ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has received 340 recommendations from UN member states on its fourth periodic report on the human rights situation in the country, and the government will examine these recommendations and report back to the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in its forthcoming meeting.
universal Periodic Review
A draft report prepared on Wednesday by the Working Group on Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the Geneva-based Human Rights Council stated: “All conclusions and/or recommendations contained in the present report reflect the position of the submitting state(s) and/or the state under review. They should not be construed as endorsed by the Working Group as a whole.”
Pakistan’s response to the recommendations will be included in the outcome report adopted by the HRC at its 53rd session. The HRC selected Argentina, Gambia and Nepal as the group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Pakistan.
The List
A list of questions prepared in advance by Angola, Belgium, Germany, Liechtenstein, Panama, Portugal — on behalf of Group of Friends on national mechanisms for implementation, reporting and follow-up — Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland and the United States was transmitted to Pakistan through the troika.
women voters Registration
During the interactive dialogue, 122 delegations made statements. Canada proposed to develop a strong policy and delivery mechanism to ensure the registration of women voters. It also recommended to protect women voters from violence and disenfranchisement as they cast their ballots.
Enforced Disappearance
Several countries demanded ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and incorporate it into domestic law.
A moratorium on death penalty
Luxembourg proposed placement of moratorium on death penalty and ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights aimed at abolition of the death penalty.
freedom of religion
Poland called for fully respecting freedom of religion or belief in accordance with the international human rights law. It called in particular for reforming blasphemy laws, especially as regards the existing legal possibility of punishing blasphemers by death. It is because such penality creates a climate conducive to extrajudicial killings. Besides, repealing other legal provisions discriminating against members belonging to religious minorities. Further recommendations were made regarding halting abductions, forced marriages and forced conversions of women and girls from religious minorities.
amending blasphemy laws
The US demanded repealing or amending blasphemy laws as well ending other discriminatory laws used against members of Ahmadi and other religious minority communities.
freedom of expression
Australia demanded upholding freedom of expression, including by amending the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act. It is to avoid unnecessary restrictions on journalists and protect their safety and welfare.
