Pakistan joins the international community today in celebrating the International Human Rights Day 2018. This is an important occasion for all of us to reaffirm our commitment to the protection and promotion of human Rights. Since the adoption of Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations in 1948, this day reminds all nations of the world to adhere to protecting inviolable human rights and preserve human values. Pakistan being signatory of UDHR celebrates this day as state obligation and national commitment towards the protection and promotion of human rights. The Ministry of Human Rights is working for implementation of fundamental principles of UDHR through legislation reform and institutional development in the country. Under legislatives reforms, 10 major laws have been promulgated prioritizing the protection of rights of women, children, minorities and HR institutional strengthening. These laws include the Criminal Law (Offences relating to Rape) Act, 2016, Criminal Law (Offences relating to Honour Killing) Act, 2016, the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2016 (Child Protection), National Commission on the Rights of the Child Act, 2017, Hindu Marriage Act, 2017, Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2018, the National Commission on the Status of Women (Amendment) Act, 2018, the Women in Distress and Detention Fund (Amendment) Act, 2018, the ICT Child Protection Act, 2018, and the Juvenile Justice System Act, 2018. On the directions of Federal Cabinet three new bills, namely, Pakistan Rights of Persons with Disability Bill, 2018, Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention & Punishment) Bill, 2018, and Prohibition of Corporal Punishment Bill, 2018 are prepared by the Ministry of Human Rights for introduction in the parliament. Similarly, in order to set up legal aid mechanism for poor and vulnerable, Legal Aid & Access to Justice Authority Bill 2018 has been drafted for further process of promulgation. A comprehensive research study has also been commissioned by the Ministry to review PPC and CrPC in order to identify legal gaps for harmonization of existing legislation in line with national and international human rights obligations. Ending violence against women and girls is a challenging task which can nevertheless be overcome if strong linkages are developed between all stakeholders, government, civil society, judiciary and the legislature. Cooperation and dialogue is the pillar for progress for human beings. It is only through tolerance, understanding, open-mindedness that we can make a better co-existent world truly reflective in the CEDAW and UDHR. Our Ministry has formulated a National Policy Guidelines on Gender Based Violence through consultative meetings with relevant stakeholders at the Federal and Provincial level. This year, on the occasion of Human Rights Day, a publicity campaign is launched in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta through our regional offices in order to increase awareness and galvanize advocacy to end gender based violence in the country. Our Ministry has embarked upon undertaking several important initiatives. An autonomous National Commission for Human Rights and Toll Free Helpline “1099” have been established, for immediate redressal of human rights violations. The Action Plan for Human Rights is being implemented to prioritize protection of rights of women, children, minorities, persons with disabilities and transgender community. I am sure that the commemoration of International Human Rights Day will instill strong commitment to its underlying spirit.
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