Pak UN rep calls for new approach to human rights

GENEVA: The Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights Ambassador Shaukat Omer said on Friday that a new approach to human rights must be adopted, which takes into account the impact of poverty conflict, terrorism, violence, prejudice and bad governance on human rights.

At the UN Commission on Human Rights, Mr Omer said the international human rights mechanism was driven by political consideration, economic discrimination, double standards and lack of cultural and religious respect.

He said good governance and democracy must be encouraged because it is the right of every human being. Mr Omer said it was sad that so many Muslims had lost their lives despite the fact that all Muslim nations participated in the war against terrorism. He reiterated the Islamic world’s longstanding demand for enhanced representation in the office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights. Mr Omer said human rights could not be integrated with the UN country assessment and assistance programme because it must concentrate on development. He said the activities of the human rights commission must be made transparent in order to satisfy the international community. —APP

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