EXAMINING ATROCITIES AGAINST HAZARAS OF AFGHANISTAN IN THE CONTEXT OF GENOCIDE AND PROSPECTS OF A TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE PROCESS 20 Mar 3:27 PM (28 days ago)
The Afghan state’s war against the Hazara people in the 1890s wounded the country’s social fabric, a wound that still calls for healing. The official state policy of persecution of Hazaras significantly getting momentum in the 1880s sowed the seeds of lasting discrimination against them at the societal level, which is extended until today, the effects of which will be revisited throughout this paper.
There are widespread real and perceived discrimination against Hazaras in all spheres of their social and political life, from seeking employment to day-to-day interactions. The Afghan state’s persecution of Hazaras in the late 19th century, killing, enslaving and displacing thousands of them, and instituting the mentality of looking down on them at the societal level continues today to create an enabling environment for radical groups to perpetrate atrocities against the group. This paper explores whether targeted attacks against Hazaras of Afghanistan in recent years amount to genocide. Then, it discusses, regardless of a genocide determination, what a prospective transitional justice process can offer to address the problem. Chapter One provides a historical overview and discusses a selected number of deliberate attacks against the Hazaras that show a pattern from 2014 onwards. Chapter Two examines whether atrocities against Hazaras amount to genocide considering the facts against the applicable international law and provides a transitional justice perspective to address the problem.
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Former East Staffordshire Mayor Calls for Recognition of Hazara Genocide 19 Mar 6:23 AM (29 days ago)
East Staffordshire, UK – Former Mayor of East Staffordshire Borough Council, Councillor Syed Hussain, delivered a powerful speech reaffirming the council’s commitment to justice and human rights following its historic decision to recognise the 1891 Hazara genocide on February 17, 2025. Speaking at the 30th anniversary commemoration of Ustad Abdul Ali Mazari’s martyrdom, Cllr. Hussain emphasized the need for greater awareness and action against the ongoing persecution of the Hazara people.
In his address, Cllr. Hussain reflected on the significance of the council’s motion, which not only acknowledges the tragic massacres of 1891-1893 but also condemns the continued violence faced by the Hazara community under the Taliban regime. He described the motion as more than a formal stance, stating that it sends a clear message of solidarity and calls on the UK government to officially recognise the Hazara genocide, condemn Taliban-led atrocities, and support Hazara refugees.
“The 1891 genocide took the lives of thousands of innocent Hazara men, women, and children, displacing countless others from their ancestral lands. This dark chapter has never been fully recognised, and the scars of this violence still affect the Hazara community today,” Cllr. Hussain said.
He also highlighted the ongoing struggles of the Hazara people, who continue to face discrimination, violence, and targeted killings due to their ethnic and religious identity. He called upon other councils across the UK to follow East Staffordshire’s lead in passing similar motions to raise awareness and push for international action.
Cllr. Hussain extended his gratitude to key individuals who played a crucial role in passing the motion. He praised Omid Jafari for his dedication to raising awareness of the Hazara plight, describing his efforts as a “driving force” behind the initiative. He also acknowledged the support of Cllr. Paul Walker, who seconded the motion, recognizing his unwavering commitment to justice and human rights.
Additionally, Cllr. Hussain expressed his appreciation for the people of East Staffordshire, whose solidarity and compassion helped bring the issue to the forefront. “We are stronger because of your willingness to stand together, not just as a council, but as a community, in support of those who are suffering,” he stated.
Looking ahead, Cllr. Hussain emphasized that the motion is just the beginning of a larger movement. He urged councils across the country to take similar steps in recognizing the Hazara genocide and advocating for justice.
“The more councils that join this cause, the louder our collective voice will be, and the greater the pressure we can exert on governments and international bodies to take real action,” he said.
Quoting Baba Mazari, the revered Hazara leader, Cllr. Hussain reminded the audience of the power of unity and truth in the fight for justice. He also invoked the wisdom of Maharishi Patanjali, encouraging continued advocacy and activism to ensure that the voices of the oppressed are heard.
He concluded with a call to action, urging communities to raise awareness, educate others, and stand in solidarity with persecuted groups. “Together, we can amplify their voices, ensure that their history is not forgotten, and work toward a future where no one is persecuted for their identity,” he said.
