Why Are Human Rights Groups Protesting the Enforced Disappearance of a Teenage Girl in Balochistan?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Enforced disappearance of a teenage girl highlights ongoing human rights violations.
- Human rights groups are calling for urgent intervention from the international community.
- There is a growing trend of violence against Baloch women and girls.
- Accountability for security forces is essential to combat these human rights abuses.
- International awareness and support are crucial for the Baloch people's plight.
Quetta, Nov 22 (NationPress) A coalition of human rights organisations expressed their outrage on Saturday over the enforced disappearance of a teenage Baloch girl following a raid by Pakistani forces in Balochistan.
The Baloch Voice for Justice (BVJ) reported that 15-year-old Nasreena Baloch was reportedly taken by Pakistani security forces during an early morning operation in the Daroo area of Hub Chowki city.
“This targeted operation and the subsequent vanishing of a minor underscore the growing trend of repression against Baloch women and girls,” remarked the BVJ.
The organisation called upon international human rights entities, including the United Nations and global civil society groups, to urgently step in to safeguard Baloch women from the intimidation, harassment, and abductions instigated by Pakistan.
They also demanded the immediate and safe return of Nasreena, urging Pakistani authorities to fulfill their responsibilities under international human rights law by ceasing enforced disappearances and ensuring accountability for those involved.
In a statement condemning the incident, the Baloch Women Forum (BWF) insisted on Nasreena's immediate release, stating that her detention has severely disrupted societal norms.
According to BWF, she has been relocated to an undisclosed location, without her family being informed, nor has she been presented at the local police station.
“In recent years, the victimization of women has escalated through various means. Beyond societal challenges, they are facing direct oppression from the state alongside Baloch men, especially through enforced disappearances. Previously, Sayad Bibi, Sakeena, and two other Baloch women were forcibly detained in 2019, followed by Mahal Baloch's illegal arrest, and other cases like Noor Khatoon’s abduction from Quetta (who was later released), Asma from Khuzdar, Mahjabeen from Quetta, and a growing list of women victims of this heinous state-sponsored practice of enforced disappearances, which is part of a broader campaign against the indigenous Baloch,” the BWF elaborated.
Expressing alarm over the enforced disappearance, Tara Chand, President of the Baloch American Congress, accused Pakistani soldiers of continuously patrolling Balochistan, targeting innocent civilians. He noted that Baloch women and girls are also being abducted and subjected to torture and severe cruelty.
“I urge the world to speak out against the ongoing military operations conducted by the Pakistani army in Balochistan and the systemic oppression of the Baloch population. The international community must raise their voices and support the Baloch people,” the Baloch leader posted on X.