Legislation, implementation gap obstacle to rights
Children perform a tableau on World Human Rights Day. PHOTO: EXPRESS
While critical advancements have been made in promoting and protecting human rights in the country, there remain barriers and obstacles that need to be overcome at an institutional and societal level to ensure that every citizen can live a life where their dignity is maintained and their rights are respected.
This was stated by the Federal Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari on Thursday at a hybrid in-person and online event to mark the International Human Rights Day and the culmination of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign in Pakistan. The event was jointly hosted by the federal human rights ministry and UN Women at the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Crisis Centre (SBBCC) in Islamabad.
“With an emphasis on overcoming gaps in legislation, strengthening implementation, and increasing awareness about human rights, the ministry is committed to upholding the human rights enshrined in the Constitution,” she remarked.
“Today’s event brought together diverse stakeholders impacted by, and working to end, violence against women in Pakistan,” stated Canadian High Commissioner Wendy Gilmour. “It was a valuable exchange and will help ensure that ongoing efforts to strengthen systems and services are informed by, and responsive to, survivors and their needs.”
Joanne Frederiksen, the deputy high commissioner of Australia, said, “Gender-based violence is a barrier to lasting peace, a burden on economies and a violation of human rights. It is a global challenge, that while serious at any time, is particularly devastating during novel coronavirus pandemic when access to help is limited.
Noting that while the annual 16-day campaign on eliminating gender-based violence was concluding, Frederiksen said Australia’s advocacy and support in Pakistan will continue year-round.
UN Women Pakistan Country Representative Sharmeela Rassool deliberated on the issue of increasing incidence of GBV in Pakistan, especially an escalation during the pandemic.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 11th, 2020.