The speech has further galvanised efforts within East Staffordshire and beyond, with campaigners hopeful that national and international bodies will take stronger steps toward recognizing and addressing the injustices faced by the Hazara people.
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The 2025 World Hazara Summit Held in Vienna, Austria 18 Mar 3:26 AM (last month)
March 15-16, 2025 – Vienna, Austria
Coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the martyrdom of Ustad Abdul Ali Mazari, the Hazara diaspora community, hosted by the grassroots committee, convened a two-day Summit titled “Rethinking Collective Destiny” in Vienna, Austria.
Representatives from 54 social and cultural organizations worldwide, political parties of the Hazara community, and independent figures participated in this summit. Attendees engaged in discussions on key issues affecting the collective future of the Hazara people.
Topics of discussion included the political and administrative structure of Afghanistan post-Taliban, security challenges, ongoing advocacy for the recognition of the Hazara genocide, forced displacement and land confiscation, the situation of women, the preservation of cultural heritage, and migration challenges.
The primary goal of the conference was to foster unity among Hazara political and social forces, particularly within the diaspora, and to propose practical strategies for addressing crises and shaping a brighter future for the community.
Participants assessed the current situation of Hazaras in Afghanistan, emphasizing that Taliban rule poses a serious threat to national, regional, and global security. They called on the international community to use all legitimate political and legal means to change the current situation.
The conference declared the Taliban government “illegitimate” and expressed support for all forms of legitimate resistance to establish a decentralized political-administrative system based on the will of the Afghanistan people.
In their discussions and final resolution, participants stressed the necessity of meaningful Hazara representation in all political negotiations and decision-making processes related to Afghanistan, asserting that any political discourse excluding Hazara representatives is “unacceptable.”
Additionally, participants condemned religious extremism as a global security threat. As a community that has long suffered from ethnic and religious extremism, they emphasized the need to combat radicalism and promote peaceful coexistence. They also urged Hazara social and cultural organizations in the diaspora to collaborate with law enforcement authorities in host countries while preserving their cultural, linguistic, and historical identity alongside effective integration.
The issue of large-scale Hazara migration due to the ongoing situation in Afghanistan was another key discussion point. Participants called on all diaspora organizations to support newly arrived Hazara migrants and facilitate their integration into host societies.
A significant outcome of the conference was the agreement to establish a global network of the Hazara diaspora and to hold this gathering annually in a European country to assess the community’s situation.
Furthermore, participants agreed to organize a global protest in front of a major international legal and human rights institution to raise awareness about the Hazara genocide—from its origins under Amir Abdur Rahman to its continuation today. The planned protest will allocate one hour of sit-in demonstration for each year of persecution, discrimination, forced marginalization, and genocide against Hazaras. The details of this protest will be finalized in consultation with Hazara social and cultural institutions, independent figures, and human rights advocates.
On the second afternoon of the conference, a special ceremony was held to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the martyrdom of Ustad Abdul Ali Mazari. The event featured speeches, musical performances, and the playing of commemorative songs, with a large public turnout.
Political and social figures, as well as young Hazara activists, delivered speeches in Persian and Deutsch language, discussing Ustad Mazari’s vision of Afghanistan and his advocacy for equal citizenship rights.
The conference concluded with the reading of a final statement and an action plan. It was decided that a follow-up committee would be formed to implement the conference resolutions and prepare for the second World Hazara Summit.
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Official Statement from BHS on East Staffordshire Borough Council’s recognition of the Hazara Genocide 4 Mar 6:50 AM (last month)
Burton Hazara Society Statement on East Staffordshire Borough Council’s Recognition of the Hazara Genocide
The Burton Hazara Society extends its heartfelt gratitude to East Staffordshire Borough Council for its historic and unanimous decision on 17th February 2025 to officially recognise the Hazara genocide of 1891–1893 and to condemn the ongoing atrocities committed against the Hazara people by the Taliban. This recognition is more than just an acknowledgment of the past; it is a powerful statement of solidarity with a community that has endured decades of persecution and suffering.
We express our deepest appreciation to Councillor Syed Hussain for his leadership in proposing the motion and to Councillor Paul Walker for seconding it. Their commitment to truth and justice has been instrumental in bringing this issue to the forefront, ensuring that the voices of the Hazara people are heard and their history acknowledged.
We also extend special gratitude to Madam Mayor Shelagh McKernan and the councillors for their invaluable support in making this recognition possible. Their dedication to justice and human rights reflects the values of compassion, fairness, and solidarity that define our society.
