KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Dozens of Afghanistan citizens on Sunday gathered in Toronto to protest the “genocide” of Hazaras in Afghanistan, demanding immediate international intervention to halt the violence.
The demonstration, organized by civil activists and supported by Canadian human rights organizations, aimed to raise awareness about the dire circumstances faced by the Hazara community.
Participants expressed deep concern over recent attacks, including a massacre on September 13, in which 14 residents of a remote village in central Daikundi province were killed by armed assailants, which was later claimed by ISIS.
Protesters highlighted that since 2001, there have been over 294 violent incidents targeting Hazaras, resulting in more than 2,228 deaths and 2,837 injuries.
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Ali Ehsasi, Chair of the Foreign Affairs and International Development Committee of the Canadian Parliament, attended the protest, affirming that both Parliament and the Foreign Ministry are aware of the Hazaras’ plight. He reiterated the call for decisive action to protect this vulnerable community.
Demonstrators condemned the deteriorating situation since the Taliban’s return to power, noting that over 30 significant attacks against Hazaras occurred this year alone, claiming more than 560 lives and leaving 700 injured. They emphasized that for over 130 years, Hazaras have faced systematic persecution due to their ethnic and religious identity.
In their resolution, the protesters urged the Canadian government and the international community to recognize and condemn the ongoing genocide against Hazaras. They called for immediate action in accordance with international law to safeguard the community and prevent further atrocities.
They also advocated for a United Nations investigation into the human rights situation of Hazaras and urged the Canadian government to support measures ensuring justice for victims of human rights violations.
Chandra Arya, a member of the Canadian Parliament, expressed concern over the escalating violence against Hazaras, stating that the community’s suffering requires urgent attention. “The ongoing violence is alarming, and it is clear that immediate action from the international community is essential,” Arya remarked.
Organizers vowed to continue advocating for justice and support for the Hazara community, emphasizing that raising awareness is a crucial step toward addressing the ongoing crisis.
In May of last year, a seminar hosted by two Canadian parliamentarians and coordinated by a group of Hazara advocates was organized at the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa to discuss the ongoing “Hazara Genocide” in Afghanistan.
The ethnic Hazaras have faced a long history of violent persecution, discrimination, and marginalization in Afghanistan. As primarily Shia Muslims in a predominantly Sunni Muslim country, they have been subjected to various forms of violence, including systematic targeted attacks and massacres, which they say constitutes genocide. Additionally, Hazaras under the ruling Taliban continue to experience exclusion from basic services, limited access to education, and restricted employment opportunities.
