KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The Australian Greens party has voiced support for calls to recognize and condemn what has been described as ‘acts of genocide’ against Afghanistan’s Hazara ethnic group.
In a statement on Wednesday, the political party pointed to a long history of violence, repression, and systemic discrimination against Hazaras—an ethnic group, largely Shia Muslim, in a majority-Sunni country.
Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, the Greens say atrocities against Hazaras have intensified. Perpetrators have enjoyed impunity, while Hazara communities face displacement, executions, and widespread restrictions—especially on women.
The Greens praised the Hazara community in Australia for their resilience and continued advocacy for justice. “The Greens are proud to support the Hazara diaspora,” the party said. They urged the Australian government to ensure the safety of Hazara refugees and prevent their return to a place of persecution.
The party raised concerns about international inaction, warning it could lead to further violence and a higher risk of genocide. “As a signatory to the UN Genocide Convention, Australia must uphold its obligation to prevent genocide, investigate human rights abuses, and support accountability mechanisms for international crimes,” they said.
Hazara activists have long urged the global community to formally recognize their persecution as genocide. They say their situation has deteriorated under Taliban rule, with increasing violence and exclusion from services like education and employment.
Earlier this year, East Staffordshire Borough Council in the UK recognized the Hazara genocide of 1991-1993 under Afghan ruler Amir Abdur Rahman Khan. In 2022, Dandenong City Council in Melbourne became the first government body in Australia to officially recognize the Hazara genocide.
