Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) observed Human Rights Day on December 10 at Vision Hall, Faisalabad. The event followed this year’s United Nations theme, Reaffirming the Values of Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials, emphasizing that human rights are fundamental protections shaping daily life, often unnoticed, especially in times of social instability. The program brought together civil society members, lawyers, political and religious leaders, women activists, youth, students, and professionals from across Pakistan, both in person and virtually.

HRFP President Naveed Walter expressed concern over ongoing human rights violations, particularly the persecution of minorities including Christians, Hindus, and Ahmadiyyas. He highlighted the increase in false blasphemy accusations, violence, abductions of minority girls, and attacks on vulnerable communities. Walter stressed that the UN theme calls for renewed focus, action, and collective efforts to protect victims and support affected families, advocating for human rights regardless of religion, gender, race, or ethnicity.

HRFP welcomed the passing of the National Minorities Commission Bill 2025, a step the organization has long supported since a 2014 Supreme Court directive. However, it emphasized that legislation is ineffective without proper enforcement and called on society to actively promote human rights, protect vulnerable groups, and foster an inclusive future. Speakers also urged educational reforms to instill peace and tolerance in young generations.

Notable speakers, including Raja Thomas, Ejaz Ghouri, Shamshad Gill, James Lal, John Victor, Bushra Bibi, Sadaf Shadman, Shahida Parveen, and Sohail Emmanuel, highlighted ongoing inequalities and challenges faced by women, children, and minorities. They pointed to poor implementation of minority job quotas, limited opportunities for youth and students, and global challenges like poverty, climate change, conflict, and systemic discrimination.

Victims shared personal accounts of discrimination, violence, and workplace injustice. HRFP called for immediate action against domestic worker abuse, forced conversions, forced marriages, fabricated charges, and hate speech targeting minorities, urging society to foster respect and equality. HRFP Program Coordinator Shadman John and Field Coordinator Hamdosh Samuel thanked participants and distributed informational materials, including HRFP’s REAT Helpline brochures for marginalized communities.

The event concluded with a peaceful protest, where attendees held banners and play-cards advocating human rights, equality, and religious freedom. Participants demanded an end to abductions, forced conversions, workplace harassment, misuse of blasphemy laws, and called for curriculum reforms and national efforts to ensure justice, equality, and freedom. Slogans included Our Everyday Essentials – Notice Now, Yes to Human Rights – No to Violations, and Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.