Afghanistan’s Hazara-Shia Party Says Taliban Pressure Violates National, International Law

DID Press: Islamic Unity Party of The People of Afghanistan, led by Mohammad Mohaqeq, has warned that the Taliban’s growing restrictions on religious ceremonies, education and land ownership are increasing pressure on the Hazara and Shia communities and violate national laws and international principles.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Aug. 4, the party said the Taliban had intensified discriminatory policies against Hazaras and Shia Muslims.The statement said Taliban authorities had imposed restrictions on Shia clerics in matters related to personal status law and had limited young Shia Afghans’ access to higher education institutions.

The party also alleged that some people had been pressured to abandon their religious beliefs, describing such measures as a clear violation of the fundamental rights of Afghan citizens.

According to the party, the Taliban have revoked permits for Shia residential townships in Ghazni and Kabul and stripped residents of their ownership rights, forcing thousands of families to leave their homes.

The People’s Islamic Unity Party of Afghanistan said the Taliban’s recent measures contravene both Afghanistan’s national laws and international human rights standards, warning that they could have serious consequences for social cohesion and stability in the country.

The Taliban have not immediately responded to the allegations.