Report Documents Systematic Attacks on Hazara Shia Community in Afghanistan

Report Documents Systematic Attacks on Hazara Shia Community in Afghanistan
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A new investigative report has documented what researchers describe as a sustained campaign of violence by the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) against Afghanistan’s Hazara Shia community since 2016, raising renewed concerns about possible crimes under international law.

The report compiles field evidence, media material, and testimonies detailing a series of attacks on civilian targets, including girls’ schools during examinations, maternity wards, sports facilities, and places of worship. It also records assaults on Shia pilgrims traveling to and from religious sites abroad. Analysts argue that the selection of targets points to an intent to harm a specific religious group rather than carrying out isolated acts of violence.

United Nations data cited in the report indicate that nearly 2,000 civilians have been killed by ISKP, most of them Hazara Shia, while rights organisations warn the true toll may be higher due to limited access and verification challenges inside Afghanistan. The report highlights ISKP publications that use explicit sectarian language calling for violence against Shia Muslims, which legal experts say could constitute evidence of genocidal intent.

Although ISKP has faced pressure since the Taliban takeover, the report notes that attacks have continued, with tactics shifting from large-scale bombings to smaller, targeted explosive devices. Researchers have urged the international community to examine the findings and consider accountability mechanisms to address alleged genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.