KARACHI: The Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC), in collaboration with Bhitai Social Watch & Advocacy (BSWA), successfully concluded a two-day training workshop at the Town Municipal Office, Saddar, Karachi.
The workshop brought together representatives from key government departments, including Human Rights, Local Government, Social Welfare, Women Development, Minority Affairs, Labour and Human Resources, along with law enforcement agencies. These participants engaged in extensive discussions on the enforcement of human rights laws, focusing on gender equality, legal protections, and effective mechanisms for ensuring justice for vulnerable populations.
Chairperson SHRC, Mr. Iqbal Ahmed Detho, underscored the pivotal role of government bodies in addressing human rights violations, particularly those affecting women and marginalized communities.
He stressed the need to align domestic violence laws, human rights policies, the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act and other laws with international standards.
The training sessions specifically covered key legislative measures that protect women’s rights, including: The Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act (2013), ensuring the protection of women from physical, emotional, psychological, and economic abuse within domestic settings. The Sindh Child Marriages Restraint Act (2013), aimed at preventing child marriages and ensuring strict legal action against perpetrators. The Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act (2010), a legal framework to create safer working environments for women and hold perpetrators accountable.
Mr. Detho highlighted the importance of reinforcing human rights structures at the district level by activating mechanisms such as District Criminal Justice Coordination Committees, District Legal Empowerment Committees led by District & Sessions Judges, and District Women, Children, and Labour Committees chaired by Deputy Commissioners. These bodies play a crucial role in ensuring the enforcement of laws and policies designed to protect women and marginalized groups.
These sessions emphasized the implementation of legal frameworks to prevent gender-based violence and ensure justice for survivors of domestic abuse, workplace harassment, and forced conversions.
Mr. Sarfaraz Ahmed of SHRC reiterated the Commission’s commitment to promoting and safeguarding human rights across Sindh. He called for stronger collaboration between government institutions, civil society organizations, and law enforcement agencies to enhance legal literacy and ensure the effective implementation of human rights laws.
BSWA Executive Director, Mr. Khadim Meerani, acknowledged SHRC’s support and reaffirmed BSWA’s dedication to conducting ongoing training initiatives for government officials at various levels. These initiatives are crucial in equipping officials with the knowledge and skills needed to uphold legal protections and promote a culture of inclusivity and justice.
The workshop concluded with Justice (R) Arshad Noor, Judicial Member of SHRC, commending the dedication of participants in strengthening human rights enforcement mechanisms. He emphasized the shared responsibility of government bodies, law enforcement agencies, and civil society in fostering inclusivity and ensuring the protection of minority and women’s rights.
A certificate distribution ceremony was held to recognize the efforts of the participants and their commitment to advancing human rights protections in Sindh.
The training program is part of SHRC’s broader strategy to empower government officials with the necessary legal expertise to combat human rights violations effectively.
