Why is UK lawmaker John McDonnell calling for an end to human rights abuses in Balochistan?

Geneva, Sep 17 (NationPress) British MP John McDonnell has urged for an immediate end to the human rights violations occurring in Balochistan at the hands of Pakistani forces, reaffirming his dedication, along with his colleagues, to support the Baloch people. He emphasized the necessity of respecting the principle of self-determination in the province, a fundamental aspect of international human rights.

These comments were made on Tuesday (local time) during the 7th Global Balochistan Conference in Geneva, hosted by the Baloch National Movement (BNM) party, with attendance from numerous political figures, human rights advocates, and intellectuals.

"Our approach involves collaborating with Baloch organizations in the UK to equip Members of Parliament with vital information, allowing them to exert pressure on government officials," McDonnell mentioned.

He highlighted the aim to inform the British government about the human rights violations in Balochistan, the exploitation of natural resources by the Pakistani government in partnership with China, and the consequent poverty and suffering faced by the Baloch people.

"From the UK’s standpoint, we have been advocating for the government to acknowledge its responsibilities toward the Baloch, given Britain's historical involvement and, frankly, its prior neglect of this matter. I believe the current Labour government holds a particular duty in this context," the British Parliamentarian asserted.

He underlined the importance of ensuring that the names of individuals who have been arrested, detained, or tragically killed are brought directly before ministers to ensure the human impact of abuses by Pakistani authorities cannot be overlooked.

"The UK government possesses tools at its disposal: it provides aid to Pakistan and maintains trade connections. Therefore, the inquiries we pose in Parliament are clear—what measures can be implemented, whether via aid conditionality or trade pressure, to safeguard the human rights of the Baloch people and their right to self-determination?" McDonnell added.

He also mentioned that, following a recent cabinet reshuffle and the appointment of a new Foreign Secretary, steps will be taken to arrange meetings aimed at devising a cohesive strategy—both bilaterally and alongside European partners—to increase international pressure on Pakistan.

According to McDonnell, this strategy must encompass defending the right to life, freedom of association, freedom of speech, and the freedom to determine one's future in Balochistan.