French ambassador says beyond institutional mechanisms, the promotion of human rights would be nothing more than empty words without the tremendous commitment of the actors of Pakistani civil society who are on the ground, sometimes in difficult conditions
DNA
ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of France to Pakistan Nicolas Galey has said France will also endeavor to promote the fight against impunity and discrimination as well as the fight for women’s rights, which are a priority for our domestic and foreign policy.
The advocacy of France, Mexico and several other partners at the Generation Equality Forum in 2021 enabled the mobilization of more than $40 billion in commitments in favor of sexual and reproductive health, education and economic empowerment of women.
The French ambassador made these remarks while speaking at an event held in connection with International Human Rights Day. Federal Minister for Human rights, Khalil George, Senator, Chairperson of the National Commission on the Rights of the Child, Aysha Farooq Raza also attended the event.
The French ambassador further said, France intends to carry out with its partners, particularly our EU partners: the rights of minorities; the rights of LGBT+ persons; the rights and protection of rights defenders; freedom of the press and expression, which is so essential as violation of human rights can hardly be known and reported if freedom of expression doesn’t exist.
He said, the protection of human rights defenders is a priority which is reflected in particular by a program dedicated to human rights defenders from all over the world, who are invited to come to France and follow programs related to their action: the Marianne Initiative.
‘France will work on these objectives in a multilateral framework. Because multilateralism remains the best way to tackle contemporary challenges. In this regard, France was honored to be re-elected by the General Assembly, last 10 October, to sit as member of the Human Rights Council for a new period of 3 years’, he added.
While sharing the background information the Ambassador said, indeed, 75 years ago, on December 10, 1948, 58 member states which then constituted the General Assembly of the United Nations, adopted by a large majority this founding document at the Palais de Chaillot in Paris. Pakistan and France were among those who supported this historic text.
‘The Declaration defines 30 rights and freedoms inherent to every human being and is one of the most translated texts in the world. It constitutes the essential basis of a fairer and more peaceful world through the proclamation of principles, rights and freedoms essential to the rule of law and democracy’.
The defense and promotion of human rights is an ongoing commitment, as the French Foreign Minister, Catherine Colonna has reminded last 10 December on the occasion of the UN Human Rights Day: “respect for human rights is an everyday battle. (…) this fight is (…) far from won”.
He said, as President Macron recalled during the ceremony celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights he chaired in the building where the Declaration was adopted, on December 10, “Paris will not forget that it was the cradle of the Declaration (…) and that this filiation honors and obliges” France. In this particular year, France is more than ever committed to pursuing its policy of universal promotion and protection of all human rights: civil and political rights, social, economic and cultural ones as well.
Ambassador Galey said, together, collectively, it means here with the Pakistani authorities which, notably through the voice of the Pakistani President reaffirmed on December 10 Pakistan’s commitment to do everything possible to protect the rights of all Pakistani citizens without distinction, as promoted by the Constitution of Pakistan, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the international instruments that Pakistan has ratified.
Furthermore, we welcome the legislative progress in favor of women’s rights, in favor of transgender persons, against torture or in favor of journalists. We also welcome the fact that the scope of death penalty has been reduced’.
Like any other country, Pakistan still faces many other challenges and a lot remain to be done. The EU and its member states are alongside Pakistan to help move forward, particularly within the framework of the GSP+, a mechanism which provides for high standards in terms of human rights. A topic to which our public opinion and politicians, in particular, as you know, European parliamentarians, are quite sensitive, the ambassador added.
‘Beyond institutional mechanisms, the promotion of human rights would be nothing more than empty words without the tremendous commitment of the actors of Pakistani civil society who are on the ground, sometimes in difficult conditions.
Ambassador Galey said, this embassy was honored to contribute at its level to the essential activities of several institutions represented here.
‘We recently wanted to contribute to two causes that are particularly close to our heart: the rights of children and the dignity of those called “sanitation workers”, the Ambassador concluded.
Aysha Farooq Raza also delivered a compelling address during the event, expressing gratitude to the French embassy for their invaluable support in bolstering the endeavors of the Pakistani civil society and various organizations dedicated to the safeguarding of human and child rights in Pakistan.
Her words resonated with sincerity as she underscored the significance of collaborative efforts in fostering a society that prioritizes and protects the rights of every individual, particularly the vulnerable and marginalized.
Aysha Farooq Raza’s acknowledgment of the French embassy’s contribution served as a testament to the importance of international partnerships in creating a positive impact on human rights initiatives within Pakistan.
