The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) released a statement recently expressing concern over the systemic persecution of Shia Hazaras in Afghanistan, warning of a potential genocide under Taliban rule.
In its call for action, FORUM-ASIA highlighted the urgency to amplify the situation of marginalized groups like the Shia Hazaras in Afghanistan. The organization stressed the creation of an international investigatory and accountability mechanism to document ongoing human rights violations, a move recently supported by the legislatures in the UK, Canada, Australia and Sweden.
The plight of the Hazara community was echoed by Dr. Homira Rezai, Chairwoman of Hazara Committee UK and Secretariat to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Hazaras in the UK Parliament, who highlighted the moral duty of the global community to disrupt the ongoing systematic discrimination and persecution.
FURTHER-ASIA’s statement also made recommendations for effective protection measures for these vulnerable communities, including provisions for humanitarian visas, resettlement opportunities, and equitable delivery of humanitarian assistance.
The Hazaras, a minority ethnic group in Afghanistan, have a long history of discrimination and persecution. Being primarily Shia Muslims in a dominantly Sunni Muslim country, they frequently face targeted violence, ethnic cleansing, exclusion from basic services, and limited access to education and job opportunities.
Recent years have seen increased violence against the Hazaras by groups such as the Taliban and ISIS, leading to numerous deadly attacks on their community. This perpetuated cycle of violence has resulted in fear, displacement, and loss of lives amongst the Hazara population.
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