Pakistan - Universal Periodic Review

Session reviewed: 42^nd session of the Universal Periodic Review
Date reviewed: January 30, 2023

Recommendation

Canada acknowledges the progress made by Pakistan to address human rights concerns and, in particular, welcomes the re-activation of the National Commission for Human Rights. However, challenges remain.

Canada recommends that Pakistan:

1. Safeguard the independence of the National Commission for Human Rights and that it is sufficiently empowered to perform its mandate consistent with the Paris Principles through the implementation of appropriate supporting directives and adequate funding. Establish Human Rights Courts as called for under existing legislation.
2. Establish the required Independent Commission at the federal level under the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act to address violence against journalists and especially women journalists.
3. Ensure the Minority Commission has sufficient minority representation and the statutory back-up to ensure compliance and the execution of its powers.
4. Develop a strong policy and delivery mechanism both to ensure the registration of women voters and to protect female voters from violence and disenfranchisement as they cast their ballots during elections.

Pakistan has already recognized the challenges around population and family planning, and has set ambitious targets in terms of contraceptive prevalence and fertility rates. However, results have stagnated for the past several years. Renewed efforts to ensure universal access to contraceptives and family planning services as well as the promotion of sound family planning practices are essential for protecting the rights of Pakistani women and girls. Pakistan’s mass breast cancer awareness campaign is a good model of community outreach.

Further, Canada remains concerned about high rates of gender-based violence against women and encourages the Government of Pakistan to reinforce efforts to provide adequate protection and hold perpetrators to account.