Human Rights Day commemorates adoption of universal declaration: Dr Mazari

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Human Rights Dr Shireen Mazari Sunday said Human Rights Day commemorates the adoption and proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the first global enunciation of the inherent dignity and inalienable human rights of every human being.

In a message on Human Rights Day, the minister said Pakistan was one of the earliest signatories to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.

Begum Shaista Ikramullah, member of the first parliament of the newly independent Pakistan, was one of the early female delegates to the UN from Pakistan, she said, adding her work on the UDHR emphasized Pakistan’s strong commitment to gender equality which we continue to support today.

A founding member of the Human Rights Council, Pakistan had worked hard for the promotion and protection of human rights in the country, she added.

Dr Mazareen further said the words of the Founding Father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, were the guiding principle of our policy, “We are equal citizens of one State”.

"It is towards this commitment that the ministry of human rights has, over the past three months, drafted nine human rights legislations relating to protection of children abuse, rights of minorities, protection against torture, improving legal aid and access to justice. In addition to these new legislative initiatives, the ministry has also concluded three policies and research studies on crucial topics" she remarked.

Research studies, she said, had been carried out on women's right to inheritance, street children, as well as the harmonization of domestic laws with international commitments.

She said policy against Gender Based Violence, Women Empowerment Policy and Policy on Child Abuse had also been concluded.

The ministry is also redressing human rights violations through its Helpline at 1099. Helpline calls have increased from 4000 per month to 15,500 per month after this Government started functioning.

The ministry recognizes the importance of awareness campaigns to make every citizen aware of her/his rights. A number of awareness campaigns are already ongoing, including on women’s rights to inheritance.

"The ministry has also taken up the issue of the violation of human rights in Indian Occupied Kashmir on all international forums. We are also raising the issue of increasing targeting of human rights of Muslims in Europe which includes a large Pakistani diaspora. At home, as part of our commitment to democracy and rule of law, we are also seeking to bring closure on the issue of Enforced Disappearances".

The promotion and protection of human rights is a continuous process and faces many challenges which can be met by developing strong linkages between all stakeholders: government, judiciary, the legislature and civil society, she told.

"I want to reiterate our government’s commitment to fulfilling all human rights obligations as enshrined in Constitution and as reflected in ratification of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights," she concluded.