Human Rights in Pakistan

Understanding, protecting, and promoting fundamental human rights for all citizens

Human Rights Activists Are

Fighting to make a more just, free and democratic place

Helping to expose the truth and holding those responsible accountable

Working on citizens' security, justice and drug policy issues

Working to ensure non-discrimination on the bases of color, race, religion, gender

Working to provide education rights to all citizens of Pakistan

Working to ensure child labor, unjust labor laws, and slavery are put to an end

Working to ensure health is a basic right achievable to all citizens

Ensuring mass propagation of the knowledge of human rights

Fundamental Rights in Pakistan

Fundamental Rights are guaranteed under Articles 8-40 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973. These rights form the cornerstone of democracy and human dignity in Pakistan.

Key Human Rights Issues

Women's Rights

Pakistan acceded to CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women) on March 12, 1996.

• Gender-based violence and legal discrimination
• Honor killings and protection laws
• Rape cases and legal reforms
• Burn cases and acid attacks
• Sexual harassment in workplace

Bonded Labour

Pakistan is party to the ILO Forced Labor Convention (No.29) from 1930.

• Brick kiln industry in Punjab
• Mining in Baluchistan
• Agricultural sector exploitation
• Sale and purchase of bonded laborers
• Freedom of association and movement

Prison Conditions

Pakistan's prison rules generally conform to UN Standard Minimum Rules for Treatment of Prisoners.

• Rights of pre-trial prisoners
• Women prisoners' special provisions
• Children in prison with mothers
• Medical examination and care
• Separation and segregation rules

Police & Judiciary

Addressing systemic issues in law enforcement and judicial processes.

• Police torture and excesses
• Illegal detention practices
• Police encounters
• Judicial reforms and access to justice
• Freedom of media

International Human Rights Standards

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

Article 2 provides that "everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedom set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status."

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)

Article 8 declares: "No one shall be held in slavery; slavery and the slave trade in all their forms shall be prohibited. No one shall be held in servitude."

Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)

Article 15 guarantees women equality with men before the law, identical legal capacity, and equal rights in civil matters, contracts, property administration, and freedom of movement.

Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP)

Since 1986, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has developed to become a broad-spectrum, countrywide human rights body. It is an independent, voluntary, non-political, non-profit making, non-governmental organization.

Mission & Activities

• Work for ratification and implementation of Universal Declaration of Human Rights and related international instruments
• Promote studies in human rights and mobilize public opinion through all available media
• Cooperate with national and international groups engaged in promotion of human rights
• Take appropriate action to prevent violations and provide legal aid to victims

Key Focus Areas

• Democracy, Constitution, judiciary, legal profession
• Human rights awareness and mobilization of activists
• Rights of women, children, and labour
• Minorities, ethnic groups, tribal people
• Death in custody, torture, and crime

Civil / Human Rights: Getting Legal Help

If you believe you have suffered a civil rights violation, speak with an experienced Civil Rights / Human Rights advocate at BHRICPA. We will evaluate all aspects of your case and explain all options available to ensure the best possible outcome.