HRCP forms working group on Minorities, Pakistan

Source Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP)
Monday, June 14, 2010

 (PHOTO : New Logo of HRCP)

KARACHI : In the backdrop of increasing attacks on communities across the country, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has constituted a working group on the rights of ‘Communities Vulnerable Because Of Their Belief’.

During a three-hour long meeting at a local hotel on Friday, the working group was formed which comprises HRCP members along with representatives of various minority communities, including Hindu, Christian, Zoroastrian, Ahmedi, Bahai and Sikh communities.

Presiding over the meeting, HRCP Sindh Chapter’s Vice President Ghazi Salauddin said that the group would not only highlight the problems being faced by vulnerable communities but also pave way for resolving the issues faced by them.

Speaking on the occasion, Director, HRCP, I.A.Rehman said that the extremists were inciting hatred due to which communities were being persecuted and discriminated against. “The militants do not tolerate those who do not share their beliefs and are sowing the seeds of sectarian violence.”

During the meeting, participants touched upon various issues and agenda which were laid by the commission including discrimination in services and education, family and personal law, property-related issues, role of the media while reporting on minorities, consideration of the status of the Commission for Minorities and preaching of hate messages. Meanwhile, it was decided that the group will meet at least once every six months whereas members are welcome to submit their complaints, suggestions and recommendations when the need arises.

Introduction : The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (Urdu: تنظیم حقوق انسانی پاکستان), or HRCP, is an independent, non-profit organization, founded in 1987, which is not associated or affiliated with the government or any political party. It is committed to act with impartiality and objectivity in all matters. Among its main aims are spreading awareness of human rights among the people, mobilising public opinion, collecting information and disseminating knowledge about human rights abuses, and to monitor and defend human rights in Pakistan.