he fifth Asma Jahangir conference was held at Faletti’s Hotel, Lahore, on April 25-26. Over a hundred speakers discussed topics ranging from press freedom, the rule of law, the human rights crisis in Jammu and Kashmir and Gaza, issues pertaining to the rights of women and minorities and uneven accountability to the authentic understanding of national security.

The AGHS and the Asma Jahangir Foundation collaborated with the Pakistan Bar Council and the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan to organise the conference. The conference featured Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, the senior puisne judge of the Supreme Court.

A key highlight of the conference was when German Ambassador Alfred Grannas was interrupted by a pro-Palestinian agitator. The protesters called into question the ambassador’s ‘audacity’ in addressing civil rights concerns in light of the ongoing atrocities against the Palestinian people and his government’s tacit support for state of Israel.

Amidst chants of “Free, Free Palestine,” the ambassador said that shouting was no way to debate. He told the protestors to leave if they wished to continue shouting. Subsequently, the conference organisers expelled the protesters.

The Asma Jahangir Conference-Rise Up for Rights is an annual event to commemorate the life and work of Asma Jahangir, the prominent human rights lawyer and activist. Asma Jahangir was known for her fearless advocacy of human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Pakistan. The conference brings together activists, lawyers, academics and policymakers to discuss and address various human rights issues facing Pakistan and the broader region. It serves as a platform for dialogue, networking and advocacy for human rights and social justice.

The conference covers a wide range of topics, including women’s rights, minority rights, freedom of expression, democratic governance, and the rule of law. It also honours Asma Jahangir’s legacy by highlighting her values of courage, integrity and commitment to human rights. It is a valuable opportunity for participants to exchange ideas, share experiences and collaborate on strategies to promote and protect human rights in Pakistan and beyond.

The conference is seen as an occasion to commemorate Asma Jahangir’s legacy as a towering figure in Pakistan’s human rights movement, known for her courage, integrity, and unwavering commitment to human rights. The conference honours her memory and continues her legacy of advocating for human rights and social justice. It also serves as a platform to raise awareness about human rights issues in Pakistan and the South Asian region. It provides a forum for discussing challenges and sharing strategies to promote and protect human rights. By bringing together activists, lawyers, academics and policymakers, the conference empowers individuals and organisations working on human rights issues. It helps build networks, share best practice, and strengthen the human rights movement. The conference highlights the importance of democracy, the rule of law and democratic governance. It provides a space to discuss challenges to democracy and the rule of law and explore ways to strengthen democratic institutions.

A key highlight of the conference was when German Ambassador Alfred Grannas was interrupted by a pro-Palestinian agitator who called into question his ‘audacity’ in addressing civil rights concerns considering his government’s tacit support for ongoing atrocities against the Palestinian people.

The event can be compared to several similar conferences held in memory of individuals who have made significant contributions to human rights and social justice around the globe. The Anna Lindh Memorial Fund, for example, was established in memory of a Swedish politician and diplomat known for her work in promoting peace and human rights. The fund supports projects that promote intercultural dialogue and understanding in the Mediterranean region. The Berta Cáceres Human Rights Defenders’ Award is named after an environmental and indigenous rights activist murdered in 2016. The award recognises individuals and organisations that have shown outstanding commitment to human rights in Honduras. The Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law organises an annual conference in memory of a Swedish diplomat who saved thousands of Jews during the Holocaust.

While the Asma Jahangir Conference-Rise Up for Rights is widely praised for its efforts to promote human rights and social justice in Pakistan, some critics have argued that while the conference raises awareness about human rights issues, its impact in terms of actual policy change or improvements on the ground has been rather limited. They suggest that more concrete actions and strategies are needed to effectively address the human rights abuses.

Some of them have sought to point out that the conference may not be as inclusive as it could have been. They say voices from some marginalised communities, such as rural populations and certain minority groups, may not be adequately represented.

Concerns have also been raised that the conference may be used as a platform to promote specific political agendas or to criticise governments without offering constructive solutions. This could undermine the conference’s credibility and its ability to engage with a range of stakeholders.

Some critics complain that there is little follow-up action or monitoring of the outcomes. This can result in missed opportunities to translate the discussions and ideas generated at the conference into tangible results.

Nonetheless, there is an effort to raise awareness about human rights issues, mobilise public support and advocate for policy change. It is also an alleyway for development of human rights since discussions and recommendations from there can influence policymakers and lead to the adoption of new laws or reforms that protect human rights. While not many conferences achieve all their objectives, many have contributed to significant advancements in human rights and social justice around the world.

The writer is an advocate of the high court, a founding partner at LexMercatoria and a visiting teacher at Bahria University’s Law Department. She can be reached at minahil.ali12@yahoo.com