Govt urged to protect human rights’ defenders

PESHAWAR: The civil society organisations on Saturday asked the government to take steps for the protection of the human rights’ defenders.

The call was given by representatives of Pakhtunkhwa Civil Society Network, Tribal NGOs Consortium, Fata Commission of Human Rights, Civil Society Joint Working Group, Partners for Prevention and Response, TransAction, National Action Coordination Group and Pakistan National Human Rights Defenders Network at a joint press conference here.

Qamar Naseem of Blue Veins, called for the establishment of focal points on human rights defenders to ensure they were adequately resourced and actively collaborated with all human rights defenders. He demanded of establishment of focal points on human rights defenders and ensure that they were adequately resourced and actively collaborate with all human rights defenders.

Zar Ali Khan, Chairman of Fata Commission of Human Rights, said the civil society was committed to protecting the fundamental rights of the citizens.

Taimur Kamal, Coordinator of Pakhtunkhwa Civil Society Network said that there was no guarantee of fundamental freedoms or human rights in a country where human rights defenders were persecuted.

Radish Tony, a minority rights activist said, “The state must adopt effective measures to prevent violation of the human rights defenders.

Farzana Jan, a transgender rights activist, urged the government to recognise and support the work of the human rights defenders.