April 29, 2008

WASHINGTON, DC – Pakistan has signed two important human rights treaties and ratified another, an important move in promoting fundamental freedoms in the troubled country.

Pakistan ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). The government also signed the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT).

"While this is a good step, we must remember that China and Sudan – who are noted human rights violators – are also signatories to these treaties," Institute President Joseph K. Grieboski said. "Simply signing or ratifying such agreements is not enough. We look forward to seeing how the Pakistani government will actually implement the basic human rights enshrined in those documents for its people."

About Institute on Religion and Public Policy

Nominated for the 2007 Nobel Prize in Peace, the Institute on Religion and Public Policy is an international, inter-religious non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring freedom of religion as the foundation for security, stability, and democracy.

The Institute works globally with government policymakers, religious leaders, business executives, academics, international and regional organizations, non-governmental organizations and others in order to develop, protect, and promote fundamental rights – especially the right of religious freedom – and contributes to the intellectual and moral foundation of the fundamental right of religious freedom. The Institute encourages and assists in the effective and cooperative advancement of religious freedom.

Institute on Religious and Public Policy