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UN Human Rights Commission hears about persecution in Pakistan
2003-083-4
Wednesday, April 16, 2003
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[Episcopal News Service]
The World Council of Churches, joined by major Roman Catholic organizations and a peace and justice group, has told a meeting of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights about religious intolerance and discrimination in Pakistan. They focused particularly on laws that can bring a death sentence for those found guilty of blasphemy against the prophet Mohammed.
In an April 11 submission, the groups said that such laws promote 'a culture of intolerance, division and extremism' that could result in 'religious intolerance and violence against Christians, Hindus, and members of the Ahmadiye community,' an Islamic movement rejected by orthodox Islam.
Even though the definition of blasphemy is vague, it carries a mandatory death sentence and minorities are often falsely accused, the group said, and used by 'extremist elements to settle personal scores against religious minorities.' As a result, 'many of the accused are killed, in some cases even before they are brought to trial.' The group also said that 'it has become virtually impossible to get a fair hearing' for those charged under the laws.
In their submission to the commission, the groups said that sectarian violence in Pakistan has increased in recent years. 'Since September 11, 2001, there have been eight serious incidents targeting Christian institutions and their members, killing 43 Christians and injuring many.'
They called on the government of Pakistan to repeal 'all discriminatory laws,' including the blasphemy laws; ratify the human rights treaties not yet ratified; invite the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief to visit Pakistan; and 'take even stronger measures to protect the lives, property, respect and honour of minorities.'
In addition to the WCC, the groups included Dominicans for Justice and Peace,and Franciscans International, as well as the Pakistan Justice and Peace Commission of Religious Men and Women, and the Pakistan Commission of Catholic Bishops.
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