CIVICUS

FROM THE DESK OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

Civil society under siege in Pakistan

Release Date: 14 November 2007

By Kumi Naidoo, CIVICUS Secretary-General

Dear e-CIVICUS Subscriber,

The recent events in Pakistan, Georgia and Myanmar have once against raised worries for democratic and human rights forces. We have noted with great concern the imposition of emergency rule, the suspension of the constitution and fundamental rights of citizens of Pakistan. Other disturbing information about attacks on human rights organisations, the detention of thousands of social workers, human rights and political activists without any charges or judicial trial, curbing media autonomy and illegal actions against the judiciary are some examples of the denial of civil liberties and attack on democratic space of citizens in Pakistan. State force has been used to curb expressions of dissent.

The suspension of the Constitution of Pakistan 1973 and imposition of emergency rule is indeed a tragedy for Pakistan. Such actions are ineffectual in responding to threats of terrorism and insurgency and put the people of Pakistan at greater risk of violation of their human rights. Tragically, numerous grievous violations have been documented in this period. Despite international demands no major improvement in the situation has been noticed so far.

Civil society forms an essential wing of society, with independent but complementary roles to government and the private sector. Restoration of democracy and genuine development require the existence of civil society that is able to operate freely without fear, intimidation or attack. The current escalating attacks on civil society activists require urgent attention. Reports we have received from our members and partners in Pakistan are deeply disturbing, with thousands of members of civil society reported detained without a fair trial and many being held in unknown locations.

As CIVICUS, we have heard of brave resistance of citizens and citizen groups against these human rights violations and blatant denial of citizens' rights. We also heard that despite all these threats and the crackdown on peaceful demonstrations, civil society groups and networks are struggling for their rights. United Nations Special Representative, Asma Jahangir, is one of those detained and this reflects a disturbing lack of respect for the institution of the United Nations, as well as for her vital work. Likewise, attacks on the judiciary and legal fraternity are unconstitutional, short-sighted and violate the fundamental democratic principle of the independence of the judiciary.

CIVICUS calls for the release of all those detained without charge. In addition we reiterate that, under international law, civil society in Pakistan must be allowed to operate freely without intimidation or attacks and that all the fundamental rights according to the constitution of Pakistan and other international covenants of which Pakistan is a signatory must be restored without further delay.

We have also noted that the media is also controlled by the state machinery and their inalienable rights of freedom of speech and expression have been denied for no reason. It is particularly disappointing to witness the blacking out of television networks, radio stations and threats of detention of journalists, as well as arrests, raids on radio studios and printing presses, the prevention of publication, and new regulations for print and broadcast media. Such actions stifle free expression, violate human rights and destroy Musharraf's relatively positive recent record on media freedom.

Similar disturbing developments are underway in Georgia and Myanmar where the regimes have not only denied similar freedoms to their citizens but have been targeting citizen groups, political parties and dissenting voices. Attacks on peaceful demonstration of citizens and political forces are deplorable.

All the recent developments in Pakistan, Georgia, Myanmar and many other countries have once again raised the debate and question whether autocratic and non-democratic regimes can truly guarantee democracy and respect civil liberties and freedoms as essential and undeniable rights of citizens. Can there be a genuine course to democracy from such autocratic acts? The lesson the world learnt from centuries of bitter experiences, human suffering, conflicts and the constant struggle of citizens is that goals of solving problems of underdevelopment, conflicts, fundamentalism or marginalisation can only be achieved through a democratic path and ensuring citizens greater autonomy, freedoms and human rights. The governments in these countries have to learn this lesson from many nations around them and act more responsibly. The solution to failing democracy can only come from more democratic spaces and actions and not from a denial of these inalienable rights.

CIVICUS and its partners across the world demand the immediate restoration of constitutional rules, fundamental rights of citizens and media freedom. We also demand from these governments that they ensure free and fair elections in their countries for people to take their own decisions through exercising a democratic vote. We hope these governments will also honour their commitments stated in various international conventions and charters that deal with the rights of assembly, association and expression, of which they are signatories.

I urge you to stay informed about developments in these three countries that have been in the news and to offer your voice and solidarity wherever possible to support the struggle for real and meaningful democracy. To those countries that are paymasters of some of these governments, we urge them to recognise that when they are soft on their so-called allies, even when they violate the most basic of democratic practices, they severely undermine their own legitimacy to preach democracy.

In solidarity,

Kumi Naidoo

To send you comments, suggestions or contributions of articles, e-mail editor@civicus.org.

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