HRCP hails event

Press Release, August 18

 

Lahore: While hailing General (R) Pervez Musharraf’s resignation from presidentship as the logical result of the people’s verdict of February 18, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has stressed the sobering effect of the development and reminded the coalition partners that satisfaction of the people’s heightened expectations will now demand greater sincerity and resoluteness than before. In a statement issued here today, the HRCP chairperson, Asma Jahangir, said:

 

Although General (R) Musharraf’s decision to quit before getting impeached will be considered one of his rare acts of kindness to the people, no tears will be shed for him. If he really cared for Pakistan as much as he claimed in his long peroration today, he should have resigned much earlier, as soon as the February 18 results were out. Indeed he might well have desisted from subverting the constitution nine years ago. But while the coalition partners and the people at large have good reason to celebrate their victory, the present is a sobering moment. Now the people’s expectations, already high after February 18, will soar even higher. The government will be tested to the extreme in meeting these expectations. Unity of democratic forces, effective supremacy of parliament, and consolidation of institutions of governance, the judiciary foremost among them, will be essential for pulling the state out of the mire created by a dictatorship. The issues that will brook no delay are: steps to fight ongoing insurgency in the north and the plight of the internally displaced persons as a result thereof; a crash programme to deal with the economic crisis, especially the rising cost of living and unemployment; and the urgency of guaranteeing the security of life and liberty. The people also must not forget that constant vigil is the price of liberty. And of progress too.

 

Asma Jahangir

Chairperson

Candle light vigil in memory of Hiroshima victims

Email from Institute for peace and Secular studies

 

Candle light vigil in memory of Hiroshima victims

 

Friends, comrades,

 

On August 6, 1945 the U.S. bombed the Japanese city of Hiroshima, killing 140,000 people. Since then, thousands more have died from injuries or illness attributed to exposure to radiation released by the bombs. As peace-loving citizens we condemn this brutality and hope that nothing like it ever happens again. Being a citizen of a nuclear state, it is our duty to register our complaint against the havoc wreaked by atomic explosions.

 

Tomorrow, on August 6 at 7 p.m. let us all join hands in peaceful protest outside the Lahore Press Club. Please bring friends and family to light a candle in memory of the victims of Hiroshima.

 

Thanks and regards,

Diep

Institute for peace and Secular studies

91-G johar Town Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Ph 042-5219862/ 042-5219863

Mobile 0300-844-5072

www.peaceandsecularstudies.org

 

EVERY HUMAN HAS RIGHTS - the Elders’ campaign

Visit the Every Human Has Rights Website and sign the declaration

(text from website)

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In the 60th year of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, The Elders, with many organizations around the world, joined to launch the Every Human Has Rights campaign.

 

We urge you to embrace the values and goals of the Declaration. To protect the rights of your fellow global villagers. And encourage others to do the same in your communities, workplaces and schools. Click here to learn more about the campaign

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Campaign Themes

 

Each month leading up to the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, one of the campaign partners will highlight a specific area of the rights contained in Universal Declaration; teaching you about its roots, where it stands today, and how you can get more involved. This month’s theme,

 

Freedom from Fear, Preventing Torture, has been brought to you be the Amnesty International

 

Speak out

 

The most formidable enemy of human rights today is silence. Here the Every Human Has Rights campaign partners hope to tell many stories of human rights triumphs and abuses from across the globe, so that all can learn from them.

 

We’ve begun with a few profiles of people who we admire for the work they do. We hope that you will find the following stories of how individuals are standing up for human rights, both a learning and an inspiration. Tell us your story or the story of your community

 

Asma Jilani Jahangir

Human Rights Commission of Pakistan

Arrested with other opponents of Pakistan’s General Musharraf in November 2007, Asma Jahangir, head of the country’s human-rights commission and a UN special envoy, has spent decades defending Christians and Muslims sentenced to death under harsh and capricious blasphemy laws. She shelters women whose families want to murder them — because they deserted cruel husbands. She investigates the fate of prisoners who vanish in police custody, and battles for their release. Read more

 

