On 8 April, the Tajik National Association of Independent Media (NANSMIT) celebrated its 10-th anniversary. Ten years ago, a group of likeminded people gathered in the city of Kairakum to protect their professional rights and make their input in the development of the free press in Tajikistan.

Ten years is just a small step in the history; however, over the last decade, NANSMIT has turned into a sustainable and functional organization with its own structure, a constant staff and its own ideological position in the Tajik society. Annually, NANSMIT implements 3-5 projects, out of which at least two are implemented on a volunteer or self-financing basis.

At the current stage, NANSMIT’s main priorities are focused on legal and ethical standards of journalism. Along with that, NANSMIT is involved in the development of media legislation, especially in the issues of decriminalization of libel, defamation, business reputation – issues widely seen as controversial and serving as a ground for persecution of journalists for criticism of public servants.

Another important task is professional training of young journalists and cooperation with media organizations. NANSMIT focuses its educational efforts on the investigative journalism, trying to increase the number of publications in the domestic media covering the issues of socio-political developments, economy and politics.
The Association is also involved in the creation of a media trade union in order to facilitate in protecting professional rights of journalists and improving their social conditions.
“We are receiving appreciation from our colleagues, partners and donors”, — says Nuriddin Karshibaev, chairman of NANSMIT. – “However, we have achieved just a little of what had been planned. Confucius said: “A thousand-mile way starts from a little step”, and our Association has already made a few sound steps. We are not going to turn aside from this way – the way of development of the free media in Tajikistan”.

Additional information about NANSMIT can be received from NANSMIT office in Dushanbe, 34 Khuseinzoda St.
Contact person: Abdufattokh Vokhidov, coordinator of the Monitoring Service
Tel/Fax: (992 37) 221-37-11, 223-09-68; e-mail: coordinator@nansmit.tj

www.nansmit.tj