Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur for Afghanistan, has condemned the recent attack in Ghor, which resulted in the deaths of 14 Hazara civilians. This incident, claimed by the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), highlights the alarming rise in targeted violence against the Hazara community.
Details of the Attack
The attack occurred on September 12, when gunmen opened fire on a group of Hazara individuals from Daikundi province who were traveling to welcome returning pilgrims from Karbala, Iraq. Eyewitness accounts describe the assailants as armed men on motorcycles, emphasizing the brutality of the attack, which left 14 dead and several others injured.
Call for International Accountability
Bennett expressed deep concern over the increasing frequency of such attacks, labeling them as indicative of international crimes. He stressed the urgent need for prevention and protection measures, alongside international accountability for these acts of violence. The UN envoy’s remarks coincide with ongoing discussions at the UN Human Rights Council regarding the establishment of mechanisms to ensure justice for victims and survivors of such atrocities.
Historical Context
The ISKP has a documented history of targeting the Hazara community, which has faced systemic discrimination and violence, particularly since the Taliban’s resurgence in 2021. Human Rights Watch has previously classified these attacks as crimes against humanity, underscoring the need for protective measures for vulnerable populations in Afghanistan.
