Yesterday, Monday 17th February 2025, marked a momentous day for the Hazara community across the UK as East Staffordshire Council became the first in Europe to officially recognise the Hazara genocide of 1891-1893. This historic recognition represents a significant milestone in acknowledging the atrocities committed against the Hazara people during that dark period as genocide.

While this achievement is considerable, we urge all councils throughout England to follow East Staffordshire’s example and officially recognise the genocide. The recognition of such events is vital in the fight for justice and raising awareness of the struggles faced by the Hazara community, both historically and in the present day.

This acknowledgment is the result of over two years of tireless efforts by the Burton Hazara Society, whose dedication to advocating for the Hazara cause has been instrumental in highlighting this issue. Their collaboration with the Hazara Committee UK and civil society in various countries around the world has helped push this movement forward.

As the Director of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Hazaras, I am committed to working with my parliamentary colleagues, including Chair Rosie Duffield MP, and civil society to continue advocating for recognition of the genocide in the UK. We will push for greater acknowledgment of both the historic and ongoing struggles of the Hazara people.

This is just the beginning. We look forward to further efforts to ensure justice and recognition for the Hazara community.