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Date: 13th September 2006
Proposed National Commission for Human Rights should be made in lines with international best practices
Islamabad. Two days conference organized by the Parliamentarians Commission for Human Rights (PCHR) in collaboration with United Nations on establishment of proposed National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) in Pakistan concluded here in Islamabad today. The conference was attended by the parliamentarians, foreign delegates, civil society organizations, jurists, intellectuals and media personnel as well. In a declaration issued by PCHR and OHCHR, it was unanimously agreed that the proposed national human rights institution is able to perform its work effectively only if it conformed to the international best practices. For this, it is imperative that Paris Principles outlined by the United Nations Organization setting the minimum standard for establishment of national human rights institutions (NHRIs) should be practically and fully observed. Because NHRIs established within the perspective of these internationally recognized principles can have independence and impartiality in their work.
Many delegates from European and developing countries participated in the conference which include Mr. Paddy Sloan Chief Executive Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, Mr. Orest Nowosad, Coordinator National Institutions Unit, OHCHR, Mr. Richard Bennett Chief Human Rights Officer UNAMA and OHCHR, Hussain Ramoze Executive Director of Afghan independent Human Rights Commission and Mr. Ajit Bharihoke Registrar National Human Rights Commission India etc. They shared the experiences and observations of national human rights institutions within the context of their culture and political system and various themes on draft legislation for a National Human Rights Commission for Pakistan, key actors and process relevant to establishment of national human rights institutions and necessary powers and functions of NHRIs and legal provisions of an national institutions in Pakistan and ways and means to ensure its success. They opined that that irrespective of impartiality, financial and political sustainability, it is commitment, sincerity and honesty of those who run such type of institutions. In their detailed presentations, they gave overview of national human rights institutions of their countries.
Chairman PCHR Mr. Riaz Fatyana MNA inaugurated the session and Federal Minister for Law justice and Human Rights Muhammad Wasi Zafar graced the occasion as chief guest. Minister of State for Law, Justice and Human Rights Mr. Shahid Akram Bhinder also addressed the participants and said that we have first time formulated the comprehensive definition of human rights in Pakistan. Chairman PCHR Mr. Riaz Fatyana remarked that national human rights institutions can play effective role in curbing conflict prevention, racism, discrimination and protection of minorities’ rights by imparting civic education. He appealed all the participants and people to support the efforts for protecting and promoting the noble cause of human rights.
Chief Coordinator PCHR Mr. Shafique Chaudhary said that we have formulated the views and recommendations of all the relevant stakeholders in this matter and that PCHR will submit its detailed report to the government to fine-tune the draft legislative bill on establishment of proposed national commission for human rights in Pakistan and to ensure its formation in lines with the international best practices.
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