Baloch Human Rights Council demands UN intervention in Balochistan
The Baloch Human Rights Council (BHRC) held a demonstration outside the United Nations building in Geneva. (Photo: Bloomberg)
The Baloch Human Rights Council (BHRC) held a demonstration in front of the United Nations building in Geneva to express its deep concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in Balochistan.
During the demonstration at the Broken Chair memorial, the activists highlighted the atrocities and cruelties allegedly committed by the Pakistani security forces in Balochistan and called on the United Nations to send a peacekeeping force to the region to protect the lives of thousands of Baloch people.
They demanded that those responsible for crimes against humanity be brought to justice by an international court.
Samad Baloch, chairman of the Baloch Human Rights Council, said on the occasion: “We are here to protest against the atrocities committed by Pakistan in Balochistan. Balochistan is bleeding.”
He added that the region is facing a serious human rights crisis and alleged that Balochistan is occupied and colonised by the Pakistani army, which he said is led by “generals who lack political wisdom and knowledge.”
Samad Baloch also criticized China for its role in the situation, stating, “The Chinese have allied themselves with Pakistan and are equally guilty of occupying Balochistan. Pakistan has handed over Gwadar to China without the consent of the Baloch people.”
He explained that Baloch individuals need special permission, similar to a visa, to enter the gated city of Gwadar and that residents are not allowed to fish in its waters. Samad Baloch alleged that Pakistan’s military, judiciary, parliament, senate and media are all complicit in the occupation of Balochistan.
“Pakistan is not only a threat to the Baloch people but also to the entire region and the international community. We are here to appeal to the United Nations to intervene in Balochistan. We urge them to send a fact-finding mission and hold the perpetrators accountable at the International Court of Justice,” he said.
Razzak Baloch, a representative of the Baloch Human Rights Council in the US and secretary general of the Baloch American Congress, also expressed concern over the situation and accused the Pakistani army and the Chinese Communist Party of “plundering” the resources of the Baloch people.
“I am here to tell the United Nations and the world that Pakistan is a failed state. The Pakistani army and the Chinese Communist Party are plundering our resources, controlling our land and killing our people. We want the world to help us drive out the Pakistani army and the Chinese from our land so that we can use our wealth for the benefit of the Baloch people,” he stated.
Razzak stressed that Balochistan’s natural wealth belongs to its people, not to China or Pakistan’s military might. He said, “The British created this country, and it has already failed. The British and the US should take note of this and support the freedom of Balochistan.”
Qambar Malik Baloch, Secretary General of the Baloch Human Rights Council, said on the occasion: “We have asked the United Nations to intervene in Balochistan because the human rights situation there is appalling. There is no accountability and the Pakistani authorities are acting with impunity, violating numerous human rights treaties that Pakistan is a signatory to.
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First publication: Sep 26, 2024 | 09:52 AM IST