UN HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS MEETS WOMEN LEGISLATORS

Islamabad; June 6, 2012: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Ms. Navanethem Pillay visited the WPC Secretariat followed by a meeting with the Members of Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) in Parliament House, today.

Welcoming the UN High Commissioner Dr. Nafisa Shah, Secretary General WPC said that Pakistan as the member of the UN was committed for protection of human rights in the country and has initiated various legislations for protection of rights of women, children and minorities. She said that the landmark achievements of present democratic government was the establishment of an independent Human Rights Commission and Commission on Status of Women for protection of human rights as guaranteed by the Constitution of Pakistan and UN Charter.

Dr. Nafisa Shah was of the view that women parliamentarians in Asian continent could play vital role for women emancipation and empowerment. She said the under the guidance of Speaker, National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza, WPC has initiated various pro-women legislation including NCSW Bill, legislation on acid crimes and domestic violence, electoral reforms besides initiation of strategic dialogue between women legislators of Pakistan and Afghanistan.  She said that economic empowerment and enhancing literacy of women could vitally play role in empowerment of women folk. She said that women were the worst sufferers in the areas of conflict therefore suggested for strengthening of ties between UNHCR and Women's Parliamentary Caucus. She informed UN High Commissioner about the efforts of the members of WPC during the relief and rehabilitation of internally displaced persons during the military operation against insurgents.

            Ms Navanethem Pillay appreciated the efforts of the WPC and its role in building consensus amongst all the stake holders in providing legislation concerning women.  She was of the view that women in Asia have similar issues but over the past years there has been a “silent revolution” where women are becoming more educated which empowers them to ask for equal rights and opportunities.  She assured the women MPs that UNHCR would always be extending its cooperation to uphold the women rights and women empowerment. She stressed the need for strict implementation of the laws for protection of rights of marginalized segments of the society.

            The members who attended the meeting was MNAs. Mrs. Rubina Saadat Qaimkhani, Mrs. Asiya Nasir, Dr. Attiya Inayatullah, Mrs. Fauzia Ejaz, Mrs. Khushbhat Shujaat and Senator Mrs. Rubina Rauf Khalid.