Pakistan

Equal Rights Trust mourns the loss of Asma Jahangir

 

Pakistani equality and human rights defender, Asma Jahangir, has died

 

London, 12 February

The Equal Rights Trust is deeply saddened by the sudden death of our former trustee Asma Jahangir, yesterday. Asma made an enormous contribution to the advancement and protection of human rights at the international level and her loss will have a profound impact. Importantly, Asma consistently championed the most marginalised and made them the focus of her immense efforts for change. Her work as UN Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Religion and Belief leaves a particularly valuable legacy for religious minorities around the world. 

9 countries, 7 months & 400 stakeholders engaged – first stage of our ambitious project complete

In July, the Equal Rights Trust completed its final factfinding mission as part of its work promoting the implementation of three UN conventions and seven core International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions in nine countries around the world. During our missions, we have met with approximately 400 representatives from civil society and trade unions, gathering critical information on how best to strengthen their efforts to monitor and advocate for the effective implementation of the conventions in their respective countries.

Criminal Law Amendments to Protect Women and Children Passed by Pakistani Parliament

On 12 December 2011, the Pakistani Parliament passed the Acid Control and Acid Crime Prevention Bill and the Prevention of Anti-Women Practices (Criminal Law Amendment) Bill. Both Bills provide for amendments to be made to the Pakistan Penal Code 1860. The amendments seek to protect women and children against acid attacks and prevent other practices which discriminate against women, including forced marriages.

ERT Calls on General Musharraf to Release All Those Detained and Reinstate Independent Judiciary

London, 15 November 2007  

In support of the Global Day of Action to protest against the state of emergency in Pakistan, The Equal Rights Trust urged President Musarraf today to order the immediate release of all those arbitrarily arrested and detained, following the introduction of the state of emergency on 3 November 2007, to reinstate dismissed judges, to lift all imposed restrictions on the media and take all other necessary measures to return Pakistan to its constitutional rule.