UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW
Pakistan has been reviewed twice by the UPR mechanism in 2008 and 2012. During both reviews, recommendations were made to eliminate caste discrimination in Pakistan.
More information about the outcomes of the reviews can be found here
UN TREATY BODIES
During the review of Pakistan by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) in 2009, a comprehensive shadow report about caste discrimination in Pakistan was 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.
Other UN treaty bodies have also expressed concern about the human rights of minorities in Pakistan.
UN SPECIAL PROCEDURES
Several UN Special Rapporteurs have requested a country visit to Pakistan, but are still awaiting an invitation by the government. Some UN experts have however made references to caste discrimination, including bonded labour, in studies and reports (see IDSN compilation).
- See status of requests for country visits (OHCHR website)
- Read more about the UN Special Procedures and caste discrimination
- How to submit a complaint to UN Special Procedures
DOCUMENTATION
