Islamabad: On Tuesday, the UN Human Rights Council unanimously adopted Pakistan’s Universal Periodic Report. Several states and civil society organisations commended Pakistan on the progress achieved in promoting human rights, announced the spokeswoman at the Foreign Office.
There was a very harsh statement from the Israeli representative against Pakistan’s human rights record, to which the spokeswoman responded, “Israel’s politically-motivated statement is fundamentally at variance with the otherwise positive tone of the session and the statements made by a vast majority of states. Given Israel’s long history of oppression of Palestinians, Pakistan can certainly do without its advice on protecting Human Rights”.
Presenting its case at the UN Human Rights Council, Pakistan said the government accorded high importance to the Universal Periodic Review process as a productive mechanism of the Council that enabled states to meet their human rights obligations through constructive engagement and in a largely non-politicised manner.
In the discussion, some speakers commended Pakistan for accepting many recommendations, showing its commitment to promoting and protecting human rights.
“Pakistan’s human rights profile remained upward through the four cycles of the Universal Periodic Review process.
“The fourth review allowed showcasing the progress being made and the challenges faced in Pakistan’s abiding quest to advance rights, freedoms, dignity and better standards for everyone in the country,” said Pakistan’s representative.
