Karachi Marches for Justice on International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances
On August 30, 2024, hundreds of people gathered in Karachi to mark the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. The march, which stretched nearly three kilometers from Teen Talwar to the Karachi Press Club, aimed to raise awareness about the ongoing issue of enforced disappearances in Pakistan.
The United Nations General Assembly established this observance on December 21, 2010, to address the global rise in enforced disappearances. The International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance was also introduced to combat this issue.
In Pakistan, regions like Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh have been particularly affected. The Karachi march saw a diverse group of participants, including seasoned activists and new faces, united in their demand for justice. Nida Kirmani, an academic and activist, noted the significance of this unity.
Usman Baloch, an 86-year-old veteran labor leader, led the march with enthusiasm, inspired by young activists like Sammi Deen Baloch and Dr. Mahrang Baloch. These young leaders have become symbols of the movement, leading rallies across the nation.
One of the key messages of the march was the call for legal due process. Activists urged authorities to bring those accused of crimes before the courts rather than resorting to enforced disappearances. Elahi Bux Bikik, a long-time activist from Sindh, emphasized this demand, asking for legal accountability.
The march included various civic organizations such as the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, Baloch Missing Persons, Sindh Sujag Forum, Voice of Sindhi Missing Persons, and Voice of Shia Missing Persons. These groups have been at the forefront of the struggle to end enforced disappearances in Pakistan.
Sixteen-year-old Sadaf Ameer, whose father has been missing for a decade, delivered an emotional speech highlighting the pain and desperation of families affected by enforced disappearances. She urged the public to stand in solidarity with the victims and their families.
The march in Karachi, which saw participation more than triple compared to the previous year, is a testament to the growing momentum of the movement against enforced disappearances in Pakistan. As the marchers reached the Karachi Press Club, they were greeted with applause and chants, signaling increasing public support for their cause.
The movement, led by activists like Sammi Deen Baloch, is gaining national attention. Despite continued challenges, the participants remain determined to end enforced disappearances and seek justice. Their hope is that one day, the disappeared will be returned to their families, and the perpetrators will be held accountable.
Doubts Revealed
Karachi -: Karachi is the largest city in Pakistan. It is a major seaport and financial center of the country.
International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances -: This is a day observed on August 30th every year to raise awareness about people who have been secretly taken away by authorities or groups, often without any legal process.
Enforced Disappearances -: This term refers to situations where people are secretly abducted or imprisoned by the state or other groups, without any legal process or information given to their families.
Balochistan -: Balochistan is a province in Pakistan known for its natural resources and also for issues related to human rights, including enforced disappearances.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa -: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is another province in Pakistan, often in the news for security issues and human rights concerns.
Sindh -: Sindh is a province in Pakistan where Karachi is located. It is known for its rich culture and history.
Activists -: Activists are people who work to bring about social or political change. They often participate in marches and protests to raise awareness about important issues.
Legal due process -: This means that the government must respect all legal rights owed to a person according to the law. It ensures fair treatment through the normal judicial system.
Accountability -: Accountability means being responsible for one’s actions and being answerable to someone for those actions. In this context, it means that those responsible for enforced disappearances should be held responsible.
Sammi Deen Baloch -: Sammi Deen Baloch is a young activist from Balochistan who has been vocal about the issue of enforced disappearances, especially because her own father was a victim.
