Gathering Evidence from Countries like Pakistan
LONDON: The Joint Committee on Human Rights in the UK has launched a new inquiry into transnational repression to gather evidence from groups and individuals in various countries, including Pakistan, where human rights abuses are prevalent.
The committee explained that there is no single accepted definition of transnational repression in the UK, but it generally refers to instances where a state intimidates, harasses, or uses violence against individuals in another country.
The inquiry aims to explore how such repression affects the human rights of individuals living in the UK and whether adequate support and protection are available for groups deemed at particular risk. The committee will also examine the effectiveness of the government’s response to transnational repression and the policies intended to prevent it.
Lord Alton, announcing the inquiry, said, “People from around the world come to the UK seeking refuge from repression. It is deeply concerning that foreign governments are extending their actions beyond their borders to persecute people here.”
The committee will collect evidence from various groups, including those from countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and several nations in the Middle East and Africa, where human rights abuses are rampant.
