House of Commons · Westminster Hall
20 February 2024 · 2 other contributors · 4,077 words
Opened by John Martin McDonnell Lab Hayes and Harlington
Responding minister: Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
John Martin McDonnell raised concerns about balochistan: human rights in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
I ask the Government to ensure that UK foreign aid does not support human rights abuses in Pakistan, to protect protesters' safety, to collaborate internationally for better monitoring of human rights violations, and to support civil society organisations. I also request a role for the UN Human Rights Council in investigating these issues.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
I am concerned about human rights abuses in Balochistan, including the suppression of cultural identity, economic challenges due to resource exploitation without local benefit, and severe human rights violations such as enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and restrictions on freedom of expression. Activists report 'kill and dump' policies by security forces which lead to fear and trauma among communities.
He thanked the right hon. Member for Hayes and Harlington (John McDonnell) for initiating this debate, commending him for addressing significant issues. He expressed support for the Baloch women's march to demand an end to enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, military operations, and state brutality by the Pakistan army against Balochs in Balochistan.
She echoed her right hon. Friend's admiration for the courage of women leading a march to raise awareness about human rights abuses in Balochistan, and expressed grave concerns over reports that Pakistani authorities have subjected Afghan refugees to arbitrary arrest, detention, harassment, and ill-treatment.
Government Response
Anne-Marie TrevelyanI am grateful to the right hon. Member for Hayes and Harlington (John McDonnell) for this important debate on Balochistan's human rights challenges. The UK has a rolling programme, AAWAZ II, which focuses on women's rights and gender equality in Pakistan, reaching over 24 million people so far. I highlighted serious concerns about the fairness and inclusivity of recent elections in Pakistan and urged authorities to uphold fundamental human rights. Balochistan faces significant challenges including high levels of illiteracy, malnutrition, infant mortality, and security threats from separatist militia groups. The minister condemned extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances reported in Balochistan, urging Pakistan to investigate fully and provide justice to victims. The UK regularly raises human rights concerns with the Government of Pakistan, including freedom of expression and minority rights. Our high commissioner engages routinely with Baloch politicians to assess security situations. Lord Ahmad looks forward to meeting the new Minister for Human Rights once formed. Despite security challenges, some of our most important international development programmes support positive outcomes in Balochistan.