Islamabad: The government of Pakistan is committed to uphold the rights of people. The establishment of a separate ministry of human rights in 2008 at the federal level represents the government’s resolve to mainstream the human rights agenda into public policy.
Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has stated this in his message on the occasion of International Human Rights Day that falls today Monday on December 10.
He said that Pakistan joins the world community in celebrating International Human Rights Day on December 10. The day marks the adoption of Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, he added.
He said that day provides us an opportunity to take stock of the state of human rights and spread its awareness. This year, the spotlight remains on rights of all people including women, youth, persons with disabilities, minorities and the marginalized.
A progressive, balanced and just society is the one, which ensures that rights of all of its citizens are safeguarded through political, legal, economic, cultural and social instruments and frameworks, he added.
He said that Islam is a champion of the cause of human rights. It establishes the concept of equality for all human beings. Islam provides an environment of peaceful coexistence, free of any discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, colour, sex, race and religion, he added.
Women, children and marginalized sections of society are more vulnerable to exploitation. The government has, therefore, undertaken key legal, economic and administrative reforms for women empowerment in line with the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, he added.
A few days ago, I approved a proposal for appointment of human rights defenders to provide easy, quick and free relief to victims of human rights abuses, he said. In accord with constitutional provisions, Parliament passed a landmark bill on National Commission for Human Rights into law this year aimed at improving the human rights conditions by doing away with instances which promote violation of human rights. The recent passage of ‘Right to Free Compulsory Education’ for children between ages of 5 and 16 has made the provision of free education a responsibility of the government, he maintained.
On International Human Rights Day, we pledge to remain committed to human rights agenda, he said. The protection of human rights for all is a prerequisite for establishment of a civilized and progressive society. We would leave no stone unturned to make this happen, he reiterated.