Pakistan has raised its voice to join the community of nations during the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur at the United Nations on the situation of human rights defenders. "Pakistan supports stronger national protection mechanisms, capacity-building and international cooperation responsive to national needs.
Particular attention should be given to women defenders and those working in remote or conflict-affected settings. We also ask the Special Rapporteur: What practical measures can strengthen protection and access to United Nations mechanisms for human rights defenders living under foreign occupation?" said Pakistan's statement.
Islamabad further pointed out the important contribution of human rights defenders to promoting dignity, justice and accountability, arguing that peaceful activities must be protected in accordance with international human rights obligations and the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. The UN report highlights growing threats, including intimidation, digital surveillance and attacks affecting defenders and their families.
Its attention to mental health and psychosocial well-being is timely. Protection must combine prevention, access to justice and practical support tailored to those at risk.
"These concerns acquire particular urgency in situations of foreign occupation. Those documenting violations and advocating fundamental rights must be able to work without fear of detention, violence or reprisals.
Effective implementation of this mandate requires impartiality, objectivity and non-selectivity. Constructive dialogue with states, credible and verified information, and due consideration of their responses are essential to building trust and achieving results," said the statement.
Meanwhile, Pakistan at the UN reaffirmed its support for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), calling for sustained peace and security in the Central African Republic (CAR). Ambassador Usman Jadoon, Acting Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, reaffirmed steadfast support for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the CAR, underscoring the need to consolidate political and security gains and sustain MINUSCA.
The ambassador welcomed progress in the country, including the successful conduct of elections, the strengthening of national and local institutions, and continued implementation of the 2019 Political Agreement and the 2025 N'Djamena agreements. Ambassador Jadoon also welcomed the disarmament and demobilization of more than 1,900 combatants since July 2025, while expressing concern over the deteriorating security situation in the northeast and southeast, particularly in Vakaga and Haut-Mbomou.
He noted that the attack on Am-Dafock and the spillover effects of the conflict in Sudan underscored the persistent threat posed by armed groups and cross-border insecurity. Emphasizing MINUSCA's indispensable role in preserving the country's hard-won gains, Ambassador Jadoon supported the secretary-general's recommendation to maintain the Mission's priority tasks and multidimensional mandate, while strengthening national capacities and advancing transition planning in coordination with the CAR authorities.
He also stressed the need to restore critical military capabilities, including quick-reaction units, aviation assets and military staff officers, to enhance the Mission's operational effectiveness.