SHARP ALAC
One Day Training Workshop for Police Officials of
Punjab
On
“Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) &
Refugee Rights in Pakistan”
HELD AT HOTEL AMBASSADOR, LAHORE
ON Tuesday 14TH OF July 2010
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Table of Contents
1. Overview
2. Objective
3. Workshop Proceeding
4. Registration of the Participants
5. Recitation of Holy Quran
6. Opening of the workshop
7. Welcome Address by Field Manager
8. Convivial remarks by Chairman SHARP
9. Presentation on Human Rights by the Director SHARP
10. Session of Dr. Bakir Hussain on Refugee rights and Law
11. Informative Session on Refugee Rights by Mr. Qaisar Siddique
12. Lecture on International Law and Foreigners Act,1946 by Mr. Salman
13. A useful speech by Mr. Munir Ahmad Chishty (DIG)
14. A complementary speech by Mr. Arslan Ahamd (SSP)
15. Participants remarks regarding workshop
16. Concluding Remarks
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OVERVIEW
SHARP (Society for Human Rights and Prisoners Aid) continues its efforts to promote the concept of
Human Rights through advocacy, strengthening the institution, protecting the rights of the people
particularly women and children, welfare of prisoners, struggling for refugee rights and legal reforms.
SHARP/ALAC II since its establishment in Lahore has adopted an integrated strategy for
development and empowerment that combines capacity building, networking and advocacy for rights
and peace in society. This is based on community mobilization for basic rights and for sensitization
of civil and police officials. For that very purpose team time to time arranges meetings and seminars
for the capacity building of different stakeholders. These activities remained very positive not only for
achieving and propagation of ALAC mandate but also for the promotion of the SHARP.
OBJECTIVE:
In the current human rights Scenario, Sharp felt the strong need to conduct such a workshop for
the Police officials in the city sensitizing them to take cognizance to the violations committed
against Human Rights in the country, because police officers are the protection officers of Human
Rights. The main objective of the workshop was to strengthen the bilateral relations with Police
officials and ALAC and to enlighten the main objectives of SHARP/ALAC/UNHCR and to update the
Police officials about the latest notification of the UNHCR regarding the validity and extension of PoR
cards till 31 December, 2012 and applicability of 14 Foreigners Act, because mass arrest of
registered Afghan nationals under 14 Foreigners Act 1946 is a burning issue.
In this regard, on 14th of July 2010, SHARP/ALAC II team orchestrated a very triumphant one day
training workshop for the police officials on the topic of “Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(UDHR) & Refugee Rights in Pakistan”, aiming to highlight the current status of Human Rights in
Pakistan. The workshop was of two sessions.
In the first session the participants were given understanding regarding basic Human rights
and their violation in Pakistan while as;
In the second session they were briefed about the Refugees, their rights and obligations and
their Legal Status in the Host Country (Pakistan).
Thus in this way, SHARP is determined to serve all the segments of the society to get them a
realization of their rights and bring them to a point where they can speak themselves for their inborn
rights that are otherwise promised by the national constitution. It is the prime objective of SHARP to
create a human rights friendly society in Pakistan and for this SHARP is always endeavoring at its
best to cover all of its resources and manpower to make this dream come true.
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WORKSHOP PROCEEDING
Time Subject Method Conducted by
9:00
Registration of Participants Mubashir
9:30
9: 30
Recitation of Holy Quran M. Rafique
9:45
Memoona Batool
9:45
Introduction of SHARP Presentation Khan (Field
10:00
Manager Lahore)
Mr. Syed Liaqat
10:00
Welcome Address Banori (Chairmen
10:15
SHARP)
10:15
Tea Break
10:30
Multi Media Presentation
10:30 Mr. Qaiser Siddiqui
Session on Human Right &
11:30 (Director SHARP)
Question Answer
Session on Refugee Rights,
Multi Media Presentation
11:30 Role and mandate of UNHCR
&
12:30 UNHCR and the Legal Status of Representative
Question Answer
Afghans in Pakistan
Multi Media Presentation Mr. Baqir Hussain
12:30
Session on Refugee Rights & (Deputy Director
13:30
Question Answer TDAP)
13:30 Lunch Break
14:30
14:30 Session on International Law & Lecture & Question Mr. Salman Kazmi
15:00 Role of Police Answer (Lecturer)
15:00
Chief Guest Mr. Ahmed Arsalan SSP Administration
15:30
Khan Lahore
15:30 Closing Remarks and
M. Liaqat Banori
16:00 Certificate Distribution
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REGISTRATION OF THE PARTICIPANTS:
The workshop has been started with the registration of the Participants. All participants were given a
form which included their details regarding their name, designation; address with their contacts
numbers and most importantly their remarks about the workshop.
