Urgent Action: Support Women's Human Rights Defender In Pakistan
Ms. Farida Afridi, a 25 year old woman human rights defender was ambushed and shot dead outside her residence in Hayatabad, Khyber Agency on Friday, July 6th 2012.
It is evident from news reports that she was killed because she was a woman human rights defender associated with a non-government organization working for the welfare of tribal women. This is not the first killing of a human rights defender in the tribal area and it sends a chilling message to the whole community of civil society organizations working for people’s rights and for their development and welfare.
Join us in demanding protection for women's human rights defenders in Pakistan, click here to sign the petition to be delivered to the Pakistan authorities. Full text below. Please circulate widely.
With thanks and in solidarity,
Violence is Not our Culture
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Protect Women’s Human Rights Defenders in Pakistan
It is a matter of grave concern that retrogressive forces of extremism are allowed to perpetuate a reign of terror over the tribal population, especially women in public service. Despite these elements being identifiable, the state authorities have completely failed to enforce the rule of law. Inaction of the state in the face of murder and open threats against people has resulted in complete impunity for those who commit acts of terrorism with dire consequences for the victims.
We condemn acts of extremist elements that obstruct the work of development or promotion and protection of human rights in any part of the country. We demand from state authorities who have so far stayed silent, to immediately issue a strong condemnation of the killing of Farida Afridi; KPK governor and political agent of FATA take full responsibility for Farida’s murder and announce effective measures for protection of human rights defenders, especially women; authorities affirm commitment to provide a safe environment for all those engaged in promotion of human rights/development work; and above all, announce measures for routing out criminals responsible for the terrorization of NGOs.
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