KARACHI: Sindh Human Rights Department decided to take Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and other civil society stakeholders onboard for its draft Human Rights Policy before final approval by Cabinet. Decision was taken at a consultative meeting on Draft Human Rights Policy Government of Sindh presided over by Surendar Valasai, Special Assistant to Chief Minister for Human Rights.

Saeed Ghani Minister for Labour and Human Resource, Bangul Khan Mahar Special Assistant to Chief Minister for Wildlife and representatives of other departments at Human Rights Secretariat attended. Draft policy is developed by Human Rights Department with inputs from UNDP and several human rights activists. Surendar Valasai said that his Party Chairman and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is taking keen interest in Human Rights Policy as protection and promotion of Human Rights are among his top priorities.

He provided background to Policy and shared that draft Sindh Human Rights Policy focuses on promotion, protection and fulfillment of human rights in compliance with Fundamental Rights (Article 8 to 28)  enshrined in Constitution, core United Nations human rights treaties ratified by Pakistan and other international obligations under Sustainable Development Goals (2015-2030) and Generalised System of Preference plus status (2014-2023).

Noreen Bashir, Secretary Human Rights Department added that policy also focuses on promotion, protection and fullfiment of Civil and Political Rights and Economic Social and Cultural Rights of various groups such as women, children, minorities, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, transgender persons, workers, juveniles, prisoners and so on.  Also, it aims at building awareness on human rights. Saeed Ghani advised to circulate draft policy with concerned stakeholders including government departments, civil society organisations and individuals for review and input to make draft policy more inclusive and participatory before placing it before Cabinet.

Participants of meeting unanimously endorsed his advice. Bangul Khan Mahar advised to share draft policy with administrative secretaries of departments and Ministers for their feedback. Surendar Valasai added implementation of this policy aims to task government to utilise all relevant departments for future actions.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 15 2022

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.