Tajikistan Launches Crackdown On Afghan Refugees Near Dushanbe

Tajikistan authorities have begun a new campaign of arrests and forced expulsions targeting Afghan refugees near the capital, Dushanbe, according to a report by Radio Free Europe.

On Friday, July 25, the outlet reported that hundreds of Afghan refugees living in Rudaki and Vahdat were warned they have 15 days to leave the country or face deportation.

Witnesses described how, on July 15, vehicles carrying Tajik security forces entered Afghan neighborhoods in Vahdat, detaining dozens of men, women, and children.

Reports indicated that police confiscated identity documents and issued strict deadlines for departure, fueling fear and panic among already vulnerable families.

The UNHCR estimates nearly 9,900 Afghan refugees were officially registered in Tajikistan by the end of 2024, though unofficial figures suggest the total may be closer to 13,000.

This latest crackdown has sparked concern among human rights advocates, who warn that displaced Afghan families-already fleeing war and instability-are being forced into another wave of uncertainty.

Meanwhile, the situation underscores the urgent need for international intervention and humanitarian assistance, ensuring Tajikistan respects refugee protections while addressing its own security and migration challenges responsibly.

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