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Press release

HRFP Demands Justice for Blasphemy-Accused Farhan Masih and Others

Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) condemns widespread persecution of religious minorities in Pakistan, particularly Christians and Hindus. Violations include forced conversions and misuse of blasphemy laws, illustrated by the recent case of Farhan Masih, accused of blasphemy after a personal conflict. HRFP reports numerous abductions and forced conversions affecting both Christian and Hindu women. The president of HRFP, Naveed Walter, highlights the physical violence, social exclusion, and barriers to justice faced by minorities, exacerbated by institutional discrimination. Despite constitutional protections, violations of religious freedom persist, keeping minorities marginalized and at risk. HRFP operates the REAT Helpline, providing support for human rights violations, receiving significant calls regarding religious issues annually.

Press release

Hindus Victims of Political and Extremist Persecution in Bangladesh

The forced removal of Sheikh Hasina’s government in Bangladesh has led to increased violence against the Hindu minority, characterized by attacks, looting, and murders, highlighting the government’s failure to protect them. In response, Hindus initiated a peaceful protest on August 9, 2024, demanding rights and recognition, yet faced violent repression, including arrests. A significant protest in Rangpur showcased community resilience. The media’s delayed coverage of these issues exacerbates the vulnerability of this minority. A tragic case involving the death of Hridoy Ravidas after alleged torture by authorities emphasizes systemic discrimination and calls for urgent reforms. Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD) advocates for an independent investigation and international pressure for justice and structural changes to protect minority rights in Bangladesh.

Press release

GHRD’s UN Side Event: Human Rights in Pakistan

On October 2, 2024, GHRD hosted an event at the 57th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, chaired by Mariana Mayor Lima, featuring speakers including Professor Nicolas Levrat, Ammarah Balouch, and Jamal Baloch. Professor Levrat discussed the unequal enjoyment of human rights globally, emphasizing state obligations under human rights treaties and the role of NGOs in raising awareness. Ammarah Balouch highlighted the forced conversions and marriages of Sindhi girls in Pakistan, noting significant obstacles to justice for victims. Jamal Baloch shared his testimony on enforced disappearances in Balochistan, affecting young activists and their families. The panel called for urgent cooperation among minorities, adherence to human rights treaty obligations, and accountability for perpetrators, suggesting the establishment of an independent UN fact-finding mission.

Press release

150 Uyghurs, Tibetans, and South-Mongolians Unite for Justice on Amsterdam’s Dam Square

On September 29, 2024, a significant demonstration took place in Amsterdam’s Dam Square, where Uyghurs, Tibetans, and South-Mongolians united to demand justice for human rights abuses in China. The event, which attracted over 5,000 participants, called for the end of forced labor, closure of concentration camps, restoration of religious freedom, and preservation of cultural heritage. Organized by various rights groups, the protest garnered international media attention and commitments from Dutch parliamentarians to address human rights issues in China. Future actions include educational workshops and a social media campaign aimed at maintaining pressure on global governments to sanction Chinese officials implicated in human rights violations.

Press release

Breaking the Bias: Symposium Explores Western Media’s Impact on Human Rights in Bangladesh

On September 27, 2024, a symposium titled “Breaking the Bias: Western Media & Human Rights in Bangladesh” was held at Nieuwspoort in The Hague, focusing on the relationship between media representation and human rights, particularly concerning the 1971 genocide in Bangladesh. The event attracted 73 participants including students, professionals, and media workers, and was livestreamed by GHRTV to reach a wider audience. Key components included a keynote speech, a presentation of a report by the Involve team, and a panel discussion featuring experts such as Dr. Anthonie Holslag and Tanbira Hossain. Discussions explored the scientific consensus on the genocide, the influence of historical contexts on media portrayals, and the role of the diaspora in shaping public perceptions. The symposium aimed to deepen the understanding of media bias and its implications for human rights and policy.

Press release

Special Hearing: Addressing Human Rights Violations in Pakistan

On August 15, 2024, an urgent special hearing was held to address escalating human rights violations against minorities in Pakistan, attended by experts, community representatives, and policymakers. The keynote speaker, Professor Nicolas Levrat, emphasized the need for tailored approaches to protect minority rights. A report by the Global Human Rights Defense highlighted personal testimonies and legal analyses of ongoing issues faced by Sindhi, Baloch, Ahmadiyya, and Christian communities, with calls for international intervention. The hearing encouraged attendees to think about their roles in advocating for vulnerable groups and underlined the European Union’s potential influence through trade relations. GHRD’s campaign, “Final Call to Pakistan,” aims to raise awareness of these rights violations.

Press release

HRFP observed National Minorities Day 2024 on “Jinnah’s 11th August Speech on Religious Freedom

On National Minorities Day, Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) held an event in Faisalabad, focusing on Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s 1947 speech advocating for religious freedom. Attendees, including political workers and human rights advocates, discussed Jinnah’s ideology and the ongoing targeting of minorities in Pakistan, accentuated by alarming incidents of violence against religious groups. Naveed Walter, president of HRFP, criticized the lack of action from political parties regarding minority rights and called for increased government protection for these communities. The speakers emphasized the need to promote Jinnah’s message actively, incorporate it into the constitution, and address the challenges faced by religious minorities to ensure their fundamental rights and security.

Press release

HRFP Condemned the Blasphemy Accusation and Mob Attack on Christian Families in Sargodha: Nazir Masih and Sultan Masih Brutally Victimized

HRFP condemned the mob attack on Christian families in Sargodha on May 25, 2024, following false blasphemy allegations against Nazir Masih and his son Sultan Masih. The victims, owners of a shoe factory, were accused of desecrating the Quran. The HRFP fact-finding team responded to the attack, gathering evidence and demanding justice for the families involved. They criticized the failure to call police during such incidents and highlighted the alarming pattern of mob violence against Christians in Pakistan. President Naveed Walter advocated for reforms and the repeal of blasphemy laws to protect victims.

6th GHRD International Film Festival: Human Trafficking Edition
Submission Deadline: 9th August 2026
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