Why is the Baloch Yakjehti Committee Campaigning Against Enforced Disappearances of Women?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Baloch Yakjehti Committee is campaigning against enforced disappearances.
- The campaign lasts for five days, starting December 22.
- Activities include petitions, artistic expressions, and webinars.
- The enforced disappearance of women is a serious human rights violation.
- Recent incidents illustrate the urgency of addressing this issue.
Quetta, Dec 22 (NationPress) The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has initiated a five-day awareness campaign against the enforced disappearances of Baloch women.
As per the announcement made by BYC on X, the objective of the campaign is to enhance public consciousness regarding enforced disappearances, record personal narratives, and bolster collective opposition.
In their statement, the BYC remarked, "5-Day Campaign Against Enforced Disappearances of Baloch Women. For numerous years, enforced disappearances in Balochistan have mainly targeted Baloch males. Regrettably, this severe injustice has now extended to Baloch females, who are increasingly subjected to forced disappearances by Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies and affiliated militant groups, commonly referred to as death squads."
The enforced disappearance of women constitutes a significant violation of basic human rights; it directly undermines the dignity, survival, and collective identity of the Baloch populace. This disturbing practice is part of a larger trend of oppression aimed at silencing and eliminating Baloch resistance. To elevate awareness, document real-life experiences, and strengthen collective action, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) is conducting a 5-Day Campaign Against Enforced Disappearances of Baloch Women," it further stated.
The campaign kicked off on Monday with the launch of an online petition advocating for the recovery of all missing Baloch women, the cessation of enforced disappearances, and accountability from Pakistan's implicated security institutions. The second day's activities will include statements and video messages from the victims' families, activists, and students, sharing their personal stories and expressions of solidarity.
On December 24, the focus will shift to the arts, with participants encouraged to engage in poetry, write letters, create visual art, and perform brief acts to shed light on the issue. Symbolic protests will be organized on December 25 to honor the disappeared Baloch women and stand in unity with their families.
The campaign will culminate on December 26 with a webinar featuring activists and the families of the disappeared. This session aims to tackle the increasing cases of enforced disappearances among women, discuss on-the-ground realities, and reinforce collective advocacy and global solidarity.
Recently, a prominent human rights organization disclosed the enforced disappearance of two additional Baloch women by Pakistani forces. According to Baloch Voice for Justice (BVJ), Hani Dilwash and Heer Nisa Waheed were detained and subsequently disappeared on Friday night in Hub Chowki, Balochistan.
The BVJ asserted that this action infringes upon fundamental rights and targets civilians without due legal process. Condemning this incident, the rights organization demanded the immediate revelation of their whereabouts.
"Security agencies continue to act with impunity while families endure ongoing suffering. Enforced disappearance remains a systematic instrument of oppression in Balochistan and needs to cease," the rights organization emphasized.