* News Release Issued by the International Secretariat of Amnesty
International * News Service 194/99 AI INDEX: ASA 33/27/99 16 October 1999
Pakistan
Commonwealth states have vital role in reaffirming human rights protection
As the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG)* prepares to meet on Monday to discuss the current political
situation in Pakistan, Amnesty International urges members of the Commonwealth to exert all possible influence on the
new regime in the country to improve the human rights situation.
"This is an opportunity for Commonwealth states to play a positive role in the reconstruction of Pakistan's civil
society and ensure that fundamental human rights and civil and political freedoms become a reality," Amnesty
International said.
The human rights organization pointed to the valuable role that the Commonwealth can play in monitoring the human rights
situation in the country, in exerting political pressure and providing support for the necessary legal, judicial and
constitutional reforms required to safeguard human rights.
"CMAG can help usher in a new era of awareness and respect for the protection of human rights in Pakistan," Amnesty
International stressed.
Amnesty International urges CMAG to visit Pakistan and engage in open and frank discussions with different sections of
Pakistani society. This will enable them to fully assess the human rights situation on the ground, in preparation for
the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting due to take place in South Africa in November.
Note to editors *CMAG was established by the Commonwealth Heads of Government in 1995 to address serious and persistent
violations of Commonwealth principles as outlined in the Harare Declaration of October 1991.
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