Ordinance to establish NCHR next week: Burney | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

Ordinance to establish NCHR next week: Burney

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Human Rights Minister Ansar Burney said on Thursday that a National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) would be established by the end of next week through a presidential ordinance. “We have moved a summary to the president and the promulgation of the ordinance is expected by the end of next week,” he told Daily Times.

Burney said the NCHR would be a “totally independent” human rights watchdog and would help improve the plight of people. He said the NCHR would be comprised of a chairman and 14 members. “It will have one member each from the four provinces, two members each from National Assembly and Senate, two women members, one from the federal capital and one from FATA.”

There would be no political representation – from any party – in the NCHR, he added. Burney said the chairman would enjoy the status of a federal minister and would be vested with powers to enforce the ordinance.

The chairman would not just monitor the human rights situation in the country — including conditions in police stations, jails and hospitals – but would also take steps to bring about improvements, including measures to end bonded labour and private jails, he said.
Source: Daily Times
Date:2/29/2008