Amnesty International has released a report detailing the systematic discrimination and rights violations faced by the Pamiri minority in Tajikistan. The authorities in Tajikistan are accused of widespread suppression of Pamiri cultural and religious institutions, political oppression, and violent repression. The report, published here, outlines a disturbing pattern of abuse.
The Pamiris, a distinct ethnic group residing in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast, are primarily followers of the Shia Ismaili branch of Islam and have their own unique language and culture, differing significantly from Tajiks. The Government of Tajikistan stands accused of eroding Pamiri cultural heritage by prohibiting the use of Pamiri languages, excluding Pamiri individuals from key positions, and disrupting local businesses.
According to the report, security forces from other regions are deployed in Gorno-Badakhshan, where they engage in hostile actions against the Pamiris, including arbitrary arrests under the guise of combating terrorism and organized crime. Amnesty International has called for the international community to press the Tajikistani authorities to end these human rights abuses. Marie Struthers, Amnesty’s Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, emphasized the need for urgent action to prevent further entrenchment of discrimination.
Historically, the Pamiris have been isolated due to the geographical remoteness of the Pamir Mountains. The region experienced turmoil in the late 20th century, including a separatist movement and civil war. Tensions flared anew in 2021-2022 following the killing of Gulbiddin Ziyobekov, a prominent Pamiri figure. This incident led to protests in Khorugh, during which security forces used firearms against unarmed demonstrators, resulting in fatalities and subsequent crackdowns on civil society and informal leaders.
The 2022 crackdown reached a peak in May, when authorities violently suppressed peaceful protests, causing numerous casualties, including the death of informal leader Mamadbokir Mamadbokirov. Over 200 human rights defenders and influential figures were arrested and given long prison sentences on charges that only became known six months later, fundamentally destabilizing the human rights landscape for Pamiris.
Overall, the human rights situation in Tajikistan has seen significant deterioration over the past two decades, as indicated by the Central Asian Bureau for Analytical Reporting (CABAR). Increased levels of corruption, frequent arrests of journalists, and persistent issues with women’s rights remain unresolved, with the systematic suppression of local minority groups becoming ever more pronounced. The full report can be accessed here.