Toll Free HelpLine - 1099 for Legal Advice on Human Rights Violation

(On the occasion of Human Rights Day-2018 and the 16 Days of Activism)



Human Rights Day commemorates the adoption and proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the first global enunciation of the inherent dignity and inalienable human rights of every human being. It also marks the end of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence, which are commemorated each year to raise awareness and garner support for ending violence against women and girls, which is one of the most pervasive violations of basic human rights that still persists throughout the world.



Pakistan was one of the earliest signatories to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. Begum Shaista Ikramullah, member of the first parliament of Pakistan, was one of the early female delegates to the UN. Her work on the UDHR emphasized Pakistan’s strong commitment to gender equality which we continue to support today. The words of the Founding Father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, are our guiding principle, “We are equal citizens of one State”.



It is towards this commitment that the Ministry of Human Rights has, over the past three months, drafted nine Human Rights legislations relating to protection of children, rights of minorities, protection against torture, improving legal aid and access to justice and concluded three policies and research studies on crucial topics. The Ministry is also redressing human rights violations through its Helpline at 1099. Helpline calls have increased from 4000 to 15,500 per month in the tenure of our government. A number of campaigns are ongoing to raise awareness on the impact of violence against women and girls as well as the laws and mechanisms in place to prevent and address it.



The promotion and protection of human rights, including ending violence against women and girls, is a continuous process and faces many challenges which can be met by developing strong linkages between all stakeholders: government, judiciary, the legislature and civil society. I want to reiterate our government’s commitment to fulfilling all our human rights obligations as enshrined in our Constitution and as reflected in our ratification of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Message from
Dr. Shireen M. Mazari, Minister for Human Rights on the occasion of Universal Children’s Day, 20thNovember, 2018

"It gives me great pleasure our Nation is commemorating Universal Children’s Day on 20thNovember along with the international community. The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan guarantees the rights of the Child. Accordingly, our Government is committed to implementing measures, including legislation, for the realization of our constitutional and international commitments on the Rights of the Child. Most significantly, Islam makes it obligatory upon us to protect and care for our children.
Despite the fact that Pakistan is facing many challenges, a number of steps have been taken by the present Government for the protection and care of our children reflecting its political will and commitment. In order to protect various rights of children, the Ministry of Human Rights had promulgated key laws like Juvenile Justice System Act, 2018 and ICT Child Protection Act, 2018, and has prepared bills like the Zainab Alert Bill. There is, however, a realization that all the stakeholders must put their sincere efforts towards making the society tolerant and ensuring healthy growth and development of children. In this regard the Ministry of Human Rights is actively pursuing awareness campaigns and ensuring implementation of existing laws.
It is our national duty to protect all our children and provide them equal opportunities without any discrimination. I hope that the corporate sector and media will play their proactive role in supplementing the Government’s efforts to create a safe and enabling environment for all our children.
May Allah guide us in this noble cause."

An article "The minefield that is human rights" written by Federal Minister for Human Rights Dr. Shireen M Mazari published in The News International

The minefield that is human rights The human rights ministry was not given much attention or focus in the past and other ministries poached on its domain with impunity. When the PM made me the minister in charge of this ministry, it...

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