Federal Minister for Human Rights Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada held a meeting with the delegation of the European Union Parliament today in Islamabad. Mr. Afzal Latif Secretary Ministry for Human Rights, Director General Human Rights and other senior officers of the ministry also attended this meeting. Both sides broadly discussed the implementation of human rights commitments to maintain GSP+ status of Pakistan with the EU.
In the beginning of the discussion, Minster for Human Rights welcomed the delegates and expressed his gratitude for the timely support that the EU has extended for the people who are badly affected by the recent flash floods in Pakistan. He said that one third of the country was submerged in the flood water and our government under the diligent leadership of the Prime Minister was largely conducting relief activities for flood victims but large scale support and donations was required for the rehabilitation of more than 30 millions people.
Members of the EU delegation that were comprising Ms. Maria Arena, Chair of the Sub-committee on Human Rights, members from European Parliament, Counseller Human Rights and H.E Riina Kionka Ambassador of EU in Pakistan largely discussed the legislative and implementation measures taken by the Government of Pakistan on anti-torture bill, enforced disappearances, blasphemy laws, citizenship for refugees, minorities’ rights and capital punishment. They also discussed about lengthy judicial procedures and need of strict monitoring mechanisms on some indicators that are lying under the subject of human rights.
Mr. Muhammad Arshad Director General Human Rights apprised the participants that Pakistan has ratified seven core international conventions related to human rights and we had introduced legislation that caters both domestic needs and international commitments. As per the amended action plan on Human Rights, seven basic thematic areas have been enlisted by the ministry for the adoption of implemtation strategies. Under this action plan four segments of society are kept on top priority including children, women, minorities and vulnerable population i.e., women, persons with disabilities, transgender persons and senior citizens. For independent observance, better policy formulation and execution four national commissions have been established on the status of women, rights of child, minority rights and National Commission for Human Rights.
Minister for human rights also praised the help of the EU for the ministry for its awareness and communication campaigns in the country. He said that ministry is working for capacity building of human rights institutions and to bring more legislative reforms for protection and promotion of human rights. He added that Legal Aid and Justice Authority working under the ministry is also on to bring recommendations to alter lengthy judicial procedures that akin to infringement of human rights of victims particularly in blasphemy cases.
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