HR body issues policy paper promoting non-violence trends

LAHORE : Centre for Human Rights Education - Pakistan has introduced a policy paper consisting of recommendations and strategies for turning violent trends into nonviolence in Pakistan.

The policy paper was introduced in a roundtable conference in presence of the representatives of provincial government, state departments, political parties, media, civil society and religious minorities. Introducing the policy paper at the Roundtable Executive Director of Centre for Human Rights Education- Pakistan Samson Salamat said, “Turning violent trends into nonviolence requires a concerted effort across multiple sectors, including education, community engagement, legal reforms, media, and governance which has been included in the policy paper.”

Samson Salamat added that by implementing the recommendations outlined above, Pakistan can gradually transition towards a more peaceful and inclusive society, where conflicts are resolved through dialogue and cooperation rather than violence and coercion. Programme Manager Ms Asmarah Daud emphasised, "It is essential to mobilise political will, allocate resources effectively, and engage all segments of society in this transformative endeavour. Only through collective actions and unwavering commitment can Pakistan overcome its legacy of violence and build a future based on peace, justice, and prosperity”.

In order to minimise violent and extremist trends from society, the policy paper has recommended that the responsible state institutions should develop and disseminate counter-narratives that challenge extremist ideologies and highlight their misconceptions. Comprehensive laws that address all aspects of terrorism and violent extremism should be enacted and enforced. However it should be ensured that legislation upholds human rights and civil liberties to avoid alienating communities. Invest in research to understand the drivers of radicalization specific to different regions and communities within Pakistan and use data-driven approaches to tailor interventions and measure their effectiveness. The roundtable conference was chaired by former Minister for Human Rights and Minorities Affairs Ijaz Alam, MPA, and addressed by Regional Director Minister of Human Rights Ms Lubna Mansoor.