FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AHRC-STM-062-2017
23 June 2017
AHRC-STM-062-2017
23 June 2017
A Statement by the Asian Human Rights Commission
PAKISTAN: The AHRC thanks the Prime Minister of Belgium for saving the
life Sajid Hussain
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) wishes to sincerely thank the
Prime Minister of Belgium M Charles Yves Jean Ghislaine Michel and his
administration for taking serious note of the Urgent Appeal issued by
the Asian Human Rights Commission AHRC- UAC-033-2017
and taking prompt action with regard to the immediate suspension of
the deportation process of Kashmiri political activist Mr. Sajid
Hussain – and granting him asylum for which he struggled for many
years.
We laud and commend the swift action of the Government of Belgium and
for taking into considering the case of Mr. Hussain, which
demonstrates Belgium commitment in protecting human rights and rule of
law.
We reiterate to the Government Belgium that the human rights situation
in Pakistan are in a dismal state, the rising incidents of torture,
extra judicial killings and disappearances all indicate a near total
collapse of the criminal justice system. Human rights are outright
denied to every citizen who dares to disagree with the state’s
agenda. Political dissent is especially dealt, with an iron fist, met
with state force, and many political activists like Mr. Hussain are
forced to go into hiding or flee the country in fear of their lives.
Belgium being a member of the European Union, that stand steadfast in
protecting civil liberties and democratic freedoms of their citizens ,
the EU member countries have become a natural choice of asylum seekers
and all who value freedom.
We take this opportunity to request the Mr. Prime Minister of Belgium
to consider the application of all activists whose lives are in
constantly in imminent danger in their countries of origin. Their
refoulment without a due hearing and deportation may result in their
disappearance or death in custody - as has become the norm in most
these countries, and especially so in Pakistan.
Incidentally, custodial torture and enforced disappearances are used
as a tactic to inculcate fear in the hearts and minds of dissenters
and political opponents. The state has established a layered and
organised system of impunity allowing the law enforcement agencies
unbridled power to deal with any individual at their whims and fancy.
The impunity, law enforcement agencies exercise, is deeply entrenched
in the entire system of governance and there is a general atmosphere
of fear in the country where a common citizen no longer feels safe,
even in her/his own home.
The radicalisation and Talibanization has further eroded the fabric of
the society marred by corruption and incompetence the government
machinery has become callous and dysfunctional at protecting the civil
rights of the citizen who are left to fend for themselves.
Enforced disappearances are also major impediment in the path of the
work of these activists and are exercised with complete impunity. The
practice of enforced disappearances was in the early days, limited to
Balochistan province. However, that no longer is the case. The urban
centres and metropolis of the country are now also being engulfed in
the fire. No one is safe. In fact this state brutality has now
extended its tentacles into social media and online activities of the
activists and left wing liberals.
The government of Belgium, inter alia leveraging means such as the GSP
plus status must ensure implementation of the rights of the vulnerable
groups and must urge the government of Pakistan to legislate against
the practise of enforced disappearances and custodial torture.
Mr Prime Minister, though the members of civil society are resolute
and unwavering in their resolve to eradicate the menace their
influence and clout is limited. Despite their utmost efforts at
raising awareness and protest against the disappearances, torture and
extra judicial killings continue and instead are on the increase.
Dear sir there is much that the civil society can achieve under the
aegis of international interventions by states that are champions of
democracy and human rights in the world. We urge you to support this
cause and help the activists in achieving their goal of torture free
Pakistan.
Thank you
# # #
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) works towards the radical
rethinking and fundamental redesigning of justice institutions in
order to protect and promote human rights in Asia. Established in
1984, the Hong Kong based organisation is a Laureate of the Right
Livelihood Award, 2014.
Read this Statement online
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