Islamabad, September 18, 2024 – A high-level consultation organized by the National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC) and the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) has brought together key stakeholders to discuss the urgent need for legislation to curb forced conversions and early marriages in Pakistan. The event saw participation from legislators, civil society members, and human rights advocates, who collectively addressed the pressing human rights issues impacting minority communities and vulnerable children.

Leading the discussion, Ayesha Raza Farooq, Chairperson of NCRC, highlighted the grave impact of forced conversions and child marriages, particularly on girls and religious minorities. "Despite legal frameworks in place, these violations persist due to gaps in implementation, enforcement, and awareness," Farooq said. She emphasized the need for legal reforms to strengthen child protection measures and proposed recommendations for future advocacy.

Peter Jacob, Executive Director of CSJ, shared alarming statistics: "Between 2021 and 2023, at least 338 cases of abduction and forced conversions of minority girls and women were reported in Pakistan. These violations not only devastate individual lives but fuel frustration among minority communities."

Allah Dino Khowaja, Secretary of the Ministry of Human Rights, advocated for raising the legal marriage age to 18 and stressed the importance of ensuring no child is forced into marriage. He also proposed legal reforms to give girls time to reconsider decisions made under pressure following forced conversions.

Former Senator Farhat Ullah Babar called for procedural reforms, suggesting that individuals wishing to convert present their reasons in court and ensuring accountability at the marriage registrar level. "Change must begin at the ground level to effectively address these issues," Babar added.

Pirbhu Satyani, NCRC member, emphasized Pakistan's international obligations, citing the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendations calling for protections against forced conversions and improved access to justice for victims.

The consultation concluded with the presentation of shields to key dignitaries, including Federal Secretary Allah Dino Khowaja and Former Senator Farhat Ullah Babar, in recognition of their support for legal reforms. A screening of the award-winning documentary film Hum Saya – Neighbor underscored the personal tragedies of families affected by forced conversions.

The event concluded with participants calling for robust legislation to address forced conversions and child marriages, stressing the need for greater accountability and the establishment of a National Commission for Minorities Rights.