Universal Periodic Review 28: Pakistan
This UK statement was delivered during the 28th session of the Universal Period Review during the discussion of Pakistan's Human Rights Record on 13 November 2017.
The Universal Periodic Review takes place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva
The UK recognises positive steps by Pakistan, including a National Commission for Human Rights, a National Action Plan, and laws on the rights of women and minorities.
We remain deeply concerned about Pakistan’s overall human rights record. This includes limits on freedoms of expression and religion or belief, particularly for the Christian and Ahmadiyya Muslim communities, as well as the increased misuse of terror legislation to portray religious publications of minority communities as hate material.
We recommend:
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Strengthen the protection of minorities by having a fully inclusive electoral roll without discrimination or religious bias, and by establishing an independent National Commission for Minorities from all faith communities, who should appoint their own representatives.
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Implement fully the national strategic framework against trafficking in persons and human smuggling, ensuring adequate human and financial resource.
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Set a clear timeline for the review of legislation carrying the death penalty with the aim of limiting the scope of crimes to which it applies.