The ongoing erosion of human rights in Pakistan was fervently condemned during a recent UN event in Geneva. Advocates laid bare the grim reality of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws and the alarming incidence of forced conversions impacting minority girls. The session was hosted by human rights organisations focused on torture and persecution affecting not only Pakistan but also Eritrea, Nicaragua, and Sudan.
Charlie Weimers, a European Parliament member, described the blasphemy laws as ‘weapons of terror against religious minorities.’ He cited the riots in Jaranwala in August 2023, where churches were burned, illustrating the lack of justice for Christians. Weimers urged the European Union to condition trade, aid, and visas on genuine human rights reforms, pointing out that persistent abuses remain unchecked.
Echoing this concern, Jubilee Campaign officer Joseph Janssen highlighted how Pakistan’s blasphemy laws could represent a death sentence for religious minorities, detailing various cases of individuals suffering under these laws. Examples included Nadeem James, facing death over a WhatsApp message, and Shagufta Kiran, a mother imprisoned over a social media post, while those committing mob violence often escape justice.
Shahid Mobeen from the Italian Roundtable on Religious Freedom reminded the audience that 307 million Christians face persecution globally, citing the murders of Shahbaz Bhatti and Salman Taseer as stark reminders of the risks involved in advocating for religious rights.
Call for international action resonated throughout the gathering, urging a reconsideration of diplomatic responses in favour of stronger measures, including sanctions and independent investigations into religious persecution. U.N. Special Rapporteur Nazila Ghanea added that accountability is crucial, stressing the urgency for action to protect religious freedom as Pakistan ranks high on the list of oppressive countries for Christians.
Pakistan’s plight highlights a pressing need for global intervention on behalf of its religious minorities and a collective effort to halt the oppressive legal framework that enables widespread abuse. Advocacy for reform and aid to those persecuted remains essential as the international community grapples with these acute injustices.
Human rights advocates condemned the deterioration of freedoms in Pakistan at a UN event, highlighting blasphemy laws and forced conversions. Key speakers, including EU member Charlie Weimers and rights officer Joseph Janssen, called for urgent reforms and international accountability. They urged the global community to act decisively against religious persecution, as thousands of religious minorities suffer under oppressive laws, with Pakistan ranking amongst the top violators.
The stark deterioration of human rights in Pakistan, notably concerning blasphemy laws and the persecution of religious minorities, demands immediate global attention and action. Advocates at the UN have called for urgent reform, accountability, and protection of these vulnerable groups. As the responsibility lies with the international community to confront these injustices, the situation calls for decisive measures to safeguard human rights and religious freedoms, both in Pakistan and globally.
Original Source: morningstarnews.org
