ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Human Rights is organising a full-day ‘Human Rights Festival’ on December 10 at Lok Virsa on the occasion of International Human Rights Day while reaffirming its commitment to the protection and promotion of human Rights in the country. Since the adoption of Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations in 1948, this day reminds all nations of the world to adhere to protecting inviolable human rights and preserve human values. The Government of Pakistan is committed to promote national unity and build the country as a great nation according to the vision of Quaid-i-Azam, according to a press release issued by the ministry. The Ministry of Human Rights is steadfastly working with commitment for equality of all human beings and peaceful co-existence as well as non-discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, color, sex, race and religion, the statement read. “The ministry believes that the protection and promotion of human rights is a pre-requisite for a tolerant, just and inclusive society. Pakistan is fully cognizant of its regional and international commitments and implementing human rights related conventions in letter and spirit. The government also acknowledges efforts made by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for protection and promotion of human rights,” it said. The government is undertaking several important initiatives including policy and legal reforms and institutional mechanism in order to ensure protection of human rights, it said, adding that an autonomous National Commission for Human Rights and Toll Free Helpline ‘1099’ have been established for immediate redressal of human rights violations. Published in Daily Times, December 8th 2017.