Dutch organisations condemn human rights violations in Pakistan

The suspension of the Constitution provides the current military regime and General Pervez Musharraf with unchecked power, but it also creates a climate of impunity for human rights violations. In a public statement Dutch civil society organisations Aim for human rights, Justice and Peace Netherlands, CMC mensen met een missie, ICCO/KerkinActie and the Dutch section of the International Commission of Jurists (NJCM), express their deep concern about the crack down on human rights defenders, lawyers, political parties, political leaders and the media in Pakistan.

In support of partner organisations and civil society in Pakistan they call upon General Musharraf to immediately release all political prisoners, to restore the country's constitutional order, including the restoration of an independent judiciary and civilian rule. The Dutch organisations condemn the actions of the Pakistan military in the last days that ill-treated, arrested and detained thousands of representatives of civil society and political parties in Pakistan after suspending the constitution and proclamation of emergency rule and promulgation of the Provisional Constitutional Order in Pakistan. They also express their concern as thousands of human rights defenders and representatives of civil society and political parties are still detained illegally and fear for their safety and the increasing risk of enforced disappearances.

The Dutch organisations call on the international community to pressure the Pakistani regime to reinstate democracy, the rule of law and a constitutional order.

Read the public statement (pdf, 0.8 MB)