International Commission for Dalit Rights Urges Pakistan to Respect rule of laws and Human Rights

Washington DC, November 12 - After political and social upheavals have ensnared Pakistan for weeks, the International Commission for Dalit Rights (ICDR) challenges nation’s leadership to respect human rights.

Actions taken by President Pervez Musharaf’s administration indicate that Pakistan’s highest office condones violence against people who demonstrate their demand for equality and democracy for all. ICDR believes equity and democracy are essential traits for any truly functioning government, and insists that Pakistan restore them to its citizenry with expediency.

The painfully exhibited government insecurities inevitably lead to instability, the results of which tragically touched Scheduled Castes Federation of Pakistan during the Oct. 18 welcome rally at Karachi Airport for Benazir Bhutto, leader of the Pakistan People’s Party and a bold voice against Musharaf.

There, two PPP workers, Allahno Meghwar and Nanak Oad, themselves Dalits, died as a result of the terrorist bomb detonated during Bhutto’s rally, according to Scheduled Castes Federation of Pakistan .

Unfortunately, that is not the only instance of recent brutality to stir international outrage.

In a recent demonstration by Dalit rights opponents, shots were fired at two family members of Surendar Valasai, former president of Scheduled Castes Federation of Pakistan, wounding both of them.

“The supporters of Dalits and opponents of untouchability, caste discrimination and human inequality are requested worldwide to raise their voice against the murderous armed attack on Dalit political workers of the PPP in Pakistan at the hands of Manuvadis,” according to a statement released by the Scheduled Castes Federation of Pakistan.

ICDR stands with Scheduled Castes Federation of Pakistan and Dalit rights advocacy groups the world over to say institutionalized discrimination and violence against anyone is unacceptable.

Now is not the time for the world to look away; rather, this is the moment to demand justice and the right to live without fear, for Dalits and all living in Pakistan.

Further information please contact:
DB Bishwakarma
President
or
Wendy Sarafin
Secretary General
International Commission for Dalit Rights (ICDR)
cdr_dalitrights@yahoo.com