Baloch Activists Highlight Human Rights Abuses by Pakistan and China at Geneva Conference
Geneva, Switzerland – Baloch activists gathered in Geneva for the 5th International Conference of the Baloch National Movement (BNM) to bring attention to human rights abuses by Pakistan and China. Hammal Baloch, a central committee member of BNM, stated, “Through the event, we want to show the world the real face of Pakistan. Pakistan often attempts to portray Balochistan in a positive light, showcasing it as a region where infrastructure is developing and prosperity is flourishing. However, mainstream media is entirely banned there.”
Hammal Baloch emphasized the severity of the crisis in Balochistan, saying, “A genocide is occurring in Balochistan. It’s not just that people are being killed; rather, there is a genocide of everything. The education system is being destroyed, and culturally, people are being eradicated. Gwadar is being fenced off. Efforts are being made to prevent democratic voices from being raised there.”
Naseem Baloch, Chairperson of BNM, outlined the key objectives and outcomes of the conference, stating, “Today’s conference focused on the policies of China and Pakistan, and we were joined by representatives from Sindhi, Kashmiri, Pashtun, and Uyghur communities. We addressed crucial issues such as the struggles for autonomy in Sindhudesh, Pashtunistan, and East Turkistan. Our primary aim is to unite these diverse groups in a coordinated effort to challenge the China-Pakistan alliance and swiftly achieve liberation from their control.”
Faheem Baloch, Coordinator for BNM’s Foreign Affairs Department, highlighted the conference’s crucial role in addressing human rights abuses, stating, “The primary goal of this conference was to bring to light the human rights violations committed by Pakistan and China. The speakers offered valuable insights and focused on the specific challenges faced by Baloch women. We are hopeful that such events will not only persist but also become more impactful and effective in the future.”
The Baloch National Movement (BNM) is a political organization advocating for the rights and autonomy of the Baloch people, an ethnic group primarily residing in the Balochistan region. The movement seeks greater political and economic autonomy for Balochistan, often citing historical grievances, marginalization, and the exploitation of natural resources in the region. The BNM aims to address issues such as the lack of development, human rights abuses, and political suppression faced by the Baloch community. Its goals include achieving self-determination and preserving Baloch cultural identity.
Doubts Revealed
Baloch Activists -: Baloch activists are people from the Baloch community who work to bring attention to issues affecting their people. The Baloch community is from a region called Balochistan, which is in parts of Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan.
Human Rights Abuses -: Human rights abuses are actions that harm people’s basic rights and freedoms. This can include unfair treatment, violence, and not allowing people to speak freely or live safely.
Pakistan -: Pakistan is a country in South Asia, next to India. It has a region called Balochistan where many Baloch people live.
China -: China is a large country in East Asia. It is involved in many projects around the world, including in Balochistan.
Geneva Conference -: The Geneva Conference is a meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland, where people from different countries come together to discuss important issues.
5th International Conference of the Baloch National Movement -: This is the fifth time that the Baloch National Movement, a group that supports Baloch rights, has held a big meeting to talk about their issues.
Hammal Baloch -: Hammal Baloch is a person from the Baloch community who speaks out about the problems they face, like the crisis in Balochistan.
Genocide -: Genocide is when a large group of people is harmed or killed because of their race, religion, or nationality. Hammal Baloch says this is happening to the Baloch people.
Naseem Baloch -: Naseem Baloch is another person from the Baloch community who wants to bring different groups together to stand against the actions of Pakistan and China.
China-Pakistan alliance -: The China-Pakistan alliance is a partnership between China and Pakistan, where they work together on projects and support each other.
Faheem Baloch -: Faheem Baloch is a person who talks about the human rights problems that Baloch people, especially women, face.
BNM -: BNM stands for Baloch National Movement. It is a group that fights for the rights and independence of the Baloch people.
Autonomy -: Autonomy means having the freedom to make your own decisions and govern yourself. The BNM wants the Baloch people to have this freedom.
