Parliamentary Work

The All-party Parliamentary Group was launched on the 15th November 2022 after report published in September 2022 by the Hazara inquiry found “the Hazara are at serious risk of genocide at the hands of the Taliban and ISKP. Thus the Parliamentary group was launched after a campaign which saw protests outside The Prime Minister’s residence, Downing Street “in recognising the persecution and other atrocities committed against Hazaras, the group will work towards protecting and enhancing the human rights and status of Hazaras around the world.” Chaired by Paul Bristol MP, and co-chaired by Lord Alton of Liverpool. The group is comprised of around 30 members of both the House of Commons and The House of Lords who meet regularly to discuss the situation of the Hazaras.

In June 2023 we held our first dedicated debate to the station of the hazaras in Afghanistan, many questions have been put to the foreign and commonwealth development office. Questions have been lodged regarding UK designation of hazaras as protected, Afghan Citizen’s resettlement scheme launched after the fall of Kabul, policy on diversity and to ensure ministers engage regularly with the Hazara community here in the UK. We engaged regularly with foreign office ministers on religious freedom, reassurance after the constant attacks agains the hazaras, current threat, excavations in violence and to ensure things which happen abroad do not mean the Hazara will be targeted here too. 

The APPG on Hazara has representatives from across the political spectrum, and across the countries that make up the United Kingdom. From Scotland, Wales, Ireland and up and down the United Kingdom. 

The Duty Legacy will act as secretariat for the All-Party Parliamentary Group which works  towards protecting and enhancing the human rights and status of Hazaras around the world with members from across both Houses of Parliament in Westminster. 

Its three core aims are:

1. To address all issues concerning Hazaras – their security and humanitarian situation with a view to improving the UK government’s policies toward Afghanistan, Pakistan, and refugees;
2. To raise the issue of the genocide against the Hazaras and ensure comprehensive responses, including justice for the victims and survivors, assistance with their needs, and ensure non-repetition of the atrocities in the future;
3. Providing parliamentarians with the information to act together to prevent genocides and crimes against humanity in Afghanistan.

The Working Group will work with other Non-Governmental Organisations for the prevention of the crime of genocide and hate speech to:

 (1) address all issues concerning Hazara’s;  and 

(2) raise the issues of the persecution and genocide of the Hazara through engagement with the Hazara Community and international diaspora and the commission of research and reports providing basis for discussion, debate and open dialogue on prevention and capacity building with legal practitioners and legal academics in the field of mass atrocity prevention, Responsibility to Protect and non-repetition.

The group will also engage with academics and journalists interested on Afghanistan and genocide studies to conduct research and publish more reports.

This working group will focus on providing secretariat for the APPG for Hazaras by engaging with MPS, tabling debates, questions and amendments to inform the decisions of His Majesties Government. This will inform the core aim of the APPG which held its AGM on 15/11/2022. The core aim is; 

"[To] work towards protecting and enhancing the human rights and status of Hazaras around the world.".

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Hazaras is a cross-party group formed within the United Kingdom Parliament that focuses on addressing the issues and concerns faced by the Hazara community. The group aims to raise awareness, advocate for human rights, and work towards promoting the welfare and security of the Hazara people.

The Hazaras are a predominantly Shia ethnic minority group residing mainly in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran. They have faced a long history of persecution, discrimination, and targeted violence due to their ethnicity and religious beliefs. 

The APPG on Hazaras was established to ensure that their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed both domestically and internationally.

The group consists of Members of Parliament from various political parties who collaborate to discuss and address the challenges faced by the Hazara community. By creating a platform in Parliament, the APPG seeks to engage with experts, organizations, and individuals working towards promoting the rights and well-being of the Hazaras.

The main objectives of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Hazaras include:

1. Advocating for human rights: The group endeavors to raise awareness about human rights violations, violence, and discrimination faced by the Hazara community. By highlighting these issues in Parliament, the APPG aims to bring about policy changes that prioritize the protection of Hazaras and their rights.

2. Promoting dialogue and engagement: The group facilitates dialogues with relevant stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, and international organizations. By engaging in discussions and consultations, the APPG seeks to develop strategies and solutions to address the challenges faced by the Hazara community.

3. Providing a platform for representation: The APPG serves as a platform for Hazara community representatives and advocates to voice their concerns and share their experiences. It provides an opportunity to engage with policymakers and lawmakers to influence legislation and policies that impact the community.

4. Supporting initiatives and campaigns: The group actively supports initiatives and campaigns aimed at promoting peace, human rights, and inclusivity for Hazaras. It collaborates with civil society organizations and community leaders to raise awareness and extend solidarity to the Hazara community.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Hazaras plays a crucial role in advocating for the rights and well-being of the Hazara community both within the United Kingdom and on an international level. Through its work, the APPG strives to create a world where the Hazaras can live free from fear and discrimination, ensuring their contributions to society are recognized and valued.

We are in the process of setting up more consultancy arrangements to assist the secretariat of other groups working on atrocity prevention, international law and victim-centred justice within Parliament.

If we can be of assistance to you, or if you'd like more information on the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Hazaras please get in touch by emailing our Parliamentary Projects Officer, Armela Lasku on Armela.lasku@thedutylegacy.com.