Hazara Genocide: A Legacy of Colonialism and Ongoing Struggles for Justice

An article recently published by Kabul Press suggests the genocide of the Hazara people, fuelled by British colonial policies in the late 19th century, remains a critical issue demanding recognition and reparations as the community continues to face systemic violence and cultural erasure.

According to the source, the late 19th century marked a devastating period for the Hazara population in present-day Afghanistan, where British support for Pashtun tribes led to the systematic extermination of over 60% of the Hazara people. This genocidal campaign, orchestrated under Abdur Rahman Khan Barikzai, was driven by British interests in Central Asia, undermining the Hazara’s right to self-determination and resulting in widespread forced displacement.

Cultural genocide compounded these atrocities, exemplified by the destruction of significant heritage sites like the Buddhas of Bamiyan. The Taliban’s obliteration of these symbols in 2001 reflects a broader effort to erase Hazara identity, perpetuating a narrative of subjugation. The Hazara community has been misrepresented as “rebels,” further marginalizing their struggle for recognition and justice.

The psychological impact of this genocide has created intergenerational trauma, instilling fear and anxiety within the community. State-sanctioned violence, such as the Kochi campaigns, exemplifies ongoing oppression, with Kochi groups enjoying political privileges while engaging in land encroachments against the Hazara.

In contemporary times, the rise of Pashtun nationalism poses additional threats, as extremist groups advocate for a Greater Pashtunistan, further marginalizing the Hazara and other ethnic groups. Calls for international recognition of the Hazara genocide are paramount, as acknowledgment serves as a crucial step toward justice and healing. The article finally concludes that the British government bears a moral obligation to apologize and provide reparations, supporting initiatives aimed at preserving Hazara culture.