Political parties urged to present concrete measures to address human rights issues, particularly minorities issues: CSJ

Karachi : Speakers at a seminar on “Human rights protection mechanism & religious minorities” organized by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) held in Karachi demanded strong measures to address the human rights issues. The speakers including; Peter Jacob, Mahnaz Rahman, Nuzhat Shireen, Rukhsana Perveen Khokhar, Lubna Jerar, Veengas, Dr. Heralal Lohano and Dr. Riaz Sheikh emphasized on making human rights a priority and introducing policy reforms to protect minorities’ rights.

Speaking on the occasion, Peter Jacob, the executive director, CSJ stated that disturbingly the 39 incidents of forced conversions were reported in the first four months of 2023. It appears that the government has failed to check criminality involved in abduction and conversion of the Hindu and Christian underage girls who were married off simultaneously with their reported conversions. Only three out of 39 girls were recovered by the police, two escaped from the abductors while rest were still in captivity under a claim that they had converted. Out of 39 total 35 had been reported from Sindh, 3 in Punjab and one in Balochistan. “Therefore, the government should pay immediate attention and address the situation” he further urged.

According to CSJ the abuse of blasphemy laws was also on the rise. While 57 persons were booked while four persons had been killed extra judicially in the first four months of the 2023.

Mahnaz Rahman, a prominent human rights defender said that child and forced marriage are prevalent in Pakistan due to several reasons including customary practices, poverty, lack of awareness, lack of education and skills, and lack of rule of law. The government must implement the Child Marriage Restraint Act and harmonize the minimum legal age of marriage at 18 years across the country for both genders, making the national identity card mandatory for both bride and groom, and making child marriage null and void.

Veengas, a journalist stated, forced conversion is a serious issue and violation of fundamental human rights. “It is the responsibility of the state to protect every citizen and especially marginalized community. I urge the national and provincial parliaments to outlaw forced conversion to protect minority girls” she emphasized.

Dr. Heeralal Lohano, a well-know Psychiatrist called for establishment of the statutory National Commission for Minorities (NCM) remained pending for over 30 years, the government needs to improve the NCM Bill, 2023 in the light of recommendations made by human rights experts, to constitute an independent, autonomous, and resourceful body in conforming with UN Paris Principles and the directives of the Supreme Court issued on 19th June 2014.

Rukhsana Perveen Khokhar, of the Legal Aid Society stated that gender-based crimes often go unreported due to various reasons, including social stigma, poverty, and limited access to human rights protection mechanisms. The government must adopt and implement laws, policies and strategies to address the systemic and underlying factors of child marriage and forced marriage and forced faith conversions.

Nuzhat Shireen said that domestic violence despite that it is a criminal offense, is rampant, awareness along with the training of law enforcement personnel, the legal fraternity are needed to implement the law against domestic violence.

Lubna Jerar stated that all citizens have equal constitutional and human rights. There should be no discrimination in the Constitution, therefore forced conversions are usurping the rights of the marginalized groups. This is a serious issue that the government should act on immediately by first immediately fixing 18 years as the minimum age for marriage throughout the country so that young girls are not exploited by different rules in different provinces.

Prior to the seminar, a meeting of civil society with political representatives held that discussed the pledges, actions, and performance of the Pakistan Peoples Party regarding minorities’ rights wherein the legislators including; Shamim Mumtaz MPA (PPP), Sorath Thebo MPA (PML-N), and Kulsoom Akhter Chandio MPA (PPP) and M. Parkash (PPP) made a commitment to take measures to address human rights issues faced by minorities.