LocationsEuropean Union and UNDP partner with Government of Pakistan to launch Huqooq-e-Pakistan II for Human Rights Advancement
December 10, 2024
Islamabad, 09 December 2024 — The European Union (EU) in partnership with the Government of Pakistan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) jointly commemorated the International Human Rights Day with the launch of its flagship human rights Huqooq-e-Pakistan II (HeP II) project.
This EU-funded initiative builds on the first phase (2019–2022) and aims to support key Pakistani actors in promoting, protecting, and fulfilling human rights across the country.
EU Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Riina Kionka speaking at the project's launch.
Being the second phase of the project, the EU continues to show its strong commitment to strengthening the human rights ecosystem in Pakistan. In her welcome address, H.E. Riina Kionka, Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan, reiterated the nexus between human rights, peace, and economic prosperity indicating that “human rights are the stepping stone of development and prosperity in all of its dimensions.”
UNDP Pakistan Resident Representative Dr. Samuel Rizk delivering his closing remarks.
In his closing reflections, Dr. Samuel Rizk, Resident Representative UNDP Pakistan, thanked the Government of Pakistan and the EU for their support in making HeP II possible. Marking Human Rights Day, he acknowledged both the challenges and the progress on human rights in Pakistan, highlighting “the contributions of Pakistan’s human rights champions and defenders across all sectors and backgrounds.”
HeP II focuses on four key strategic areas: i) partnering with the government for strengthened human rights implementation and reporting; ii) working with human rights institutions to fortify their role as watchdog bodies; iii) collaborating with universities to promote human rights education; and iv) engaging the private sector to strengthen the role of businesses in protecting human rights.
National Commission for Human Rights Chairperson Rabiya Javeri Agha delivers remarks.
While speaking about the role of the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) as Pakistan’s watchdog institution and first A-status accredited National Human Rights Institution (NHRI), Chairperson Rabiya Javeri Agha commented that, “There is an urgent need to strengthen human rights in Pakistan. NCHR looks forward to this partnership to protect and promote the rights of the most marginalized, including those affected by the intersection of climate vulnerability, gender inequality, and poverty.”
Federal Minister for Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tarar delivering opening remarks at the launch ceremony.
The Federal Minister for Human Rights, Azam Nazeer Tarar opened the event by expressing the government’s commitment to meeting its human rights obligations and highlighted Pakistan’s progress on human rights, including “efforts to strengthen gender equality, curtail child marriage, and empower transgender persons.” He noted the importance of all stakeholders working together in silos to strengthen human rights in Pakistan.
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For further details, please contact:
Samar Saeed Akhtar, Press and Information Officer, samar-saeed.akhtar@eeas.europa.eu, Delegation of the European Union to Pakistan
Fizza Bangash, Head of Communications, fizza.bangash@undp.org, UNDP Pakistan
About UNDP:
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.
Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP.
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