In response to government hostility toward civil society groups, the Open Society Institute Assistance Foundation–Tajikistan has been a key supporter of nongovernmental organizations seeking to continue their work. Facing severe state regulations, a coalition of groups led by the foundation has worked to monitor government implementation of media laws and call attention to abuses.
The foundation’s public health advocacy has fostered policy reforms that have brought Tajikistan up to international standards for patients’ rights and access to HIV prevention and treatment. It has also helped secure major international funding for drug demand reduction services around the country.
To promote media independence and professionalism, the foundation has helped establish the country’s first association of journalism teachers, which focuses on developing courses on journalism ethics, media management, and the relationship between law and journalism. In the area of education, the foundation’s advocacy efforts have resulted in a major reform of the university admissions system as well as increased government support for education for children with special needs.