Serious efforts on to protect minorities’ rights

Islamabad

Federal Minister for Human Rights Senator Kamran Michael said the government had been striving for the promotion and protection of the rights of children, women and minorities through comprehensive strategy, legislative and programmatic measures.

“We are taking various steps to help the Afghan refugees in their voluntarily repatriation and to ensure the early sustained return of Afghan refugees from Pakistan,” he told US State Department Deputy Assistant Secretary for Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration, Nancy Izzo Jackson, who called on him here on Friday.

Deputy Assistant to the Administrator (DAA) in USAID’s Office of Afghanistan and Pakistan Affairs Jason Foley, officials of the Ministry of Human Rights and others were also present on the occasion.

They discussed matters of human rights with particular reference of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, dignified return of Afghan refugees, and overall security situation in the region.

During the meeting, the minister apprised the visitor of the steps taken to ensure the provision of the facilities to Afghan Refugees and assured him that all possible facilities would be provided them.

He said that all out efforts have been made to protect the human rights of Afghan refugees in Pakistan. Michael stressed the importance of close coordination between the two governments regarding the return of Afghan refugees.

“The promotion and protection of human rights including the rights of women, children and especially minorities is the top most priority of our government. A number of policies, legislative and programmatic measures have been taken by the government for the promotion and protection of human rights in Pakistan.”

The minister highlighted the steps taken by Government of Pakistan particularly by Ministry for Human Rights to promote and safeguard the fundamental rights including the rights of women, children and minorities.

He said Pakistan would continue to support Afghanis-tan in its pursuit of peace and rehabilitation endeavours.

The US official lauded the endeavours of Pakistan for hosting millions of Afghan refugees and providing them basic necessities of life for decades.

The minister said the international community should acknowledge Pakistan’s commitment and efforts to hosting millions of Afghan refugees for more than 30 years.

Nancy highly appreciated the endeavours of government of Pakistan and Ministry for Human Rights and praised the steps taken in this regard.

Kamran Michael assured him of necessary action by his ministry to protect the rights of minorities on priority.