Pakistan urged to safeguard religious minorities at Geneva event
Geneva, July 3
Concerns over the plight of religious minority women in Pakistan took centre stage at an event titled "Forced Conversions & Minority Women", held at the Geneva Press Club on the sidelines of the 62nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
The event, organised by Global Human Rights Defence and CAP Pour la Liberte de Conscience, brought together lawmakers, human rights advocates and civil society representatives, who raised alarm over what they described as continuing violations of religious freedom in Pakistan.
Speakers called on the international community to increase pressure on Islamabad to protect religious minorities and end the practice of forced conversions and forced marriages.
The discussion focused on the persecution of minority communities, particularly the vulnerabilities of Hindu, Christian and Baloch women and girls.
Participants described forced conversion and forced marriage as tools of religious and ethnic persecution, while also highlighting poverty, statelessness and conflict as factors that heighten the risks faced by vulnerable communities.
Speaking at the event, Member of the European Parliament Bert-Jan Ruissen said freedom of religion or belief remains under severe pressure in Pakistan.
He alleged that the country's blasphemy laws are frequently misused and expressed concern over reports of girls being forced into marriage and compelled to convert to Islam.
"We spoke about misuse of blasphemy laws, and we spoke mainly about the fact that girls are forced into marriage and convert to Islam. It's really undermining the whole concept of freedom of belief and also undermining the freedom of conscience."
Ruissen stressed that the international community should strengthen cooperation to encourage Pakistan to improve protections for minorities and ensure full respect for their rights.
He also referred to existing international cooperation and support mechanisms with Pakistan, saying these should be effectively used to encourage stronger safeguards for minority communities.
Ivan Arjona-Pelado, representative of the Foundation for the Improvement of Life, Culture and Society, said forced religious conversion should never occur anywhere in the world.
He emphasised that individuals must remain free to choose, change or reject a religion without coercion.
Pelado called on governments and public authorities to uphold freedom of religion or belief by protecting every person's right to live according to their conscience.
He said respecting these freedoms is a fundamental responsibility of states and urged authorities to ensure that all citizens can exercise their rights without fear or discrimination.
The event was also attended by Member of the European Parliament Tomislav Sokol and Dr Naseem Baloch, Chairman of the Baloch National Movement.
Speakers underscored the need for greater international accountability and urgent measures to protect minority women and girls, while calling for stronger safeguards against forced conversions and forced marriages in Pakistan.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While I understand the concern, the Geneva event seems a bit like finger-pointing without acknowledging Pakistan's domestic laws. They have a blasphemy law that's misused—that's a problem. But we in India also have issues with religious freedom. Let's push for human rights universally, not just when it suits our politics. 🇮🇳✌️
This is exactly why Pakistan needs to overhaul its legal system. Forced conversions and forced marriages are violations of basic human rights. The fact that this is happening to Hindu women and girls in a country that claims to be a republic is appalling. I support any international pressure to stop this.
From a Western perspective, I've read about Pakistan's blasphemy laws and how they're used to target minorities. The Geneva event highlights a real crisis. But I wonder—how effective are these UN sessions? We need action, not just speeches. Still, better to talk than stay silent. For the sake of those girls, let's hope something changes.
I agree that forced conversions are terrible, but I see some hypocrisy here. Why single out Pakistan? What about the treatment of minorities in India itself? We should focus on improving our own record first. Ayodhya, Gujarat—we have our own nightmares. Let's not throw stones from a glass house. 🏠
The plight of Baloch women and girls is particularly heartbreaking—they face ethnic and religious persecution in a triple burden. The international community must use every diplomatic tool to protect them. Forced conversions aren
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.