According to the Human Rights Watch (HRW) World Report 2024, Pakistan experienced one of its worst economic crises in 2023. The insistence on austerity measures and the removal of subsidies by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) without adequate compensatory measures exacerbated hardships for low-income groups. Poverty, inflation, and unemployment soared, impacting millions and jeopardizing their rights to health, food, and an adequate standard of living.
Pakistan faced heightened vulnerability to climate change, with warming rates considerably above the global average, leading to more frequent and intense extreme climate events.
The report highlighted concerns about threats and attacks on the media, creating a climate of fear among journalists and civil society groups. Many resorted to self-censorship, and authorities pressured or threatened media outlets against criticizing state institutions or the judiciary.
ALSO READ: Queen Margrethe of Denmark makes history with abdication, Son ascends to Throne
Violence against women and girls, including rape, murder, acid attacks, domestic violence, denial of education, sexual harassment, and child/forced marriage, remained a serious problem throughout Pakistan. The report estimated approximately 1,000 women are victims of "honour killings" annually.
Over six million primary school-age children and 13 million secondary school-age children in Pakistan were reported to be out of school, with girls facing barriers such as lack of schools, associated costs, child marriage, harmful child labour, and gender discrimination.
The report mentioned intimidation, harassment, and surveillance of various groups by government authorities, impacting the registration and functioning of international humanitarian and human rights groups.
The HRW report also emphasized the lack of a meaningful human rights charter or regional institution to safeguard human rights standards in Asia compared to other continents.
Copyright © © 2022 Copyright. All Rights Reserved with Arth Parkash