Pakistan: Universal Periodic Review 14th session

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a four-yearly process at the United Nations during which each and every UN Member State has its domestic human rights record reviewed by the wider international community. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are encouraged to contribute to this process through written submissions before a Member State is reviewed. NGO submissions are then compiled into a ‘Stakeholder report’ which is then presented to the Member State in question.

Introduction

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), a human rights NGO specialising in freedom of religion or belief (FORB) for all people, wishes to draw attention to Pakistan’s domestic human rights situation over the period 2008-2012 with respect to its international obligations.

CSW wishes to focus primarily on FORB and related rights. There remains a large gulf between official government assurances about religious minorities in Pakistan, and the reality of life for these groups in society. Recurring issues include false blasphemy accusations and related violence, the abduction and forced conversion of non-Muslim women and girls, impunity for those targeting minorities, and discrimination in employment and education. At present the state is neither preventing nor punishing violations of the law, while the loudest, most aggressive voices of extremism intimidate and sideline other claims to free expression and debate.

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