National Council of Sunni Hazaras

National Council of Sunni Hazaras of Afghanistan is a civil and social organization established by a group of activists, intellectuals, and prominent members of the Sunni Hazaras community. The organization aims to promote the recognition of Hazara cultural identity, defend civil rights, and encourage active participation in the political and social structures of the country.

Sunni Hazaras in Afghanistan constitute one of the ethnic-religious minorities in the country and have historically faced various forms of discrimination, denial of identity, and social marginalization.^[1][2]

Contrary to the common perception that most Hazaras are Shia, a significant number of Hazaras follow Sunni Islam (Hanafi) and live in different parts of northern, northeastern, and central Afghanistan. Due to historical and social factors, this community has often been marginalized and its identity has received limited attention.^[1][3]

These identity challenges and experiences of political marginalization led a number of intellectuals and activists to establish the National Council of Sunni Hazaras of Afghanistan. The council aims to provide representation and a collective voice for this community, which is often described as a “minority within a minority,” in the social and political spheres of the country.^[4]

• Denial of historical and cultural identity: Due to the intersection of ethnicity and religious affiliation, parts of the Sunni Hazara community have remained underrepresented in historical and official narratives.^[5]
• Social and political marginalization: Despite their presence across many provinces of Afghanistan, the group has had limited representation in government and political decision-making structures.^[6]
• Need for unity and cooperation: The council seeks to bring this community out of historical fragmentation and isolation and guide it toward greater social and spiritual unity.^[5]

In its official statements and messages, the council pursues several objectives:

1. Strengthening ethnic and religious identity awareness
2. Promoting recognition and preservation of the Hazara identity among Sunni Hazaras and ensuring their inclusion in the historical and cultural narrative of Afghanistan.^[1]
3. Advocacy for justice and civil rights
4. Representing the legal, social, and political demands of Sunni Hazaras so they may obtain fair participation in political, administrative, and social structures.
5. Encouraging coexistence and national unity

The council frequently emphasizes national unity, solidarity among Afghanistan's ethnic groups, and peaceful coexistence in its public messages and statements.

The National Council of Sunni Hazaras does not operate as a highly formal institutional structure like political parties, but its activities are organized through leadership members, official statements, and civil meetings.

• Leadership body: Individuals whose names appear in statements and messages and who guide the council's activities.
• Discussion meetings: The council organizes both virtual and in-person meetings to discuss identity, social, and legal issues affecting the Sunni Hazara community.
• Official statements and positions: Publishing statements regarding national or religious occasions and responding to social developments in Afghanistan.

In recent years the council has undertaken several activities:

• Promotion of Hazara identity: Publishing messages and sociological analyses regarding the status of Sunni Hazaras.
• Advocacy for political participation: Members of the council have met with government officials during the former republic period to raise demands for greater representation of Sunni Hazaras in governmental structures.
• Cultural and research cooperation: Providing moral support for books and research related to Sunni Hazaras to help document the history and culture of this community.^[6]

Despite its efforts, the council faces several challenges:

• Limited resources: Like many civil organizations in Afghanistan, it faces financial and logistical constraints.
• Political changes: Complex political dynamics, governmental changes, and security issues have hindered broader and sustained activities.
• Structural neglect: Many official political and cultural institutions in Afghanistan still pay limited attention to the participation of this community.

As a civil institution, the National Council of Sunni Hazaras plays an important role in advocating rights, strengthening identity, and promoting social participation. Its future development depends on:

• Expanding civil and educational dialogue
• Increasing cooperation with human rights and civil society organizations
• Recognition of the Sunni Hazara identity in the historical and educational narratives of the country

• Sunni Hazaras
• Yunus Tughyan Sakayi
• Sirajuddin Badakhshi
• Mohammad Maskin Kavi