Promotion of Human Rights in Pakistan - Huqooq e Pakistan
Duration: December 2018 – December 2021
Budget: € 7.9 million
Location: Federal and Provincial
Implementing Partners: Ernst & Young
The challenge
The government of Pakistan signed the core international treaties and established an inclusive institutional and legal framework as well as oversight bodies. The challenge lies in making sure that the set-up is efficiently implemented and reported on. The EU supports the Pakistani government in tackling shortcomings in cooperation, collaboration and capacity of institutions at federal and provincial levels and to promote the knowledge and understanding of citizens on their fundamental rights.
How do we address the challenge?
The EU has agreed on a comprehensive and ambitious programme with the Federal Ministry of Human Rights. It consists of three pillars: Institutional development, capacity building and awareness raising that are essential for the promotion of human rights. Aim is to reinforce the capacity and knowledge of the government and the citizen about Human Rights and the ways to reinforce them in Pakistan.
Support to policy
The promotion and protection of Human Rights is among the founding principles of the European Union, but currently we see these values under attack in many places in the world. Cooperation between all stakeholders and institutions is the key to success in ensuring a meaningful protection framework. In Pakistan, and across the world, the EU works closely with the government, the EU member states and likeminded partners and relies on the excellent work of the United Nations and civil society organizations who have the same aim.
EU in Pakistan
The European Union (EU) funds projects and programmes around the world in order to help addressing global and local challenges. The reduction of poverty and the respect of fundamental rights and freedoms are key objectives in this context.
In Pakistan, the EU is committed to a stable, democratic and pluralistic country that respects human rights and benefits from its full economic potential by supporting sustainable and inclusive development for all its citizens. The EU provides Pakistan with about €100 million annually in grants for development and cooperation. Among other issues, the EU supports Pakistan in its efforts to tackle poverty, increase education, promote good governance, human rights, rule of law and ensure sustainable management of natural resources. EU-funded projects are covering all of Pakistan with a special focus on Sindh and Balochistan.
The collaboration between the European Union and Pakistan is grounded in the Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP) signed in 2019. Areas of cooperation under the SEP include peace and security, democracy, rule of law, human rights, and migration but also sectors such as energy, climate change and science and technology.
The EU is one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners. The EU supports Pakistan’s integration into the world economy and its sustainable economic development, namely by granting it preferential access to the European single market under the GSP+ system since 2014. Under this scheme almost 80% of Pakistan’s exports enter the EU duty and quota free. In 2018, Pakistani exports to the EU were worth €6.9 billion.
In order to enjoy the trade preferences under GSP+, Pakistan needs to demonstrate progress on the implementation of 27 international conventions on human rights, good governance, labour rights and environmental protection.
Delegation of the European Union to Pakistan,
House 9, Street 88, G-6/3, Islamabad
Phone: +92 51 227 1828, Fax: +92 51 282 2604
Email: Delegation-Pakistan@eeas.europa.eu
To report any irregularities contact us on DELEGATION-PAKISTAN-IRREGULARITIES@eeas.europa.eu
