Minorities | Hazara parties and civil groups condemn ethnic and religious persecution, forced displacement and land seizure of Hazaras and Shias in Afghanistan

ACW | October 28, 2026 — Representatives of Hazara political parties, civil society groups and activists condemned ethnic and religious persecution, forced displacement and land seizure affecting Hazaras and Shias in Afghanistan in a statement on Wednesday, Rukhshana Media and Hasht-e Subh reported.

Rukhshana said the statement followed an online meeting hosted by the Hazara Diaspora Network. Hasht-e Subh said it cites forced displacement and land seizures in Kabul's 9th and 15th districts and the 4th district of Jalalabad.

According to Rukhshana, the signatories describe the situation as a continuation of "genocidal policies and ethnic cleansing" against Hazaras. The term is theirs; ACW attributes it to the groups.

They do not recognise Taliban rule as legitimate, saying power taken by force cannot confer popular legitimacy. They said raising Hazara grievances does not ignore other abuses, and the statement also mentions restrictions on women and girls, the suppression of activists and limits on media freedom.

Rukhshana reported that the statement asks the United Nations and the international community to investigate independently, protect civilians and hold perpetrators accountable. Neither outlet reported a Taliban response.

Background: ACW earlier reported students in northern Afghanistan saying ethnicity and religion cost them dormitory places.

Why it matters: The statement warns that discriminatory policies could damage trust between ethnic groups and social cohesion, an issue tied to freedom of religion or belief for Shias and other minorities in Afghanistan.

ACW will continue to follow this story.

Sources: Rukhshana Media — Hazara activists on Taliban oppression; Hasht-e Subh — Hazara representatives condemn ethnic persecution

Photo: Rukhshana Media