Synopsis
The United Nations experts have urged Pakistan to release human rights defenders from Balochistan and halt the crackdown on peaceful protests amid rising violence against the Baloch community. Concerns have been raised over the welfare of detained activists and the misuse of counter-terrorism measures.Key Takeaways
- UN experts demand immediate release of Baloch human rights defenders.
- Concerns over rising violence against Baloch activists.
- BYC leaders face charges under Anti-Terrorism Act.
- Police crackdown on peaceful protests in Quetta.
- Call for adherence to UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
Geneva, March 27 (NationPress) The United Nations experts have called on Pakistan to release Balochistan human rights defenders and cease the crackdown on peaceful demonstrations.
The human rights specialists voiced their worries regarding the well-being of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders Mahrang Baloch, Sammi Deen Baloch, and other defenders who have been detained for holding peaceful protests.
They pointed out a surge in violent actions by the Pakistan police against the BYC, which is a coalition advocating for the rights of the minority Baloch community.
In a statement released by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the experts mentioned that the crackdown escalated following a significant attack by Baloch separatists on a passenger train on March 11, leading to the alleged arrests or enforced disappearances of several key Baloch human rights defenders from the BYC.
“We have been increasingly alarmed by reports of alleged arrests and enforced disappearances of Baloch activists in recent months, and the violent events of the past few days have heightened our concerns,” the experts stated.
On March 21, Quetta Police raided a peaceful BYC protest in front of the University of Balochistan, demanding the release of detained and forcibly vanished activists. Reports indicate that three individuals were shot dead, others were injured, and numerous arrests occurred.
In the aftermath, BYC, including Mahrang Baloch, organized a sit-in with the deceased from the police operation on March 21 as a protest against police brutality. The following morning, March 22, this demonstration on Sariab Road, Quetta, was attacked by police using batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Several BYC activists, including Mahrang Baloch, were taken into custody. Reports indicate her whereabouts remained unknown for nearly 12 hours, and she was allegedly denied family visits or legal representation. Mahrang and many other BYC members reportedly faced charges under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
On March 24, another significant BYC figure and female human rights defender, Sammi Deen Baloch, was arrested along with others outside the Karachi Press Club by Karachi Police while protesting against the crackdown. Her detention has been reportedly mandated for 30 days under the Sindh Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance.
“We are extremely worried about the well-being of Mahrang Baloch, Sammi Deen Baloch, and other human rights defenders detained for exercising their right to peaceful assembly. We urge the Pakistani authorities to release them immediately and to stop misusing counter-terrorism or public safety measures against these defenders. We also demand that the authorities clarify the fate and whereabouts of all individuals subjected to enforced disappearances without delay,” the experts emphasized.
The experts urged the Government of Pakistan to tackle conditions that foster terrorism, in accordance with the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. They are in contact with Pakistani authorities regarding their pressing concerns.
