MESSAGE OF PRIME MINISTER MUHAMMAD SHEHBAZ SHARIF ON INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY 10 December 2024
Islamabad : Since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations in 1948, commemoration of International Human Rights Day on 10th December every year, reminds all nations of the world to adhere to protecting inviolable human rights and preserve human values. I however, wish to mention that much before the adoption of the Human Rights Declaration by the UN; our sacred religion Islam has exhorted human beings to follow tenets of human values. This year’s theme “our rights, our future, right now” is a call to acknowledge the importance and relevance of human rights in our everyday lives. Pakistan is fully cognizant of its regional and international commitments in thus respect. It is a matter of great satisfaction for us that the legislative, policy and programmatic measures taken by Pakistan for promotion of human rights have been appreciated by the international community.
The Government of Pakistan has undertaken a number of legislative measures to protect Human Rights, particularly the vulnerable population including women, children, senior citizens, transgender persons, minorities and persons with disabilities in line with the fundamental rights as enshrined in the Articles 8-28 of the Constitution of Pakistan. An autonomous National Commission for Human Rights, National Commission on the Status of Women, and National Commission on the Rights of Child have been established to address human rights issues. It is a matter of pride for us that in 2024, the National Commission for Human Rights has been accredited as an A-Status NHRI by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, indicating its compliance with the Paris Principles. This is reflective of the strengths of the Commission in upholding human rights in Pakistan. Similarly, the statutory National Commission for Minorities has further strengthened our endeavors for protection of minority rights.
While we commemorate International Human Rights Day, we should not forget the plight of the people of Palestine who are facing Israel’s brutal aggression in Gaza and the West Bank. The world should not turn a blind eye to the gravest human tragedies of our time and play its role to ask Israel to immediately cease the ongoing genocide of the people of Palestine. Likewise, the gross human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir also need immediate attention from the global community including the UN. Pakistan shall continue to extend moral, political and diplomatic support to the people of IIOJK and the people of Palestine until they achieve their universal right to self-determination.
The Government of Pakistan acknowledges the support of the UN and international partners towards protection and promotion of Human Rights in Pakistan. I urge all our citizens, Federal and Provincial Governments, media, UN Agencies, NGOs and civil society to come forward and join hands for building a more inclusive and equitable society where human rights of every individual are respected, protected and fulfilled.