Pamiri Indigenous Peoples in Tajikistan face severe and growing repression. Since peaceful protests in Gorno-Badakhshan (GBAO) in 2021 and 2022, the government has killed around 40 Pamiris, detained over 200 activists, and shut down internet access for more than 100 days. At least four Pamiri activists died in prison in 2025 due to a lack of medical care. Over 50,000 Pamiris fled GBAO, and many now live as refugees. The government has also forced activists back from Russia and given them long jail terms. Detainees face torture and are pressured to confess to false crimes. Pamiris are targeted not just for activism, but also for their religion, language, and culture. The government closed over 700 NGOs and banned Pamiri cultural and religious activities. Pamiris are not allowed to use or teach their native languages. Rights groups warn these actions may amount to crimes against humanity. Activists demand justice and international support.
Pray for the end of oppression against the Pamiri indigenous people in Tajikistan. Pray for the government of Tajikistan to respect the international human rights laws and to allow all its citizens to exercise their rights and freedoms in their homeland (The Holy Bible, Job 36:6).
Pray for the immediate and unconditional release of all the imprisoned Pamiri people in Tajikistan. Pray for the international authorities to pressure the government of Tajikistan to end the human rights violations against Pamiris (The Holy Bible, Proverbs 31:8-9).
News Source: CIVICUS
Image Source: Canva
