Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Founding Chair GSRRA, Sinologist, Diplomat, Editor, Analyst, Consultant, Advisor, and Non-Resident Fellow of CCG. (E-mail: awanzamir@yahoo.com).

The US has been using Human Rights as a tool to achieve its political objectives. Looking at US allegation of Human Rights violations, it is concluded that such allegations are put on only rival nations. Where is friendly nations, what so ever violations are committing, US is keeping eyes closed or react mildly. 

The Jewish state of Israel has surpassed all record of human rights violation in the known history of human kind. The Genocide in Gaza, the Seven decades Occupation of Palestine, Besieging Gaza and West Bank, Turned Gaza an open Jail and transformed a hell on the earth. It is human catastrophe in Gaza! But, the US is still vetoing at UNSC, and pressurizing ICJ. Height of hypocrisy!

India is another worst case of human rights, where one million troops has besieged 8 million Kashmiris, the suppression of minorities, the official discrimination of minorities,  tortures, detention, rape, killing, and confiscating properties of minorities, has made India a major violator of human rights, but, the US has little to condemn India. Unfortunate!

US violation of human rights in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, etc., are on record and known to the whole world. Within the US, White and Black are not equal, suppression of student is another typical case of human right violation in the US. All these has a big question on American Human Right records. The US has emerged human right violator, instead of human rights protector. Under this scenario, US allegation of human rights advocator has no longer any credibility.

As a nation founded on the principles of liberty and justice for all, America has a moral obligation to confront and address its human rights challenges with urgency and resolve. From systemic racism and police brutality to mass incarceration and socioeconomic inequality, the path to progress requires bold reforms, meaningful dialogue, and unwavering commitment to upholding human dignity and equality for all its citizens. By acknowledging and addressing these human rights violations, America can move closer to realizing its promise of freedom and justice for every individual, regardless of race, creed, or socioeconomic status.

Pakistan categorically rejects the recently released 2023 Country Report on human rights practices issued by the US State Department. The contents of the report are unfair, based on inaccurate information and are completely divorced from the ground reality.

The US State Department’s annual exercises of preparing such unsolicited reports lack objectivity and remain inherently flawed in their methodology. These reports use a domestic social lens to judge human rights in other countries in a politically motivated manner.

This year’s report is once again conspicuous by its lack of objectivity and politicization of the international human rights agenda. It clearly demonstrates double standards thus undermining the international human rights discourse. 

It is deeply concerning that a report purported to highlight human rights situations around the world ignores or downplays the most urgent hotspots of gross human rights violations such as in Gaza and Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir. 

Only a politically motivated report can ignore the alarming situation in Gaza, the weaponization of humanitarian assistance and the massacre of over 33,000 civilians. Silence of the United States on the continuing genocide in Gaza runs counter to the stated objectives behind the so-called country reports on human rights. 

In line with its constitutional framework and democratic ethos, Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthen its own human rights framework, constructively engage to promote international human rights agenda, and uphold fairness and objectivity in the international human rights discourse. 

If the US must engage in this exercise, then we expect the US State Department to at least exercise due diligence when conducting assessment of complex issues, demonstrate objectivity, impartiality and responsibility in finalizing such reports. It should demonstrate the requisite moral courage to speak truth about all situations and play a constructive role in supporting international efforts for bringing an end to atrocities in the most urgent hotspots of gross human rights violations.

It is time to understand UN Charter, especially in the context of human rights. All nations must respect UN Charter, irrespective, how big or small, weak or strong, a nation is. The UN charter is a comprehensive frame work and is mandatory for all nations to respect. No country is supposed to hijack UN or UNSC, even, having Veto power, does not mean to violate UN Charter.

In a world grappling with multifaceted challenges, the protection of human rights stands as a moral imperative and a driver of progress. Gender equality, refugee rights, freedom of expression, and racial justice are not merely abstract ideals but tangible goals that demand collective action and unwavering commitment. As global citizens, we must strive to uphold the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, fostering a world where human rights are not just upheld in principle but realized in practice. Only through concerted efforts and solidarity can we build a more just, inclusive, and compassionate world for generations to come.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)