NCHR calls for upholding May 9 inmates’ basic rights

Commission formed a body to visit relevant jails to inspect state of prisoners

KARACHI:

The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) has urged the government to uphold safeguards, prison standards, and fundamental rights for inmates incarcerated in connection with the May 9 violence.

In its latest report, the NCHR observed that no cases of torture or sexual abuse were confirmed during its visits to the jails where these prisoners were being kept.

“The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees fair trials and treatment in accordance with the law. The government is urged to honour these laws and ensure prisoners' rights are respected, even during detention,” the report read.

The commission conducted a detailed investigation into allegations of torture, cruel treatment, sexual abuse, and misconduct towards alleged protesters rounded up in jails after the May 9 violence.

It formed a committee to visit the relevant jails, following internationally recognised practices for national human rights institution jail visits.

Pre- and post-visits were conducted, involving meetings with prison officials and individual interviews with incarcerated alleged protesters.

The commission in its report recommended that all detainees should be provided with written information on rights and prison rules as prescribed by Article 10(1) of the Constitution of Pakistan, Mandela Rules, and Bangkok Rules.

It also proposed ensuring the prisoners’ access to lawyers, legal aid, and information on how to access legal assistance in accordance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights’ (ICCPR) Articles 9(3) and 14.

The human rights body asked the government to update the procedures and timelines for conducting identification parades, considering new  methods available.

It also recommended allowing access to families and legal counsel before the identification parade, in compliance with Article 10(1) of the Constitution.

The NCHR called for conducting comprehensive medical screenings on arrival at jails for all prisoners, as per the Nelson Mandela Rules and Pakistan's prison rules.

The commission proposed invigorating and strengthening the oversight and complaint mechanisms, including district oversight committees and welfare committees, for regular visits, public reports, and increased accountability.

It also called for involving the human rights ministry, provincial departments of human rights, and national human rights institutions in combating and preventing torture.

According to its chairperson Rabiya Javeri Agha’s message on its official website, the NCHR’s vision was to see a progressive Pakistan where human rights of all faiths, races and ethnicities were respected and celebrated. Through its dedicated team across Pakistan, the NCHR was committed to fulfilling its mandate of promoting the human rights of all citizens.