UN and caste discrimination in Pakistan
UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW
Pakistan was reviewed by the UPR working group at its 2nd session in May 2008. In the interactive dialogue, many states expressed concern about discrimination against minorities and three states raised the issue of caste-based discrimination. These questions led to the following recommendation in the report of the UPR working group (A/HRC/8/42):
31. To take measures to eliminate discrimination against castes and high degree of poverty suffered by castes (Luxembourg) and take specific and targeted measures to effectively prevent discrimination against Scheduled Castes (Denmark).
- Read recommendations and Pakistan's response to questions related to caste discrimination
- Read IDSN's inputs to the Universal Periodic Review of caste-affected countries
Pakistan is up for its second review in 2012.
UN TREATY BODIES
Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD)
Pakistan was examined by CERD at its 74th session in February 2009. A comprehensive shadow report about caste discrimination in contemporary Pakistan had been prepared and submitted in advance to the Committee by IDSN, TRDP, PILER, NCJP and Justice and Peace Netherlands. In the Concluding Observations the Committee expressed deep concern about the persistence of de facto discrimination against lower caste communities in the Sindh province.
The State Party must submit its next 21st and 22nd periodic reports before 4 January 2012.
Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC)
Pakistan will be reviewed by the CRC at its 52nd session in September/October 2009.
UN SPECIAL PROCEDURES
The following Special Rapporteurs have requested a country visit to Pakistan, but have not yet received a reply:
- SRSG on human rights defenders (R in 2003, 2007)(follow-up request 2007)
- SR on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions (R in 2000, follow-up R in 2005)(Reminder in 2008)
- SR on racism (R in 2004, follow-up R in 2006)
- SR on freedom of religion (R in 2006)
- SR on human rights and counter terrorism (R 2006)
- SR on adequate housing (R in 2006) (Reminder in 2008)
- Joint visit by SR independence of judges and lawyers and SR freedom of expression (R in 2007)
- SR on human rights defenders (R in 2008)
> Read more about the UN Special Procedures and caste discrimination
> More information about country visits by UN Special Procedures
UN publications - Pakistan
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CERD-74_Pakistan_Alternative_report_by_TRDP_NCJP_PILER_IDSN_and_Justice_and_Peace_Netherlands.pdf |
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