What Are Human Rights Defenders Saying About the State of Disaster Relief in Pakistan-Occupied Gilgit-Baltistan?
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Synopsis
In a recent outreach meeting, human rights advocates unveiled the dire state of disaster relief in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan, emphasizing the struggles faced by marginalized communities amid increasing natural disasters. They called for urgent action to ensure transparency and accountability in relief efforts.
Key Takeaways
- Human rights defenders are alarmed over the disaster relief situation in PoGB.
- Marginalized communities are facing severe hardships due to natural disasters.
- There is a pressing need for transparency and accountability in relief efforts.
- The government is urged to take decisive and inclusive actions.
- Vulnerable groups require focused support and protection.
Islamabad, Sep 13 (NationPress) Numerous human rights advocates and community representatives have expressed serious worries regarding the poor state of disaster relief in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan (PoGB). They pointed out that recent floods, landslides, and glacial lake outbursts have significantly impacted marginalized communities, leaving them to face the brunt of this crisis.
During an outreach session organized by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) in PoGB on Friday, participants underscored that displaced families are compelled to reside in hazardous shelters devoid of clean water, electricity, healthcare, or educational resources.
They emphasized the neglect of vulnerable groups, including women, children, daily-wage laborers, persons with disabilities, and transgender individuals, while mental health issues were largely overlooked. The meeting further raised concerns regarding the lack of transparency and accountability surrounding relief funds.
As per the HRCP, stakeholders unanimously agreed on a resolution during the meeting which asserted that disaster response in PoGB must prioritize inclusivity, transparency, and dignity. This encompasses multi-sectoral coordination at all levels, community-led monitoring and rehabilitation, and clear oversight of relief funds. They also advocated for the protection of vulnerable households, fair compensation, and relocation from high-risk areas. Additionally, suggestions were made to integrate climate justice strategies, such as reforestation, cessation of exploitative natural resource extraction, climate insurance, and disaster preparedness into the school curriculum.
Earlier this week, expressing alarm over the catastrophic floods that ravaged Pakistan, the HRCP declared that these calamities are no longer merely ‘natural’; they are “manmade, exacerbated by poor planning, land grabs, deforestation, corrupt practices, and climate inaction.” The rights organization asserted that both the state and successive Pakistani governments must bear responsibility for the ongoing crisis in the nation.
“While rescue and relief efforts are currently in progress, the HRCP emphasizes that these operations must be swiftly expanded, with additional rescue teams deployed and more relief camps established, ensuring equitable access to food, shelter, clean drinking water, and medical services. Special focus must be directed towards the most vulnerable, including women, children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities,” stated the rights body.
The HRCP urged both the federal and provincial governments of Pakistan to awaken to their constitutional responsibilities, display political will and foresight, and undertake decisive and inclusive measures to prevent the country from being ensnared in recurring cycles of displacement and disaster.
Point of View
We stand firmly with the nation, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and transparency in disaster relief efforts. The voices of marginalized communities must be amplified, and action is essential to ensure no one is left behind in these critical times.
NationPress
14/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main concerns raised by human rights defenders in PoGB?
Human rights defenders are concerned about the poor state of disaster relief, lack of transparency in relief funds, and the neglect of vulnerable groups like women, children, and persons with disabilities.
What measures are being called for in disaster response?
Advocates are calling for inclusive, transparent, and dignified disaster response, including community-led monitoring, fair compensation for affected households, and climate justice measures.
How are recent natural disasters described by the HRCP?
The HRCP describes recent disasters as manmade, exacerbated by poor planning, land grabs, deforestation, corrupt practices, and climate inaction.
What actions are recommended for the government?
The HRCP urges the government to fulfill its constitutional obligations and take decisive actions to prevent recurring cycles of displacement and devastation.
Who are the most affected groups in the disaster?
The most affected groups include women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, who require urgent attention and support.
