Norway has sent an action plan to Pakistan for combating the tradition of forced marriages among the Norwegian nationals of Pakistani origin. The action plan comprising measures and strategies to prevent the occurrences and to protect victims from such abuses, was presented by Norwegian Ambassador Cecilie Landverk to the Prime Minister’s advisor on Human Rights, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, said a press release issued by the HR cell.
Khokhar offered his full support by extending outreach to all ministry directorates present in all provincial headquarters.
He informed Landverk that forced marriages are prohibited not only by Norwegian law but also by Pakistani law adding that issue is part of a broader set of issues related to authoritarian upbringing, cultural and traditional pressure.
Moreover, he explained that his ministry can intervene, protect and talk with the families of forced marriage victims, stating that the Pakistani government is aware of such actions and is committed to effectively combating them.
A sustained media campaign will be launched soon to spread awareness of human rights issues, Khokhar stated adding that legislative initiatives like the Anti-Women Practices Bill and related women rights bills were part of the same process.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 23rd, 2011.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