Lahore: The Provincial department HR&MA in collaboration with Youth Development Foundation (YDF) organised launching ceremony raising extremism and civil society response during Covid-19 on Zoom.
Minister Ejaz Alam Augustine Minister HR&MA, Shahid Rehmat ED Youth Development Foundation, Muhammad Yousuf Director HR&MA, Aysha Iqbal MPA, Ume Laila Director Homenet, Arooj Fatima Women Activist discussed following topics. Incidents of sectarianism, hate and discrimination etc .
As host executive Director YDF Shahid Rehmet presented a case study of Pakistan, said that Pandemic has drastically impacted the situation of human rights in Punjab with increased cases of human rights violations. Muhammad Yousuf, Director Punjab HR&MA briefed the participants about Punjab 2018 Human Rights Policy progress and need for formulation of next three years policy that Department will be formulating through inclusive approach. Provincial minister HR&MA Ijaz Alam Augustine said that the Government of the Punjab has exhibited proactive efforts in not only promoting human rights but also institutionalizing mechanisms for sustainability. In 2018, Punjab was the first province to develop its Human Rights Policy. For the implementation of Policy, a taskforce was established to monitor human rights policies in the province and the district human rights committees has also been formed in 2019. And once again Punjab is taking lead in formulation of its second Human Rights Policy. He further said that it was on top of the Punjab government’s agenda to create an environment of peace, harmony and acceptance for all so that people can feel safe and contribute to their collective growth and well being with full dedication. He also thanked all the participants for very practical and important recommendations. He ensured is full support for the protection, promotion and enforcement of human rights for making Punjab more inclusive, tolerant, peaceful and protected society for all.