London: On International Human Rights Day, the Baloch National Movement (BNM) held a debate in the British Parliament, hosted by Member of Parliament John McDonnell.
Speakers at the event underscored the grave human rights violations in Balochistan, emphasizing the urgent need for global attention and action to address these atrocities. They highlighted that the Baloch nation is enduring severe state repression, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings, necessitating international intervention to put an end to these crimes.
The speakers included John McDonnell MP, Jeremy Corbyn MP, Richard Burgon MP, BNM Chairman Dr. Naseem Baloch, Sami Deen Baloch, Dr. Sabiha Baloch, Dr. Naseer Dashti, Faheem Baloch, and Saleem Elahi Baloch.
John McDonnell emphasized that, despite the UK’s close ties with Pakistan, it must not remain silent on the human rights violations in Balochistan. He urged fellow MPs to press the government to advocate for justice for the Baloch people.
BNM Chairman Dr. Naseem Baloch, himself a two-time victim of enforced disappearance by the Pakistani army, shared his personal experiences. He stated, *”The only reason I survived in Pakistani torture cells was my unwavering belief in the independence of Balochistan. This belief became my source of endurance and hope.”He further emphasized, “I am not alone in facing this oppression; thousands of Baloch men and women have fallen victim to enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and relentless state repression. Balochistan has become a land overshadowed by terrorism and fear, where daily life is marked by uncertainty.”
BNM Foreign Secretary Fahim Baloch spoke about the profound and lasting impact of enforced disappearances on the families of victims. He reaffirmed the Baloch nation’s unwavering determination to achieve freedom despite the relentless abductions and violence they endure.
Dr. Naseer Dashti drew attention to the inhumane conditions faced by the Baloch nation, the illegal annexation of Balochistan, and the detrimental effects of China’s involvement through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He called for global accountability for Pakistan and China’s actions.
Sammi Deen Baloch, a prominent leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), shared his family’s struggles following his father’s disappearance and highlighted the dangers faced by families seeking justice. He emphasized the urgent need for international solidarity to combat these atrocities against the Baloch nation.
Dr. Sabiha Baloch, a leader of the BYC, discussed the deprivation of basic rights in Balochistan and the brutal repression of peaceful activists, enabled by Chinese funding. She urged for an international fact-finding mission to expose and address the region’s atrocities.
Saleem Elahi Baloch recounted the enforced disappearance of his brother Zahid Baloch, a student leader. He made an impassioned plea to the international community to put an end to the systematic practice of enforced disappearances in Balochistan.
Jeremy Corbyn MP underscored the importance of raising global awareness about the atrocities in Balochistan and fostering solidarity with oppressed communities worldwide.
The Baloch National Movement (BNM) expresses its gratitude to John McDonnell and other MPs for their efforts in making this significant event possible.
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