December 10 is the International Human Rights Day celebration, established to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948. 77 years have passed since then. However, although the declaration has been signed by all UN member states, and. almost all countries in the world (193), its implementation is still lacking and human rights violations are a daily source of unspeakable crimes.
Per the data of the Uppsala Conflict Data Program reported by OXFAM Italia, there are currently over 100 armed conflicts in place, involving almost half of the nations of our planet in a constant and ferocious violation of their commitment to uphold human rights.
Added to this disconcerting scenario is the persecution of ethnic or religious minorities, such as in China against the Buddhist population in Tibet and the Uighur population in Xinjiang, or against the followers of Falun Gong, the Church of Almighty God and other religious minorities. The Islamic world is tainted by blasphemy laws, conversions and forced marriages, and genital mutilation. Africa is the scene of bloody civil wars dictated by hatred fomented by opposing religious factions: "God wills it" is probably the worst blasphemy ever uttered by man, in all ages and at all latitudes.
Below is a statement from Minority Concern. It is an appeal to the Pakistani government to safeguard the rights of minorities in that country. An appeal that we ideally extend to all the governments of the world, reminding them that in the not too distant past they "solemnly" signed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
On Human Rights Day, Minority Concern calls on the government to uphold minority rights in Pakistan
Lahore, Pakistan — On the occasion of Human Rights Day, Minority Concern calls upon the Government of Pakistan to take concrete and measurable steps to protect and promote the rights of religious minorities across the country. Human Rights Day (10 December) serves as a global reminder of the universal principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
Minority Concern emphasizes that while Pakistan has expressed its commitment to these principles, significant gaps remain in the protection of minorities, who continue to face discrimination, violence, and socioeconomic marginalization.
“Human Rights Day is not just symbolic; it is a moment of accountability,” said Aftab Alexander Mughal, Director of Minority Concern. “Pakistan’s minorities deserve equal dignity, equal protection, and the full opportunity to participate in national life.”
Minority Concern highlights several priority areas where immediate action is needed:
- Strengthening legal protections for minorities, including the effective enforcement of existing constitutional safeguards.
- Preventing the misuse of blasphemy and other laws, including legislation that has disproportionately endangered minority communities.
- Ensuring justice and accountability in cases of violence, forced conversions, discrimination, and targeted attacks.
- Promoting inclusive education and social cohesion to counter intolerance and hate speech.
- Expanding economic and political participation for marginalized groups.
The organization also urges the government to collaborate with civil society, human rights defenders, and human rights organizations to align national policies with international human rights obligations.
“If Pakistan wants an inclusive and stable future, the voices and rights of minorities must be at the centre of national priorities,” Mr. Mughal added. “No society can prosper if segments of its population live in fear or exclusion.”
Minority Concern reaffirms its commitment to advocating for a just, pluralistic, and rights-respecting Pakistan for all citizens.
Minority Concern is a UK-based human rights advocacy organization dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights of minorities in Pakistan.
