COMMON ANALYSIS
Last update: June 2026
The analysis below is based on the following EUAA COI products: Country Focus 2026, 4.8.1, 4.8.2., 4.8.5.; Country Focus 2024, 4.3.1, 4.6.1.; Country Guidance should not be referred to as a source of COI.
Tajiks form the second largest ethnic group in Afghanistan and are mainly Sunni Muslims but there are also those adhering to the Shia branch of Islam. Tajiks live in various areas of the country, but are mainly concentrated in northern, northeastern and western Afghanistan, as well as in Kabul (both the province and the city).
It was noted that in the aftermath of the takeover, Tajiks were among the communities more prone to human rights violations, due to their perceived affiliation to armed resistance groups and/or the former government.
Step 1: Do the reported acts amount to persecution?
The severity and/or repetitiveness of acts that Tajiks could be subjected to and whether they occur as an accumulation of various measures, should be considered. For example, Tajiks have faced discrimination in hiring and dismissals procedures for de facto government positions. They were also excluded from equal access to government services, development projects and humanitarian aid in some regions.
In addition, since the Taliban takeover, mainly during 2022, groups perceived as supported by the de facto authorities, including Kuchis, have carried out forced evictions and land seizure leading to the displacement of Tajiks.
Step 2: What is the level of risk of persecution?
The individual assessment of whether there is a reasonable degree of likelihood for Tajiks to face persecution should take into account risk-impacting circumstances, such as:
- Perceived affiliation with the NRF or other resistance groups: for further guidance on the targeting of the Tajiks linked to their perceived support and affiliation to resistance groups, see 3.4. Individuals perceived as members or supporters of resistance groups.
- Area of origin: Tajiks from Panjshir and Andarab district (Baghlan province) being particularly at risk.
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
Being a Tajik may also be a risk-impacting circumstance in relation to other profiles, such as: 3.16. Individuals involved in blood feuds and land disputes
Step 3: Is there a ground for persecution?
Where well-founded fear of persecution is substantiated for an applicant under this profile it is highly likely to be for reasons of race (ethnicity) and/or political opinion as Tajiks are a distinct ethnic group and are associated to armed resistance groups (NRF) as well as the former government.