While showing grave concerns on the terrorist attacks on Mosques in New Zealand, Human Rights Minister, Dr Shireen M Mazari raised the issue of rising Islamophobia in EU with the Dutch Ambassador to Pakistan, Ms. Ardi Stoios-Braken during a meeting here in Islamabad on Monday. She termed this attack on Mosques as the act of terrorism against Muslim Community adding that it was the evident of rising hatred and prejudice against Muslims. On this occasion, various issues related to human rights were discussed including the issue of human rights violation and seizing the religious freedom by some European States against their Muslim citizens. They also discussed bilateral cooperation and matters of mutual interest with particular reference to the human rights including the rights of women, children and minorities in particular. Talking to her, Dr Mazari said Muslims in some European states had been deprived from their basic human rights. We do have the serious concerns in this regard and everyday Human Rights situation is becoming worst, she further added. Dr. Mazari also drew attention of the Dutch Ambassador towards the violation of basic human rights of Muslims to practice their religion freely and urged the international community to take prompt action and play a decisive role not only in seeking an end to the violation but to restore and protect the rights of Muslims living in EU. Both the sides mutually agreed to enhance cooperation and work collectively in the cause and protection of human rights. The Minister briefed the Ambassador about the agenda and progress made so far in promoting and protecting the basic rights of all our citizens without discrimination. She also apprised her about the steps which have been taken for the protection of human rights including the rights of women, children and minorities. She said efforts are being made to ensure the protection of human rights in the country which is our top most priority. She said besides implementation of the existing laws, we are also working on devising new legislation adding that draft of the several bills including Anti Torture and Custodial Death are ready and will be tabled in Parliament soon. Shireen Mazari said unlike in EU, we are providing non Muslims their own laws. Besides the implementation of Hindu Marriage Act, the Ministry had drawn up a new Christian divorce bill after consensus. She mentioned that the Ministry of Human Rights’ Helpline is providing referral services to address grievances of the victims with special focus on women and children related issues. She said we are committed to ensure protection and promotion of human rights with special focus on rights of women and children. Federal Minister for Human Rights Dr. Shireen Mazari said, besides the awareness campaign about the women right to inheritance, we have also started another children awareness campaign in the schools and on the media to stop child abuses in the society. The Dutch Ambassador appreciated the steps of incumbent government especially the Ministry of Human Rights for the Protection and promotion of human rights and successful awareness campaigns and assured her complete support in this regard. **** ?
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