Calls to End ‘Hazara Genocide’ on Kaaj Educational Center Attack Anniversary
On the second anniversary of the tragic Kaaj Educational Center attack, which claimed the lives of 54 individuals and left 110 injured, activists and community leaders are amplifying their calls for an end to the ongoing “Hazara genocide.”
The attack, which occurred on September 30, 2022, has become a symbol of the systemic violence faced by the Hazara community in Afghanistan.
The horrific incident, claimed by ISIS-K, specifically targeted young Hazara students, primarily girls, highlighting the acute discrimination faced by this Shiite Muslim community. Among those killed were at least 53 schoolgirls, a tragedy that has left an indelible mark on the community and sparked international outrage.
In remembrance, activists organized vigils across the globe, including in Pakistan, Germany, Canada, and the United States, where candles were lit to honor the victims. Canadian MP Chandra Arya joined demonstrators, emphasizing the urgent need for international recognition and protection for the Hazara community.
The anniversary of the attack also comes amid fresh concerns over Hazara safety in Afghanistan. In mid-September, an attack claimed by ISIS-K in Daikundi Province martyred 14 Hazara pilgrims as they were returning from the Karbala shrine in Iraq.
These events have prompted global protests urging the United Nations and world governments to take decisive action against the ongoing ethnic and religious persecution of Hazaras.
The historical context of violence against the Hazara community is harrowing, with significant loss of life documented over the years. From the brutal suppression during the late 19th century — when between 1888-1893, nearly 60% of the Hazaras were massacred and their land seized by the Pashtuns — to recent attacks, including the 2016 Kabul bombing that killed over 80. A list of some of the attacks on this persecuted community is available at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_massacres_against_Hazaras.
