At a recent U.N. Human Rights Council session in Geneva, advocates condemned the alarming decline of human rights in Pakistan, spotlighting the abuse of blasphemy laws and forced conversions of minority girls. Hosted by organisations like Jubilee Campaign USA, the event highlighted the grim reality of torture and persecution not just in Pakistan but also in Eritrea, Nicaragua, and Sudan.
Charlie Weimers, a member of the European Parliament, denounced blasphemy laws in Pakistan, labelling them as “weapons of terror against religious minorities.” He highlighted the mob violence faced by Christians, referencing the August 2023 riots in Jaranwala that resulted in extensive damage and violence against Christians, highlighting a systemic lack of justice.
In 2021, the European Parliament urged reforms of these oppressive laws but warned that no significant changes had been made since. Weimers stressed that the European Union must cease enabling Pakistan’s repeated persecutions, proposing that trade and aid should hinge on progress in human rights.
Weimers cautioned about the escalating religious persecution spilling into Europe, where church officials and worshippers have increasingly faced violence. He called for Europe to reclaim its commitment to religious freedom both domestically and abroad, asking how they can criticise Pakistan while their citizens fear displaying their faith publicly.
Joseph Janssen from the Jubilee Campaign voiced outrage at the weaponisation of blasphemy laws against minorities. He recounted harrowing individual cases of wrongful imprisonment and torture, such as that of Nadeem James, who has spent eight years in solitary confinement for a false charge.
He emphasised that those who perpetrate mob violence against Christians often evade justice, as evidenced by nearly all arrests made following the Jaranwala riots being released on bail. Janssen made a passionate plea for immediate international action to protect religious minorities in Pakistan and call for legal reforms.
Shahid Mobeen, president of the Italian Roundtable on Religious Freedom, noted that 307 million Christians face persecution globally, with the murders of activists like Shahbaz Bhatti serving as stark warnings against advocating for religious freedom in Pakistan.
In response to the dire circumstances, advocates urged the international community to strengthen monitoring of human rights, demand protections for religious groups, and impose sanctions on those violating rights. They emphasised the necessity for urgent action, moving beyond mere diplomacy.
Nazila Ghanea, a U.N. Special Rapporteur, echoed the need for accountability in cases of human rights violations, calling for a significant shift from mere condemnations to actionable measures against oppressive regimes. Pakistan remains ranked as one of the most challenging environments for Christians, as highlighted in Open Doors’ 2025 World Watch List.
The U.N. Human Rights Council session in Geneva this month saw strong condemnation of diminishing human rights in Pakistan, particularly regarding strict blasphemy laws and the forced conversion of minors. EU officials called out the systemic violence against Christians, while advocates urged immediate actions from international bodies to protect religious minorities. There is a shared consensus that current measures lack the necessary impact, demanding urgent reforms and accountability for violators.
The urgent calls for global intervention and accountability highlight the ongoing human rights crisis in Pakistan, particularly regarding the abuse of blasphemy laws and persecution of religious minorities. Advocates stress the pressing need for reforms and international pressure to safeguard these communities and ensure justice against violations. It is crucial that the international community responds decisively and effectively to protect vulnerable populations and uphold human rights principles worldwide.
Original Source: www.christiandaily.com
