Pakistan Raises Voice For Justice In Geneva
Speaking at the 58th High-Level Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Federal Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights, Senator Azam Nazir Tarar, reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights.
He highlighted Pakistan’s remarkable legislation, cooperation with the international community, and adherence to international human rights principles.
Pakistan’s Human Rights Initiatives and Achievements
The Law Minister said that in the last decade, Pakistan has introduced more than 70 laws to protect human rights.
The recent 26th Constitutional Amendment declaring “clean, healthy and sustainable environment” as a fundamental human right is a historic milestone in Pakistan’s human rights framework.
With this initiative, Pakistan has proven its commitment not only at the local level but also at global forums.
Pakistan’s financial support to the United Nations restored
Senator Azam Nazir Tarar announced the restoration of Pakistan’s financial support to various UN trust funds, including:
Fund for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Violence
Implementation of Universal Periodic Review (UPR)
Inclusion of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs)
He said that Pakistan completed its fourth Universal Periodic Review in 2023,
in which it accepted 70 percent of the recommendations and pledged to implement them. Soon, Pakistan will also submit its mid-term UPR report, which will reflect its practical steps.
Pakistan strongly condemns Israeli atrocities in Palestine
In his address, the Law Minister strongly condemned the ongoing Israeli atrocities in occupied Palestine, especially in Gaza.
He termed forced evictions and demographic change as blatant violations of international law and called on the international community to take immediate and effective measures to protect the rights of the Palestinian people.
Concern over human rights violations in occupied Kashmir
Senator Azam Nazir Tarar expressed grave concern over the grave human rights violations in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
He called on the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to continue to monitor the human rights situation in occupied Kashmir and update its reports.
Furthermore, he demanded the establishment of a “Commission of Inquiry” to investigate the systematic human rights violations in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, so as to expose the atrocities being committed by India against the Kashmiri people.
Pakistan’s stance on Islamophobia and religious intolerance
The Law Minister also raised his voice against the growing Islamophobia and religious intolerance globally.
He said that Pakistan is committed to eliminating all forms of religious discrimination, hatred, and violence and also calls on the United Nations to take serious steps on this issue.
Pakistan – a supporter of universal human rights protection
Pakistan, which is seeking its sixth term on the United Nations Human Rights Council, has always been a strong voice for justice, equality, and human dignity at the global level.
Pakistan has always played a prominent role on the United Nations platform for the protection of human rights and is determined to continue this mission in the future as well.
