The role of religious organisation in supporting human rights violations
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Answer:
Viewing the multitude of violations of Human Rights in Pakistan and studying the recent reports of Asian Human Rights Commission and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, it is clear that few if any homes remain unaffected in the country. While our group continues to work in government and private schools and has extended its programme to Universities and colleges, the impact we are seeking to bring of rights to all, requires a shoulder to shoulder movement by all. You have to get involved.
If we are to bring about RIGHTS for ALL and stop discrimination, killing, illiteracy and injustice, then we have a part to play. Sitting behind closed doors in the comfort of our own homes will not break the cycle of social injustice and inequality. A spirit of social responsibility must become part of society. In our daily lives at home, work and community, each of us needs to, set an example of giving rights to others and with a message of peace and tolerance. Those that have rights must work to give rights to others.
The question arises how best to bring this change? Who can assist in this movement? Will it occur in your and my life time?
Well two areas can play a major part. First is the field of Media. Their role is to keep the public informed in a constructive way so action can be taken to solve problems. More and more people get rights in their lives if Media informs the public about those who are working well in the field of Human Rights. A spirit of encouragement and of doing what is right is instilled. The Media also has a duty to inform public about those who are abusing our rights, thereby bringing pressure on officials for performing duties and taking responsibilities to bring Human Rights to All in society. Sufficient pressure brought to bear on violators does change behaviour and discourage wrong conduct.
The second institution that can play a major part in bringing rights to the people of our country is Religious Organisation.
Great trust and responsibility has been placed in our respected religious leaders to serve the local, national and international communities and to spread the message of good conduct, caring attitude towards others with peace and tolerance across the world.
Youth Together for Human Rights Education works not only with schools and Universities but has extended its programme to raise awareness of individual rights to religious communities. Muslims are nearly a ¼ of the world population. We are majority here in Pakistan, but in other countries like the USA, UK and France, etc., we are a minority. We live in a global world of 7 billion population with over 20 major religions. There exist many sect within religions. The exact number of religions in the world is more than we listed because there are a lot of beliefs and religions all around the world. There are at least official 73 Islamic Denominations and unofficially there are 150. There are at least 13 Hinduism denominations and more than 38 denominations of Christianity.
This month YTHRE gave a presentation on Human Rights to the Jammat Islah ul Muslimeen and informed them about the basics of human rights situation in Pakistan, why we must know them, the role of UN, how we can influence it and the consequences of ignoring human rights to ourselves and our families.
Some feedback is shared from some of our participants.
“In today’s programme my viewpoint has expanded. I now realise if we want society to improve we can play our part. I realise any person born has equality with others in rights and there is no discrimination. I have to maintain this viewpoint and work towards bring this. Good job and I appreciate all your groups efforts and I will try my best to attend your programmes.”
” Today I am grateful to God that I learnt a number of things about my rights. I really liked this lecture. When we all play our role and responsibility in society, I can now see that great improvement can be brought about. I will recommend others to attend this lecture as I have learnt a lot of good things.”
“I learnt a lot about my rights and responsibilities. After this workshop I feel confident, bold and also secure.”
Over 150 people from the Religious group attended our talk on Human Rights. They came from all over Pakistan. Jammat Islah ul Muslimeen religious group is operating in every province of Pakistan. The feedback is 100% positive on the presentation given. Sajaan Saeen, the spiritual leader who is highly respected attended the presentation with his son Noman. Sajaan Saeen praised the presentation and requested to give this presentation to the women and girls of the religious community.