HYDERABAD: Speakers at the concluding session of a workshop here on Tuesday discussed key legal protections, human rights mechanisms and enforcement strategies to promote equitable treatment for minorities.

The workshop was aimed at enhancing capacity of Sindh government officials to safeguard rights of marginalised communities.

Organised by the Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) in collaboration with the Bhitai Social Watch & Advocacy (BSWA), the two-day training workshop was held in Darbar Hall.

The deliberations provided the participants with an understanding of laws and policies protecting religious and marginalised communities in Pakistan and equipping them with strategies to address unique challenges faced by these communities.

Present in the sessions were representatives from various departments including those of human rights, local government, social welfare, women development, minority affairs, labour and human resources and police.

SHRC Chairperson Iqbal Ahmed Detho discussed critical legal protections including Sindh Hindu Marriage Act (2016, Amended 2018), Sindh Local Government Act (2013) and other significant legislations. He also talked about practical challenges, such as registration of pundits under the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system and emphasised need for district focal persons to ensure free marriage and birth registrations, as mandated by the Sindh government.

Highlighting the importance of marriage registration in securing marital and divorce rights for minority women, he reaffirmed constitutional guarantees under Articles 20 and 21, as well as Pakistan’s international obligations to protect religious freedoms.

The training covered significant legislations including the Sindh Protection of Communal Properties of Minorities Act (2013), Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act (2013), Sindh Child Marriages Restraint Act (2013), and Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act (2010). Discussions also addressed critical issues such as forced conversions, blasphemy allegations, hate speech and attacks on the places of worship of the minorities, with recommendations for strengthening the implementation of these laws through interdepartmental collaboration. He emphasised enforcement of the Minimum Wages Act (2015) and its strict implementation.

Sarfaraz Ahmed of the SHRC highlighted commission’s mandate to protect human rights in Sindh and advocated for a multi-stakeholder approach involving district committees pertaining to criminal justice coordination, legal empowerment and interfaith harmony.

Kashif Siddiqi, a trainer, conducted a session on anti-discrimination laws and role of the district peace committees in fostering social cohesion. The participants engaged in group activities to identify district-specific challenges and propose localised solutions for enhancing protections for the minorities.

Hyderabad SSP Dr Farrakh Ali commended participants’ dedication and emphasised shared responsibility of the government, law enforcement agencies and civil society in promoting inclusivity and protecting minority rights.

A certificate distribution ceremony recognised participants’ commitment to advancing minority protections.

The training marked a significant step in SHRC’s ongoing mission to ensure the practical implementation and accessibility of legal protections for minority communities across Sindh.

Published in Dawn, January 15th, 2025