Pakistan Commits to Major Human Rights Treaties

In a major move to advance human rights, Pakistan on April 17 ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and signed the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as well as the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. During the course of the recent election campaign in Pakistan, Human Rights Watch and other groups pressed the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party to commit to joining the UN conventions. One of the government's first acts upon taking office, the ratifying and signing of the conventions represents a renewed commitment to ensuring a range of rights for the Pakistani people.