International Human Rights Day 2024: Sindh’s Commitment to "Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now"
During the International Human Rights Day 2024 celebration organized by the Human Rights Department, Government of Sindh, Iqbal Ahmed Detho, Chairperson of the Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC), reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to its mandate. This includes addressing human rights complaints, reviewing laws, and conducting research to advance the protection and promotion of human rights in Sindh. He emphasized that human rights are not abstract ideals but living principles requiring consistent action and dedication.
Since January 2024, the SHRC has addressed 710 complaints in key areas such as child protection, women’s empowerment, minority rights, labor advocacy, and climate justice. Notable achievements include proposing reforms to the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2014, holding consultations on the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 2015, and ensuring enforcement of minimum wage laws for brick kiln workers, sanitary workers, and other laborers. The Commission has also developed a manual for effectively implementing the Sindh Hindu Marriage (Amendment) Act, 2018, accompanied by training workshops for stakeholders.
Despite challenges, Mr. Detho emphasized the SHRC's steadfast vision of building a Sindh where justice, equality, and dignity are not just aspirations but everyday realities. Together, we can transform human rights commitments into tangible, lived experiences for all.
Secretary of the Human Rights Department, Ms. Tahseen Fatima, delivered welcome remarks, highlighting the Department’s achievements, including the establishment of offices in 27 districts of Sindh. These offices have significantly strengthened the complaint management system and provided a robust legal aid framework to support vulnerable individuals. She also stressed the critical importance of raising awareness about available legal assistance and reaffirmed the Department’s dedication to training stakeholders across Sindh. Her message underscored a shared commitment to building a society where justice, equality, and human rights are accessible to everyone.
Mr. Rajvir Singh Sodha, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Human Rights, highlighted the provincial government’s unwavering commitment to addressing human rights concerns and protecting fundamental rights. He underscored the efforts of the Sindh Human Rights Commission, led by Mr. Iqbal Ahmed Detho, in combating human rights violations across the province. He also noted that awareness seminars, such as one held in Mithi, and the comprehensive human rights policy passed by the Sindh Assembly ensure an all-encompassing approach to human rights protection.
Mr. Sodha emphasized the Sindh Government’s proactive stance on critical issues like suicides in Thar and its initiatives to promote human rights awareness and education, including integrating human rights topics into school curricula. He announced that monthly reports on human rights violations will be gathered from relevant departments to ensure accountability and effective follow-up.
He further stressed that the 18th Amendment has empowered the provincial government to independently address human rights issues, enabling Sindh to align with global standards and fulfill international obligations.
