Civil society voices concern over shrinking civic space

Human Rights Day 2016

On International Human Rights Day 2016 observed on Saturday, Pakistan’s civil society reiterated its commitment to continue struggle for defending and protecting citizens’ fundamental rights, empowered citizenship and strengthening of a democratic space based on the premises of participation, inclusivity and accountability.

This resolve came from representatives of various networks of civil society here on December 10. They urged the government to ensure that fundamental freedoms such as freedom of expression, information, assembly and association were respected and guaranteed. “These fundamental rights guaranteed by the constitution of Pakistan are under threat. We urge the government to protect these rights.”

The civil society leaders, including Karamat Ali and Mohammad Tahseen of the Pakistan Civil Society Forum, Krishan Shrma of REAT Network and Tanveer Jehan, Peter Jacob and Zulfiqar Shah of the Pakistan Human Rights Defenders Network, emphasised protection for actors and organisations that defended public interest through democratic means.

Expressing concern over the shrinking of space for the civil society to operate in Pakistan, representatives said that there had been an expansion of the negative environment seeking to restrict freedom of expression and freedom of association for Pakistan’s civil society.

“This is being done by way of harassment, intimidation and censorship. The state further abets the insecure environment for rights defenders by denying support when civil society is faced with threats from private and non-state actors,” a statement quoted them as saying.

Referring to the murders of civil society actors, including Perween Rehman, Rashid Rahman, Sabeen Mahmud, Zafar Lund, media persons, academicians, political workers, and activists, it was noted that such acts received encouragement from a hostile environment constructed against the civil society.

“There have been a series of rhetorical statements passed by the highest officials in the government, and various other departments of the state. These not only promote misconceptions about the role and functioning of the sector, these also reflect the narrow based agenda of vested interests that see civil society’s work on rights and political participation as a threat.”

The activists also highlighted regressive legislation and policies such as the INGOs Policy adopted by the Government of Pakistan in October 2015. “Despite the passage of over a year’s time, more than 100 INGOs are still awaiting registration and the uncertainty is badly affecting their work.”

Similarly, national organisations in many parts of the country were being asked to seek a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for each and every activity they conducted, they said.  “This is against the spirit of free civic and democratic space, and hinders the day to day work of civil society organisations. Many areas such as South Punjab have become ‘no go areas’ for Non Governmental Organisations.”

They representatives expressed concern that the government, through the proposed “regulation of foreign contribution Act”, wanted to put more curbs on the civil society sector. “Financial cooperation is a global phenomenon and people and their organisations have the right to access or provide financial support within and outside of the country.”

They said that there was no denying the importance of regulation of civil society, but civil society organisations (NGOs, associations and groups) were already registered under various laws and following the rules and procedures prescribed in those laws.

“The government may reform these laws. However, it is curious that arbitrary laws, meant to hinder the work of civil society organisations, are being brought in quick succession. Even before the related law is passed, the government has already formed a committee to scrutinize organisations seeking foreign contributions. If any such law is required, the government must consult with civil society first.

“We believe that terrorism is a serious threat and the government has the responsibility to root it out. The civil society organisations are part of the solution in this regard. They are supporting and would continue to support legitimate government actions.

“However, use of counter-terrorism narrative to restrict civic space and scope of civil society’s work is not an appropriate way to deal with the issue. We are concerned that vocal civil society organizations and individuals are being targeted.

“Propaganda and malicious campaigns is another tool that is being used to harass and intimidate civil society organisations and restrict their effective participation in the national agenda.”

The representatives further said: “World over, civil society’s role in enhancing political participation, advocating public interest and as partners in development is recognised and protected through international treaties such The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR); International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR); International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; ILO Conventions and many other conventions. Pakistan is signatory to major international treaties on rights. In addition, the GSP+, extended by the European Union, comes with 27 international conventions, implementation of which is an obligation undertaken by the government of Pakistan.

“Civil society’s struggles play an important role in creating a participatory environment for citizens to shape their societies based on their aspirations, within the framework of constitutional rights and entitlements. Pakistan’s civil society has made tremendous contribution towards a progressive and pro-rights environment.

“It was their struggles against dictatorship that democracy and an elected political system have taken roots in the country. Almost all pro-rights legislation in the national and provincial assemblies have come through the struggles and inputs of the civil society.

“They have emerged as key partners in the delivery of basic services to the citizens, including education and healthcare. Civil society’s actions and activities have sought to keep a check on the arbitrary use of power as the sector plays the role of a watchdog in the society.”

It was also observed that given that country’s dismal social indicators, with a large section of the population staying deprived of basic rights, the government alone could not achieve the development agenda. “If Pakistan wants to achieve Sustainable Development Goals, the government has to partner with the civil society.

“All international instruments require governments to make civil society partner in development agenda. The Pakistan government needs to change its negative attitude towards civil society organisations.”

Demanding immediate withdrawal of the confrontationist policies of the government, civil society representatives stated that the constitution protected the fundamental rights of the citizens.

“Political developments globally as well as nationally require the government of Pakistan to promote open democratic space where people can actively participate in the political process and are able to positively contribute in the overall development of the country. Civil society ought to be treated as a partner in this respect.”

On a concluding note, they demanded that government should have meaningful consultation with civil society organisations before bringing in any new policy or law concerning national organisations.

They asked to ensure that freedoms of association, assembly, expression and information were protected, INGOs policies and registration system for NGOs were revisited, and measures that created disruption in peaceful activities of the civil society were withdrawn.

They also asked to immediate stop to negative propaganda to undermine civil society’s work and arrest and punishment for all those involved in intimidating and harming civil society actors and organisations.

The representatives of civil society reiterated their commitment to continue engaging the system and the government for a pro-rights environment and safe working conditions for civil society.

They urged the government to consider civil society as an important partner in the realisation of citizens’ rights. They expressed the hope that on this Human Rights Day, the government would proactively commit the political will to ensure that everyone everywhere in Pakistan enjoyed human rights.