Asma Jilani Jahangir
http://www.everyhumanhasrights.org/asma-jilani-jahangir

HRCP’s study of the proposed constitutional package

Press Release, June 7, 2008

 

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has studied the proposed constitutional package floated by the Pakistan People’s Party. There is no doubt that the present Constitution, which contains several amendments, particularly those inserted through the brute force of dictators require wide ranging amendments so that the country can embark on a constitutional rule. At the same time, the package does not fulfill a number of requirements and is tailored to suit the interests of the current set-up, rather than to deepen democratic governance. HRCP wonders how the PPP proposes to secure support to their package as clearly they do not have the two-thirds required for Constitutional amendments. As such the few pressing issues, including of the restoration of the judges will painfully linger to the detriment of the country and the democratic transition.

 

There are a number of positive amendments. The change of name of NWFP to Pakhtoonkhwa, the demise of Article 58(2) B, reserved seats for minorities in the Senate and the restoration of the executive authority with the Prime Minister are steps in the right direction. HRCP also welcomes the amendments regarding the selection and appointment of judges to the superior courts and in restricting sitting judges from taking on other high official assignments. There is though a contradiction. Sitting judges cannot be appointed as a Chief Election Commissioner or to other non-judicial posts but can still be members of the Election Commission.

 

HRCP rejects the requirement of the Prime Minister of being a Muslim as added by the Package amendment to Article 91. It is disappointing that a party who prides on its democratic credentials should discriminate amongst citizens on the basis of religion. The package has also not touched upon Articles 62 and 63, that require members of the parliament to be “pious” and their qualification is based on vague and subjective criteria of the “goodness” or otherwise of an individual. Similarly, the restriction on the election of a person for more than two terms to be Prime Minister is kept intact.

 

The suo motu powers of the Federal Shariat Court to take up any law and strike it down, as being repugnant to Islam is being kept intact, while the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court to hear matters of public importance with reference to the enforcement of Fundamental Rights is severely curtailed by the Package. Under it, the Supreme Court can only pass a declaratory order under its inherent powers and will be not be able to enforce its rulings providing relief to the victims. HRCP is mindful that judges must act and select cases of “public importance” with due care and through well-reasoned judgments, yet the Package amendment will be a serious blow to the enforcement of fundamental rights of vulnerable groups and individuals in Pakistan.

 

HRCP rejects the wording of “reappointment” of the pre 3^rd November judges as recommended under Article 270 CC of the Package. It could also be misconstrued especially as the two consecutive terms of the Chief Justice appear to have been deliberately kept vague. As such the Package leaves an impression that the formula of minus-one and plus-one has been adopted, which has firmly been rejected by the lawyers community and civil society. It will lead to a worse judicial crisis that will have long-term repercussions.

 

The intention of the package appears to undermine the independence of the superior courts. The composition and powers of the Judicial Commission are arbitrary. The Commission has the potential of turning itself into a menacing watchdog rather than an impartial tribunal. By allowing, the Judicial Commission to make a code of conduct for the superior judiciary the authors of the Package have subjugated the Supreme and High Courts to a body of retired persons. The requirement of Commission members to be “non-politicized” is vague and absurd. Who decides what is “non-politicized” and how can any person of knowledge and standing be politically empty? HRCP is amazed that a political party should frown upon anyone who is “political” and prefers to hand their destiny in the hands of those who are bankrupt of political thought. Such train of thinking usually originates from military bases rather than from political parties.

 

HRCP hopes that the PPP will take on board the suggestions made to it by all political forces and make clear decisions on the Constitutional direction it wishes to pursue. Priorities must be set as several issues are at stake and must be resolved through the Parliament, but the Package must not keep all of them hostage to a collective decision in a single Package. The present draft of the Package is totally unconvincing, both in its intent and substance, in dealing with the political crisis left behind by Musharaf and his military predecessors.

 

Asma Jahangir

Chairperson

HRCP expresses support for the Long March

Press Statement, 6 June 2008

 

Karachi: Co-Chairperson of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Senator (R) Iqbal Haider, has expressed wholehearted support of HRCP to the lawyers movement for restoration of the judges, independence of judiciary & rule of law. He has assured the lawyers community of participation of HRCP, its office bearers & members in the “Long March” of the lawyers from Multan to Islamabad, for achievement of the said noble causes, which are imperative for the protection of the human rights and national interest.

