UN Human Rights Committee Raises Concerns Over Violations in Pakistan
The UN Human Rights Committee, also known as the Committee on Civil and Political Rights (CCPR), has raised concerns about human rights violations in Pakistan. These concerns were discussed during a review of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) in Geneva. Pakistan ratified the ICCPR in 2010, with the current review led by Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan.
Key Issues Highlighted
The committee focused on several issues, including enforced disappearances, anti-terrorism policies, and violations of women’s rights. Enforced disappearances have been alarmingly high since 2017, affecting political opponents, journalists, and minority communities like the Ahmadi and Pashtun. The committee noted 7,000 cases of enforced disappearances from 2004 to 2024.
Specific Cases and Concerns
Concerns were also raised about the excessive use of force during protests and the lack of accountability in Pakistan’s legal system. The committee criticized the police’s heavy-handed actions and the lack of investigations into rights violations. The case of journalist Imran Riaz Khan, who faced short-term enforced disappearance, was highlighted.
International and Domestic Reactions
The committee also mentioned the case of Sammi Baloch, who was prevented from traveling to Geneva. Reports of extrajudicial executions, including the killing of journalist Arshad Sharif in 2022, were also discussed. The UN body condemned these actions and urged Pakistan to criminalize enforced disappearances.
Doubts Revealed
UN Human Rights Committee -: The UN Human Rights Committee is a group of experts that checks if countries are following rules to protect people’s rights. They make sure everyone is treated fairly and with respect.
Human rights violations -: Human rights violations happen when people’s basic rights and freedoms are not respected. This can include unfair treatment, lack of freedom, or harm to people.
Enforced disappearances -: Enforced disappearances occur when people are secretly taken away by authorities or groups, and their families don’t know where they are. It’s a serious violation of human rights.
Anti-terrorism policies -: Anti-terrorism policies are rules and actions taken by a country to prevent and respond to acts of terrorism. Sometimes, these policies can affect people’s rights if not handled carefully.
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights -: This is an agreement between countries to protect people’s civil and political rights, like freedom of speech and fair treatment. Countries that sign it promise to follow these rules.
Minorities -: Minorities are groups of people who are different from the majority of the population in terms of race, religion, or culture. They can sometimes face unfair treatment.
Political opponents -: Political opponents are people or groups who disagree with the government or ruling party. They often have different ideas about how the country should be run.
Accountability -: Accountability means being responsible for your actions and being able to explain them. In this context, it means that authorities should be held responsible for their actions, especially if they violate people’s rights.