ISLAMABAD: The first-ever international conference on human rights (HR) issues would be held From February 19 to 21 at federal capital, disseminating steps taken for the protection of rights of marginalised segments of society besides looking forward to a framework for a conducive and secure environment for common people.
The title of the three-day conference, organised by Ministry of Human Rights (MOHR), would be “Owing HR for a better world”.
The international conference would focus on three themes including “Protecting women and children through policy and law under national and international framework”, “Humanity under climate change: human rights and environmental rights” and “development and human rights”.
MOHR Secretary Rabiya Javeri Agha said that Pakistan is among one of the nations which promote human rights within an international legal framework by taking numerous progressive steps to safeguard fundamental rights of the people. Pakistan possesses strong constitutional structure for human rights as a primary source of the policy and law while it is a signatory to principal international human rights treaties and conventions, she said.
Pakistan joined the international fraternity of people to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which will take place on December 10 this year, she said. She also said that this anniversary marks the adoption of universal principles that established common standards and human rights values for all nations.
By commemorating the 70th anniversary of UDHR, nations can assess their challenges and measure progress in human rights, particularly through stronger monitoring systems, implementation mechanisms and collaborative alliances, the secretary informed.
As a member of the global community, Pakistan is also deeply affected by political, socio-economic and environmental patterns that adversely impact human rights, the secretary said.
Rabiya Agha also said that despite all these challenges, National Assembly of Pakistan has passed five bills on the rights of the vulnerable groups last year.
An official of MOHR told APP that besides brainstorming session on the themes of the conference, other artistic and regional activities would also be planned to introduce international community with the cultural activities of the homeland. These activities include exhibitions in which human rights organisations would establish stalls to display their work and achievements, projection of provinces in strengthening and implementing human rights in Pakistan and a special show of Pakistani art and culture.
Besides MOHR, the conference would be held in collaboration with various government departments including Ministry of Planning and Development, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Commerce and Industries, Ministry of Climate Change and provincial departments and commissions working on HR issues.