Baloch Advocacy Event Sheds Light on Severe Human Rights Abuses in Iran and Pakistan

The Baloch Advocacy and Studies Centre (BASC), in partnership with the SOAS Iranian Society, organized a significant seminar at the Djam Lecture Theatre, SOAS, University of London. This event, held on July 30, marked BASC's inaugural public event, focusing on ongoing serious human rights abuses against the Baloch population in Iran and Pakistan. It also offered insights from BASC's forthcoming Annual Human Rights Reports set to be released in August 2025. Opening remarks were delivered by Katayoun Shahandeh from the SOAS Iranian Society and Qambar Malik Baloch, General Secretary of BASC.

The first session addressed state violence in Balochistan, Iran, underscoring extrajudicial killings and their severe impact on women and children. This session included testimonies from victims' families and a detailed presentation by Fariba Baloch, President of BASC, on the dire human rights situation. Abdullah Aref, Deputy General Secretary of BASC, presented data on 2024 executions, revealing a grim pattern of state violence against Baloch civilians. Keynote speaker, Mai Sato, the UN Special Rapporteur on Iran's human rights situation, discussed extrajudicial killings and vowed to bring these issues to the UN Human Rights Council.

The second session turned the spotlight on Balochistan, Pakistan. Hassan Hamdam, Vice President of BASC, gave a historical overview of human rights issues, while Khurshid Ahmed, BASC's Director of Research, detailed enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings from 2024. Ahmed pointed out that the victims often include students and laborers, with these acts appearing as retaliatory measures by Pakistani state forces. Sabiha Baloch, a prominent Baloch leader, stressed the urgent need for international attention and intervention. The seminar concluded with a display of solidarity for victims and advocacy for justice, emphasizing BASC's commitment to research-based advocacy and human rights in Balochistan.

(With inputs from agencies.)