72 Seminars Arranged To Promote HR Values, Create Culture Of Tolerance

Ministry of Human Rights has arranged 72 seminars for human rights education, sensitization and awareness raising in various universities and institutions during last two years

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Feb, 2018 ) :Ministry of Human Rights has arranged 72 seminars for human rights education, sensitization and awareness raising in various universities and institutions during last two years.

The basic objective of the campaign was promotion of human rights values for creating a culture of tolerance and respect. Official sources on Tuesday said the campaign's target was general public, civil society, researchers, academia, students, government functionaries and different segments of society and other activities undertaken included three-day campaign on Pakistan Radio Network, ptv and ATV for awareness raising among general masses.

The sources said six-day public awareness campaign has also been launched on print media through publishing half page/quarter page advertisements. Moreover, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Material on human rights issues has been developed as a part of public awareness programme.

The sources said the government was committed to ensuring Human Rights of all citizens by adopting all possible measures to ensure protection and promotion of such rights i.e. rights of women, persons with disabilities and minorities, etc.

The Ministry regularly takes up all Human Rights violation cases with concerned authorities for their redressal. Regarding other steps taken by the government for protection of Human Rights in the country, the sources said Action Plan for Human Rights, approved by the Prime Minister, was being implemented to further improve human rights situation in the country through legal, policy & institutional reforms.

A National Task Force (NTF) to monitor implementation of Action Plan for Human Rights has been notified under chair of Federal Minister for Human Rights, comprising parliamentarians (one each from National Assembly & Senate of Pakistan), relevant Federal Ministries and Provincial Human Rights Departments.

Provincial Task Forces (PTFs) have also been constituted. National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) has been established with a broad mandate and powers to take suo-moto action. The Ministry of Human Rights has also notified the NCHR Complaint Rules, 2015 which comprehensively elaborate the procedure regarding evaluating and disposing of complaints of Human Rights violations.

A Toll Free Helpline "1099" for Legal Advice to victims of Human Rights violations has been launched. The Helpline (1099) provides referral services to address grievances of the victims. National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) is working for protection of rights of women.

The NCSW is mandated to organize activities to combat Violence Against Women, which include Media Campaign for Awareness on Pro-Women Laws; 16 Days of Activism and an Advocacy Campaign to End Violence against Women.

District Human Rights Committees are also being established to monitor Human Rights situation in the country. International Human Rights Day (10th December), and International Women's Day (08th March) are celebrated as regular feature in order to create awareness among the masses regarding their basic rights.

On these occasions, special supplements containing messages of the President, Prime Minister and Minister for Human Rights along-with achievements of the government, are issued.