Freelance writer 
The human rights situation in Balochistan, a region plagued by longstanding conflicts and tensions, has reached alarming levels, prompting urgent calls for international intervention
The human rights situation in Balochistan, a region plagued by longstanding conflicts and tensions, has reached alarming levels, prompting urgent calls for international intervention. Baloch human rights activists, represented by the Baloch Human Rights Council (BHRC), have taken their plea to the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), urging the global body to address the deteriorating conditions in the region.
Enforced Disappearances and Extrajudicial Killings
According to the memorandum submitted by the BHRC delegation, led by its general secretary, Qambar Malik, the scale of human rights violations in Balochistan is staggering. Data collected by various human rights organizations reveals that from January to December 2023 alone, 506 individuals, including students, teachers, and writers, have disappeared, victims of enforced disappearances carried out by personnel allied with Pakistan’s notorious intelligence agency, the ISI.
The memorandum further highlights the escalation of military activities across Balochistan, where “Pakistani military-patronized ‘Death Squads’ and proxy religious organizations” have intensified their operations, conducting daily murders and kidnappings of human rights defenders and socio-political leaders.
Mutilated Bodies and a Climate of Fear
Perhaps the most chilling aspect of the human rights crisis in Balochistan is the widespread practice of abducting, torturing, and dumping the mutilated bodies of political activists by these armed groups. The memorandum states that such gruesome acts have become a daily occurrence, creating an atmosphere of fear and oppression among the Baloch population.
A Plea for Dignity and Safety
In their desperate plea to the UNHRC, the BHRC emphasizes the immediate need for UN intervention to investigate the atrocities committed by Pakistan in Balochistan. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the Baloch people can live with dignity and without fear of persecution, abduction, or extrajudicial killings.
Raising Awareness and Seeking Global Support
To further amplify their cause, the BHRC organized a protest demonstration at the iconic Broken Chair in front of the UN building. This symbolic act aimed to draw international attention to the plight of the Baloch people and the urgency of addressing the human rights crisis unfolding in their homeland.
As the world witnesses the escalating violence and human rights violations in Balochistan, the BHRC’s call for UN intervention represents a glimmer of hope for a region that has endured immense suffering. The international community’s response will be a testament to its commitment to protecting human rights and upholding the principles of justice and dignity for all.
