ISLAMABAD: The Netherland ambassador Marcel de Vink has expressed his concern over human rights challenges Pakistan faces.

Addressing at the launch of Right of Expression, Assembly, Association and Thought (REAT) Network secretariat, he said: “Let’s not forget that minority rights are human rights and human rights are minority rights.”

A slogan: ‘We may be different but we are all equal’ emblazoned on banners guided the discussion on minorities and interfaith issues at the network’s secretariat. The ambassador said equal citizenry, as is mentioned in article 25 of the constitution of the Pakistan, is critical for social cohesion and peace.

The ambassador said the landmark judgment of the Supreme Court, passed last year, fully protects rights of minorities.

“It is also important in the context of GSP+ which demands, in return for trade preferences, the effective implementation of the obligations under international conventions on human and labour rights,” the ambassador said. He said REAT had been working in 10 district of the country for the rights of minorities.

Speaking on the occasion, social activist, Tahira Abdullah urged the federal and provincial governments to focus on protecting minorities rights.

She particularly mentioned that the federal minister for religious affairs and inter faith despite confirming his participation.

This shows the government’s lack of commitment to the rights of religious minorities.

Director General Ministry of Law Justice and Human Rights, Mohammad Arshad lauded civil society efforts for promotion and protection of minority rights and urged all stakeholders to join hands with the government to effectively implement the laws in this regard.

He admitted that there was a lot of work to be done for human rights. However, he added the government had a clear roadmap for the protection of minorities rights.

Speaking on the occasion, the chairman REAT Network, Krishan Sharma, introduced the REAT Network as one of the largest civil society initiatives in Pakistan working on the rights of religious minorities. He highlighted the objectives, aims and achievements of the network.

Retired Justice Mehta Kailash Nath Kohli spoke on the overall situation of minorities rights in Pakistan. Chairperson NCSW Ms. Khawar Mumtaz spoke on the status of Women, while Mr. Gareth Aicken, Country Representative, The Asia Foundation, Pakistan, and other members of the REAT Network also highlighted the achievements of the initiative and requested the participants to support the network.

Published in Dawn, April 19th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play