BYC announces worldwide observances for ‘Baloch Genocide Remembrance Day’ on January 25

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) announced that it will observe January 25 as “Baloch Genocide Remembrance Day.” The group called on Baloch people worldwide to hold events that highlight what it describes as ongoing violence, enforced disappearances, and repression in Balochistan. The day aims to draw international attention to the struggles faced by the Baloch community and to remember those who have suffered due to systematic violence.

In a statement, the BYC emphasized that genocide is not solely about mass killings but can also involve a slow, systematic process that silently erodes a people’s identity and way of life. They pointed out that targeted violence against Baloch people encompasses various forms, including killings, enforced disappearances, denial of healthcare, economic exploitation, and psychological harm.

The group traced the roots of this violence back to the initial targeting of Baloch identity, which has persisted through years of military operations and structural deprivation. It highlighted that repression has intensified in recent years, affecting not only adults but also women and children, further exacerbating the community’s suffering.

The BYC linked the chosen date, January 25, to an incident in 2014, when over 100 mutilated bodies of forcibly disappeared Baloch youths were discovered in a mass grave in the Tootak area of Balochistan. This event marked a significant point in the ongoing struggle for justice and recognition, symbolizing the brutal extent of the violence faced by the Baloch people.

The group noted that the remembrance day was officially designated during a gathering held in January 2024 in Quetta. This formal recognition aims to institutionalize the day and ensure it serves as a sustained reminder of the ongoing crisis in Balochistan.

Last year, the BYC reported facing restrictions and harassment during events commemorating the genocide day, including disruptions in communication, restrictions on gatherings, and cases filed against organizers. These measures reflected the increasing repression faced by activists and community members advocating for Baloch rights.

The BYC described the current political climate as a “dark phase of fascism,” with public leaders jailed, peaceful protests suppressed, and violence and disappearances rising. They condemned the escalating repression and called for international awareness and action to address the ongoing human rights violations.

Finally, the group urged Baloch people both within Balochistan and abroad to organize protests, seminars, cultural events, and media campaigns on January 25. They emphasized the importance of engaging diplomats, activists, and journalists to raise awareness. The BYC also announced plans to distribute awareness materials and instructed local units to document cases of genocide and stay in contact with affected families.