Pakistan has ratified several human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). However, the government has made reservations about the CEDAW treaty, declaring the supremacy of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Sharia law over its provisions. This has led to daily human rights abuses against women, religious minorities, and other ethnic and non-religious minorities in Pakistan. The report focuses on three key areas: human rights violations against minorities, women, and minorities in the Azad Kashmir region.

Global Human Rights Defence (ghrd) has been active in Bangladesh since 2003, conducting fact-finding missions and media monitoring on human rights abuses against minorities, women, and children. The organization investigates violence against ethnic and religious minorities or socially marginalized individuals and lobbies for change. In 2011, ghrd focused on human rights abuses against the indigenous Jumma in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region, revealing state actors were directly involved in the abuses. The report provides a brief background on the history and situation of minority groups in Bangladesh and recommendations for the government.

In 2011, ghrd held a significant milestone by bringing local South Asian partners to speak at the European Parliament, a first for the organization in over seven years. The conference was the culmination of a year of grassroots activities and international advocacy, including awareness-raising events, educational projects, capacity building, and a capacity-building symposium in Mumbai, India. ghrd also submitted an application for official NGO status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and traveled to New York to discuss the process. In 2012, ghrd embarked on a four-year human rights program in Bangladesh and Pakistan, raising voices for minority rights. Despite funding constraints, ghrd managed to mobilize support from various donors and sponsors, looking forward to future collaboration in the fight for minority rights in South Asia.

In 2012, Global Human Rights Defence (ghrd) received a significant grant from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs to implement the program “Raising Voices for Minority Rights,” which aims to train and empower human rights defenders in South Asia and raise public and institutional awareness to strengthen minorities within civil society. The organization has been expanding its network in Pakistan and Bangladesh, collaborating with partner organizations to improve human rights situations. ghrd closed the year with a weeklong European lobby tour with human rights activists from Bangladesh and Pakistan, discussing political issues such as elections and minority persecution. The panel discussion highlighted the importance of civil society collaboration between the two countries for reconciliation.

In 2012, Pakistan experienced increased sectarian violence, political instability, and the influence of terrorist groups, leading to a culture of extremism. The lack of rule of law, police corruption, impunity, and state tolerance of persecution at all levels of authority contributed to concerns about minority rights. Blasphemy laws were used to target religious minorities, with poorly drafted legislation allowing police and individuals to abuse the laws. Abductions, forced marriages, and forced conversions continued to place minority girls in danger, and the migration of Hindus seeking refuge across the border in India exemplified the severity of the situation for minorities. Human rights groups have called 2012 a ‘deadly year for Shias’, with estimates of over 300 Shias killed during the year. Top-down discrimination in the Constitution, laws, and education curriculum, combined with a lack of investigation and prosecution of hate crimes, has left religious minority groups unprotected and effectively second-class citizens. The government’s overly optimistic picture of progress has only increased concern for minorities living in Pakistan, with the government failing to acknowledge many of the human rights challenges they face nor provide a concrete plan of action for protecting them.

Bangladesh’s Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition have pledged to create a peaceful, inclusive society, but the country’s religious, ethnic, and sexual minorities remain vulnerable to violence, discrimination, and intimidation due to a contradictory constitutional combination of secularism and Islam as the state religion. This is exacerbated by flawed legal procedures, corruption, poverty, illiteracy, and traditional practices. In 2011–2012, indigenous peoples, Hindus, Buddhists, and other minorities faced violations of their rights and property seized by land grabbers, extremists, and political leaders. The largest attacks against Buddhist communities in recent history have raised concerns about the security and rights of minorities in Bangladesh. Global Human Rights Defence (ghrd) has monitored human rights for religious and ethnic minorities in Bangladesh since 2003 and has recently expanded its target groups to include sexual minorities. The reinstallation of a caretaker government to oversee national elections scheduled for 2013 remains a crucial political issue.

Global Human Rights Defence (ghrd) is dedicated to promoting and protecting the human rights of minorities and marginalized groups in Bangladesh. They aim to enhance their socio-economic empowerment, monitor human rights violations, and influence policy changes. In 2013, ghrd focused on monitoring elections, conducting research on sexual minorities, and documenting attacks against religious and ethnic minorities. They also initiated a human rights defenders network to monitor violations and address national projects.

Pakistan, founded by Muhammad Ali Jinnah in 1947, is home to one of the world’s largest Muslim populations. However, the country has evolved into a melting pot of violence, rivalry, animosity, and prejudice. Religious minorities make up only 3% of Pakistan’s 180 million population, with the remaining 97% being the Muslim majority. The country faces serious issues such as sectarian violence, interfaith violence, and persecution. The government has failed to implement concrete measures to protect its minorities from harm, with scores of Shias killed or injured in 2013. The government has also failed to take action to discourage attacks against minorities and reform the police force.

Bangladesh’s human rights situation worsened in 2013 due to government policies that supported singular identity politics. The country’s top-down approach, based on Bengali nationalism and Islam as the state religion, has led to conflict and violence among minorities who do not fit into the singular national identity. Minorities remain vulnerable to communal attacks, forced conversions, land grabbing, discrimination, intimidation, and sexual violence. This situation is reinforced by a culture of impunity, corruption, inefficiencies in the judicial system, non-existing constitutional protection for the right to education, rising extremism, and traditions fueling social stigmas towards marginalized groups. The 10th parliamentary elections in 2014 targeted ethnic and religious minorities, particularly Hindus, and the Buddhist community. Global Human Rights Defence (ghrd) has been monitoring human rights for religious and ethnic minorities in Bangladesh since 2003, focusing on sexual minorities since 2012.

