Four non-governmental organizations of Central Asia have combined efforts to protect freedom of speech, rights of journalist and mass media in the region: the International Foundation for Freedom of Speech “Adil Soz”/ Kazakhstan; Public Association “Journalists”/ Kyrgyzstan; National Association of Independent Mass Media of Tajikistan “NANSMIT”; and Internews-Uzbekistan.

The joint project serves the purpose of developing the open civil society, helps the communities to exercise their right to receive all-embracing and unbiased information; and comprehensive reinforcement of democratic principles of freedom of speech in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

The project is backed by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

The Tajikistan’s portion of the project is done by the National Association of Independent Mass Media of Tajikistan “NANSMIT”. The organization was founded in April of 1999 and associates more than 35 independent print and broadcast media and media specialist NGOs in Tajikistan. Its chairman is Nuriddin Karshiboev.

The main objective of NANSMIT is to facilitate formation of democratic institutions by way of developing Tajik independent mass media. Its activities include protection of media rights, representation of member organizations to state authorities, and coordination of production and dissemination of television/ radio programs and print produce on the territory of Tajikistan.

The Association has given special significance to monitoring of violation of media rights. Ten assigned journalists work full time and contribute reports to the Monitoring from the capital and the cities of Khudjant, Kurgan-Tube, Kulyau, and Khorog. They are assisted by many volunteers in all Tajik provinces. Their work is coordinated by Nargis Zokirova and Mukhtor Bokizoda. Lawyer Orifjon Azimov furnishes the Monitoring with legal opinion, pertaining to the facts of violations of freedom of speech in the country.

Address:

National Association of Independent Mass Media of Tajikistan “NANSMIT”

Office 414, 34 Khusein Zade Street,

Dushanbe, 734025, Tajikistan

Phone: +(992-372) 21-37-11, 23-30-58

E-mail: nansmit@tojikiston.com