As members of the Hazara community, the Chairman of the Burton Hazara Society Mr Omid Jafari and the Secretary Mr Zia Zafari sat in the council chamber, witnessing this landmark decision, they were reminded that their struggles and sacrifices are not forgotten. By formally recognising this dark chapter in history, East Staffordshire Borough Council has taken a bold and compassionate stand against genocide denial and historical amnesia. This resolution not only honours the memory of those who perished but also reinforces the importance of preventing such atrocities in the future.
We hope that this courageous step by East Staffordshire Borough Council will inspire other local authorities, institutions, and governments to follow suit. Recognising past genocides is not just an act of remembrance-it is a call to action to challenge persecution wherever it exists and to uphold the principles of human dignity and justice.
Our sincere thanks also go to the activists, advocates, and supporting organisations who played a role in this initiative. Their unwavering dedication to truth and justice has made this recognition possible.
The Burton Hazara Society remains committed to advancing the cause of justice for the Hazara people. We will continue to work towards greater awareness, recognition, and meaningful action to ensure that history is remembered, the truth is upheld, and no community suffers in silence.
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The Hazara Society Policy Center statement on ESBC’s recognition of the Hazaras Genocide 18 Feb 7:02 AM (last month)
The Hazara Society Policy Center has released a Statement of Appreciation for East Staffordshire Borough Council, UK, in recognition of its humanitarian efforts in acknowledging the historical genocide of the Hazaras in Afghanistan.
Message of Appreciation for the Humanitarian Efforts of East Staffordshire Borough Council, UK, in Recognising the Historical Genocide of the Hazaras
The Hazaras in Afghanistan have endured the longest-running genocide in history. Since 1891, this nation has repeatedly been subjected to organised massacres, systematic persecution, and widespread discrimination. Following years of genocide and ethnic cleansing, especially after the tragic attack on the Kaj Educational Center, the Hazara community launched extensive campaigns, including the #StopHazaraGenocide movement, which was shared over 90 million times on social media platforms like X and Facebook. This campaign called on the United Nations, governments, and human rights organisations to recognise and condemned this ongoing atrocity.
This advocacy has been heard in many countries worldwide, and several cities and official institutions have since recognised the Hazara genocide. Most recently, the East Staffordshire Borough Council in the United Kingdom has formally recognised the genocide of the Hazaras perpetrated by Abdul Rahman from 1891 to 1893. The council has also condemned the inhumane acts, arbitrary detentions, torture, massacres, and forced displacement of the Hazaras by the Taliban and has called for the international recognition of this genocide.
The Hazara Society Policy Center sincerely appreciates the Mayor of East Staffordshire, the proposer of the motion Cllr. Syed Hussain and all members of the Borough Council for taking this important step. This courageous action is a significant move towards justice, raising awareness, and preventing the continuation of such crimes. We also once again call on the United Nations, world governments, and human rights organisations to officially recognise the Hazara genocide and take effective and practical measures to stop this catastrophe and protect this persecuted people. Justice, security, and equal rights are the fundamental rights of every human being, and the international communities must not remain silent in the face of these crimes.
With respect,
Hazara Society Policy Center
February 18, 2025
The Hazara Society Policy Center consist of political, cultural, social personalities, university professors, civil society activists and the diaspora of the Hazara people
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UK Local Council Recognises Hazara Genocide 17 Feb 9:47 AM (last month)
East Staffordshire Borough Council Passes Motion Recognising Hazara Genocide and Ongoing Persecution by the Taliban.
In a historic decision, the East Staffordshire Borough Council has passed a motion officially recognising the 1891 Hazara genocide and condemning the ongoing persecution of the Hazara people by the Taliban. The motion, proposed by Councillor Syed Hussain, former Mayor of East Staffordshire, calls for recognition of the atrocities committed against the Hazara community in Afghanistan.
The motion acknowledges the systematic massacre and forced displacement of thousands of Hazara men, women, and children during the reign of Abdur Rahman Khan, the Emir of Afghanistan, from 1891 to 1893. The genocide, one of the darkest chapters in Afghanistan’s history, continues to impact the Hazara people, who have faced persistent persecution and marginalisation ever since.
