Concerns over the safety of religious minority women in Pakistan were raised at an event held on the sidelines of the 62nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, with speakers calling for stronger international action.
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The event, titled "Forced Conversions & Minority Women", was organised by Global Human Rights Defence and CAP Pour la Liberte de Conscience. Lawmakers, human rights advocates and civil society representatives discussed what they described as ongoing violations of religious freedom in Pakistan.
The discussion focused on the challenges faced by minority communities, particularly Hindu, Christian and Baloch women and girls. Speakers alleged that forced conversions and forced marriages continue to affect these communities, with poverty, conflict and statelessness making them more vulnerable.
Speaking at the event, Member of the European Parliament Bert-Jan Ruissen said freedom of religion or belief remains under severe pressure in Pakistan. He alleged that the country's blasphemy laws are often misused and raised concerns over reports of girls being forced into marriage and compelled to convert to Islam.
"We spoke about misuse of blasphemy laws, and we spoke mainly about the fact that girls are forced into marriage and convert to Islam. It's really undermining the whole concept of freedom of belief and also undermining the freedom of conscience."
