Govt urged to stamp out rights abuses

LAHORE: The National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP), a human rights body representing Pakistan Catholic Bishops Conference, has called on all concerned sections and organs of the government to act in unison to stamp out widespread human rights abuses, especially those linked with the use/abuse of blasphemy laws, against religious minorities.

NCJP National Director Fr Emmanuel Yousaf Mani, in a meeting on Friday, urged the government to tackle the elements responsible for bringing false charges against members of religious minority groups.

The NCJP also urged parliament to review the said laws thoroughly.

“The people of Pakistan need to be informed about the gap between intent of the law and the practices at hand,” Mani said, adding that a fair debate would be possible only if threat of violence was removed to allow civilised discourse. He added, “It is sad to see that this widespread abuse spanning over decades has gone unnoticed by the superior judiciary.”

“The National Commission for Justice and Peace appeals to all political parties to study the issue of blasphemy laws with facts on the ground. Human rights defenders who have demanded repealing of all discriminatory and religion specific laws need protection of law and protection against any mischief and violence. The section of media relying on populism needs to understand the seriousness of the matters linked to human rights,” Mani said.

“The National Commission for Justice and Peace urges citizens to wake up to the need of legal, structural and sectoral reforms for peace and harmony in the country,” he said.

(2012-08-25/dailyrtimes)