Urgent concerns over minority rights violations in Bangladesh and Pakistan dominated discussions at a high-profile side event titled “Voices from the Margins” during the 60th Session of the UN Human Rights Council.
The event, organised by Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD), shed light on systemic discrimination and violence across South Asia, with speakers warning of dire consequences if international action is not taken.
Addressing the situation in Bangladesh, Rahman Khalilur Mamun, Executive President of the International Forum for Secular Bangladesh, painted a grim picture for Hindus, Christians, Buddhists and indigenous communities.
He highlighted widespread communal violence and the culture of impunity enjoyed by perpetrators. Mamun urged the global community to step up support for secularism and democracy in Bangladesh, warning that without stronger international attention, minority communities remain “dangerously vulnerable.”
Representing Pakistan’s Ahmadiyya Muslim community, Mehmmod ur Rehman Anwar described how Ahmadis face criminal prosecution simply for practicing their faith. He condemned the country’s blasphemy laws and institutionalized persecution, stressing: “For Ahmadis, even basic religious expression can result in criminal charges.”
He called for urgent reform and decisive action by the international community.
Ravi Kumar, speaking for the Tamil community, drew attention to both historic and ongoing discrimination against Tamils.
Citing the UN High Commissioner’s recent visit and the OHCHR Sri Lanka Accountability Project, he stressed that despite international focus, meaningful accountability for past atrocities has yet to be achieved.
Expanding the scope beyond South Asia, Charlotte Zehrer of GHRD highlighted restrictions on cultural and religious freedoms in Tibet. She pointed to systemic exclusion of Tibetan communities and called on the Human Rights Council to prioritise these concerns.
Zehrer, who also serves as GHRD’s Human Rights Officer, concluded with a broader message: “Protecting minority rights is not an act of charity. It is a question of justice, equality, and dignity.”
The event ended with a collective call to strengthen UN mechanisms, amplify grassroots voices, and hold states accountable for failing to protect their most vulnerable populations.