The refurbishment of the shelter - the only one of its kind in Tajikistan - forms part of the OSCE Office’s long-term support to victims of domestic violence. The refurbishment doubled the shelter’s housing capacity to 12 women and children. The shelter also features a classroom, a kitchen and a special room for medical examinations and consultations.

"The shelter is an example of co-operation between regional and local authorities as well as civil society to protect human rights in this community," said Barbara Davis, the Head of the Human Dimension Department of the OSCE Office in Tajikistan. "The new premises signals renewed commitment to ending domestic violence. Swift adoption of the draft Law on Domestic Violence, which emphasizes prevention, would be another part of this commitment."

The refurbishment of the shelter’s new premises was financed by Finland. The administration in the Sughd province, where Khujand is located, has agreed to let the non-governmental organization Gulrukhsor, which operates the shelter, use the building without paying rent for 12 years.

"This crisis centre can serve as a model throughout Tajikistan," said Matluba Satorova, head of the Sughd Regional Committee on Woman and Family Affairs.

The shelter has provided temporary housing to 125 women, 15 teenagers and 106 children since it opened in April 2005. Aside from providing social and legal services and psychological assistance, the shelter also creates and supports economic empowerment, self-help groups and carries out awareness-raising campaigns.