President reiterates nation’s commitment to human rights protection

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday reiterated the nation’s unwavering commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights at every level of the society.

“Today, we are commemorating International Human Rights Day to reiterate our commitment to promoting and protecting human rights at every level of our society,” he said this on the eve of International Human Rights Day, which will be observed today (December 10).

According to the statement issued by the media wing of the President House, President Asif Ali Zardari said the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations in 1948, reflects principles enunciated by Islam.

He said the Constitution also guarantees fundamental rights to all its citizens. “We remain steadfast in advancing human rights to empower our people,” he said. Despite challenges, he said we are committed to implementing legal, economic, and social frameworks to safeguard human rights and minimise violations.

The president said Pakistan, in collaboration with the provincial governments, UN agencies, and civil society organisations, is working to protect vulnerable communities. “Initiatives like the National Commission for Human Rights, the Women Empowerment Package, the Action Plan for Human Rights, and the Toll-Free Human Rights Helpline (1099) reflect Pakistan’s commitment to protecting human rights.”

He said Pakistan is also continuously undertaking legal and administrative reforms to fulfil its international obligations and safeguard people’s rights. “On this day, let’s pledge to fulfil our shared responsibility to protect and promote human rights to create a society based on equality, justice and human dignity,” he said.

The president said, “We should not forget our brothers and sisters in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K), who have been subjected to the worst forms of state terrorism and are being deprived of their social, political and economic rights.”

“We also strongly condemn the ethnic cleansing and genocide of the Palestinian people by Israel in Gaza and other illegally occupied Palestinian territories. We urge the international community to take practical measures to end the barbarism of Israel in Palestine,” he said.

The president said Pakistan is cognisant of the importance of protecting the rights of all segments of society, including women, children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and minorities. “It is my firm belief that democracy, peace, freedom, and human rights are intertwined, and protecting people’s rights is indispensable to building a stable and prosperous country,” he said.