Call to set up an independent HRC in Punjab

LAHORE:The violations of human rights need to be addressed through an institutionalised framework of the Punjab Human Rights Commission (HRC) and an independent Punjab Human Rights Commission should be set up to protect fundamental human rights of the citizens of Punjab.

Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO) Executive Director Syed Kausar Abbas said this in a press statement issued here on Thursday. He said that the establishment of the human rights commission in every province is important to protect the fundamental rights of the citizens including religious freedom, access to justice, protection of minority rights and establish gender equality.

He said that the Sindh Human Rights Commission is functional and actively working to protect the rights of the vulnerable communities of the Sindh province. The Punjab province also needs to follow the similar model.

He further said that SSDO is launching a campaign in Punjab to strengthen the institutional advocacy to establish the human rights commission and to provide assistance to the govt. This step will prove to be very important for the promotion and protection of human rights in Punjab, ensuring accountability and promoting a culture of respect and dignity for all citizens.