Defence of Human Rights strongly demands immediate release of all the Enforced Disappeared across Pakistan: Amina Masood Janjua

ISLAMABAD, August 30 (SABAH): Chairperson Defense of Human Rights Pakistan Amina Masood Janjua has said that on the solemn occasion of the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, observed annually on the 30th of August, we stand together to remember and honor the countless individuals who have been forcibly disappeared in Pakistan and around the world.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Amina Masood Janjua said that this day serves as a poignant reminder of the pain and suffering experienced by the victims’ families and communities who have been affected by this grave violation of human rights.

She said that International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances is part of the global efforts being conducted to recover already Enforced Disappeared as well as to curb the practice in the future. Originally commemorated by victims of Latin American countries, this day was officially adopted by the United Nations through its resolution No. 65/209 in 2011. The practice of enforced disappearance places a person outside the umbrella of the law and snatches their identity and liberty. Hence, two of the United Nations’ international conventions have declared it a crime against humanity, and thus, it is considered the gravest of all Human Rights violations.

Said that this year, the theme of the “International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances” is “Remember, Unite, Demand: Justice for the Disappeared!” On this day, human rights activists and rights groups around the world join hands to create awareness, remember the disappeared and pay tribute to the endless struggle of their families.

Amina Masood Janjua said that the Defence of Human Rights (DHR) brings attention to the issue of enforced disappearance in Pakistan that violates the fundamental right to life, liberty, and security of the disappeared individuals and their families. 

She said that Enforced Disappearance is not a rare phenomenon, especially in Asia where individuals continue to disappear and families continue to embark on seemingly endless journeys seeking truth and justice. In a world where democracies are taking on authoritarian characteristics, this struggle against enforced disappearances becomes even more challenging. The criminalization of enforced disappearances has still not been realized and the road ahead is very long.

Amina Masood Janjua said that Enforced Disappearances represent a deeply troubling affront to the principles of justice, dignity, and accountability. As we remember the victims, we also recognize the urgent need for governments, institutions, and societies to join forces in preventing and addressing these egregious acts. It is crucial that we ensure justice is upheld, perpetrators are held accountable, and the rights of the disappeared and their families are respected.

She said that the number of cases of Enforced Disappearances are rising everyday in Pakistan, as many are still nowhere to be found and new cases still emerge on a daily basis. The recent terror attacks in KPK and Balochistan created a new wave of Enforced Disappearances across the country. There are a number of political activists, journalists who have forcibly disappeared in 2023 as well.

She said that Defence of Human Rights so far has a total of 3045 reported cases of Enforced Disappearance to date out of which 18 new cases are reported from Jan to July 2023. According to the official statistics of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances (CoIoED) a total of 9800 cases have been registered with them from 2011 to 2023. An alarming number of 157 new cases of Enforced Disappearances were reported in July 2023 alone.

Amina Masood Janjua said that International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances should pay tribute to the struggle of the families that are left behind. The families are never provided any redressal or support by any authority. The Commission of Inquiry, Courts, and other forums have failed to provide speedy justice and reparation to the victims’ families who have been suffering for years now. Through a joint effort, we can raise awareness about Enforced Disappearances and rally against impunity. By amplifying the voices of those impacted, we acknowledge their pain and courage while demonstrating our shared commitment to the principles of human rights and justice.

Amina Masood Janjua said that we honor the memories of the disappeared and reiterate our collective resolve to work tirelessly towards a world where Enforced Disappearances cease to exist. Together, we can create a future founded on respect for human rights and the unequivocal rejection of such heinous acts.

Defence of Human Rights strongly demands;

●      The immediate release of all the Enforced Disappeared across Pakistan.

●      The release of the detainees in the internment centers & DRCs. These detainees are never presented to any Court or served with justice.

●      The ongoing cases of Enforced Disappeared in various High Courts of Pakistan should be provided with speedy redress.

●      To produce all Enforced Disappeared individuals in which the Commission of Inquiry (CoIoED) has issued the production order (final order).

●      Put an end to military courts & laws that legalize enforced disappearances in Pakistan (such as Army Act Amendments 2023, Official Secrets Act Amendments 2023, and the Action in Aid to Civil Power and Protection of Pakistan Act).

●      To provide reparation & rehabilitation for the victim families of the disappeared.

●      To abolish the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances (CoIoED), which is a failed and useless forum. The head of the CoIoED (Rt.) Justice Javed Iqbal should be removed at once.

●      The perpetrators of Enforced Disappearances should be held accountable and this practice should be criminalized in Pakistani domestic law.

●      To pass & ratify the UN Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances (ICPPED)