ASIA/PAKISTAN - Steps being taken towards respect of human rights

Islamabad (Agenzia Fides) - Both the Church and civil society members of Pakistan have rejoiced at the Pakistani government’s ratification of several Treatises and Conventions of the United Nations: the Convention against torture and maltreatment of prisoners, as well as the Convention on the respect for economic, social, and cultural rights.
Archbishop Lawrence Saldanha of Lahore, President of the Bishops’ Conference and head of the Justice and Peace Commission, issued a statement with the support and signature of other NGOs, saying that the Church, “will support any initiative that would further the improvement of human rights standards in the country,” and that all members of Pakistan’s civil society will always remain as “watch dogs” of the government on this point. Although the government has approved the UN Conventions and that is a step forward especially considering its past record, “the true test will be in the application of those rights.”
With that in mind, the document calls for “a human rights policy in the country that reflects the effort in strengthening constitutional rights marked out by the law; a manner of monitoring the effective respect of those rights; the institution of a National Authority on human rights that would be impartial and reliable, with investigative power in cases of violation of rights and with the ability to propose solutions; a constitutional reform package in order to eliminate all discriminations and ensure pluralism and equal opportunity in society.”
The Bishops’ Conference’s Justice and Peace Commission has established a close collaboration with the Democratic Commission for Human Development and other NGOs, in promoting awareness projects on respect for human rights for all Pakistani citizens. The Commission recently made a petition for reform in government (see Fides 7/4/2008). It is remarkable to observe that although Pakistan’s history has been fairly complex in recent times, it has not ceased in its defense of democracy, freedom, and human rights. One of the main themes is the protection of religious freedom in the entire country, especially in the marginalized zones. Activity on the part of extremist groups is currently presenting a threat to the democratic unfolding of social life and to respect of basic personal rights. The religious minority groups, Christians among them, are those who suffer most in this environment of fear and hostility. In northeast Pakistan, especially, the faithful are continually exposed to violence and threats, constantly trying to escape dangers, under attack from terrorist groups that live in the area. The Commission has collected and distributed testimonies and petitions for help from the faithful in the communities in the province located on the country’s northeast border, where Islamic fundamentalist groups have unleashed their activity with free reign. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 24/4/2008; righe 37, parole 443)