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Key Points

The Baloch Women Forum has courageously brought international attention to the systematic human rights abuses in Balochistan through a critical UN session. Their virtual interactive dialogue exposed the widespread enforced disappearances affecting families across the province. By directly presenting testimonies to the UN Working Group, they highlighted the illegal detention and persecution of Baloch civilians and political activists. This strategic move represents a significant effort to internationalize the ongoing struggle for human rights and dignity in the region.

Key Points: Baloch Women Expose Pakistan's Enforced Disappearances at UN

  • Baloch families detailed systematic enforced disappearances to UN Working Group
  • UN session highlights ongoing human rights violations in Balochistan
  • BWF exposes illegal detentions and targeting of political workers
  • International appeal seeks to end repressive practices by Pakistani forces
2 min read

Baloch women slam Pakistan at UN over enforced disappearances

Baloch Women Forum reveals systematic human rights violations in Balochistan, urging UN intervention against enforced disappearances

"We believe that every human being is entitled to fundamental human rights - Baloch Women Forum"

Quetta, Aug 25

The Baloch Women Forum (BWF) expressed grave concerns over the increasing enforced disappearances in Balochistan and highlighted their grievances during a virtual interactive session with the United Nations Working Group on Enforced Disappearances.

The forum noted that it has organised different sessions across Balochistan in which affected families participated and raised alarm over the uncertainty surrounding the health, safety, and fundamental human rights of their loved ones, who they claim are "illegally caged" in Pakistani dungeons.

"We want to clarify that we have been clear on our stance against the enforced disappearances across Pakistan and specifically Baloch regions from the very beginning. We believe that every human being is entitled to fundamental human rights which are violated when it comes to the Baloch specifically when it comes to the forced and illegal detentions. The aim of the session was to put forward the families' concerns regarding the enforced disappearances directly to the UN Working Group," read a statement issued by the BWF.

According to the BWF, during the one-day session, families from various districts of Balochistan directly addressed the UN group, which heard their detailed accounts. At the end of the session, the forum's Central Organiser, Shalee Baloch, addressed the families and the UN Working Group, highlighting the broader pattern of enforced disappearances, ranging from civilians to the targetting of political workers.

The forum expressed sincere gratitude to the UN Working Group for considering the grievances related to enforced disappearances in Balochistan and for giving their valuable time. The BWF asserted that the families, after knocking every door in Pakistan, are now making their very best to appeal to international bodies to readdress their genuine grievances and to end the enforced disappearances across the province.

People from Balochistan are currently fighting for their independence from Pakistan. Various human rights organisations of Balochistan have time and again highlighted the repression by Pakistani forces in the province, which includes violent raids on the homes of Baloch leaders and civilians, unlawful arrests, enforced disappearances, the 'kill and dump' policy, detention under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, and the filing of fabricated police cases.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Pakistan's human rights record speaks for itself. While they lecture others about Kashmir, they're committing atrocities in their own backyard. The world needs to see their double standards.
A
Ananya R
As an Indian, I stand with the Baloch people. Their struggle for justice and dignity is legitimate. The UN must intervene more effectively - virtual sessions are not enough when people are disappearing.
S
Sarah B
While I support human rights everywhere, I hope our government focuses on our own issues first. We have enough challenges within India without getting involved in every regional conflict.
V
Vikram M
The courage of these Baloch women is inspiring! Speaking truth to power at the UN takes immense bravery. This shows how civil society can make a difference even in the most oppressive situations.
M
Michael C
This is exactly why Pakistan's human rights rhetoric rings hollow. They need to clean their own house before pointing fingers at others. The international community should impose sanctions for these violations.

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