RECITATION OF HOLY QURAN
Mr. Rafique Yousafzai started with the name of Mighty ALLAH and recited the Holy verses of Quran
Kareem.
OPENING OF THE WORKSHOP:
Mr. Sher Afgan (Lawyer ALAC Lahore) welcomed the honorable and worthy participants for sparing
their valuable time to attend the above workshop and also share their knowledge and views to make
the sessions of workshop more productive and useful. He initiated the session with introduction of
participants and panelists / speakers.
WELCOME ADDRESS BY
MS. MEMOONA BATOOL KHAN FIELD MANAGER SHARP/ALACII
Ms. Memoona Batool Khan welcomed warmly the participants
with the introduction of Society for Human Rights and Prisoners
Aid (SHARP) an Islamabad based non-governmental
organization (NGO) established since 1999 and thesaurus its
existence to the concentrated efforts made by a group of
lawyers and social workers having strong convictions in the
human rights standards set forth in the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights. The main focus of SHARP over the years has
been the inspection of Human Rights situation all over the
country and provision of free justice to the needy and deprived
class of the society.
She briefly described that SHARP is running various welfare projects for the society and refugees
in collaboration with National and International organizations like UNHCR, ILO, ISCOS, Islamic
Bank etc.
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SHARP is an implementing partner of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
(UNHCR) and is running its Advice and Legal Aid Center Project (ALAC) for Afghan National in
Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and Mianwali. Likewise another project of the sharp is RSD (Refugee
Status Determination) Apart from the aforementioned projects.
SHARP organizes different awareness programs at different forums for promotion of Human
Rights, Refugees Rights and to provide free assistance to the poor, deprived and neglected
segments of the society. She briefed that being member of the society we should know basic
human rights and laws as we all know that Pakistan is the biggest host of Afghan community.
Ms. Memoona Further briefed the program agenda of the workshop to the participants.
CONVIVIAL REMARKS BY
MR. SYED LIAQAT BANORI THE CHAIRMAN SHARP
Mr. Syed Liaqat Banori, Chairman SHARP, welcomed all the
participants on behalf of the Society for Human Rights and
Prisoners Aid (SHARP). He thanked CCPO (Capital Police
Officer Lahore) Mr. Aslam Tareen for providing police officials
for this training workshop. It shows his interest of improving
Human Right situation in the society. He admired the keen
interest of the police officials by joining this session.
He appreciated the sacrifices of the police for their nation and
felt grieved and prayed for the martyrs of the police officials.
He suggested that in current scenario of the country Police
have sacrifices their lives for the nation therefore they must be
given the same privileges and infringement as given to the
army martyred.
He further expressed that Police has to be complimented for their struggle and sacrifices rather than
to be condemned. He said that along with positive critics media should present good image of the
police.
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He said that Police should be the symbol of pride therefore police have a lot of responsibilities. He
stated that the supreme law, constitution of the world/Magna Carta / world Charter are the Universal
Documents but if we see in depth, these principles already mentioned in the form of the Holy Quran.
He placed emphasis on the fact that Islam comprises of the perfect guideline in pursuing the rights of
human beings. He stated that the last sermon of the Prophet (PBUH) was the main source of human
rights.
