Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Hazaras in Afghanistan

07 June 2023 · 3 other contributors · 3,127 words

Opened by Paul Bristow Con Peterborough

Responding minister: Andrew Mitchell

Community SecurityForeign AffairsReligion & Faith

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Paul Bristow raised concerns about hazaras in afghanistan in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about persecution and discrimination faced by Hazaras in Afghanistan, including targeted massacres and attacks on educational and healthcare institutions.
  • Numerous attacks have resulted in significant casualties among Hazaras, including a high school attack that killed over 100 students and injured over 160, and an education centre attack that killed more than 60 female students and injured over 100.
  • Government asked to investigate crimes, protect Hazaras, implement inquiry recommendations, monitor their situation, collect evidence, recognise targeting for asylum, and engage with neighbouring countries.

Key requests to Government

I ask the Government to thoroughly investigate these crimes, bring perpetrators to justice, protect the Hazara people in Afghanistan, and implement recommendations from the inquiry into the situation of Hazaras in Afghanistan, including monitoring their situation, collecting evidence, conducting an inquiry into sexual violence against Hazaras, recognising their specific targeting for asylum resettlement, assessing access to humanitarian aid, engaging with neighbouring countries, imposing Magnitsky sanctions, calling upon the Taliban government to investigate atrocities and bring perpetrators to justice.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Paul Bristow Con Peterborough

I am concerned about the persecution and discrimination faced by Hazaras in Afghanistan. Over a century, they have suffered from targeted massacres, denial of education and political rights, and ongoing attacks on places of worship, schools, hospitals, and other venues. In recent years, there have been numerous attacks resulting in deaths and injuries, including an attack on a Hazara girls high school that killed over 100 students and injured over 160 others, and another attack at an education centre that killed more than 60 female Hazara students and injured over 100. The persecution continues under the Taliban regime.

Other contributors (3)
  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Commends the hon. Gentleman for bringing the debate forward and being a champion in this House for the Hazaras, highlighting their long history of discrimination and violence. Reliably intervened in support of oppressed groups around the world, emphasizing the importance of addressing human rights abuses against the Hazara community.

  • Mohammad Yasin Con Bedford

    Mr Mohammad Yasin expressed concern over the escalation of violence against Hazaras in Afghanistan post-international troop withdrawal, highlighting sustained attacks on mosques, girls' schools and workplaces. He cited a Human Rights Watch report indicating that Shi'a minorities have been subject to suicide bombings and ongoing attacks despite Taliban rhetoric claiming protection for all ethnic groups. Highlighted extensive support and knowledge regarding the Hazara community's issues, advocating for more action to protect minority rights.

  • Taiwo Owatemi Lab Coventry North West

    Congratulates the hon. Gentleman on securing an important debate, emphasising that the Government must heed recommendations from the UN special rapporteur's report regarding protection for the Hazara community. Spoke briefly but eloquently about the plight of Hazaras and the need for inclusive governance in Afghanistan.

Government Response

Andrew Mitchell

The UK Government closely monitors human rights abuses against Hazaras in Afghanistan. They report on summary executions, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, torture, and forcible eviction. The minister detailed actions taken by the government including urging the Taliban to engage in constructive dialogue with all Afghan society, supporting credible monitoring mechanisms, and engaging regularly with Afghans, including Hazaras, to reflect their needs. On 24 May, officials met a representative from the Hazara National Congress. The minister emphasized ongoing efforts to press the Taliban on human rights concerns, support the UN special rapporteur, and ensure inclusive governance for all Afghans.

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