 

Mr. Haider stated that there is no tenable reason or justification for connecting the restoration of the judges of the superior courts and their Chief Justices with the Constitutional Package.

 

Mr. Haider emphasised that the delay in restoration of the judges as was committed by the Shaheed Chairperson, Muhtarma Benazir Bhutto as well as in the Murree Declaration, is not in the interest of the country or of the ruling coalition parties, because this delay is promoting unrest and uncertainty in the country and jeopardizing & harming functioning, image and credibility of the Federal Government and its coalition parties. The Government should realize the importance of this issue and the earlier the judges are restored unconditionally, the better it would be for the coalition partners in the Government, as well as in the interest of the people.

 

Senator (R) Iqbal Haider, Co-Chairperson

HRCP delegation met with the Chief Minister of Sindh

HRCP delegation met with the Chief Minister of Sindh

 

HRCP has been holding consultations on human rights issues confronting the country. With a new democratically elected government in power, HRCP believes it is time to share concerns and proposals with political leaders.

 

Therefore, a delegation of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan headed by Iqbal Haider, Co-Chairperson HRCP, comprising of Uzma Noorani, Asad Iqbal Butt, Sindh Council Members of HRCP, and Ejaz Ahsan, Program Coordinator, HRCP had a meeting with Mr. Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Chief Minister of Sindh at CM House on June 5, 2008.

 

HRCP delegation shared a copy of policy statement of HRCP on critical issues of human rights, for the consideration and support of PPP leadership . This policy statement was adopted by the General Body at HRCP’s Annual General Meeting held recently.

 

CM promised moving necessary resolutions and bill for legislation wherever required, for expeditious implementation of the recommendations of HRCP on human rights issues.

 

HRCP also expressed concern over marrying off 15 under-age girls to settle tribal dispute through a jirga held in Chach village, Kashmore-Kandhkot and demanded that the provincial government take immediate action against all those responsible for the illegal and inhuman decisions and ensure immediate release of the minor girls.

 

Iqbal Haider also presented the recently published, Annual Report of HRCP “State of Human Rights in 2007″ to the CM.

 

Policy Statement of HRCP

Speech of Muneer Malik, former president of Pakistan Supreme Court Bar Association at the award ceremony at South Korea

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, AHRC-ANM-006-2008
June 2, 2008

An Announcement by the Asian Human Rights Commission

 

ASIA: Speech of the Mr. Muneer Malik, former president of Pakistan Supreme Court Bar Association at the award ceremony at Gwangju at South Korea

 

We wish to share with you the following speech of Mr. Muneer Malik, delivered on his acceptance of the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights. He received the human rights award on May 18, 2008 on the occasion of the 518 International Solidarity Program, held in commemoration of the great people’s movement in Gwangju, South Korea against the military dictatorship and for democracy.

 

Valedictory Speech of Munir Malik

HRCP consultation calls for a crash plan to secure workers rights

Press Release, May 16

Karachi: Legislation necessary for the implementation of the recently, ratified International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, immediate convening of tripartite labor conference to remove the impediments to the enforcement of the workers’ rights, adoption of a plan for land reform, so as to protect the rights of the tenants and cultivators, and speedy acceptance of the charter of labor rights adopted by workers representatives on March 30, are the main recommendations of a broad based consultation with representatives of workers and fisher folk organizations, sponsored by Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) in Karachi today.

The meeting attended by nearly one hundred representatives of trade unions, fisher folk forum and human rights activists, welcomed the government decision to ratify the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and demanded speedy adoption of legislation so that the people of Pakistan could realize the rights recognized in the covenant. The participants specially emphasized the need to recognize the right to work, which includes the right to work of one’s choice, the rights of workers to their economic development, the right to safe and healthy working conditions, the right to form trade unions, women’s right to equal wages for equal work, and the right to social security.

