Knowing the law

Generally, there is limited awareness in society of the fundamental rights the constitution guarantees us. That is why blatant human rights violations are routine in the country – both in rural and urban areas. This sorry state of affairs prevails despite massive media coverage and suo motu notices by the apex court. There is no justification in blaming the ruling elite, bureaucrats and technocrats for these violations because according to the famous maxim, ‘ignorance of the law is no excuse’.

Knowledge of the law, in particular, of human rights, is not only important, but also necessary for people to appreciate the obligations that come with them. Accordingly, one of the main factors that determines the effective enjoyment or enforcement of human rights in any society is the level of public awareness of such rights and of the mechanisms and institutions through which they are enforced. The relevant organisations namely the National Commission for Human Rights, the National Commission on the Status of Women, Ombudsman Offices, educational institutions, retired judges, law officers, NGOs, legal and human rights associations, among others, should come forward, instead of PowerPoint presentations in luxury hotels, and teach fundamental human rights to the people of this country so as to achieve a law literate society.

Hashim Abro

Islamabad