EU Ambassador Special representative of EU Human Rights (EUSR) Olof SCOOG emphasized the need for progress in a number of questions in Pakistan, including human rights, benefit from GSP+ in the middle of the ongoing review of GSP+ business policy. According to the EU leaflet, the Supreme Ambassador of the European Union, he made these notes during a week’s visit to Pakistan. The EU delegation came to involve Pakistan in solving key issues of work and human rights. During his visit, the organizer Skoog organized a meeting with federal and provincial government ministers, military leadership, higher officials, UN authorities, defenders and human rights lawyers, civil society organizations, media representatives and business sector. The special representative reaffirmed the EU’s obligation to support Pakistan in fulfilling his duties in human rights and in this respect supported careful efforts and meaningful consultations with all parties, including the pulsating civil society. “Pakistan remains a key partner for the EU in South Asia. Our relationship is based on shared values of democracy, human rights and rule of law, led by the principles of UN Charter and international standards. The EU welcomes the fact that Pakistan has become the largest recipient of GSP+, while Pakistani companies increase their exports to the EU market by 108% since the start of the trading system in 2014. “As we approach half of the current monitoring cycle, we recommend that Pakistan continues to continue our reform route because it is prepared to use the new GSP+regulation. The business benefits within GSP+ depend on progress in addressing the list of questions, including human rights, and tangible reforms remain necessary, ”he said. At meetings with the leaders of Pakistani partners, including the Vice -Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, the Federal Minister of Law, Justice and Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tara and the Federal Minister of Trade Jamal Khan, Ambassador Skoog, Ambassador Skoog, Skoog Ambassador. Laws, women’s rights, forced marriage and conversions, forced disappearance, freedom of expression, religion or faith, media independence, impunity, the right process and the right to a fair trial, civic space and death penalty. At a meeting with the chief judge of Pakistani Judge Yahya Afridi, he focused on the court of the item and the integrity and independence of the judiciary. During his visit, EUSR acknowledged an important role in the National Human Rights Commission and emphasized the need to maintain independence. In connection with the upcoming GSP+ EUSR monitoring mission, he encouraged the Pakistani authorities to ensure all the relevant international conventions. As part of his itinerary, the Ambassador also visited Lahore to meet the key stakeholders, including the Chief Minister Panjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif and minor minorities in Pandjab Sardesh Singh Ara and representatives of other religions. The discussion focused on freedom of religion or belief, protection of minority rights and responsibility for violations and abuse of human rights. The special representative contributes to the implementation of EU policy concerning human rights worldwide as well as to support compliance with international humanitarian law and support of international criminal justice, the press release added.
