We, the undersigned, write to express our grave concern over the brutal execution of Hazara Shia Muslim coal miners in Mach, Balochistan, a region of Pakistan where the Security Establishment holds sway. Unfortunately, this recent act of terrorism is not new, but rather forms a pattern of persecution and abuse that must be stopped.

The routine massacre of Hazara and Shia Muslims in Pakistan has taken place for decades. In the Commission’s 2018 report, Justice (R) Ali Nawaz Chowhan, Chairman of the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) writes “Hazaras have consistently been targeted by terrorists and religious fanatics since 1999 through suicide bombings and targeted killings, with more than 2,000 having reportedly been killed in the last 14 years. [2003-2017]”

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has also documented first-hand accounts highlighting the anti-Hazara sentiment and the intent to kill Shia Muslims in its June 2014 report, We are the Walking Dead: Killing of Hazara Shias in Balochistan. The report also includes a copy of Lashkar-e-Jhangvi’s (LeJ) Public Threat to the Hazara & Shia Muslim Community that starts with “All Shias are liable to be killed. We will rid Pakistan of [this] impure people.” Despite this, HRW further reports, “virtually all members of the LeJ leadership operate with impunity, continuing to play leadership roles even when in custody awaiting trial.” In fact, over the years groups like Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Tehreek-e-Talibaan, Daesh (Islamic State) and Sipah-e-Sahabah and their various affiliates have publicly boasted about their roles in Shia Muslim killings with virtually no consequences. These same groups have also engaged in acts of violence against Sunni, Sufi, Ahmadiya, Christian, Sikh and Hindu communities across Pakistan.

According to the Constitution of Pakistan as well as International Conventions ratified by Pakistan including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), the Government of Pakistan has a duty to protect all of its citizens—regardless of ethnic or religious affiliation, and guarantee the right of freedom of faith and belief to every citizen without any discrimination.

Unfortunately, the security apparatus and Government of Pakistan has failed miserably in providing safety and essential freedoms to targeted groups like Shia Muslims, especially the Hazara Shia Muslims in Balochistan, giving the appearance that, contrary to Pakistan’s obligations in its Constitution and ratified Human Rights treaties, the Government is either unwilling or unable to protect the Hazara, Shia Muslims and other vulnerable communities against these destabilizing forces in Pakistan.

Given this, we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Pakistan to:
• secure the Hazara and Shia Muslim communities, investigate and prosecute those responsible for these attacks, as well as, those responsible for spreading hate and inciting this violence, including from within state officials.
• uproot the networks, disband, disarm, and hold accountable groups implicated in these serious human rights abuses like Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Tehreek-e-Talibaan, Daesh (ISIS) and Sipah-e-Sahabah.
• provide, in addition to the basic financial compensation already promised, additional funds for the education expenses, family expenditures, and treatment expenses of the victims and their families including for their mental health.

We also call on Prime Minister Imran Khan to publicly issue an apology for the manner of his refusal to visit the surviving families and community before the burial of the miners. The Prime Minister’s insensitive response to their heartfelt requests to witness their loss only served to further rub salt in the wounds of the families and community in mourning.

In solidarity with the Hazara and Shia Muslim communities,

Signatures

SFSR
Solidarity for Shia Rights (SFSR) is not an organization but rather a collective community initiative implemented by a consortium of Muslim organizations and individuals. Shia Muslims have been going through 1400 years of genocide. If you believe in the rights of Shi’a Muslims to live and practice their faith without persecution or fear then you are SFSR.

AMBA
American Muslims Bar Associaton

IMI
Imamia Medics International

MUJ
Muslims United for Justice
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