NEWS ANALYSIS - Pakistan: the Commission for minorities and respect for human rights

Saturday, 20 June 2020 religious minorities   religious freedom   human promotion   dialogue   politics   civil society  

Karachi (Agenzia Fides) - The Paris principles adopted in 1993 by the UN General Assembly stated that if any government institution is part of the Commission, it should be on an advisory position and not in the decision-making process. Such a Commission should be composed by people from the human rights body and non-government organizations, in order to promote pluralism and indipendence.
These principles and protections were not observed by the Pakistani government when it created the new "National Minorities Commission" (NCM) in Pakistan.
The Paris principles of the UN General Assembly set some points to establish the National Human Rights Institutions as to:
- Protect human rights, including by receiving, investigating and resolving complaints, mediating conflicts and monitoring activities;
- Promote human rights, through education, outreach, the media, publications, training and capacity building, as well as advising and assisting the Government.
In addition, the Paris Principles sets 6 points that need to be fulfilled: a broad mandate, based on universal human rights norms and standards; Autonomy from Government; Independence guaranteed by statute or Constitution; Pluralism; Adequate resources; Adequate powers of investigation. Referring to these necessary standards, civil society organizations ask for a neutral and independent commission that can propose new laws and policies based on international human rights standards.
Now the civil society organizations are demanding to the government to review the decision, through a consultative process with the concerned bodies. (...) - continues


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