Afghans Rally in Toronto: Demand Recognition of Hazara Genocide
On Sunday, September 22, 2024, Afghan protesters gathered in Toronto, Canada, to voice their concerns over the ongoing persecution of Hazara people in Afghanistan. The demonstration, attended by dozens of Afghan-Canadians, called for international recognition of what they term a “genocide” against the Hazara community.
Protesters presented a resolution highlighting the alarming statistics of violence against Hazaras. Since 2001, over 294 incidents targeting Hazaras have occurred, resulting in 2,228 deaths and 2,837 injuries. The situation has worsened since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, with more than 30 major attacks claiming over 560 lives and injuring around 700 people.
The demonstrators emphasized the systematic nature of these attacks, targeting Hazaras in various locations including maternity hospitals, schools, places of worship, sports clubs, and transportation hubs. They urged Canada, the international community, and human rights organizations to officially recognize the “Hazara genocide” and take immediate action to protect the community.
Ali Ehsassi, an Iranian-Canadian Member of Parliament and Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, attended the rally. He assured the protesters that the Canadian government stands with the Hazara people and is fully aware of the ongoing situation. Ehsassi stressed the need for accountability and an end to the current circumstances.
The protesters also called on Canada and the international community to refrain from normalizing relations with the Taliban and to use all available means to hold the group accountable. Additionally, they requested the Canadian government to initiate an independent UN investigation into the human rights situation of Hazaras in Afghanistan.
