KARACHI: In the backdrop of growing worldwide violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms, the civil society and human rights activists have launched a Civic Charter – the Global Framework for People’s Participation at the Karachi Press Club on Monday.
During a press conference, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Secretary General IA Rehman said that the charter has been prepared after a global process, involving key global rights bodies such as CIVICUS and the Amnesty International. This is being driven by International Civil Society Centre in Berlin. The charter is online for global singing from October 17 (Monday).
The charter is endorsed by UN Special Rapporteur Maina Kiai on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association. Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum Chairperson Mohammad Ali Shah, Asad Iqbal Butt from HRCP, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST) head of Social Sciences Dr Riaz Shaikh, Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research (PILER) Joint Director Zulfiqar Shah and others were also present on the occasion.
The speakers said that the charter provides a framework for people’s participation that identifies their rights within existing international law and agreements. It is imperative that all governments, all levels of public administration, international institutions, business and civil society organisations worldwide fully respect and implement the provisions of this charter.
They emphasised that the demands outlined in the charter were in line with fundamental guarantees provided by Pakistan’s constitution and it is important that the government at all level and in all circumstances ensure fundamental rights.
Freedom of Expression: Everyone is free to share, discuss, and promote their views and ideas, support the ideas of others, or express dissent.
Freedom of Information: Everyone has easy and timely access to all public information.
Freedom of Assembly: Everyone is free to peacefully come together with others to pursue common goals and aspirations.
Freedom of Association: Everyone is free to form, join, or support organisations to advance common causes.
Effective Participation: People and their organisations are able to genuinely participate in, and influence, public policy and decision-making at all levels.
Financial Support: People and their organisations are free to access or provide financial support, both within and outside of their countries.
Opportunities for Cooperation: People and their organisations are free to engage in domestic and international dialogue and cooperation.
Duty to protect: Each government ensures that people and their organisations are free to participate without persecution, torture or threats to their lives, and are not subject to collective punishment for exercising their fundamental freedoms.
Enabling Environment: Each state adopts legislative, administrative, and other measures to protect and promote the rights and freedoms referred to in this Charter.
Public Accountability: The government, business and the civil society organisations are accountable to the public.
