Political activists in Geneva seek UN’s intervention to stop ‘genocide’ in Balochistan

Geneva: A group of Baloch political activists held a protest outside the United Nations office in Geneva. They sought the intervention of the human rights body to stop ‘genocide’ in Balochistan, the largest province of Pakistan. The demonstration was held during the ongoing 43rd session of the UN Human Rights Council, which was organised by Baloch Voice Association. They were holding banners saying, “Balochistan is bleeding”, “Free Balochistan” and “Stop enforced disappearances”.  Naela Quadri Baloch, President of World Baloch Women’ Forum, said, “It’s almost 70 years, United Nations standing here and its almost 70 years that Pakistan has occupied Balochistan and they are doing our genocide. Actually, what’s going on in Balochistan can be described in one word, genocide.” Activists say many of those abducted were killed and the mutilated bodies were found in isolated places. Munir Mengal, the president of Baloch Voice Association, who organised the event, said, “The people inside Balochistan are being eliminated. We are receiving reports, we are receiving the data which shows that the Pakistani state is eliminating Baloch approximately 8-10 people are being victims of enforced disappeared every week. Some 3-4 people are being killed by Pakistani state forces, who were kidnapped.” He added, “The people in Balochistan are being deprived of their basic rights. They do not get water and medicines, and on the other hand Pakistan is forcing them, eliminating them and ask them to leave these places because they need the land for their strategic purposes. Unfortunately, China is backing Pakistan and asking them to eliminate these people. We have been receiving claims by government sitting in Islamabad that missing Baloch will be released, but nobody had been presented to the court of justice.” The Baloch have been fighting against the forceful occupation of their land by Pakistan. The Baloch Voice Association also held a discussion with the participation of Baloch activists and human rights activists from Europe on the prevailing situation in Balochistan.