Preamble

We, the people of Tajikistan,
being an integral part of the world community,
appreciating our duty and our responsibility before past, present, and future generations,
understanding the necessity of securing sovereignty and the development of our state,
acknowledging the unwavering freedoms and rights of the person,
respecting the equal rights and friendship of all nations and peoples,
setting as our goal the creation of a just society,
adopt and announce this Constitution.

Article 1: The Republic of Tajikistan is a sovereign democratic, rule of law, secular, and united state. Tajikistan is a social state whose policies are directed towards creating conditions to ensure a worthwhile life and the free development of the person. "Republic of Tajikistan" and "Tajikistan" are equal in meaning.

Article 2: The state language of Tajikistan is Tajik. Russian is a language of inter-ethnic communication. All nations and peoples residing on the territory of the republic have the right to use freely their native languages.

Article 3: The state symbols of the Republic of Tajikistan are its Flag, Coat of Arms, and Anthem.

Article 4: The capital of Tajikistan is the city of Dushanbe.

Article 5: Life, honor, dignity, and other natural human rights are inviolable. The rights and liberties of the person and citizen are recognized, observed, and protected by the state.

Article 6: In Tajikistan, the people are the possessors of the sovereignty and are the only source of state power, which is exercised both directly and also through the people's representatives. The people of Tajikistan are the citizens of the Republic of Tajikistan regardless of their ethnicity. No social organization, group of people, or individual has the right to arrogate state power. Usurpation of power is a very serious crime. The right to speak in the name of all the people of Tajikistan belongs only to the President and Parliament (Majlisi Oli).

Article 7: The territory of Tajikistan is indivisible and inviolable. Tajikistan consists of Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, regions, cities, districts, towns, and villages. The state ensures the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of the republic. Propaganda and acts directed towards division of state unity are prohibited. The procedures for forming and altering administrative territorial units are regulated by constitutional law.

Article 8: In Tajikistan, social life develops on the basis of political and ideological pluralism. No state ideology or religion may be established. Social associations are formed and operate within the framework of the Constitution and laws. The state provides them with equal possibilities in their operations. Religious organizations are separate from the state and may not interfere in governmental affairs. The formation and operation of social associations which advocate racial, ethnic, social, or religious animosity or which incite violent overthrow of the constitutional system, as well as the organization of armed groups, are forbidden.

Article 9: Governmental power is based upon its division into legislative, executive, and judicial powers.

Article 10: The Constitution of Tajikistan possesses supreme legal power, and its norms have direct application. Laws and other legal acts that are contrary to the Constitution do not have legal force. The government and all its organs, officials, citizens, and citizens' associations are obligated to comply with and execute the Constitution and laws of the republic. International legal acts recognized by Tajikistan are a constituent part of the legal system of the republic. In the case of a discrepancy between the laws of the republic and recognized international legal acts, the norms of the international legal acts are applied. Laws and international legal acts recognized by Tajikistan enter into force after their official publication.

Article 11: Tajikistan, conducting peace loving policies, respects the sovereignty and independence of other states and determines its foreign policy on the basis of international norms. War propaganda is prohibited. Tajikistan, controlled by the higher interests of the people, may enter into commonwealths and other international organizations, and, likewise, exit from them, as well as establish relations with foreign countries. The government cooperates with fellow countrymen in other countries.

Article 12: The economic foundations of Tajikistan are comprised of various forms of property. The government guarantees freedom of economic and business activity, as well as equal rights and legal protection for all forms of property, including private property.

Article 13: The earth, its resources, water, the atmosphere, flora, fauna, and other natural resources are the exclusive property of the state, and the government guarantees their effective utilization in the interests of the people.