LAHORE – The Arman Foundation and Bhagat Singh Society take out a vigil to mark the International Human Rights Day at Chairing Cross on Monday.
The participants were holding placards and banners inscribed with slogan of peace. Addressing the participants, the speakers stressed the need for stepping up effort for the cause. They also raised concerns over worsened law and order across the country. The speakers cited economic injustice and increasing unemployment as the reason behind the unrest. They also expressed concerns at the human rights violation in the held Kashmir and Palestine The event was participated by a number of civil society organizations. Similar functions were held to express solidarity with the people who were subject to violence, especially Malala Yousafzai.
Brinille Ellis joins in: US Consulate General Public Affairs Officer Brinille Ellis joined scholars, human rights advocates, police, and students at a panel discussion on gender-based violence and reaffirmed the US government’s commitment to prevent violence against women and girls. The Lahore College for Women University Gender Studies Department hosted the event which included expert panellists Hadia Awan, Principal of Punjab Law College and specialist in gender equity law; Fozia Waqar, Director of Advocacy and Communications at the NGO Shirkatgah Resource Center; and Bushra Aziz, Station Head Officer of Women’s Police Station in Lahore.
The panel focused on gender issues in Pakistan and strategies to end violence against women.
December 10th was the last day of the “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence,” an international campaign supported by the US State Department to help raise awareness of women’s rights worldwide, to promote gender equity and to end gender-based violence.
“Today, December 10, is also International Human Rights Day, which marks the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We must not forget that women’s rights are human rights and every individual on this planet deserves to be treated with respect, honour, and dignity,” said Public Affairs Officer Brinille Ellis in opening remarks. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has emphasized that the United States believes that investing in women and girls is one of surest ways to achieve economic progress, political stability, and greater prosperity. That’s why I’m delighted to be here today to take part in this discussion about ways we can work together to help Pakistani women and girls lift up their families, their communities, and their nation,” added US Consulate General Public Affairs Officer Brinille Ellis.