The Sungi Development Foundation hosted a one-day human rights training with Deputy Secretary of Law, KP, Mr. Zaheer-ud-Babar, at Sungi’s regional office in Abbottabad earlier this month. The workshop was held in collaboration with the Additional Secretary for Human Rights, Mr. Zahid-ud-din Babar. Several participants, like government officials, social welfare officers, the district human rights community, lawyers, minorities, and women representatives, attended the workshop.
The workshop provided comprehensive information on national and international human rights laws, focusing on the implementation of seven of the nine United Nations-adopted agreements. It discussed various legislation, including complaints in the 1099 hotline, Family Protection and Rehabilitation Centers, Zainab Alert, Child Protection Institutes, and Legal Aid and Justice.
The Ministry of Human Rights Legal and Human Rights Expert officials also educated the attendees about the processes for resolving human rights abuses and giving relief through the Relief Fund. Mr. Zahid-ud-Din Babar, Special Guest and Additional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Human Rights in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stated that the Provincial Task Force has received 2,396 complaints about human rights violations at the district level, with 88% of these complaints resolved. He also stressed the need to include district attorneys in district-level standing committees and ensure the creation of human rights committees at the tehsil level in coordination with partners.
Human rights are fundamental entitlements that every individual possesses, regardless of background, gender, or nationality. They encompass a range of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights that aim to ensure dignity, equality, and justice for all. The recent sensitization workshop organized by the Ministry of Human Rights and Sungi Development Foundation underscores the importance of understanding and upholding these rights at the grassroots level.
Through informative sessions and discussions on various legal frameworks and mechanisms, the workshop aimed to empower activists and stakeholders to advocate for human rights within their respective districts. It emphasized the need for effective complaint mechanisms, the establishment of protective centres, and the provision of legal aid, among other measures, to safeguard the rights of vulnerable populations. The collaborative efforts of all involved parties exemplify the collective commitment towards promoting and protecting human rights in the Hazara Region and beyond.
This workshop exemplifies the Ministry of Human Rights and Sungi Development Foundation’s combined efforts to advance the cause of human rights in the Hazara Region. This event’s expertise, insights, and resolutions will definitely serve as a foundation for strengthening human rights advocacy and awareness in the area, promoting a more fair and equitable society for everyone.
Overall, they appreciated the efforts of the Sungi Development Foundation for their support in making this session a success. At the end of the program, participants were handed certificates of appreciation and committed to support and participate in future educational activities.