Ministry plans to confer National Human Rights Awards on HR activists

Islamabad

To commemorate International Human Rights Day, the Federal Ministry of Human Rights plans to confer National Human Rights Awards on the human rights activists who have rendered meretricious services for the realisation of human rights including rights of women, children, minorities and other vulnerable segments of the society.

The International Human Rights Day is observed every year on December 10. It commemorates the day on which, in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In 1950, the assembly passed resolution 423 (V), inviting all states and interested organisations to observe 10 December of each year as Human Rights Day. This year, the International Human Rights Day calls on everyone to stand up for someone's rights!

While presiding over the high-level meeting of National Human Rights Awards committee on Tuesday, Federal Minister for Human Rights Senator Kamran Michael said that steps have been taken through comprehensive strategy to improve the human rights situation in the country. He said that the incumbent government is committed to ensure equal rights for all the citizens of the country. He said that the Ministry of Human Rights will celebrate the day at national level.

Besides members of the committee, Additional Secretary Human Rights Ministry Humaira Azam also attended the meeting. These awards will be given in seven categories including Women Rights Awards, Child Rights Awards, Minorities Rights Awards, Persons with Disability Rights Award, Media Awards, Protection of Life and Dignity Award.

The minister advised the committee that the nominations for the awards should be based on the merit. Member for National Human Rights Award Nomination Committee, MNA Romina Khursheed Alem said that they are calling for nominations for individuals, organisations and businesses that have made significant contributions to human rights in the country.

Addressing the meeting, the Minister for Human Rights Senator Kamran Michael said that Prime Minister of Pakistan Mohammad Nawaz Sharif has approved the action plan for human rights which is being implemented throughout the country to further protect and improve the human rights situation.