Tajikistan

Improve the lives of people in rural Tajikistan

Since the end of the civil war in 1997, Mission East has helped thousands of people in Tajikistan’s rural communities with clean water and latrines, livelihoods training and help to better prepare for disasters. We have also promoted the rights and inclusion of vulnerable groups such as people living with disabilities.

Tajikistan is a former Soviet republic in Central Asia, and life in this land-locked country is difficult. More than ninety percent of the mountainous territory is unsuitable for human habitation, and the country is prone to natural hazards, such as earthquakes, floods, fires, and avalanches. Employment rates are low, and existing health and educational facilities limited and in a poor state.

Dreng med handicap leger på Mission Øst-center.

Mission East works in the some of the most remote parts of Tajikistan – the provinces of Gorno-Badakhshan, Khatlon and Sughd – where we help communities build a better life and voice their rights towards government and international donors. Our work has improved the living standards for the rural population significantly with communities experiencing a decrease in waterborne diseases and mountain villages becoming more resilient to natural disasters.

Mission East is also a major national actor promoting inclusion of the most vulnerable: together with Tajik organisations we run advocacy and rehabilitation programmes for people living with disabilities. Hundreds of children with disabilities receive and are guaranteed long-term physio and occupational therapy services via locally-run centers equipped by Mission East who also provides training to local staff. We also organise free legal assistance for girls and women, thereby giving them access to the land and property they are entitled to.

In the early days of our presence, starting right after the signing of the peace accord in June 1997, we distributed relief goods. This was soon followed by community-based water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) projects, agricultural development, and disaster risk reduction (DRR). Mission East is now one of the lead WASH and DRR agencies in the country.

Help ensure a life of health and dignity for Tajikistan’s rural population!