In a strong statement, a group of United Nations experts has condemned the widespread practice of forced marriages and involuntary religious conversions of religious minorities in Pakistan. The experts, who represent various UN human rights mechanisms, have called on the Pakistani government to take immediate and concrete actions to address this pressing issue.
The statement, released by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, highlights the alarming reports of young girls, particularly from the Hindu, Christian, and Sikh communities, being abducted, forcibly married, and converted to Islam against their will. These incidents, which often involve the complicity of local authorities and religious leaders, have been a long-standing concern for human rights advocates.
"We are deeply troubled by the reports of systematic abductions, forced marriages, and conversions of women and girls from religious minority communities in Pakistan," said the experts. "These practices not only violate the victims' human rights but also undermine the principles of equality and non-discrimination enshrined in international laws and Pakistan's own constitution."
The experts noted that these crimes disproportionately target vulnerable and marginalized communities, further exacerbating the already precarious situation of religious minorities in the country. They emphasized that forced marriages and conversions have a devastating impact on the victims, leading to physical, psychological, and emotional trauma, as well as depriving them of their fundamental rights and freedoms.
"The victims of these atrocities are often minors, denied the right to freely choose their own faith and partner," the experts stated. "This is a gross violation of their human rights and cannot be justified on any grounds, including religious or cultural practices."
The UN experts called on the Pakistani government to take immediate and effective measures to prevent and investigate these incidents, ensure the protection of minority communities, and bring the perpetrators to justice. They also urged the authorities to strengthen the legal framework and enforcement mechanisms to safeguard the rights of religious minorities and prevent such abuses from occurring.
"We urge the Pakistani government to fulfill its international human rights obligations and take concrete steps to end the scourge of forced marriages and conversions," the experts said. "This issue must be addressed with the utmost urgency and commitment to upholding the principles of equality, justice, and human dignity for all."
The statement from the UN experts comes amidst growing international concern over the deteriorating situation of religious minorities in Pakistan. Human rights organizations and advocacy groups have long called for the Pakistani government to take robust action to protect vulnerable communities and ensure their safety and well-being.
As the international community continues to monitor the situation, the UN experts' condemnation serves as a powerful reminder of the need for immediate and effective action to address this deeply troubling phenomenon.
