Early marriage among leading causes of divorce in Tajikistan, says Committee on Family and Women’s Affairs

Tajikistan recorded 3,526 divorces in the first six months of 2026, marking a reduction of 591 compared to the same period last year, according to the Committee on Family and Women’s Affairs. This decline in marital dissolutions has left 3,111 children in single-parent households, a decrease of 521 from the previous year.

Despite the drop in divorces, the committee highlighted that family breakdown remains a pressing social issue. Committee Chairperson Bunafsha Fayziddinzoda identified early marriage and insufficient preparation for family life among young women as primary contributors to divorce. The country also saw a decrease in marriages, with 27,563 registered between January and June, down by 2,793 year-on-year.

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family breakdown remains one of the country’s most pressing social problems.

In an effort to curb divorce rates, Tajikistan significantly increased state fees for divorce applications in October 2025. The fee for a unilateral application rose from 75 to 150 somoni, while a joint application increased from 375 to 750 somoni. Court-granted divorces saw the highest jump, from 525 to 1,050 somoni. Parliament stated these higher charges were intended to discourage divorce, following a previous revision in 2025 that had already raised fees substantially.

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early marriage and young women’s lack of preparation for family life as major factors contributing to divorce.