ICCPR ratified

Published August 2, 2010

IT is heartening that Pakistan has finally ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) as well as the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT).

Pakistan has already ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) in 2008, which commits its parties to work toward the granting of economic, social, and cultural rights (ESCR) to individuals, including labour rights and rights to health, education, and an adequate standard of living.

These are significant steps taken by the incumbent government. However, one fails to understand why the government is silent on the issue of preparing and submitting its initial report under the ICESCR (which was due in April this year).

The government of Pakistan should also take into consideration the ratification of the two optional protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography and the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict. Pakistan has signed both the optional protocols (September 2001). The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, while considering the Pakistan Periodic Reports in 2003 and 2009, strongly recommended ratifying both the protocols.

ARSHAD MAHMOOD
Islamabad

Opinion

Editorial

Counterterrorism plan
Updated 23 Nov, 2024

Counterterrorism plan

Lacunae in our counterterrorism efforts need to be plugged quickly.
Bullish stock market
23 Nov, 2024

Bullish stock market

NORMALLY, stock markets rise gradually. In recent months, however, Pakistan’s stock market has soared to one ...
Political misstep
23 Nov, 2024

Political misstep

FORMER first lady Bushra Bibi’s video address to PTI followers has triggered a firestorm. Her assertion implying...
Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...