In addition to recognizing the historical genocide, the motion strongly condemns the ongoing mistreatment of the Hazara community by the Taliban. Hazara civilians have faced violence, arbitrary detentions, torture, and killings, fueled by their ethnicity and religious beliefs. The Taliban’s actions have included attacks on Hazara civilians, destruction of Hazara property, and suppression of cultural and religious practices.
The East Staffordshire Borough Council has expressed deep concern over the continued persecution, including the recent violent attacks, forced displacement from ancestral lands, and the torture of innocent Hazara individuals. The Council views these actions as ongoing crimes against humanity, continuing the legacy of the atrocities that began in 1891.
The motion also calls on the UK Government to officially recognize the 1891 massacre as genocide and to support justice efforts for both historical and current atrocities. It urges the UK to collaborate with international partners to hold the Taliban accountable, protect the human rights of the Hazara people, and provide humanitarian aid to Hazara refugees fleeing the violence.
In an effort to raise awareness locally, the Council encourages the people of East Staffordshire to support the Hazara community, learn about their history and culture, and stand in solidarity with them in their ongoing struggle for survival and recognition.
Additionally, the Council has resolved to write to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, urging further diplomatic, legal, and humanitarian actions. The motion also calls for the establishment of educational initiatives in East Staffordshire to educate the public about the Hazara community’s plight and their ongoing struggle for justice.
This motion marks a significant milestone in the global recognition of the Hazara genocide and the continued efforts to support the Hazara community in their fight for justice and human rights.
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Worldwide Protests to #StopHazaraGenocide 30 Sep 2024 7:25 AM (6 months ago)
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Official Statement from Hazara International on Genocide, Cultural Destruction, and Our Unyielding Stance Against Proxy Warfare 29 Sep 2024 1:06 PM (6 months ago)
Hazara International hereby articulates a resolute position regarding the ongoing plight of the Hazara people, a stateless nation and native people of Hazaristan: we categorically refuse to be ensnared in any regional conflicts, proxy wars, or political maneuvers—regardless of the entity attempting to engage us. Our community shall not be used as instruments for agendas that do not align with our commitment to human rights principles and the peaceful harmony that the world needs now more than ever.
Historically, the Hazara have been subjected to relentless persecution, enduring systematic massacres, forced displacements, and targeted violence. For over a century, our stateless nation has faced profound atrocities in so-called Afghanistan, where terrorist groups, including the Taliban, Daesh, and Kochi-Taliban, have perpetrated egregious acts of genocide against us. This ongoing violence, including genocide, is not merely physical; it encompasses efforts to obliterate our cultural identity and heritage.
We are fully aware of the propaganda machine orchestrated by the ethnic hegemony in so-called Afghanistan, which seeks to mislead the international public and the global community about the Hazara people. While they propagate lies and false narratives to divert attention, they simultaneously and systematically violate the fundamental rights of the Hazara, attempting to further entrench our marginalization and suffering. These actions only reinforce our determination to stand firm against these abuses.
The destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas in 2001 stands as a poignant testament to the cultural genocide inflicted upon the Hazara people. These statues, which had existed for over 1,500 years, were not only monumental artifacts but also symbols of our rich historical legacy. Their obliteration was an affront to our existence, an attempt to erase our identity from the annals of history. Nevertheless, we affirm that the Hazara people are resilient, and we will not be extinguished.
Furthermore, it is imperative to recognize that the Hazara experience discrimination not only within so-called Afghanistan but also in Iran, where many of our community members reside as natives, refugees, or asylum seekers. The Iranian regime’s attempts to exploit our shared Shia faith for its geopolitical objectives are deeply troubling. We assert that the Hazara community is diverse, comprising Shia, Sunni, Ismaili, Christian, and non-believing individuals. We value this diversity and reject any efforts to manipulate it for conflict. Our commitment to unity transcends our differences.
We have coexisted peacefully for centuries, and we firmly oppose any efforts to incite discord among us. Our focus remains steadfast on safeguarding our community and preserving our cultural heritage. We will not engage in conflicts that serve the interests of external powers.
To those who seek to utilize our community for their own ambitions, we emphasize that the Hazara will not be compelled into conflicts that do not pertain to our struggle. Our fight is solely for the survival, safety, and rights of the Hazara people. No regime, including Iran, will dictate our course or exploit our community for its objectives.
