COMMON ANALYSIS
Last update: June 2026
The analysis below is based on the following EUAA COI products: COI Update 2026, 1.; Country Focus 2026, 1.2.1., 4.8.1., 4.8.8.; Country Focus 2024, 4.6.4.; Country Guidance should not be referred to as a source of COI.
Only approximately 100 of the 700 000 Hindus and Sikhs recorded in the 70s remain in the country. The Taliban have pledged to protect the rights of Sikhs and Hindus, although safety and security concerns are reported. Due to their small numbers and low visibility in the country, there have been few reports of mistreatment.
Additionally, in 2026, the de facto government issued a ‘Criminal Procedure Code for Courts’. Although there is currently no available information about its implementation, it is reported that the law refers to those following Muslim branches other than the Hanafi school of thought or other religions as ‘heretics’.
Step 1: Do the reported acts amount to persecution?
Some acts to which Hindus and Sikhs could be exposed are of such severe nature that they would amount to persecution. In the period after the takeover, attacks by the ISKP have been reported against e.g. Sikh places of worship and a Sikh shop.
The severity and/or repetitiveness of other acts that Hindus and Sikhs could be subjected to and whether they occur as an accumulation of various measures, should also be considered. Threats of physical violence and attacks against religious minorities, including Sikhs, were noted.
Step 2: What is the level of risk of persecution?
A well-founded fear of persecution would in general be substantiated for Hindus and Sikhs, taking into account their historical discrimination and past pattern of targeting, their very low number still in the country, and the aim of the de facto authorities to establish a ‘true Islamic system’.
In the case of a female applicant under this profile, it is reminded that in light of the current situation, a well-founded fear of persecution would in general be substantiated for Afghan women and girls.
For additional information, see 3.13. Women and girls
Step 3: Is there a ground for persecution?
Persecution of individuals under this profile is highly likely to be for reasons of religion.