LEGAL EDUCATION – AS A RARE AND PRICELESS PHENOMENON

The founder of peace and national unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, in his annual message to the Supreme Assembly of the country on “On the main directions of the domestic and foreign policy of the republic,” declared 2024 the “Year of Legal Education.” This declaration aims to increase the level of legal knowledge and civic education and marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption of The Constitution of the Republic of Tajikistan, supporting the country’s civil society.

Legal education reflects the historically determined level of societal development and embodies the creative power and abilities of individuals, as well as the relationships among society members in creating material and spiritual values. It is an integral part of spiritual culture, based on a system of knowledge, value definitions, psychological feelings rooted in recognition and respect for human dignity, rights, and freedoms, along with the possession of skills and abilities for their implementation and protection. The level of legal knowledge and legal practice of an individual manifests legal education.

High-quality legal education serves as the foundation of a democratic society and indicates the maturity of the legal system. It influences the regulation of various life processes, fostering the unification of citizens and social groups, strengthening societal bonds, and maintaining order.

Compliance with the law and adherence to the country’s legislative norms in daily practice are integral elements of legal education, leading to an increased legal culture among the population.

Respect for the law is fundamental to a legal society and the effective functioning of the political and legal system.

Enhancing the legal education of citizens is a crucial and priority task for countries committed to building a democratic and legal state.

The adoption of the Constitution during the country’s period of independence on November 6, 1994, as a document of supreme legal force, established the Republic of Tajikistan as a sovereign, democratic, legal, secular, united, and social state, defining new directions for societal development.

Recognition of the highest value of human beings, their rights and freedoms, the development of social life based on political pluralism, support for the principle of the division of state power, guarantees of free economic activity and entrepreneurship, and acknowledgment of property diversity, especially private property, are among the achievements forming the basis for the quality development of the new state and society.

The enactment of laws aimed at ensuring a decent life is a part of the tangible actions taken by the Government, represented by the Parliament. The other aspect involves high-quality execution and full compliance with the requirements of the adopted legislation.

In this context, the concept of “legal education” emerges. To understand its meaning, we can draw parallels with family upbringing.

Respect for parents, proper upbringing of children, adherence to rules and norms, and avoidance of negative behavior are deeply ingrained in the family education of the Tajik people from time immemorial.

In this regard, it’s noteworthy and prideful that Tajik family education is unparalleled in any other country. This phenomenon is most evident in the works of our ancestors, guiding adolescents and youth towards respect for national and traditional values.

It’s evident that achieving legal education among citizens is not an overnight endeavor; it requires continuous effort over time through family, school, education, and active community participation.

The core of the legal policy of the Republic of Tajikistan centers on upholding human rights and freedoms, political pluralism, equality of various forms of property, and is directed towards mitigating the negative consequences of globalization, countering global risks and threats (terrorism, extremism), bribery, and other dangerous phenomena, aimed at safeguarding the country’s information space from modern world information risks.

A high level of legal education among citizens, directly influenced by the quality and accessibility of legal information, can lead to increased respect for the law and other regulatory legal acts, a reduction in legal nihilism, and the promotion of a person’s conviction in legal behavior, fostering responsibility for compliance with regulatory legal acts, ensuring a sense of complete freedom and security for citizens in society.

Legal education of citizens has consistently been a focal point for the country’s leadership. On November 5, 2009, during a speech marking the 15th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Tajikistan, the President stated: “Respect, observance, and implementation of the Constitution, laws, and other legal documents require high professional knowledge and education from both officials and citizens.”

It’s crucial to note that ensuring compliance with current legislation necessitates legal education and training of citizens. To further enhance legal education, by the Decree of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan dated November 27, 2019, No. 599, the “Program of legal education and training of citizens of the Republic of Tajikistan” was established for 2020-2030.

According to paragraph 5 of this Program, a high level of legal education and legal advocacy will create conditions for citizens to exercise their rights, assume responsibility, and access equal opportunities, including legal avenues through the rule of law, aiding the Republic of Tajikistan in achieving its aspirations to join the ranks of the world’s developed nations.

Addressing existing challenges necessitates raising the level of legal education, training, and awareness among citizens. In modern times, regardless of citizens’ engagement in legal relations, they must be aware of legal norms’ requirements. Skillful and informed use of legal information can help citizens address problems related to legal knowledge without facing negative legal consequences.

Another vital aspect arising from the Republic of Tajikistan Constitution’s recognition of the Year of Legal Education pertains to “the complex and alarming situation in the region and the world, including the growing process of world redivision, rapid armament, the Cold War,” modern threats and dangers such as terrorism and extremism, arms trafficking, cybercrime, and other transnational organized crimes.”

In essence, ensuring the country’s security, societal stability, and individual safety mandates that each of us possess modern knowledge and be aware of the geopolitical maneuvers of global and regional superpowers. More than ever before, even compared to the era of the civil war and its aftermath, we must act decisively to achieve national objectives.

Consequently, declaring 2024 as the Year of Legal Education signifies a new stage in societal development. Having navigated the complex initial years of state independence under the leadership of the nation’s leader, overcoming the repercussions of the civil war, swiftly transitioning to a development and creation phase, and establishing a stable position in influential international circles, the time has come for law to become the cornerstone of activity, life, and the future existence of the country’s inhabitants.

Mansurzoda Bakhovaddin, нead of Legal Department,

Communications Service Government of the Republic of Tajikistan 

Safarov Bakhtovar, leading Specialist of the Communications

Department and Information about Communication Services