Summary of the Latest Report by Amnesty International on the Persecution of Pamiris

Listen to a podcast style of the report below:

A mother standing over her dead sons body during 2021 protests in Khorog

Below is the summary of the main chapters in bullet points for a quick understanding the report. The full report can be accessed through the Amnesty International Website at the following link: https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/eur60/8413/2024/en/

Expand the chapters below to read the summary of the document:

Introduction

1. Geographical and Demographic Context:

   • The Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) is located in East Tajikistan in the Pamir mountains, home to approximately 223,600 people (2018 estimate). Khorugh is the regional capital.

   • GBAO is the poorest region in Tajikistan, relying heavily on remittances, tourism, and support from entities like the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).

2. Historical Background:

   • After Tajikistan’s independence in 1991, tensions led to a civil war (1992-1997). GBAO was a key stronghold for opposition forces and declared itself autonomous in 1992, though not recognized by the central government.

   • The 1997 peace settlement ended the war, reintegrating GBAO under the central government but maintaining its “autonomous” status.

3. Pamiri Identity:

   • Pamiris, an ethnoreligious minority with distinct linguistic, cultural, and religious characteristics, are not officially recognized as a minority by the Tajik government.

   • Most Pamiris are Ismaili Muslims, differing from the majority Sunni population.

   • Historical marginalization and persecution during the civil war solidified Pamiri identity and their sense of vulnerability.

4. Post-War Developments:

   • The Tajik government views GBAO as a potential political opposition stronghold and has sought to centralize control, leading to clashes in 2012, 2014, 2018, and major crackdowns in 2021-2022.

5. Human Rights Concerns:

   • The government has militarized GBAO, replacing local Pamiris in administrative roles with non-Pamiris and suppressing civil society.

   • Reports detail extrajudicial killings, torture, and arbitrary detentions targeting Pamiris, with human rights violations exacerbating mistrust and fear.

6. Methodology of the Report:

   • Based on remote research, interviews, and desk reviews of UN and NGO reports, as access to GBAO is heavily restricted.

   • Ensures anonymity to protect sources from retaliation.

Summary of Chapter: State-Sponsored Narratives and Negative Depiction of Pamiris

Summary of Chapter: Targeting of Pamiris’ Informal Leaders and Influencers

Summary of Chapter: Arbitrary Targeting of Ordinary Pamiri Ismailis for Harassment, Violence, Prosecution, and Imprisonment

Summary of Chapter: Socioeconomic Marginalization and Curbing of Access to Resources

Summary of Chapter: Suppression of Expression of Ethnoreligious Identity

Summary of Chapter: Demographic Change

Summary of Chapter: Conclusion and Recommendations