Introduction: Diversity Under Siege
Uzbekistan, a nation with a rich tapestry of cultures, religions, and ethnic groups, officially presents itself as a tolerant and inclusive society. Yet beneath this image lies a troubling reality of systemic discrimination and persecution targeting religious and ethnic minorities. Independent Muslim communities, Christian groups, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and ethnic minorities such as Tajiks, Karakalpaks, and others face state harassment and societal hostility. For many, migration has become the only means to live in safety and preserve their identities.


Historical Background of Minority Persecution
The persecution of minorities in Uzbekistan has roots in Soviet policies that emphasised control over diversity. While independence brought the promise of greater freedoms, successive governments have used nationalism and state security as justifications for suppressing minority communities. This has left many groups vulnerable to systemic exclusion and discrimination.


Restrictions on Religious Minorities
Religious minorities face severe restrictions in Uzbekistan. Christian groups, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Baha’is struggle to register their congregations, leaving them vulnerable to police raids and harassment. Unregistered religious gatherings are deemed illegal, and participants risk fines, intimidation, or imprisonment.


State Control of Islam
Even within the Muslim majority, the state exercises strict control. Independent imams and Islamic scholars are frequently accused of extremism, arrested, or silenced. By monopolising religious authority, the state prevents alternative voices from challenging its power.


Targeting of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Jehovah’s Witnesses have been a particular focus of state persecution. Authorities frequently raid their gatherings, confiscate literature, and prosecute members under charges of illegal religious activity. This harassment has driven many members into exile, where they can freely practice their faith.


Persecution of Ethnic Minorities
Ethnic minorities such as Tajiks, Karakalpaks, and others face discrimination in education, employment, and political representation. In the autonomous region of Karakalpakstan, calls for greater autonomy have been met with violent crackdowns, arrests, and intimidation. This heavy-handed approach has deepened grievances and encouraged migration.


Language and Cultural Suppression
Minority languages and cultures often receive little state support. Efforts to promote Uzbek identity sometimes come at the expense of minority traditions, leading to cultural erosion and social exclusion. This lack of recognition fuels resentment and feelings of marginalisation.


Harassment of Religious Leaders
Leaders of minority faiths face constant surveillance and harassment. Pastors, imams, and community leaders are often detained, interrogated, or prosecuted, creating fear and discouraging open religious leadership.


Social Hostility and Violence
Beyond state repression, religious and ethnic minorities often face hostility from wider society. Discrimination, verbal abuse, and occasional violence reinforce their marginalisation. Authorities rarely investigate such incidents seriously, leaving minorities vulnerable and unprotected.


Migration as a Survival Strategy
For many minorities, migration is the only way to secure safety and preserve their cultural and religious identities. Exile provides opportunities to practice faith and traditions freely, while diaspora communities continue to advocate for rights and protections.


International Criticism
International watchdogs, including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, have criticised Uzbekistan for its treatment of minorities. Despite promises of reform, the government continues to restrict religious freedom and suppress ethnic minority activism.


Conclusion: Seeking Safety Beyond Borders
Persecution of religious and ethnic minorities in Uzbekistan continues to fuel migration. For many, exile represents the only way to live with dignity and security. Until Uzbekistan embraces genuine tolerance and protects its diverse communities, the exodus of minorities will remain a defining feature of the nation’s human rights crisis.