Mr. Chairman emphasizes on the need of Human Rights which if fulfilled, results in Human Security,
Development and Dignity and if being dishonored or violated would bring sufferings, injustice,
violence, inequality, abuse of power, corruption, war and much more fright to the society, state and
individual himself. He touched upon the issues relevant to legal system of Pakistan and briefly stated
that the responsibility of law reforms jointly lies on the government and civil society. He elaborated
that the UDHR (Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948) has become the most universal set of
values like freedom, justice, peace, solidarity etc and according to UDHR; the dignity of each human
being has to be respected and protected. He stated that we have been hosting one of the largest
populations of the refugees all over the world since quarter century but our legislative phenomena
have no provision to give them any kind of support. He further suggested that it is the time to draft
legislation for the refugees now. Otherwise in coming years it will create heinous problems.
AN INFORMATIVE PRESENTATION ON HUMAN RIGHTS BY
MR. QAISER SIDDIQUI DIRECTOR SHARP
Mr. Qaiser Siddiqui Director SHARP gave a detailed description
on Human Rights and its violation. He elaborated that the basic
concept of rights, i-e the right must be regarded as a claim and
not a need, as a claim it has to counter balance of obligation and
these two coherent perspectives supplement each other, these
two elements can not be separated from the society. The
concept of right becomes more reflective as gets adhered to the
essentials of an obligation like respect, protection and fulfillment.
He gave a detailed account of UDHR (Universal Declaration of
Human Rights) and its historical background, the span of its
coverage as well as the worldwide response in this regard; he
further gave the details of the concerns of Pakistan and other
relevant facts and figures.
He presented a comprehensive Slide on Basic Human Rights, and shared a brief list of the rights
mentioned in the International Bill of Rights including the issues like freedom from torture or cruelty,
inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment; equality before the law, freedom from arbitrary
arrest, detention or exile, freedom of opinion, expression, peaceful assembly and association, an
adequate standard of living, measures to protect the rights of children, and the enjoyment of the
highest attainable standards of physical and mental health.
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Mr. Siddiqui proceeded with the new dimensions added to the UDHR from time to time as different
countries had their own reservations regarding UDHR and they , therefore, had accepted and signed
the declaration partially; the discussions about such controversies went on and on and finally in
1690s two protocols came up in order to supplement the previous declaration and therefore, today ,
the promotion of human rights is guided by what is referred to as the International Bill of Rights; it
includes the UDHR and those two treaties, the international Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (
ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights ( ICESCR).
He stated that there is need to change mind set of the people and reform their thoughts regarding
their views and the way they perceive human rights. Every right has corresponding duties; rights are
part and parcel of our society, for instance right to get education, housing, food, clothing, security,
human dignity, peace etc. He said that security is just like oxygen; no one can touch it or feel it but
some one can observe it like human rights. He also elaborated different types of violation of human
rights such as injustice, violence, inequality, abuse of power, corruption, wars etc. He highlighted
that it is the social responsibility of every individual, society, state, judiciary, public etc to try their best
level to safeguard human rights. The law makers inserted all basic rights in the Constitution but it
deems necessary to enforce these rights so that it can be implemented in the society from the
aristocrat to the down trodden class. Western people are so aware about their fundamental rights
that there would be nation wide agitation in case of minor violation against any person or community.
Mr. Qaiser Siddiqui ended his session by a pledge on behalf of SHARP to continuously fight in the
cause of human rights with the mission of “To Strive for a Human Rights Friendly Pakistan” He
advised the participants from the Police to play their respective role in the improvement of Human
Rights situation in our country as they have the responsibility of respecting and hence, fulfilling the
rights of their people and thus, restoring the confidence of laymen and prevalence of law. He said
that Human rights are being violated just because of injustice in the society. He stressed that State,
Judiciary, Public Societies and NGOs are responsible to curtail the violation of Human Rights and
these rights must be promoted in society by the above sectors.
He forwarded some solutions for the promotion of Human Rights, among those Political wisdom,
making Necessary Legislation and legal reforms, Institutionalization Approach, Implementation
mechanisms, awareness raising, and Human Rights education in schools and colleges.
