In a society where there is no respect for human rights, there we find a rise in cases of human rights violation. Since there is no mechanism to check human rights violations in the province, therefore, the news that the Punjab CM has approved the establishment of provincial and district level human rights task forces deserves praise and commendation. The move calls for applause as it will help provide an overview of the human rights laws in the province and make recommendations for amendments to the existing legislation. Moreover, it will also help reduce incidents of rape, forced labour, acid attacks, domestic violence, harassment of women and honour killing.
It should be kept in mind that global declarations and action plans support the principle of universality of human rights. Therefore, the need of the hour is to have laws and policies that discourage human rights abuses and uphold basic human rights. For the promotion of human rights, the mass media must also play its part as it is the most powerful weapon to challenge such societal norms that impede human rights promotion. Furthermore, we as an individual must also join hands with those who are the true advocators of human rights and bear pressure on the legislators to pass and implement laws that can serve as a deterrent for human rights violation.
Syed Ali Qasim
Lahore
