The National Lobbying Delegation on Education and Health visited the Sindh Human Rights Commission office and held meeting with Mr. Iqbal Ahmed Detho, Chairperson, and Mr. Sukhdev Assardas Hemnani, Board Member for Minority of SHRC.
The discussion revolved around vital issues concerning economic, social, and cultural rights, with a particular focus on the concerns of minorities. Key topics addressed during the meeting included discriminatory behaviors, the significance of Article 36 of the Constitution of Pakistan, minority neglect in development schemes, the 5% quota, and the pressing matter of law & order concerning minorities.
Mr. Detho underscored the interconnectedness of civic, economic, social, and political rights, highlighting SHRC's initiatives such as the training resource manual for the local Government officials and other relevant stakeholders on the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act 2013 and Sindh Hindu Marriage (Amendment) Act, 2018. SHRC also elaborated on Sindh Human Rights Policy and shed light on the non-discriminatory articles (21,22,25,26,27) of the Constitution of Pakistan and insights on 498-B PPC covering forced conversion.
Mr. Hemnani emphasized the importance of pending legislation such as the Sindh Minority Commission bill. He also highlighted the Sindh Protection of Communal Properties of Minorities Act, 2013 then he brought attention to the absence of legislation on graveyards in Sindh, which adversely affects marginalized communities. Mr. Hemnani shared about SHRC's proactive efforts in conducting Open Kacharies with Christian and Hindu communities, providing a platform to address grievances and concerns while navigating through prevalent social attitudes.
The meeting was instrumental in fostering dialogue and collaboration towards promoting and safeguarding the rights of minorities in Sindh.