Summarizing the human rights he Quoted Chapter 103: Surah Al-Asr of Quran and translated that:
{By the Time, Surely, man is ever in a state of loss, except those who believe and do righteous
deeds, and exhort one another to preach Truth, and exhort one another to be steadfast.}
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PRESENTATION ON REFUGEE RIGHTS AND LAW BY
DR.BAKIR HUSSAIN DEPUTY DIRECTOR TDAP
Dr. Bakir Hussain Deputy Director ( TDAP) has delivered a
very informative Lecture on “Refugee Rights and Current
Laws”. The Foreigner Act 1946 deals with the foreigner or
aliens entering into Pakistan. He highlighted on the difference
between absconder/proclaimed offender and refugee. He
shared that Pakistan is not the signatory of 1951 Convention
and1967 Protocols but according to International Law, the
Government of Pakistan can be held responsible to oblige or
provide asylum to any refugee in compliance with the
Refugee Convention 1951. He highlighted the need to
formulate new laws for refugees through effective
implementations. He briefed that Pakistan has recently signed
the CAT (Convention against the Torture) adding Pakistan to
the list of countries which have ratified all international
conventions related to good governance, sustainable
development and human rights.
The presenter also point out the difference between refugee and IDPs (Internally displaced
persons). He suggested that new laws should be formulated in Pakistan for the welfare, security and
betterment of the refugees.
Mr. Baqir Hussain described main sources of Refugee laws which include Treaty laws, conventions
related to the status of refugees, 1967 Protocols, International Covenant on civil and political rights
1966. Mr. Baqir shared some fact of the refugee laws in Pakistan. He said that there is no legislation
on refugee rights yet and currently refugees are treated under Tripartite Agreement. He further told
the audience that FOREIGNER ACT 1946 governs the unregistered refugees. He instructed the
Police officials with regard to 14 Foreigner Act and instructed to the police participants that how to
deal with the refugees and others.
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PRESENTATION ON INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION BY
MR. QAISER SIDDIQUI DIRECTOR SHARP
Mr. Qaiser Siddiqui gave a presentation on the topic of
“International Protection ". He elaborated the Mandate of
UNHCR/SHARP, definition of Refugees and their rights,
International Protection, 1951 Convention, 1967 Protocol, Role
of UNHCR in protecting the refugees and Due process of law.
He further told the audience that Mandate of UNHCR is to
provide international protection to refugees and to seek durable
solutions for refugees by assisting Governments to facilitate the
voluntary repatriation of refugees or their integration within new
national communities
He highlighted the role played by the Government of Pakistan and people to protect Afghan
nationals in Pakistan. He also explained the process of asylum as well as the role and
responsibilities of asylum seekers in the country of asylum. He discussed Article A1 (2) of 1951
Convention which defines “who is a refugee” and those elements which defines refugees in detail.
He also described the International customary law and threw light on the concept and principle of
non-refoulment. He mentioned the responsibilities of a refugee in his / her country of asylum that he
should respect laws of the land where he resides.
While talking about the status of current status of Afghan refugees, he said they are legal migrants
in Pakistan and Government of Pakistan has registered them and issued them POR (Proof of
Registration) cards,. He told to the police officials about the validity of the PoR Card which is
extended up to 31 December, 2012 by the government of Pakistan under a tripartite agreement
signed by the Government of Pakistan, UNHCR and Government of Afghanistan. He also shared all
notifications about the refugee status and their POR cards issued to them by the Government of
Pakistan and UNHCR. He also discussed the status of Non-PoR card holders and the role of
Government of Pakistan towards this category.
Mr. Siddiqui discussed with the police participants that how they can deal with the refugees and
protect their rights. He also gave some suggestions for the improvement of the status of the
refugees, repatriation, their country‟s condition and resettlement.
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He described the current status of the refugees in Pakistan as under:
During the temporary stay for Afghan Refugee in Pakistan all laws applicable to the local
citizens shall apply to Afghan refugees.
The provisions of the Foreigner‟s registration Act and other such rules pertaining to foreigners
residing in Pakistan do not apply to the Afghan refugees.
The Afghan refugees have, therefore, to earn their livelihood outside the camps in Pakistan to
support themselves as well as their families. The movement/presence of Afghan Refugees outside
the refugee camps is, therefore, legitimate.
