Right of self-determination of Palestinians, Kashmiris: Pakistan resolves to continue upholding agreed principles

ISLAMABAD: On the International Human Rights Day, Pakistan reiterated its commitment to be a firm advocate for the right of self-determination of the peoples of Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir, and their right to realize their aspirations for dignity, liberty and human rights.

“Today, we join the international community in commemorating the 74th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR). On this International Human Rights Day, we celebrate our achievements and reaffirm our resolve to uphold the universally agreed human rights norms, principles and values,” Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said in his message on the International Human Rights Day.

He said that the 1973 Constitution guarantees equal rights for all and equal protection of law. “We are proud of our many achievements and the advancements made in women empowerment, child rights and the freedom of speech in Pakistan. Every successive generation has contributed to upholding of equality, dignity and human rights,” he said.

The foreign minister said that Pakistan has consistently made contributions including to global efforts, including at UN human rights bodies, to advance the ideals of human dignity, freedom and justice for all.

He added that Pakistan has been at the forefront of the development of global human rights agenda – from our contribution in development of Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the International Convention on Elimination of Racial Discrimination to the landmark International Conferences on Human Rights in Vienna and the Beijing Conference on Women.

He added that today, Pakistan is a leading voice on issues such as the right to development, and protection against racism, Islamophobia, and xenophobia. Pakistan has also been a champion of the rights of people living under colonialism and foreign occupation. It supported freedom movements of peoples living under colonialism in Africa and Asia, advocated against Apartheid and has been a leading voice against genocide, he added.

“Pakistan continues to be a firm advocate for the right of self-determination of the peoples of Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir. They have every right to realize their aspirations for dignity, liberty and human rights,” the foreign minister said.

He said that the international community must join hands to bring an end to the suppression of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) and the violation of their human rights. They have an inalienable right to enjoy the same rights and freedoms as any other free people, he added.

“The people of Pakistan will continue to support them in their struggle for their right to determine their own future as guaranteed to them in international law and the UNSC resolutions,” he added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2022