Tajikistan Begins Forced Deportation of Afghan Refugees Ahead of 15-Day Deadline

Kokcha News Agency: Tajikistan has started forcibly deporting Afghan refugees, including men, women, children, and the elderly, ahead of the 15-day deadline imposed by the government. Over 150 people were reportedly rounded up from local markets and public areas yesterday and deported, often resulting in family separations.

Many of those deported hold legal refugee status, are registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and have valid refugee cards. Some are even in the process of being resettled to Canada, with active asylum applications under review.

The abrupt and aggressive nature of the deportations has caused widespread distress among the Afghan refugee community. Observers believe the move may be linked to recent geopolitical developments, particularly Russia’s formal recognition of the Taliban administration in Afghanistan. Tajikistan, which has historically harbored anti-Taliban sentiment, may now be aligning itself more closely with Moscow’s stance.

Most Afghan refugees in Tajikistan are resettled in Wahdat, a district located 20 kilometers east of the capital, Dushanbe. Despite its proximity to the capital, Wahdat has limited infrastructure and resources to support large populations, making the deportations even more devastating.

In response, online petitions are urging the Canadian government to expedite resettlement processes or initiate emergency evacuations for those with active asylum applications. Human rights advocates and refugee support groups have called for immediate international intervention to protect vulnerable Afghan families.

Despite the presence of the UN and other international organizations in Tajikistan, their influence appears limited. The Tajik government has largely ignored calls for compliance with international treaties and refugee protection standards, raising concerns about the lack of accountability in ongoing deportations.

The forced deportation of Afghan refugees by Tajikistan, many of whom hold legal status, highlights the urgent need for international intervention to protect vulnerable families and ensure compliance with international refugee protection standards.