The Caretaker Foreign Minister, Jalil Abbas Jilani, reiterated on Sunday the dedication to safeguarding and advancing human rights, emphasizing that it is both a constitutional duty and a guiding principle in Pakistan.
In his message marking the International Day of Human Rights, he highlighted the influence of Pakistan’s democratic traditions, civil society, media, and legal institutions in reinforcing their steadfast commitment to the rights and freedoms of all citizens.
On this Human Rights Day, Pakistan aligns with the global community in honoring the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR), stated the foreign minister. He expressed that the declaration has been a source of inspiration for ongoing efforts to “promote universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
The foreign minister welcomed the theme of this year’s International Day for Human Rights, “Freedom, equity, and justice,” emphasizing Pakistan’s participation in celebrating the progress made in realizing these shared ideals. He also stressed the need to reflect on the risks posed by impunity in violating these foundational norms.
Addressing lingering and unresolved conflicts as the primary obstacle to achieving the lofty ideals of freedom, justice, and equity, he noted that climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated structural inequalities within and between nations.
The foreign minister expressed concern about the rise of discrimination, intolerance, and new forms of racism, such as Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred. He called for sustained and coherent global responses to promote a culture of peace, emphasizing the impact of new technologies in spreading disinformation.
On the 75th anniversary of the UDHR, Pakistan underscored the inalienable right to self-determination, as enshrined in the UN Charter and UDHR. The minister stated strong solidarity with the people of the Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir and occupied Palestine, condemning the occupying powers’ blatant disregard for international human rights and humanitarian laws.
He asserted Pakistan’s commitment to providing moral, diplomatic, and political support to the Kashmiri and Palestinian peoples in their resistance against occupation and pursuit of their right to self-determination.
