Urgent Deportations of Afghan Refugees in Tajikistan Amidst Geopolitical Shifts

Tajikistan Initiates Mass Deportations of Afghan Refugees Amid Deadline Concerns

Dushanbe, Tajikistan – July 18, 2023 – In a troubling development for Afghan refugees, the Tajik government has commenced mass deportations just days before a 15-day deadline set for their removal. Reports from Khaama Press indicate that over 150 individuals were forcibly rounded up from markets and public spaces across the country on Wednesday, raising alarms among humanitarian groups and advocates.

The deportees include men, women, the elderly, and minors, with many families torn apart during the process. Disturbingly, some of those targeted hold legal refugee status, having registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and possessing valid refugee cards. Others are currently navigating asylum proceedings, with active resettlement applications to Canada still under review.

The sudden and aggressive nature of these deportations has sparked widespread panic among the Afghan refugee community in Tajikistan. Many fear for their safety and the well-being of their loved ones, as families are separated—children deported while parents remain behind, and spouses torn apart.

While the Tajik government has not provided an official explanation for these actions, analysts suggest that shifting regional geopolitics may be at play. Russia’s recent recognition of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan appears to have influenced policy realignments across Central Asia. Historically, Tajikistan has offered refuge to Afghan opposition figures and criticized the Taliban, but this new stance may signal a pivot towards Moscow’s strategic interests.

Most Afghan refugees in Tajikistan reside in Wahdat, a district approximately 20 kilometers east of Dushanbe, which has become a significant hub for displaced Afghan communities. However, the region’s infrastructure is ill-equipped to support its already strained population, making the deportations particularly disruptive.

In response to the escalating crisis, online petitions are urging the Canadian government to expedite asylum and resettlement processes for affected individuals. Humanitarian organizations are calling for emergency evacuations for those with pending cases, warning of "chaotic and alarming" developments.

Despite the involvement of international actors, including the UN, the Tajik government has shown little willingness to engage with concerns regarding its obligations to protect refugees. Observers fear that without immediate intervention, vulnerable Afghan families may continue to face unlawful expulsion and potential harm.

As the situation evolves, rights groups are calling for urgent international attention to prevent further separations and forced returns, highlighting the need for coordinated efforts between Tajik authorities and international agencies involved in refugee support. The plight of Afghan refugees in Tajikistan remains precarious, with many families left in uncertainty and distress.