Human Rights Watch urges protection for Hazara community in Afghanistan

Human Rights Watch emphasized the need to protect at-risk communities in Afghanistan, including the Hazaras. The organization noted that since the Taliban took power in August 2021, ISIS has claimed responsibility for at least 17 attacks against Hazaras, resulting in over 700 deaths and injuries.

Human Rights Watch pointed to the recent killing of 14 Hazaras in Daikundi, for which ISIS claimed responsibility, stating that ISIS-K has killed and injured thousands of Hazaras and other religious minorities since its emergence in Afghanistan in 2015.

In 2021, Human Rights Watch concluded that ISIS-K’s attacks and other targeted assaults against the Hazara community constitute crimes against humanity.

On Friday, September 13, Human Rights Watch reiterated the call from Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, for investigations into ISIS attacks in the country. The organization emphasized the urgent need for the Taliban to take effective measures to protect all at-risk communities, including Hazaras and other Shia Muslims.

Human Rights Watch highlighted the need for survivors and victims’ families to receive support in their pursuit of justice.

The organization stressed that the UN Human Rights Council should heed the calls of Afghan and international human rights groups to create a comprehensive international accountability mechanism for violations in Afghanistan.

On Thursday, September 12, ISIS-K claimed responsibility for killing 15 civilians in Daikundi in a statement.

The growing violence against the Hazara community highlights the urgent need for a coordinated international effort to ensure their protection. Without effective intervention, the situation risks further escalating, with devastating consequences for the vulnerable populations in Afghanistan.

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