The Ministry of Human Rights organized an event today in Islamabad on launching of the first ever National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights with the support of UNDP. Adviser to Prime Minister for Commerce & Investment Mr. Abdul Razzak Dawood was invited as the chief guest. Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Ms. Aliona Niculita, ambassadors of various countries, diplomats, and other dignitaries were also present in the ceremony. Mr. Abdur Razaq Dawood, in his address, said that Ministry of Human Rights has done a commendable job for preparation and adoption of this National Action Plan that will certainly improve the quality of life in our country by developing a fruitful interaction among all stakeholders of business community and working class. Advisor said that the action plan is entirely based on our desires to respect and protect the working conditions and fulfillment of human rights. He further stated that The European Union has given us duty free access to their markets and in return we have to implement some good business values but there is still a need of much work done particularly at SMEs level to protect the rights of workers. He welcomed the action items in the NAP which are aimed at promoting responsible conduct of businesses and termed it a major landmark in the fulfillment of commitments of Pakistan under the GSP Plus status. Federal Minister for Human Rights Dr. Shireen Mazari while giving her concluding remarks in the ceremony said that the current government has given top priority to the human rights and Pakistan is the first country in the South Asia that has devised and launched such action plan. She added that an inter-ministerial implementation committee will be constituted taking all business communities, chambers of commerce and labor unions on board to ensure the through implementation of this NAP in a pre-defined time frame. She said that government is very concerned about the rights of women and children on workplace and some concrete steps will be taken to have a check on the harassment at workplace. She further said that in Pakistan we have a working population of over 80 million and we need to know the needs of all working communities and industries to attain a sustainable economy and a tolerant society. At the end Federal Minister categorically mentioned and acknowledged the contribution of all the stakeholders involved in the preparation of national action plan.
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