan Seeks to Reduce the List of Prohibited Professions for Women

Tajikistan is taking steps to further reduce the list of professions prohibited for women, cutting the number from 334 to 194 in 2024. This initiative aims to expand women’s access to employment opportunities in industries previously deemed unsuitable. According to Shakhnoza Nodiri, Deputy Minister of Labor, Migration, and Employment of Tajikistan, the decision aligns with efforts to modernize production, automate processes, and enhance workplace safety, thereby making previously restricted jobs accessible to women. The list of banned professions was initially established to protect women’s health from the risks of heavy and hazardous work. However, it is increasingly viewed as a barrier to women’s professional growth. The recent changes are informed by international standards and the recommendations of the European Union, particularly to align with GSP+ preferences, which promote gender equality in the labor force. “By revising this list, we are enabling women to access new opportunities and strengthen their economic position,” Nodiri emphasized. Previously, the list included 336 prohibited professions, such as work in underground mines and other roles involving hazardous conditions. With advancements in technology, automation, and improved workplace conditions, 142 professions have been deemed safe for women. However, restrictions remain for roles involving particularly heavy or harmful work. Data from the Labor and Employment Agency show that in 2024, 29,296 women were employed, marking a 1.4% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This reflects growing opportunities for women in the labor market. The government plans to continue reducing the list of prohibited professions, aiming to allow women to participate fully in all sectors of the national economy. Article 216 of the Labor Code of Tajikistan prohibits women from working in heavy and underground industries. Employers who violate these regulations face administrative fines. Ongoing labor law reforms seek to strike a balance between safeguarding women’s health and ensuring their right to work. As Tajikistan modernizes its labor policies, the country moves closer to achieving a more inclusive and equitable workforce.

Human rights

Global Human Rights Body Condemns Inaction of Turkmenistan’s Ombudsman

The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (OHCHR-SCA) has issued sharp criticism of Turkmenistan’s Ombudsman Office. According to the Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA), the institution has failed to actively protect human rights despite credible reports of serious violations by state entities. One major concern highlighted by the SCA is the Ombudsman’s lack of responsiveness to appeals from human rights organizations. This raises doubts about its ability to engage in meaningful dialogue and cooperation with key stakeholders. The SCA also expressed alarm over the absence of transparency in how civil society is involved in ensuring the independence and impartiality of the Ombudsman’s operations. Furthermore, limited access for applicants and a poorly maintained website—last updated in February—underscore deficiencies in the institution’s functionality. The controversy surrounding Human Rights Ombudsman Yazdursun Gurbannazarova further fuels criticism. Last year, Gurbannazarova reportedly pressured journalist Soltan Achilova to cancel a planned trip to Geneva, a move widely condemned by observers. These actions reinforce the SCA’s assessment that the Ombudsman’s Office is not fulfilling its mandate. Turkmenistan has long faced scrutiny from human rights organizations for systematic violations. Amnesty International has reported widespread use of torture, denial of medical care to political prisoners, and persecution of opposition figures within and outside the country. Human Rights Watch has documented cases of intimidation, including threats against the families of dissidents living abroad. The SCA’s findings shed light on Turkmenistan’s ongoing challenges in addressing human rights concerns and underscore the need for reforms in its Ombudsman Office to meet international standards.

Social protection

Uzbekistan Engages Elders in Poverty Alleviation Efforts

In a unique initiative, Uzbekistan is involving community elders as mentors to support poor families. This program, outlined in a decree by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, seeks to reduce poverty and enhance living conditions for disadvantaged populations. Empowering Through Mentorship Under the “From Poverty to Prosperity” program, elders will mentor families in agricultural practices, promoting self-sufficiency through farming. The initiative also assists families in renting mobile stores and obtaining equipment to start small businesses. In addition to economic support, the program encourages healthy living. Mentors will educate families about balanced diets, physical activity, and disease prevention. Elders will also engage citizens in community service and address child-rearing issues within impoverished households. This approach combines the efforts of the state, society, and active citizens, creating a unique model of community-driven poverty alleviation in Uzbekistan. Comprehensive Anti-Poverty Measures The “From Poverty to Prosperity” program aims to lift 500,000 people out of poverty by the end of 2024 and an additional 1 million in 2025. In September 2024, Mirziyoyev approved initiatives focused on entrepreneurship, vocational training, and infrastructure development in low-income areas. In 2025, $1.6 billion will be allocated to infrastructure projects, including installing water pumps and solar panels in 300 underdeveloped neighborhoods. These measures aim to unlock the potential of citizens while encouraging personal responsibility for wellbeing.

Human rights

Turkmen Human Rights Activist Soltan Achilova Released After Forced Hospitalization

Renowned Turkmen journalist Soltan Achilova, along with her daughter and son-in-law, has been discharged from the infectious disease department of Choganly Hospital after six days of forced isolation. According to the Turkmenistan Chronicle portal, none of the three showed symptoms or signs of any infectious disease. Prior to their release, Achilova's apartment was disinfected, but authorities provided no explanation for their hospitalization or the results of medical tests conducted during their detention. The Times of Central Asia previously reported that Achilova and her relatives were hospitalized after a group of men in medical coats forcibly removed them from their home on November 20. This happened on a day when the journalist was scheduled to travel to Geneva to attend a Martin Ennals Foundation award ceremony, where her work was to be recognized. The timing has led to widespread speculation that the hospitalization was a calculated effort to prevent her attendance. While in isolation, doctors conducted blood tests and nasal swabs but failed to announce any diagnosis. Despite this, medical staff prescribed treatment, which Achilova refused, citing the absence of an explanation for her condition. The journalist's release was reportedly facilitated by diplomatic interventions from several countries and pressure from international human rights organizations. Although now safely home, the incident highlights the increasingly hostile environment for human rights defenders and independent journalists in Turkmenistan, a country notorious for its oppressive restrictions on free speech and movement.