Parliament And Human Rights.
Parliament is the forum that determines the human rights enjoyed by the people of a country and how those rights are protected.
Parliament - guardian of the basic rights of citizens.
Pakistan is one of those few countries which entrusts parliament with custodianship of fundamental rights. By formulating respective rules and creating compliance mechanisms, parliament has secured a vital role in protecting hard-won liberties of citizens.
Legislators have a sacred duty to shape, scrutinise and reform the law so it serves every citizen — irrespective of caste, creed, sect or political opinion.
Core Human Rights Conventions Ratified by Pakistan
Being Parties to many international human rights conventions, ensuring effective enforcement.
Promoting respect for the human rights of every citizen as enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan.
Conducting consultations with national and international experts and organisations to ensure parliamentarians are guided by all available expertise.
Operating as a focal point of human rights activities within Parliament for organizations and movements outside it.
Conducting researches on various human rights issues and documenting the same.
Holding the Government organizations accountable for grievances for which they may be responsible.
Participating in the security of public institutions with human rights responsibilities (prison, police, etc.).
Publishing reports on all aspects of Human Rights and the Commission's contribution towards their protection.
Operating a secretariat to support all aspects of the Commission's work.
Liaising with the relevant regional and international organizations.
Role Of Parliamentarians.
Parliamentarians can play a leading role in making public, private and government policies sensitive to human rights.
They engage in advocacy, draft and refine laws, monitor implementation, and shape public opinion through reform.
As Public Representatives
As representatives, parliamentarians are entrusted with the responsibility to be the voice of the people. Their first role is to bring to the attention of the legislature both the achievements and shortfalls of executive action; to challenge laws that no longer serve society; and to ensure parliament responds to the needs and aspirations of the people they represent - championing pro-people legislation that delivers justice.
As Legislators
Their most important role is the passing of laws. Modern parliamentary preferences include changing existing legislation, the repeal of acts and making fundamental and far-reaching reforms. Effective lawmaking matters because it not only affirms the rule of law but also reaffirms a sound and just legal order in which fundamental rights are enshrined.
As Scrutinisers / Monitors
It is parliamentarians who scrutinise and monitor the executive through important questions and motions. To do this effectively, parliamentarians must have access to information, legislative expertise, and resources of research and analysis. The strength of any government depends on how openly and effectively it is held to account.
As Social Reformers
We are also a body relying on respected institutions to dispel beliefs supporting unfundamental rights enjoyed by the citizens. By transforming public opinion they pave the way for new and progressive laws — convincing constituents that society's well-being depends upon a culture of human rights and equality.
Cooperation Between Treasury & Opposition
When parties set aside their differences to defend fundamental rights, the constitution becomes a living promise. PCHR convenes both treasury and opposition members to forge consensus around lasting human rights reform.