UN experts urge Pakistan to protect the Ahmadi community
UN human rights experts have called on the Pakistani authorities to end discrimination and violence against the Ahmadi community, protect its members, and overcome the practice of impunity for attacks and incitement to hatred. NDTV World reports, citing a statement circulated in Geneva.
Call to protect the community
The experts said that reports continue to emerge of persecution, criminal prosecution, violence and exclusion of members of the Ahmadi community because of their religious identity. They stressed that the Pakistani authorities must guarantee the community's safety and fulfil the state's international human rights obligations.
According to the experts, attacks take place with tacit official complicity, while an atmosphere of fear prevents individuals and institutions from defending the rights and dignity of religious minorities. They called on the state to prevent human rights violations, promptly and impartially investigate relevant allegations, hold those responsible accountable in line with international standards, and provide victims with effective remedies.
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Attacks and restrictions
The statement mentions reports of attacks on Ahmadi places of worship, desecration of graves, obstruction of peaceful religious observances, including during Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, arrests and criminal prosecutions related to religious practice or identity, as well as hate speech.
The experts stressed that no one should be arrested, detained, subjected to surveillance or criminal prosecution solely for celebrating religious holidays and observing rituals. They also urged the government to review laws and administrative measures that may be inconsistent with Pakistan's international obligations concerning freedom of religion or belief, freedom of expression, association and assembly, cultural rights, and equality before the law.
Legal status of Ahmadis
In 1974, Pakistan's parliament declared the Ahmadi community non-Muslim. Ten years later, its members were prohibited from calling themselves Muslims. According to the statement, they are also prohibited from preaching and from undertaking pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