The meeting endorsed the labor charter adopted by labor organizations in March this year and suggested that priority should be given to withdrawal of all restraints on the right to form unions, extension of social security network, consolidation of labor laws as recommended by the Shafi-ur-Rehman commission, implementation of ILO Convention 182 on Worst Forms of Child Labor and revision of ILO 2002 to bring this law in harmony with workers’ inalienable rights. In the opinion of the participants the implementation of the Bonded Labor System Abolition Act needed to be reviewed. It was necessary to provide for the settlement of liberated haris. They had a right to be allotted land so that they could utilize their skills.

The meeting strongly urged the government to immediately convene a tripartite labor conference to resolve issues concerning the country’s work force.

The meeting regretted that little was being said about the plight of agricultural workers, tenants and landless peasants. The meeting called for a new land utilization policy, fixation of a fair ceiling on land holdings and distribution of land among men and women who till the land. The government was also asked to ensure implementation of the ILO convention on the agricultural workers right to form union.

The government was also urged to pay serious attention to the continued exploitation of Pakistan’s fisher folk. The policy of handing over sea-shore to so called developers was severely criticized along with the policy of favoring foreign fishing organizations at the cost of the country’s fishing community.

Secretary General HRCP

Black Flag Hoisting Ceremony held at the residence of the Secretary General of HRCP

Black Flag Hoisting Ceremony held at the residence of Mr. Iqbal Haider, the Secretary General of HRCP, March 10, 2008

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Endorsing the call of Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan, President Supreme Court Bar Association to commemorate the Black Flag Week in and outside Pakistan from March 9 – 16, 2008, and to express HRCP’s solidarity with the lawyers’ movement, the Black Flag Hoisting Ceremony was held at the residence of Mr. Iqbal Haider, the Secretary General of HRCP on Monday, the 10th of March 2008 at 05:00 pm.

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Prominent among the participants were Ms. Zohra Yusuf, Vice Chairperson, HRCP Mr. Asad Iqbal Butt, Council Member HRCP, Ms. Uzma Noorani, Council Member, HRCP, Mr. Roland D’Souza, Council Member, HRCP, Mr. Manzoor Razi, Railway Workers Union, Mr. Liqauat Sahi, Democratic Workers Union of State Bank, Mr. Ayub Qureshi, National Party, Mr. Rahat Saeed, Irtiqa Foundation, Dr. Riaz, International Socialist Party,  Mr. Akhter Baloch, Mr. Kamran Noorani, Mr. Riaz of Shirkatgah, Mr. Jan Alam of  PPP, Mr. Ali Yawar, Mr. Abdul Hai, Mr. Jawed Iqbal Burqi, Ms. Tarranum Khan and Mr. Muhammad Ejaz Ahsan, Program Coordinator of HRCP.

HRCP endorses Aitzaz Ahsan’s call for Black Flag Week

Press Release,  March 8 

HRCP endorses the call of Aitzaz Ahsan to commemorate the Black Flag Week and the Black Flag Hoisting at the residence of Mr. Iqbal Haider to be held on Monday, the 10th of March 2008 at 05:00 pm.   

Karachi: In a statement issued to the press, the Vice Chairperson of HRCP, Ms. Zohra Yusuf said that the HRCP endorses the call of Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan, President Supreme Court Bar Association to commemorate the Black Flag Week in and outside Pakistan from March 9 – 16, 2008, to express HRCP’s solidarity with the lawyers’ movement.   

The Black Flag Hoisting Ceremony at the residence of Mr. Iqbal Haider, the Secretary General of HRCP (D-25, Block 4, Clifton, just after Abdullah Shah Ghazi Mazar, Off. 26th Street, Karachi) would be held on Monday, the 10th of March 2008 at 05:00 pm. 

She requested all the lawyers, concerned citizens of Pakistan, journalists, activists of the civil society, representatives of trade unions,  and activists and members of HRCP, to be there to show their solidarity with the lawyers’ movement for the restoration of the judiciary, rule of law and supremacy of the constitution of Pakistan. 

Zohra Yusuf

Vice Chairperson, Sindh

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Take part in the events that observe the Black Flag Day in your cities. You can get information about the major events at: http://blackflagweek.blogspot.com/ 

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