Human Rights Council Forum on Minorities Issues Seventh session 25-26 November 2014 Intervention: 5. after violence breaks out-essential measures for resolution, protection and security. Presented by: Zakia Baig; Executive Director Australian Hazara Women’s Friendship Network inc. OHCHR minority fellowship, Hazara Minority Pakistan. Mr Chairman and distinguished guests, My name is Zakia Baig and I belong to Hazara minority in Pakistan and I am representing my minority community in Pakistan today. There are 5 to 600,000 Hazaras, an ethno religious minority living in 4 sq KM are in south west of Pakistan called Quetta. They are predominantly Shiat Muslims. Mr Chairman, until not long ago Hazaras used to live side by side with all ethic and religious group in peace. But, today their mangled facial features have made them an easy prey for the terrorist organizations. Who have killes1500 and injured 3500 innocent Hazaras including, men women and children in ongoing target killings since 1999. With acknowledgement and appreciation that the state of Pakistan has provided security by para military forces since past 3 years however it is important to mention that this arrangement has created multiple problems to the community, including economic hardship and limited access to education for boys and girls and variety of other problems such as high increase in domestic violence and suicide attempts as the result of the social and economic cut off. So, I fully endorse the recommendation 43 and 58 on the need to ensure immediate humanitarian aid and relief for the minorities effected by violence and end the violence collectively. Moreover, in light of situations such as Quetta where minorities remain under protection for long periods of time, I suggest that we add a provision guaranteeing the realization of economic and social rights such as the right to work and education.in compliance with the articles 6 and 13of the international covenant on economic, social and cultural rights. Finally, as combatting challenges to end violence against minorities is not an easy task, National, regional and international actors must intensify efforts with non-governmental actors to ensure enhanced promotion and protection of minority rights in line with provisions outlined in the UN declaration on the rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities as well as number of other relevant provisions including recommendations by CEDAW and CRC to ensure gender equality and to take all feasible measures to protect children who are at risk of or have experienced violence. I thank you for your attention.

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