Baloch human rights activists demand UN intervention in Balochistan

The Baloch Human Rights Council (BHRC) demonstrated in front of the United Nations building in Geneva to express deep concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in Balochistan.

During the protest held at the Broken Chair monument, activists highlighted the brutality and atrocities allegedly committed by Pakistan’s security forces in Balochistan and called on the United Nations to send peacekeeping forces to the region to protect the lives of thousands of Baloch people.

he/she demanded that those responsible for crimes against humanity be brought to justice at the International Court of Justice.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman of Baloch Human Rights Council, Samad Baloch said, “We are here to protest against the atrocities committed by Pakistan in Balochistan. There is bloodshed in Balochistan.”

he/she said the region was facing a serious human rights crisis and claimed Balochistan was occupied and colonised by the Pakistani military, which he/she said was led by “generals who lack political intelligence and wisdom.”

Samad Baloch also criticized China’s role in the situation, saying, “China has allied itself with Pakistan and they are equally guilty for the occupation of Balochistan. Pakistan handed over Gwadar to China without the consent of the Baloch people.”

he/she pointed out that Baloch people need special permission, like a visa, to enter the city of Gwadar and residents are barred from fishing in their waters. Samad Baloch alleged that Pakistan’s army, judiciary, parliament, senate and media are all involved in the occupation of Balochistan.

he/she said, “Pakistan is a threat not only to the Baloch people but also to the entire region and the international community. We are here to request the United Nations to intervene in Balochistan. We urge them to send a fact-finding mission and hold the perpetrators accountable in the International Court of Justice.”

Razzaq Baloch, representative of the Baloch Human Rights Council in the US and secretary general of the Baloch American Congress, also expressed concern over the situation and accused the Pakistani Army and the Chinese Communist Party of “plundering” the resources of the Baloch people.

he/she said, “I have come to tell the United Nations and the world that Pakistan is a failed state. The Pakistani Army and the Chinese Communist Party are plundering our resources, occupying our land and killing our people. We want the world to help us drive out the Pakistani Army and the Chinese from our land so that we can use our wealth for the benefit of the Baloch people.”

Razzaq stressed that Balochistan’s natural wealth belongs to its people, not to China or Pakistan’s military establishment. “The British built this country, and it has already failed. The British and the US should take note of this and support Balochistan’s independence,” he/she said.

Speaking on the occasion, Qambar Malik Baloch, Secretary General of the Baloch Human Rights Council, said, “We have asked the United Nations to intervene in Balochistan as the human rights situation is appalling. There is no accountability and Pakistani officials are acting with impunity, violating several human rights treaties signed by Pakistan.”