The report by Global Human Rights Defence, commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, highlights the challenges faced by the Bangladeshi LGBT community. The report, based on interviews with 50 individuals, aims to examine the experiences of the LGBT community, including discrimination, violence, and social exclusion. The report also highlights the need for a strong LGBT network and movement, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness of sexual orientation and gender identities, creating LGBT networks, and building alliances with non-LGBT communities. The findings provide a basis for future strategies to improve the rights of LGBT people in Bangladesh and internationally. The report highlights the need for a bottom-up approach to community development and the need for a strong LGBT network and movement.

In 2014, South Asian minorities faced numerous challenges, including communal attacks, forced conversions, marriages, land grabbing, and sexual violence. ghrd, a human rights organization, works to ensure their voices are heard globally. The organization has grown its networks in Bangladesh and Pakistan and collaborated with other European organizations. ghrd maintains a small staff in The Hague and directs resources to activities in the region to ensure proper training for partners who courageously fight abuse.

Global Human Rights Defence (ghrd) reports on the human rights violations against Bangladeshi minorities in 2014, including land grabbing, vandalism, desecration, abductions, forced conversions, and violence. The report highlights the dangers faced by Human Rights Defenders, who are often victims themselves. The lack of political will and the government’s failure to implement legislative measures contribute to the issue, while repressive traditions and customs exacerbate marginalization. The situation remains a constant fear for minority groups in Bangladesh.

Global Human Rights Defence (ghrd) has produced a report on the human rights of religious minorities in Pakistan, highlighting significant violations committed in 2014. The report, aided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, is based on ongoing research and media monitoring activities. The report highlights the lack of political will and legislative measures to protect these marginalized groups, as well as the exacerbated marginalization caused by religious extremism and repressive traditions. The report also highlights the ongoing fear and terrorism concerns among these groups.

Global Human Rights Defence (ghrd) is a global organization that advocates for the rights of minorities and marginalized groups, aiming to protect their rights and promote socioeconomic empowerment. ghrd monitors human rights violations and uses the collected information to influence policy changes. It envisions a world where all rights are respected and upheld by national and international laws. In Pakistan, religious minorities face discrimination, particularly against women. Despite laws for gender equality, Pakistan fails to enforce them. The report aims to highlight the human rights violations against women in these communities, reminding the international community and governments of their duty to act against these violations.

On March 8, 2019, ghrd held an event in Gampaha to highlight women’s rights in Sri Lanka. Principal Ms. Nadee Tharangamala discussed the importance of International Women’s Day and the increasing number of sexual harassment incidents, emphasizing the need to raise awareness, particularly on public transportation.

Global Human Rights Defence (ghrd) and Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) held an event on International Women’s Day to educate participants on the law against violence against women. The event focused on the experiences of women from religious minorities, who face discrimination in schools, international institutions, exchange programs, research fellowships, and state benefits. The event aimed to raise awareness about human rights violations and promote gender equality, with education on women’s discrimination being a crucial step towards eradicating such issues.

Global Human Rights Defence (ghrd) conducted a health camp in Sankhu, Nepal, on March 8th, 2019. Chhaupadi, an ancestral tradition and Hindu practice, has significant consequences for women, including banishing menstruating women from their homes and imposing a strict diet for five days. The religious-cultural practices are rooted in Hindu beliefs that consider menstruation ‘impure’, causing isolation and shame. ghrd organized the camp to educate local communities about menstruation and its science, raising awareness about hygiene and care. The event, attended by 60 people, included a speech by Dr. Lata Bajracharya, a former board member of Thapathali Maternity Hospital, and Sukomal Bhattarai, a doctor and organizer. The camp aimed to create an environment for change and raise awareness about menstruation and Chhaupadi.

Bangladesh faces significant challenges in protecting human rights due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the lockdown, violent attacks by terrorist groups targeting non-muslim communities continue, resulting in various forms of violence. Despite the presence of security forces, police bias, particularly towards minority religious groups, contributes to the increasing violence rate. The report highlights the need for a different approach to address the current situation in Bangladesh, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive and effective police force.

The Global Human Rights Defence (ghrd) and Research and Empowerment Organization (REO) have been organizing a global campaign aimed at protecting the human rights of Bangladesh’s minority population. They work to prevent discrimination, uphold political freedom, protect against inhumane conduct, and bring offenders to justice. REO initiates investigations, coordinates with victims and their families, collects evidence, and holds violators accountable. They demand the government and authorities to end abusive practices and respect international human rights laws. After Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan, Hindu minorities faced persecution from religious extremists, including the Pakistani Army, who believed Hindus were against Pakistan.

In September 2020, Pakistan experienced a series of cases involving Christian activists, blasphemy suspects, witch hunts on journalists, cybercrime cases, enforced disappearances, atrocities against minority groups, missing persons, and the killing of Baloch Yakjehti Committee Karachi. One such case involved former factory worker Asif Parvaiz, who was sentenced to death on blasphemy charges. Parvaiz had been in custody since 2013 and was accused of sending blasphemous text messages to Pervez Masih. The defense argued that the complainant used the law to persecute minorities or settle personal rivalries. The court sentenced Parvaiz to death and imposed a fine of PR 50,000. He will serve a three-year prison term before being hanged to death.