Report finds regulatory oversight at rehab centres

The Huqooq-e-Pakistan II project funded by the European Union (EU) has resulted in the publication of the report, "Caged in Care: Investigating Human Rights Abuse in Rehabilitation Centres".

Drawing on testimonies from former and current patients, as well as an analysis of institutional and legal frameworks, the report identifies key gaps in oversight, regulation, and accountability within selected rehabilitation centres.

The report findings point to recurring challenges in monitoring and enforcement, including gaps between licensing frameworks and implementation on the ground. It also highlights concerns regarding limited access to complaint mechanisms and legal safeguards for individuals admitted to such facilities.

The investigative report was a project undertaken by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR). Its launch brought together government representatives, development partners, civil society stakeholders and legal experts to encourage evidence-based dialogue on strengthening safeguards and improving accountability in institutional care systems.

"At the heart of this report are individuals who were placed in care, but instead found themselves without adequate protection, voice, or recourse," said NCHR Chairperson Rabiya Javeri Agha. "This is not about isolated cases, it is about a system that has allowed control to take the place of care, particularly in the lives of women.