By Special Correspondent
NEW YORK: Pakistan has asked the Human Rights Council (HRC) to increase its focus on human rights violations in UN-recognized disputed territories, especially those under prolonged foreign occupation.
It said such situations often lead to draconian legislation by occupying powers, who exploit their control to evade accountability, restrict freedoms, and suppress movements for self-determination.
Speaking in the General Assembly on the presentation of a report of Human Rights Council, Counsellor Saima Saleem said that as a principle of international law and morality, the right to self-determination remains fundamental. She said Pakistan calls upon the Council to dedicate greater attention to the plight of populations living under foreign occupation, as they face violations of fundamental rights, including the denial of self-determination, dignity, and fundamental freedoms.
Saima Saleem expressed Pakistan’s concern on the rise of racial hatred, religious extremism, and violent nationalism, stating that these scourges often spill over into mainstream political discourse. She noted that in many regions, Islamophobia has been normalized, which is manifested through calls for expulsion, restrictions on religious expression, burning of the Holy Quran, and the defamation of Islamic symbols and sacred spaces.
“These actions, often conducted under the guise of “free speech,” serve only to inflame division and violence. The HRC has a crucial role in addressing Islamophobia under its Agenda Item 9 and its prevention mandate,” she stated.
The Pakistani delegate urged the Special Procedures to investigate and present actionable recommendations to counter this rising threat, ensuring that human dignity is respected, and that no community faces vilification or exclusion.
Counsellor Saima Saleem stated that the Human Rights Council was envisioned to embody transparency, impartiality, and non-politicization, noting that it is, therefore, troubling to observe these foundational principles are compromised by political biases, entrenched polarizations, and selective interests.
She said as a member of the Human Rights Council, Pakistan believes that an inclusive and balanced approach that recognizes the diversity of human rights concerns across regions is essential for lasting progress. She said that Pakistan is committed to upholding this principle by fostering constructive dialogue and avoiding politicization in the Council’s work.
Recognizing the complex challenges of today’s world, including climate change, food insecurity, and financial crises, the Pakistani delegate highlighted that these issues exacerbate inequality, poverty, and social injustice, which impose a heavy burden on future generations. Pakistan called upon the Human Rights Council to adopt a holistic approach that upholds all human rights without hierarchy, thereby advancing global efforts toward dignity, equality, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Pakistan, as a committed member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, reaffirmed its dedication to promoting and safeguarding human rights across all regions and without discrimination.
Saima Saleem emphasized the urgent need for a balanced allocation of resources that equally prioritizes civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, with a particular focus on the right to development.
She said that as a staunch advocate for constructive dialogue, engagement, and consensus-building, Pakistan is hopeful that the Council will continue to champion human rights inclusively.
“As we move forward, Pakistan remains resolute in its commitment to fostering a multilateral approach to human rights that transcends divisive politics and respects diverse cultural, religious, and social contexts,” she added.
Comments are closed.