Once again, terrorists have committed another crime against humanity by opening fire on 14 of our fellow citizens in Daikundi. The victims of this tragic incident were civilians belonging to the Hazara community. They were massacred collectively due to their ethnic and religious identity, a clear and undeniable example of a crime against humanity. The terrorist attackers forced a group of travellers off their vehicles near the village of Palo Sang, in the Zartalay Valley on the border of Ghor and Daikundi provinces, and then brutally executed them. According to information received by HRD+, the victims had no political affiliations with any armed groups in Afghanistan and were completely innocent. The victims hailed from the village of Qarawdal, part of the Bandar region in Sangtakht and Bandar district of Daikundi province.
HRD+ clearly declares:
- The Taliban administration, which has seized political power, has failed to provide the security they promised. Despite their claims, they have not been able to bring peace to the people. Security is a basic human right for every citizen, and no group should cause the slaughter of innocent people in our nation. We firmly demand that the Taliban administration take immediate action to identify and bring to justice the perpetrators of this tragic event.
- Recently, attacks on Hazara citizens and Shia followers in Afghanistan have increased, raising the risk of sectarian conflicts. We call on the people of Afghanistan to stand in solidarity with our Hazara compatriots during this sensitive time, as they deserve to live a dignified life in peace, both mentally and physically.
- HRD+ urgently calls on the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its Prosecutor, Mr. Karim A. A. Khan, to take immediate and serious action concerning the case of the Hazara massacres in Afghanistan. Most crimes against humanity targeting Shia and Hazara communities have been documented, and there is sufficient evidence for a significant case. A credible monitoring and investigation mechanism must be established without delay.
- HRD+ calls on the international community, particularly international and regional human rights monitoring organizations, to take serious actions regarding the targeted killings of Shias in Afghanistan. They must review the alarming human rights situation and provide constructive and important recommendations and solutions for the world.
- HRD+ urges all civil society organizations, human rights defenders, media outlets, intellectual and academic institutions to raise awareness about the consequences of massacres, genocide, crimes against humanity, and widespread human rights violations. A well-informed society will be better equipped to confront this evil phenomenon.
HRD+ is ready to cooperate and coordinate with the aforementioned organizations to achieve the goals and objectives of this statement.