Pakistan's Human Rights Commission warns of severe impact on civil liberties under new law
HRCP Raises Concerns Over Pakistan's Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed serious concerns about the newly enacted Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024. This law was rapidly passed through Pakistan's Parliament in just four days. According to HRCP, the law significantly undermines the right to peaceful assembly, a fundamental freedom that is already heavily regulated in the country.
Impact on Democratic Rights
HRCP's statement highlights the potential of this law to suppress citizens' democratic rights, creating a "chilling effect" on fundamental freedoms. The Commission's latest report, part of its Legislation Watch Cell series, critically examines the implications of this legislation. HRCP argues that the law violates the right to freedom of peaceful assembly as guaranteed by Article 16 of Pakistan's Constitution and contravenes international law and democratic best practices.
Key Concerns
One major concern is the law's requirement for public assemblies to be held in designated areas, often far from their intended audience, which diminishes their impact. Additionally, the Act imposes a burdensome permission regime, making spontaneous assemblies nearly impossible. Organizers must seek prior approval from authorities, who have the power to revoke or alter permissions, creating uncertainty and the risk of last-minute cancellations.
HRCP is also worried about the severe penalties for participants in 'unlawful' assemblies, a term not clearly defined in the law. The Act grants law enforcement broad discretion to use force in dispersing gatherings, without clear criteria for when such force is necessary.
Call for Review
HRCP's report warns that the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024 could significantly undermine Pakistan's democratic space by criminalizing public protest and granting authorities unchecked powers. The Commission calls for a thorough review of the legislation to ensure it does not infringe on citizens' rights or violate international human rights standards.
Doubts Revealed
HRCP
HRCP stands for the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. It is an organization that works to protect and promote human rights in Pakistan.
Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024
This is a new law in Pakistan that talks about how people can gather peacefully in public places. The HRCP is worried that this law makes it too hard for people to gather and express their opinions.
Parliament
Parliament is a group of people who make laws for a country. In Pakistan, the Parliament is responsible for creating and passing laws like the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024.
Constitution
A Constitution is a set of rules that tells how a country should be run. It includes the rights and freedoms of the people, like the right to gather peacefully.
International standards
International standards are rules or guidelines that many countries agree to follow. They help ensure that people everywhere have similar rights and freedoms.
Democratic rights
Democratic rights are the freedoms and rights that allow people to participate in their government, like voting and gathering to express their opinions.
Civil liberties
Civil liberties are basic rights and freedoms that protect individuals from government actions. They include things like freedom of speech and the right to gather peacefully.
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