Geneva, 9th Oct 2023 – In a groundbreaking initiative, the Baloch Voice Association, in collaboration with the Baloch Peoples Congress and Voice for Baloch Missing Persons, recently hosted two pivotal conferences at the United Nations during the 54th Human Rights Council Session. These conferences aimed to cast a spotlight on the appalling human rights violations transpiring in Balochistan, largely attributed to Pakistan's occupation and its subjugation of the region. Here, we delve into the key takeaways and calls for action that emerged from these important events.
Conference: "Enforced Disappearances and Balochistan: A Land of Disappearances" (October 5th, 2023) The first conference brought together a distinguished panel of participants, including members of the European Parliament, experts, policymakers, representatives from international human rights organizations, and people's representatives. The discussions revolved around the urgent need for a comprehensive reinvestigation into the mysterious murder of Baloch activist Karima Baloch and the overarching human rights crisis in Balochistan.
Speakers:
Ms. Yvonne Apiyo Brandle Amolo - Swiss Parliamentary member, underscored the resilience of Baloch women and the tremendous suffering endured by families due to enforced disappearances.
Mr. Harry Van Bommel - Senior Dutch politician, drew harrowing parallels between the accounts from Balochistan and the atrocities he witnessed in Bangladesh in 1971.
Tariq Baloch - Baloch Peoples Congress representative, presented visual evidence of the atrocities committed by Pakistani forces, including the discovery of mutilated and tortured bodies of missing persons.
Mr. Ali Arjemandi - Senior Baloch human rights defender and a family member of an enforced disappearance victim, delivered an emotional speech, shedding light on the unimaginable suffering of families.
Mr. Kristofer Lundberg - Swedish Politician and Journalist, argued that the Balochistan issue is a result of colonialism, with over 60 percent of the population living in poverty.
Claudia Wadlich - German lawyer and politician, provided a detailed account of Pakistani atrocities in Balochistan, emphasizing the urgent need for the UN to intervene and send fact-finding missions.
Zeba Bakhtyari - A Baloch woman, passionately expressed the profound impact of the cries and sufferings of Baloch mothers, daughters, sisters, and brothers.
Mr. Fazal Afridi - Executive Director of Khyber Institute and President of PTM Europe zone, showed solidarity with the Baloch people and highlighted the enforced disappearances faced by the Pashtoon people.
Sajjad Shar - Vice President of Jeay Sindh Mutahidah Mahaaz, expressed his support for the Baloch people and other nations facing enforced disappearances by Pakistani forces.
Conference Conclusion: The conferences culminated with Mr. Munir Mengal's fervent plea to the UN, UN bodies, and member states. He called for the appointment of a special rapporteur for Balochistan, initiating investigations into enforced disappearances, and ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
These conferences serve as a beacon of hope for the Baloch people and other oppressed communities facing similar challenges in their fight for justice and human rights. It is now in the hands of the international community and the United Nations to take meaningful action and put an end to the suffering in Balochistan. The world is watching, and the time for change is long overdue.
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