The Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) in collaboration with Trust for Democratic Education and Accountability (TDEA), hosted the momentous “National Conference on Efficacy of National and Sub-National Human Rights Institutions” at Pearl Continental, Karachi.
Leaders, activists, and experts gathered to facilitate insightful discussions on human rights challenges and advancements.
Welcoming participants, Mr. Iqbal Ahmed Detho emphasized the Commissions’ role in promoting protecting Human Rights. Addressing challenges, SHRC is prioritizing improvements in complaints handling, both online and offline, he said. Ongoing efforts include the legislative review of key laws such as the Transgender Act and Sindh Child Marriages Restraint Act, he added. Notably, Commissions focus on oversight, monitoring Human Rights violations, distinct from service delivery.
We have to assess if the Human Rights Commissions in Pakistan are working under the mechanisms provided by the UN and Paris Principles.” – Mr. Choudary Shafiq
His insightful perspective at the National Conference sparks critical reflections on aligning human rights efforts with international standards.
We have to address the discrimination and violence against women collectively as this is a universal issue. Social, structural, and cultural challenges give rise to discrimination and violence against women, and the first step towards resolving this is to give choices to our women in all aspects of life.” – Khawaja Imran Raza
His powerful words emphasize the collective responsibility in combating universal challenges faced by women.
SCSW is working in 30 districts of Sindh along with sub-committees. The Commission is involved in every case, presenting reports to the Ministry and has reviewed 5 laws. With more than 40 monitoring visits conducted, we observe that the Code of Conduct for Harassment against women is absent in major universities of Sindh. It’s crucial that we collectively work towards strengthening the institution.” – Ms. Nuzhat Shirin
An insightful panel discussion at the National Conference delved into the current state of Rights Commissions in Pakistan. Distinguished participants included Mr. Abdullah Khoso, Researcher and Academician, Ms. Khawar Mumtaz, Ex Chairperson National Commission on the Status of Women, Justice (R) Majida Rizvi, Ex Chairperson of SHRC and National Commission on the Status of Women, Ms. Anis Haroon, Member National Commission on Human Rights and Ex-Chairperson, National Commission on the Status of Women, Ms. Mosarrat Qadeem, Chairperson Free And Fair Election Network, and Mr. Muhammad Rafique Ahsan, an Independent Consultant. Their valuable perspectives on challenges and opportunities illuminated the landscape of Rights Commissions in Pakistan.
Rights institutions should serve as an independent voice without any interference. Laws lack costing, and public hearings are absent. Post-legislative scrutiny is essential for analyzing laws. Civilian supremacy is crucial for fostering strong and independent institutions." - Nafisa Shah
Ms Nafeesa's remarks underscore the importance of independence, transparency, and post-legislative scrutiny in rights institutions.
Addressing the audience, Barrister M. Omar Soomro highlighted the pivotal role of commissions in empowering civil societies. He emphasized the need for fundamental procedural changes to better align service delivery with laws. Drawing attention to the Sindh Commission on the Status of Women, he noted its current lack of Suo-moto powers. The case of Fatima Furiro underscored the importance of institutional power and authority, leading to changes in DNA testing procedures within Sindh's jurisdiction. Additionally, he raised concerns on the compromised independence of the police and bureaucracy, facing notable political interference in their service delivery.
