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Mr. Chairman,
Human rights are meant to ensure the inherent human dignity and equality of all human beings. This is also the fundamental message of Islam and other divine religions. From the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the international community has built a great edifice of human rights law, with the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (VDPA) providing the normative bridge to the succeeding human rights instruments. We must continue these laudable efforts to ensure and enhance promotion and protection of all human rights for all including by creating necessary safeguards against new and contemporary manifestations of discrimination, injustices and obstacles to the full realization of all human rights. Pakistan stands ready to play its role in advancing this noble objective.
While progress has been made in building the normative framework of the human rights law, implementation of these international human rights instruments remains an uphill task. Millions of people continue to endure conflicts across the world, especially in the developing countries – conflicts often sparked and sustained by the politics of scarcity, greed and exploitation. Millions also continue to suffer under the yoke of foreign occupation and are denied fundamental freedoms and their right to self determination.
Mr. Chairman,
There is full recognition of the equal status of and the inextricable link between political and civil rights and the economic, social and cultural rights. Violations of a set of these rights undermine all others. Both the history and recent humanitarian, financial and food crisis have shown how those who are at the frontlines of hardship are also likely to be the victims of the ripple effects of human rights violations. The VDPA recognizes an inherent link between poverty and the violation of human rights. Poverty alleviation, therefore, should become the central theme of the human rights machinery.
Mr. Chairman,
As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development we must reaffirm that its implementation is the best way forward to address the plight of millions aspiring to be lifted out of poverty. We sincerely hope that this anniversary would help advancing this important cause that remains a key priority for the developing world.
Together with other important rights each individual has a basic environmental right. We must work together to ensure reversing its negative trends, which do not distinguish between developed and developing.
Mr. Chairman,
The growing trends of racism, racial and religious discrimination including xenophobic tendencies are threatening the multi-cultural fabric of many of our societies. Negative stereotyping and incitement to hatred, discrimination and violence on the basis of one’s religion or faith are on the increase. In this context we welcome the consensus adoption of the OIC sponsored resolution 16/18 in Human Rights Council this year that provides practical steps to combating incitement to intolerance, negative stereotyping and discrimination on the basis of one’s religion or belief. We look forward to its consensus adoption by the General Assembly during this Session.
Mr. Chairman,
Pakistan attaches importance to the mandates of all Special Procedures and considers them as important tools in promoting and protecting specific rights. They are entrusted specific responsibilities to report under carefully crafted inter-governmentally agreed mandates. With due regards to their independence, at times, unfortunately, politically motivated perspectives are witnessed, which are not related to specific mandates. It is important that these mandates are fully respected and executed with needed impartiality, transparency and strict avoidance of politicization.
Mr. Chairman,
Pakistan’s Constitution is built on the principle of equal rights and equal treatment of all citizens and persons without any distinction. It guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms, including social, economic and political justice, freedom of thought, expression, religion, faith, worship and association.
It directs the state to take appropriate measures to enable women to participate in all spheres of life and community activities, and safeguard the rights and interests of the minorities. Aspirations of our constitution and people are for a modern, moderate and democratic polity that would uphold all human rights and foster respect especially for the rights of women, children and minorities.
Mr. Chairman,
Pakistan is a State party to seven core human rights instruments. We have recently ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Optional Protocol on the CRC on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Pornography. Ratification process for the Optional Protocol to the CRC on involvement of Children in Armed Conflict is in advanced stage. Also following a review, Pakistan in line with its commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights of its citizens and in the interest of UN harmony has withdrawn its reservations to ICCPR and CAT.
Mr. Chairman,
In Pakistan, the Ministry of Human Rights monitors and addresses human rights violations and trends, with special reference to women, minorities and vulnerable segments of society. Our media is one of the freest and most vibrant in South Asia. Besides acting as a watchdog on government policies, our Media has also worked zealously to raise awareness in the masses of their human rights.
A strident and determined civil society is playing an active role in assisting the victims of human rights in getting their grievances addressed, helping the government in shaping human rights compliant policies, fostering a culture of accountability and assisting in changing societal attitudes through awareness raising. Similarly our independent judiciary has taken wide ranging steps to guarantee protection of constitutional rights of all citizens.
The Government of Pakistan is determined to pursue the legacy of our founding father Mohammad Ali Jinnah, his message of tolerance, respect and moderation, and to translate these into an ethos and a popular culture for the promotion and protection of human rights in all spheres of life.
I thank you Mr. Chairman.