This shadow report examines Pakistan’s compliance with ICERD, highlighting discrimination against Sindhis, Hindus, Christians, Dalits and Ahmadis through forced conversion, caste exclusion, blasphemy laws, mob violence and unequal justice.
On Friday, 4th of April 2025, the 58th Human Rights Council session in Geneva came to its end. The session was marked by many discussions and concerns about the situation of human rights all over the world – and GHRD was right in the middle of it. This Human Rights Council session was adventurous and at times overwhelming in its sheer number of issues and atrocities that continue to be committed, but it was also the most impactful and fruitful in GHRD’s history so far. This report seeks to give an overview over discussions we have participated in, people we have met and events we have organized, all in the name of protecting human rights worldwide.
Enforced disappearances have remained one of Pakistan’s most persistent and deeply entrenched human rights issues, dating back to at least the 1970s (Amnesty International, 2008). While instances of state-backed disappearances had been reported before, the phenomenon escalated dramatically in the early 2000s. This surge coincided with Pakistan’s alignment with the U.S.-led “war on terror” following the events of September 11, 2001 (HRW, 2007). As part of counterterrorism efforts, numerous individuals accused of terrorism-related offenses—both Pakistani citizens and foreign nationals—were abducted, placed in secret detention facilities, and effectively “disappeared,” often without trial or legal justification (Harding & Hatchard, 1993).
In today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, realising economic, social, and cultural rights (ESCR) is essential for ensuring that individuals and communities can live with dignity. ESCR encompasses access to education, healthcare, adequate housing, decent work, and the enjoyment of cultural life. When effectively upheld, these rights not only alleviate hardships associated with poverty and social exclusion but also create an environment conducive to diversity and innovation.
The ongoing conflict in Yemen has precipitated a grave humanitarian crisis, with children suffering some of the most severe consequences. Among the most alarming violations is the recruitment of children by armed groups, including the Houthis, government forces, Al-Qaeda, and the Southern Transitional Council (STC). This practice not only robs children of their childhood but also exposes them to violence, exploitation, and profound psychological trauma. This report will explore the nature and extent of these violations, the specific abuses faced by children, the barriers to effective protection, and provide recommendations for strengthening accountability and safeguarding the rights of vulnerable children in Yemen.
