After serving time in prison, ex-prisoners often face significant challenges reintegrating into society. One of the most prominent obstacles is the stigma of a "criminal record," which hinders their ability to find suitable employment. Employers may be reluctant to hire ex-convicts due to concerns about their reputation, fear of recidivism, or other factors. As a result, many ex-prisoners are forced into temporary or informal jobs, making their return to normal life more challenging.
Strategies for Successful Reintegration
One effective way to address these challenges is through collaboration between government agencies and public organizations. An example of this approach is the project "Protection of Social, Economic, and Cultural Rights of Prisoners and Ex-Prisoners in Tajikistan," which involves cooperation between the Directorate of Criminal Punishment of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Tajikistan and public organizations. This project has implemented training courses within prisons and continued educational programs for ex-convicts after their release.
Since 2014, the public organization Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law has been working in this area, conducting training for ex-prisoners on business planning, personal development, and social entrepreneurship. Successful project proposals have been awarded grants to help ex-convicts start or expand their businesses.
Case Study: Valijon's Story
One example of success is Valijon (name changed), who spent eight months in prison in 2023 under Article 111 (deliberately causing moderate harm to health). After his release, he learned about the support program by the Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law and applied. With previous experience in car repair, he attended vocational training and decided to submit a business proposal in that field. After applying for a grant, the organization reviewed his working conditions and verified his expertise.
Valijon was awarded a grant that provided essential equipment, such as tools, an electric motor, a compressor, and other car repair accessories.
"Before going to prison, I was repairing cars, but I struggled with the high costs of renting equipment. Now, I have my own tools, which allow me to earn a living and help others," says Valijon.
Broader Impact and Future Goals
Alongside Valijon, ten other people received similar grants, enabling them to run small businesses successfully. Over nearly a decade, approximately 20 people have benefited from such grants within the project "Protection of Social, Economic, and Cultural Rights of Prisoners and Ex-Prisoners in Tajikistan." Training ex-prisoners in business and social entrepreneurship, combined with financial support, allows them not only to become self-sufficient but also to create employment opportunities for others.
According to Nargis Zokirova, the director of the Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law, "If ex-prisoners can find stable jobs and earn good salaries after their release, they are less likely to re-offend or join extremist groups. Therefore, it is crucial for the state and public organizations to focus on their reintegration into society."
The "Protection of Social, Economic, and Cultural Rights of Convicts and Ex-Convicts in Tajikistan" project, carried out by DVV International and its partners, aims to protect the rights of convicts and ex-convicts through vocational training, legal and psychological assistance, employment support, and other measures. The project is funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and is implemented through the International Representative Office of DVV in Tajikistan in partnership with the public organizations Jahon and the Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law.
Supporting ex-convicts through targeted programs, such as those implemented in Tajikistan, can significantly enhance their ability to reintegrate into society, reducing recidivism rates and contributing to social stability. Developing state programs and fostering partnerships between government bodies and civil society organizations are essential steps toward achieving the sustainable reintegration of ex-prisoners.
Text and photo: Faridun Kholboev
This material was prepared as part of the "Protection of Social, Economic, and Cultural Rights of Prisoners and Ex-Prisoners in Tajikistan" project, and its content does not necessarily reflect the views of the funders.
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