*Sindh Human Rights Commission organizes strategic planning workshop*
Karachi: The Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) in its prevailing strategic plan (2022-2025) had identified numerous strategic pillars, objectives, and actions covering the components of research, law review, institutional building and expansion, and financial autonomy while covering the thematic areas of crimes against women, child rights, child protection, child marriage, state of education, drinking water issues, general public services issues, law & order and access to justice, labor rights, tribal, environment degradation, and general development issues, etc. However, with the enactment of the Sindh Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Act, 2022, there are some additional core thematic areas in the Commission’s powers and functions (i.e. business, human rights and alternate dispute resolution). For the aforesaid reason, the Commission conducted a consultation to review its strategic plan with the rationale to incorporate the latest developments in the strategic plan vis-à-vis the Amendment Act 2022. The aim of the consultation is to seek input and guidance from the relevant stakeholders. Participants’ insights into the Commission’s future course of action will be critical for developing a more comprehensive and exhaustive plan.
During the consultation, Aslam Sheikh, a Judicial Member II, SHRC delivered the opening remarks.
Chairperson SHRC Iqbal Ahmed Detho explained the powers and functions of the commission, emphasizing that there may be differing interpretations of the act among individuals. However, he emphasized that the commission is fully aware of its own interpretation and objectives. He also acknowledged the need for improving the act and expressed plans for institutional development in the future. Additionally, he stated that the commission’s primary role is to promote the implementation of existing laws. In addition, Detho mentioned that the SHRC will address issues of discrimination present in the syllabus.
Furthermore, He mentioned that the matter of forced conversion is effectively mentioned within both the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act and Section 498 B of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), which specifically addresses the prohibition of forced marriages.
During the technical session conducted by Qindeel Shujaat, the Consultant, shared that the primary objective was to review the Strategic Plan 2022-2025 of the Sindh Human Rights Commission. The session aimed to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed strategic plan and provide recommendations for improvement if necessary. Qindeel Shujaat led a detailed discussion to evaluate the alignment of the plan with the mission and vision of the SHRC. The consultant also examined whether the proposed strategies addressed the pressing human rights issues in Sindh province and promoted the commission’s mandate effectively. He emphasized the need for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) targets to ensure effective implementation. The Commission possesses the authority to examine the case and wields significant powers. It serves as a link between civil society and the government.
Intellactual Naseer Memon presented an overview of the human rights situation in the Sindh Province, with a particular focus on areas affected by floods. He emphasized that human rights are applicable to all citizens and that every constitution recognizes equal rights to life. He stated that human rights encompass all aspects of life and are interconnected with every aspect of society. Unfortunately, authorities often fail to view issues through a human rights lens. He advocated for the mainstreaming of human rights in both the public and private sectors and encouraged the promotion of this approach. While acknowledging the presence of dedicated individuals and organizations, he stressed the need for continuous improvement to ensure that efforts are not rendered useless.
Atta Mustafa emphasized the importance of the monitoring of human rights violations and complaints handling mechanisms by National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in Pakistan. He stated that these mechanisms should encompass both promotion and protection functions.
Promotion functions involve activities aimed at creating a society where human rights are widely understood and respected. This can include initiatives such as education, training, providing advice, public outreach, and advocacy to raise awareness and foster a culture of human rights.
Protection functions, on the other hand, are focused on addressing and preventing actual human rights violations. These activities may involve monitoring, conducting inquiries, investigations, and reporting on human rights violations. Additionally, individual complaint handling plays a crucial role in providing redress and ensuring that violations are appropriately addressed.
By combining promotion and protection functions, NHRIs can play a comprehensive role in promoting human rights awareness and addressing violations effectively.
He stated that there are several challenges that NHRIs in Pakistan face regarding the monitoring of human rights violations and complaints handling. These challenges include the enforceability challenge, which relates to ensuring that human rights standards and recommendations are effectively implemented. The production challenge refers to the collection and presentation of accurate and comprehensive data on human rights violations. The referral/redressal challenge pertains to the effective referral and resolution of complaints received by NHRIs. Lastly, the capacity challenge involves building and strengthening the capacity of NHRIs to effectively carry out their monitoring and complaints-handling functions.
Jamil Junejo, the Executive Coordinator of the Treaty Implementation Cell in the Human Rights Department of the Government of Sindh, spoke about international human rights obligations and the role of the Provincial Treaty Implementation Cell.
Barrister Rida Tahir provided technical input on the draft of the Sindh Human Rights Policy and the Sindh Child Protection Policy. She highlighted the lack of provincial data on children and suggested the need to gather accurate data for proper presentation and analysis. She added that Pakistan’s population of 212 million, nearly half – 45 percent – are children under 18 years of age according to UNICEF, 2020. She said that Sindh Child Protection Policy aims to streamline all interventions and make all areas of operations child-sensitive and safe for all children.
Furthermore, she said that Sindh was the only province that defined Human Rights before any other province or even before the federal government through Sindh Human Rights Protection Act 2011 (and amendment in 2021). However, the preamble of the policy may not be based on one single religion. It should be more pluralist and should acknowledge all sources of (evolution of) Human Rights like religion, philosophy, political movements, and international law.
In his capacity as the Chief Guest, Surendar Valasai, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Human Rights, expressed that the Sindh Government will soon introduce the Sindh Human Rights Policy. He emphasized the need for proper resolution of genuine cases related to forced conversions. Additionally, he highlighted that the priority of the PPP (Pakistan Peoples Party) is to address the needs and concerns of transgender individuals.
Kulsoom Akhtar Chandio, a Board Member of the SHRC and a Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) from the PPP delivered a vote of thanks.
The participants included Maliha Zia, Safia Lakho and Wajiha Gilani of Legal Aid Society, members of SHRC, committee members of the SHRC, key stakeholders, relevant experts, government officials, civil society representatives, and the media.
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