LECTURE ON INTERNATIONAL LAW AND FOREIGNERS ACT 1946 BY
MR. SALMAN KAZMI FACULTY MEMBER QUAID-E-AZAM LAW COLLEGE
Mr. Salman Kazmi Faculity member of Qauaid-e-Azam Law
College, emphasis on getting knowledge of human rights and
Refugee laws. He described that The Foreigners Act, 1946 is a
Pakistani law enacted to grant the certain powers to Pakistani
government in matters of foreigner in Pakistan. According to
Foreigners Act 1946, every householder or other person shall
report to the officer in charge of the nearest police station upon
arrival or presence in his household or any other premises
occupied by him or under his control of any foreigner, if he
knows or has reasons to believe that he is a foreigner. Arrests of
Afghans under 14 Foreigners Act is against the spirit of the
agreement and could tantamount to breach of the agreement.
Such arrests can act as a „push factor‟ and result in
unsustainable return of Afghan national.
Mr. Salman Qazi briefed the Obligation of Refugees, 1951 Convention in detail that in the country of
asylum (Art. 2): they have to obey regulations and the national law, and they also have to obey
policies for maintaining peace and order. He further told that refugees are having some obligations
to the United Nations (Art 1.F): They must respect for UN principles similarly they have to respect for
UN objectives.
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A USEFUL SPEECH BY GUEST OF HONOR
MUNIR AHMED CHISHTY (DIG)
Mr. Munir Ahmed Chishty as a guest of honour appreciated the
SHARP Team for arranging such a useful and productive
workshop for the Police officials. He encouraged SHARP to
arrange such like workshop time to time. So the police can
better perform their duties. He stressed that this is a good way of
awareness of Human Rights. He told that the main cause of
today situation in the country is the violation of Human Rights.
He also thanked the chairman for his mission to promote Human
Rights in the society. He appraised that Police facing tough
situation in the current scenario of the country. He suggested
that such like workshop to be arranged at the Police stations.
COMPLEMENTED SPEECH BY CHIEF GUEST
MR. ARSLAN AHMAD SSP ADMINISTRATION LAHORE:
Mr. Arslan Ahmad graced the closing session of the workshop as Chief Guest. He diligently
observed the entire workshop and appreciated and congratulated the SHARP for arranging such a
wonderful awareness session for the police officials. He shared his personal experience being head
of the law enforcing agency and briefed that such intellectual programs should be promoted for the
progress of the entire society.
He said that Police Department is facing problems due to unrest
situation of the law and order in the country and they are
sacrificing to safeguard the innocent people of their country. He
said that this is the responsibility of all stakeholders of the
society to work together for the betterment and uplift of the
vulnerable segments of the country.
He said that no one is ready to stand up for his own rights or for
rights of other people. Anyone who passes by a situation where
someone else‟s rights are being violated and that person is very
well observing the entire scene, does not make an effort of
raising voice or does not even make an effort of helping the
other person. He further briefed that these workshops must be
conducted not only to give awareness to the common man but
also to inform officials about their basic rights.
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PARTICIPANTS REMARKS REGARDING WORKSHOP
All participants‟ remarks were that the workshop organized properly and conducted successfully.
They were of the view that such programs are very important to understand human rights and
refugees rights in Pakistan. The workshop was arranged with the perspective of raising awareness
of fundamental rights and basic necessities of life required for anyone to lead his life as free citizen
of the country. The participants got full awareness of the basic human rights and their application on
the society.
CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRMAN SHARP
Mr. Liaqat Banori Chairman SHARP/ALAC, while
giving concluding remarks said that it was a great
occasion for us to get together and argued the rights
and concerns of the poor, destitute and deprived
refugees living in Pakistan. He further stated that the
very purpose of this learning session was to bring
awareness and to orientate the participants about
the existing problems of refugees, which are causing
trouble in the way of smooth repatriation of refugees
with dignity and honor to their country of origin.
He said that there was need of such a session which could impart maximum understanding in the
participants about the International Refugee Law especially in the absence of any legislation on the
above mentioned subject in the country. At the end, he again thanked the participants for taking out
their valuable time for this sensitization session.
Report of Workshop is submitted for your kind perusal.
Written & Prepared By
M. RAFIQUE YOUSAFZAI IMRANA HASHAM
Lawyer Legal Counselor
SHARP/ALACII SHARP/ALACII
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