VMPS holds a protest in Geneva for the recovery of enforced disappearances in Pakistan
Geneva, Switzerland: The Voice for Missing Persons of Sindh (Europe Chapter) organized a significant protest outside the United Nations headquarters in Geneva. The demonstration aimed to draw international attention to the ongoing crisis of enforced disappearances in Sindh, Pakistan. Protesters called for the immediate recovery of individuals who have been forcibly taken, emphasizing the urgent need for human rights intervention.
The rally was led by Coordinator Sarang Sindhi and Deputy Coordinator Saeed Sindhi, who guided the participants in their efforts to raise awareness. Attendees carried banners bearing messages demanding justice and highlighting the plight of missing persons. They actively engaged with passersby to shed light on the human rights violations occurring in Sindh, urging the global community to take notice.
During the gathering, the organizers addressed the crowd, expressing deep concern over the human rights situation in Sindh, which they say has persisted for over 25 years. They stated that more than 10,000 individuals have been subjected to enforced disappearance, many of whom are political activists and human rights defenders. The organizers noted that hundreds of these individuals remain missing to this day, with their families living in anguish and uncertainty.
The speakers detailed the circumstances under which people are abducted, noting that individuals are often taken from roads, public places, vehicles, and even their homes, without any legal process. Families are frequently left without any information about their loved ones for years, leading to immense suffering. In some cases, the missing persons are later found dead, bearing signs of torture and violence.
Specific cases of political activists such as Ayub Kandhro, Sohail Raza Bhatti, and Allah Wadhayo Mahar were highlighted as instances of those who remain missing. The protestors criticized the judiciary for its lack of effective action in addressing these disappearances, accusing it of failing to ensure justice or accountability for the victims. They called for stronger legal measures to protect human rights and to locate the missing individuals.
Following the demonstration, the organizers submitted a memorandum through UN officials addressed to the United Nations Human Rights Council. The document outlined their grave concerns about the ongoing human rights violations in Sindh and urged the international body to take immediate, concrete actions. The protest concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to continue raising their voices at international forums until justice is achieved and all missing persons are safely recovered.
