STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY WITH THE PEOPLE OF PAKISTAN FROM THE WOMEN OF ASIA PACIFIC, LATIN AMERICA and AFRICA
As women human rights defenders from the Asia Pacific, from Africa and from Latin America and the Caribbean, we express our solidarity with the people of Pakistan, and in particular with the women of that country, as they confront the crisis created by the repudiation of constitutional democracy in the past weeks. As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of our networks Asia Pacific Women Law and Development (APWLD), Women in Development Africa (WiLDAF) and Comite de America Latina y el Caibe para la Defensa de los Derechos de la Mujer (CLADEM), our experiences show that it is only the existence of people-centered democratic systems and structures that can guarantee the human rights of women. We condemn the denigration of Constitutional democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms by a self appointed military dictator in Pakistan. We also condemn the assaults on judges and lawyers, as well as the dismantling of the judicial system and systems of law enforcement, and the erosion of the freedom of the media, which are all vital instruments for safeguarding the fundamental rights of all sections of Pakistani society. In addition, the war being waged by the government against its own citizens in northern Pakistan, is leading to many violations of human rights and humanitarian norms. The limitations and restrictions placed on citizens by a martial-law like situation have a very specific impact on women, making them more vulnerable to violence and to violations of their human rights. Women human rights defenders have been subject to harassment and abuse, arbitrarily arrested and detained, and we continue to be concerned for their safety and security. We are gravely concerned that the current situation will further destabilize the country, heighten the insecurity of civilians and create an environment which encourages the use of violence. We are well aware of the ways in which the destabilization of Pakistan can have a lasting impact on the region, and indeed, on the world. We call upon the UN, and the international community, governments and non-governmental agencies, to take every action possible to pressure President Musharaff to step down from his Presidency and to restore democratic processes, reaffirming guarantees of the independence of the judiciary and the freedom of expression. Bangkok November 30, 2007 Asia Pacific Forum on Women Law and Development (APWLD)
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