Following the implementation of the 18th Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan in 2010, the landscape of human rights protection in the country witnessed a significant transformation. National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and Sub-National Human Rights Institutions (SNHRIs) emerged as critical pillars of safeguarding and promoting human rights in the country.
National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in Pakistan
NHRIs established by federal government having provincial jurisdictions includes:
National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR)
The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) is an independent constitutional body established in Pakistan to promote and protect human rights in the country. It was created in 2015 under the National Commission for Human Rights Act, 2012 and operates at the national level, covering all provinces, including Sindh. The NCHR’s mandate is to inquire into human rights violations, recommend remedial measures, review and monitor the human rights situation in the country, and promote human rights education and awareness. As an autonomous institution, the NCHR is empowered to investigate allegations of human rights abuses, including cases of torture, enforced disappearances, and other violations. It can summon witnesses, call for evidence, and take suo motu notice of human rights violations.
Visit NCRC website for more details.
National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW)
The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) is a statutory body in Pakistan established to safeguard and promote women’s rights and gender equality. NCSW was initially formed through a presidential ordinance in 2000, however it was given statutory powers under the NCSW Act 2012 with an expanded scope and mandate. The NCSW operates at the national level and has a mandate to address issues related to women’s rights, discrimination, and inequality across all provinces.
The NCSW’s main functions include monitoring the implementation of policies and laws related to women, conducting research on gender-related issues, and making recommendations for legislative and policy reforms to improve the status and rights of women in Pakistan. The Commission also works to raise awareness about women’s rights, advocate for gender-sensitive policies, and collaborate with government agencies and civil society organizations to create a more gender-equitable environment.
Visit NCSW website for more details.
National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC)
National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) is also an independent institution established in Pakistan, and is responsible for monitoring and safeguarding the rights of children across the country. It was established in Feb 2020 under the National Commission on the Rights of Child Act, 2017. The primary role of the NCRC is to advocate for the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989 (CRC) in Pakistan. It monitors the progress made by the government and other stakeholders in fulfilling their obligations to protect children’s rights as outlined in the CRC. The Commission also investigates and inquires into cases of child rights violations, abuse, and exploitation. The NCRC also examines policy, law and practice and makes recommendations to the government for policy changes and improvements. Additionally, the NCRC conducts research, organizes workshops, and raises awareness about child rights to ensure a better understanding and respect for children’s rights in society.
Visit NCRC website for more details about the Commission.
Sub-national Human Rights Institutions (SNHRIs) in Sindh
The SNHRIs established by the Sindh government include:
Sindh Commission for Human Rights (SHRC)
The Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) was established in 2013 under the Sindh Protection of Human Rights Act 2011 to promote and protect human rights in the province. Endowed with various powers and functions, the commission has the authority to inquire into human rights violations and abuses. It can make recommendations and issue reports on human rights, monitor detention centers, and promote awareness through education initiatives. Additionally, the SHRC collaborates with NGOs and institutions, reviews laws and policies, monitors international obligations. Under the Sindh Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Act, 2023, SHRC has been given mandate of “Business and Human Rights” to monitor abuses within business enterprises, and assist the Sindh government in implementation the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights 2021-2026.
Visit SHRC website to find more details about the Commission.
Sindh Commission on the Status of Women (SCSW)
The Sindh Commission on the Status of Women (SCSW) was established under the Sindh Commission on the Status of Women Act, 2015. The functions and mandate of the Commission are to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment, identify and address issues related to women’s rights and gender discrimination, propose and advocate for policy and legal reforms to protect and promote women’s rights, conduct research and collect data on women’s status and gender-related issues, create awareness about women’s rights and gender equality, and facilitate the resolution of complaints related to violations of women’s rights while providing support to affected women.
More details about the Commission can be found at SCSW Website
Sindh Child Protection Authority
The Sindh Child Protection Authority, established under the Sindh Child Protection Authority Act 2011, is mandated to ensure the well-being and rights of children in Sindh province. It actively engages in policy formulation and legal implementation, crafting robust frameworks and guidelines for child protection. Its multifaceted functions encompass child protection monitoring, assessment, and response, focusing on prevention strategies, robust case management, and efficient referral systems. Additionally, it actively works to reunify missing, unaccompanied, and separated children with their families, provides essential family support services, and spearheads the formation and operation of child protection committees.
More details about the Authority can be found at SCPA website
Sub-national Human Rights Institutions (SNHRIs) in other Provinces/ Regions
The SNHRIs established in different provinces by the respective governments are:
Balochistan Commission on the Status of Women (BCSW)
The Balochistan Commission on the Status of Women (BCSW), formed in September 2022 under the Balochistan Commission on the Status of Women Act, 2017, has a wide-ranging mandate. It evaluates government policies, programs, and initiatives for women’s development and gender equality, offering recommendations for effective implementation where necessary. The commission extensively reviews provincial laws and regulations affecting women’s rights, proposing amendments or new legislation to eliminate discrimination and ensure gender equality in line with Pakistan’s constitution and international commitments. Additionally, it monitors redressal mechanisms for women’s rights violations, oversees departmental policies to address gender concerns, establishes District Committees with female majorities to address local gender issues, and guides their implementation while receiving regular progress reports
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women (KPCSW)
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women (KPCSW) has a significant history. It was initially established in 2010, coinciding with the devolution of powers and the Federal Women Development Ministry’s shift, and was then reconstituted after the passage of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women Act, 2016. The commission’s mandate, as outlined in the 2016 Act, is extensive and includes reviewing governmental policies, programs, laws, and regulations impacting women’s development and gender equality. It assesses implementation, recommends necessary changes for effective impact, and monitors mechanisms for redressal of women’s rights violations. Moreover, it examines departmental policies to ensure gender inclusivity, establishes District Committees with female majorities to address gender concerns at local levels, and guides their implementation while receiving periodic reports on progress.
More details about the Commission can be found at KPCSW website
Punjab Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW)
The Punjab Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW), established under the Punjab Commission on the Status of Women Act, 2014, serves as an oversight body dedicated to advancing women’s empowerment and eliminating discrimination in Punjab, Pakistan. Commencing operations in March 2014, PCSW undertakes a comprehensive role, encompassing the review and monitoring of government laws, policies, and programs to ensure gender equality and the eradication of discrimination against women. Its mandate extends to facilitating and overseeing the implementation of international agreements concerning women’s rights, advising the government on such agreements, conducting research for policy recommendations, and collaborating with various stakeholders, including civil society and international institutions. PCSW holds authority to gather information, enforce attendance, and inspect facilities to address violations of women’s rights, emphasizing a proactive approach to enhance gender equality and empower women in Punjab.
More details about the Commission can be found at PCSW website
