[The Hague, August 16, 2024] – An urgent special hearing was convened yesterday to address the alarming escalation of human rights violations against minorities in Pakistan. This significant event brought together leading experts, community representatives, and policymakers to spotlight the severe persecution and discrimination faced by these communities, which has led to a rapid decline in their population and daily violations of their fundamental rights.
The primary objective of the hearing was to amplify the voices of those often silenced and to explore actionable steps that the international community can take to address these injustices. The event featured a keynote address by Professor Nicolas Levrat, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues. Professor Levrat, a distinguished academic from the University of Geneva with a Ph.D. in International Law, highlighted the unique challenges faced by minorities in Pakistan and emphasized the ned for tailored approaches to protect their rights.
“Minority rights are not universal rights; they are specific to each country and require a nuanced understanding and response. It is crucial that we listen to the voices of those affected and work within the international system to bring these issues to the forefront,” remarked Professor Levrat.
During the hearing, the Global Human Rights Defense (ghrd) presented its latest report on human rights violations in Pakistan. The comprehensive report includes data, personal testimonies, and indepth legal analysis, offering critical insights into the ongoing struggles of minority communities in the country. Representatives from the Sindhi, Baloch, Ahmadiyya, Christian, and other persecuted communities shared their experiences, concerns, and evidence of the ongoing atrocities.
- A Sindhi representative stated, “The multifaceted human rights violations against the Sindhi
people for the past 77 years have been devastating. It has plunged our entire community into
perpetual poverty, hunger, disease, displacement, and death. This is genocide. The UN and the international community need to intervene.” - A Baloch representative added, “The worsening human rights situation in Balochistan is of grave concern. The exponential increase in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings
of Baloch human rights activists, political figures, and academics in recent months is alarming. It is high time that the international community recognizes what is happening in Balochistan.”
The hearing also welcomed the presence of Dutch government representatives and a team of experts from various fields.
GHRD continues to advocate for international attention and action, emphasizing the European Union’s unique position to influence human rights improvements in Pakistan through its trade relations. The organization is also running a campaign titled “Final Call to Pakistan,” which aims to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of persecuted minorities in the country.
As the hearing concluded, attendees were encouraged to engage thoughtfully and consider how they could contribute to the global effort to protect human rights, particularly for those who are most vulnerable.
For more information or to access the full report, please contact: campaign@ghrd.org
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Final Call Pakistan
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