We call upon the international community to recognize the ongoing genocide against the Hazara, both within so-called Afghanistan and in the diaspora. It is imperative to acknowledge the cultural destruction we have endured and to advocate for justice for our people. The Hazara will remain steadfast in our pursuit of the right to exist in peace, free from manipulation and oppression.
Hazara International
#StopHazaraGenocide
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14 Hazaras Killed in Daikundi: ISIS-K Claims Responsibility for Attack 13 Sep 2024 10:28 AM (7 months ago)
September 13, 2024
Daikundi, Afghanistan: In a brutal terrorist attack, at least 14 members of the Hazara ethnic group were shot dead and four others injured in the border area between Afghanistan’s Daikundi and Ghor provinces. The victims, residents of Sangtakht and Darband districts in Daikundi, were targeted in an assault claimed by ISIS-Khorasan.
This attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents aimed at the Hazara community, who have long faced persecution in Afghanistan. Over the past 133 years, Hazaras have been subjected to mass killings, forced displacements, and systemic discrimination, with extremist groups like the Taliban and ISIS leading the assaults.
Human rights advocates have repeatedly warned that these attacks form part of an ongoing genocide against the Hazara people. Despite these concerns, violence against Hazaras continues to escalate, leaving the community in constant fear.
“The international community must recognize this as part of a broader pattern of violence aimed at erasing the Hazara population,” a local activist said. “We need urgent action to protect these people and prevent further atrocities.”
The global community has been urged to respond with decisive action. Human rights organizations, governments, and international bodies are being called upon to condemn these attacks and implement measures to protect the Hazara community.
The ongoing violence against Hazaras also extends beyond Afghanistan, with reports of similar persecution in other regions where they reside. Without a unified international response, advocates fear the Hazara community will continue to face relentless threats to their existence.
The Hazara people have endured a history of marginalization in Afghanistan, dating back more than a century. Their distinct ethnic and religious identity has made them a target for various Pashtun cruel rulers and terrorist groups. The Taliban and ISIS, in particular, have been responsible for some of the deadliest attacks on the community, attempting to terrorize and displace Hazaras from their ancestral lands.
Today’s attack is another grim reminder of the continuing genocide faced by the Hazara people, and many fear that without international intervention, the cycle of violence will persist.
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ABA urges US government to recognize, stop, and prevent further acts of genocide perpetrated against the Hazara people in Afghanistan 8 Aug 2024 2:41 AM (8 months ago)
The American Bar Association’s International Law Section has published a report on the ongoing persecution of Hazaras in Afghanistan entitled “Broken Frames, Shattered Glass: Recognising Crimes Perpetrated Against the Hazaras of Afghanistan”.
The policy paper provides a brief overview of some key events that have contributed to the deteriorating human rights conditions of the Hazara people, which the authors suggest are tantamount to genocide. The authors seek to inform the American Bar Association (ABA) and the international community of the importance of recognising the atrocities as genocide. They call for the the US Administration and international community to:
- recognise the Hazara genocide by the U.S. State Department and the international community;
- encourage the ABA to work closely with lawyers in Afghanistan, especially Hazara lawyers, to document and investigate crimes perpetrated against the Hazara community;
- call upon the international community to stop and punish international crimes consistent with international treaties through avenues such as the International Criminal Court or Universal Jurisdiction; and
- Call upon the ABA to develop further policy regarding mass atrocity prevention.
Similarly, the ABA and the international community should consider policies to address the human rights crisis facing the Hazara people of Afghanistan, with the specific aim to:
a) Stop and prevent further acts of genocide perpetrated against the Hazara people and other persecuted minority groups in Afghanistan;
b) Promote justice and accountability efforts to end impunity for genocide in Afghanistan, specifically through the International Criminal Court and through Universal Jurisdiction; and
c) Advocate for strengthening national, regional, and international frameworks for preventing mass atrocities in Afghanistan and protecting at-risk groups like the Hazara, beginning with the recognition that the Hazara are victims of genocide.
The Duty Legacy’s 2023 article “The Urgent Need for Justice on Hazara Genocide Memorial Day 2023” was cited in the piece with the authors Regina M. Paulose and Timothy Franklin. The authors submit that before the accession of Afghanistan to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court in February 2003, all ten stages have been continuously present. They state the examples of attacks given in their report “are examples of the failure of the international community to respond quickly enough to stop the genocide that is now in progress“.
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