East Staffordshire, UK – Former Mayor of East Staffordshire Borough Council, Councillor Syed Hussain, delivered a powerful speech reaffirming the council’s commitment to justice and human rights following its historic decision to recognise the 1891 Hazara genocide on February 17, 2025. Speaking at the 30th anniversary commemoration of Ustad Abdul Ali Mazari’s martyrdom, Cllr. Hussain emphasized the need for greater awareness and action against the ongoing persecution of the Hazara people.
In his address, Cllr. Hussain reflected on the significance of the council’s motion, which not only acknowledges the tragic massacres of 1891-1893 but also condemns the continued violence faced by the Hazara community under the Taliban regime. He described the motion as more than a formal stance, stating that it sends a clear message of solidarity and calls on the UK government to officially recognise the Hazara genocide, condemn Taliban-led atrocities, and support Hazara refugees.
“The 1891 genocide took the lives of thousands of innocent Hazara men, women, and children, displacing countless others from their ancestral lands. This dark chapter has never been fully recognised, and the scars of this violence still affect the Hazara community today,” Cllr. Hussain said.
He also highlighted the ongoing struggles of the Hazara people, who continue to face discrimination, violence, and targeted killings due to their ethnic and religious identity. He called upon other councils across the UK to follow East Staffordshire’s lead in passing similar motions to raise awareness and push for international action.
Cllr. Hussain extended his gratitude to key individuals who played a crucial role in passing the motion. He praised Omid Jafari for his dedication to raising awareness of the Hazara plight, describing his efforts as a “driving force” behind the initiative. He also acknowledged the support of Cllr. Paul Walker, who seconded the motion, recognizing his unwavering commitment to justice and human rights.
Additionally, Cllr. Hussain expressed his appreciation for the people of East Staffordshire, whose solidarity and compassion helped bring the issue to the forefront. “We are stronger because of your willingness to stand together, not just as a council, but as a community, in support of those who are suffering,” he stated.
Looking ahead, Cllr. Hussain emphasized that the motion is just the beginning of a larger movement. He urged councils across the country to take similar steps in recognizing the Hazara genocide and advocating for justice.
“The more councils that join this cause, the louder our collective voice will be, and the greater the pressure we can exert on governments and international bodies to take real action,” he said.
Quoting Baba Mazari, the revered Hazara leader, Cllr. Hussain reminded the audience of the power of unity and truth in the fight for justice. He also invoked the wisdom of Maharishi Patanjali, encouraging continued advocacy and activism to ensure that the voices of the oppressed are heard.
He concluded with a call to action, urging communities to raise awareness, educate others, and stand in solidarity with persecuted groups. “Together, we can amplify their voices, ensure that their history is not forgotten, and work toward a future where no one is persecuted for their identity,” he said.
The speech has further galvanised efforts within East Staffordshire and beyond, with campaigners hopeful that national and international bodies will take stronger steps toward recognizing and addressing the injustices faced by the Hazara people.