Rights issues: Govt to table bills regarding torture, custodial deaths

Dr Shireen Mazari, UNESCO representative discuss education, culture

ISLAMABAD: Government was working on various bills regarding torture and custodial death, rights of persons with disability and prohibition of corporal punishment which would be tabled in National Assembly soon.

She was talking to United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Representative Vibeke Jensen who had called on her on Friday.

They discussed relevance of human rights to the various core sectors including education, culture, sciences and communication and information during the meeting.

In particular issues such as preservation of cultural heritage, rights of minorities, right to education especially for girls and working conditions and safety of journalists were highlighted. During the meeting, the recent legislative developments on these issues, government priorities and future course of action to ensure the protection of human rights including the rights of women, children and minorities were also exchanged.

Dr Mazari said: “we are committed to ensure rights of every citizen without discrimination and the effective implementation of UN Conventions in pursuance to our Constitution. She also apprised her about the steps to ensure the protection of Human Rights particularly the rights of women, children, and minorities.”

The minister said the government was working on various bills including Anti Torture and Custodial Death, Rights of Persons with Disability and Prohibition of Corporal Punishment Bill which would be tabled in National Assembly soon.

The Director UNESCO appreciated the steps of the government, especially the Ministry of Human Rights for the protection and promotion of Human Rights. Dr Mazari also assured her complete support in this regard.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 27^th, 2018.