ISLAMABAD: The United Nations has called on Pakistan to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and allocate sufficient human, technical, and financial resources to develop and implement measures aimed at preventing and addressing enforced disappearances, particularly among ethnic minority groups.
During a meeting in Geneva on Friday, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination released its findings on Pakistan, urging the government to take all necessary actions to investigate and prosecute reports of enforced disappearances involving ethnic and ethno-religious leaders, politicians, public officials, and human rights defenders. The Committee emphasized that those convicted should face appropriate penalties.
The UN panel also recommended that Pakistan ensure victims and their families receive proper reparations, including cessation of abuses, guarantees of non-repetition, restitution, compensation, satisfaction, and rehabilitation.
In addition, the Committee advised Pakistan to repeal or reform its blasphemy laws, particularly those imposing severe penalties such as life imprisonment or the death penalty, to ensure that these laws are not broad or vague and align with international human rights standards. It also called for the adoption of Standard Operating Procedures for handling blasphemy cases to prevent violent attacks and reprisals, especially against individuals in police custody.
The Committee expressed concern over recent incidents in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including mob lynching of blasphemy suspects and attacks on places of worship, highlighting the lack of accountability and fair trial for accused individuals. It stressed the need for fair trials and the prevention of deaths in custody and prolonged legal delays.
Further recommendations include addressing systemic barriers to political participation for ethnic minority candidates and officials, reducing poverty and unemployment among these groups, and improving living conditions and access to basic services. The UN also advised Pakistan to prevent discriminatory employment practices, ensure community consultation before resource exploitation projects, and enhance measures against harassment and excessive use of force by security personnel.
