• Syed Kazim Hussain Shah

    Director Human Rights, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
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    What is beautiful about the Human Rights is that they recognize the inherent value of each person. The principles which Human Rights are based on include dignity, equality and mutual respect. These principles are common to all cultures, religions, philosophies and geographical areas. After witnessing gross violation of Human Rights during the World War II, the world community got together and resolved to stop such violations in future. The result was UN declaration of Human Rights 1948, which set out basic rights and freedoms applied to all people. These same rights are guaranteed in the constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan as well.

    Unfortunately, we could not develop those governance structures in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that could protect basic human rights of its citizens. Mindful of this situation, the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa enacted the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Promotion, Protection and Enforcement of Human Rights Act, 2014. The Act has established the Provincial Directorate of Human Rights with the power to investigate incidents of Human Rights violations and provide relief to victims. So far, around 700 cases have been investigated and disposed off to the full satisfaction of the complainants.  The district based resource centers are functional in 14 districts which provide justice to the citizens of far flung areas. Establishment of MIS system, preparation of provincial policy on human rights and comprehensive awareness campaign are being finalized.

    Launching of Directorate’s website is part of the efforts to make Directorate of Human Rights accessible to the people. It serves the dual function of complaint redressal and education on Human Rights issues. It will also provide a forum to the citizens to discuss Human Rights issues and give their valuable inputs to the government for improving Human Rights situation in the province.