The human rights situation in Balochistan, is reportedly extremely dire, with the Pakistani security
forces being accused of consistently violating human rights, including through the use of enforced
disappearances, torture, and raids on homes. In December, 38 people were allegedly abducted and
the mutilated body of Imran Babo was found in Awaran. Despite the release of 19 previously
abducted individuals, the month reportedly ended with continued impunity and injustice. The
freedoms of speech and movement are also being restricted in Balochistan, and political activists
are being arrested. The situation in Gwadar is particularly concerning, with the use of force against
civilians and the shutdown of the internet. The residents of every city, town, and village in
Balochistan are said to have experienced oppression, injustice, and inequality at the hands of the
Pakistani state forces.
These alleged human rights violations in Balochistan are a clear violation of several United
Nations articles, including article 2 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,
which states that “Each State Party to the present Covenant undertakes to respect and to ensure to
all individuals within its territory and subject to its jurisdiction the rights recognized in the present
Covenant, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political
or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.” The enforced
disappearances and torture of civilians, including women and children, also violate article 7 of the
Covenant, which states that “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading
treatment or punishment.” Killing of civilians violates the right to life, liberty and security of
person (Article 3), the prohibition of torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or
punishment (Article 5), the right to freedom of expression and opinion (Article 19) and the right
to freedom of movement (Article 13). It also violates international law, including the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Pakistan is a party.
It is deeply disturbing that the United Nations and human rights organizations have reportedly
remained silent on the human rights situation in Balochistan. This silence is alleged to only serve
to further enable and legitimize the ongoing abuses committed by the Pakistani security forces. It
is imperative that the international community, including the UN and human rights organizations,
take immediate action to address and condemn these ongoing human rights violations in
Balochistan. The people of Balochistan deserve justice and protection of their fundamental human
rights.
