As part of the Baloch National Movement’s (BNM) week-long campaign addressing the human rights situation in Balochistan in connection with Human Rights Day, BNM activists in the Netherlands engaged the international community through various programs to highlight the issues in Balochistan.
A rally was held in The Hague, accompanied by a protest demonstration in front of the Dutch Parliament, where hundreds of pamphlets were distributed.
The Baloch National Movement (BNM) also submitted a petition to the Dutch Parliament regarding the human rights situation in Balochistan.
Additionally, a letter was addressed to the country’s Minister of Defense, Brekelmans, urging the Dutch government and parliamentarians to adopt a principled stance on the human rights violations in Balochistan, publicly condemn Pakistan’s actions, and support international efforts to hold Pakistan accountable.”
The Dutch government should advocate for the revocation of Pakistan’s GSP Plus trade status or make its continuation conditional on significant improvements in Pakistan’s human rights record, particularly regarding the situation in Balochistan.”
Muheem Abdul Raheem, President of the BNM Netherlands Chapter, stated in the letter that the Baloch nation is gripped by uncertainty and fear due to the Pakistani government’s “kill and dump” policy. Thousands of families of forcibly disappeared individuals remain unaware of the whereabouts and condition of their loved ones. Amid this oppressive environment, the local population is enduring extreme poverty.
He further emphasized that the Netherlands has a proud tradition of championing human rights. “We urge the Dutch government to extend moral and political support to the Baloch nation in its pursuit of justice and dignity.”
During the demonstration in front of the Dutch Parliament, BNM Netherlands Chapter Vice President Waheed Baloch, along with Basit Baloch, Zahra Baloch, Dr. Latif, Wahid Baloch, Abdul Rehman Baloch, Qadeer Sagar Baloch, Kiya Baloch, and Jawahir Baloch, addressed the gathering.
They emphasized that International Human Rights Day serves as a reminder to raise our voices for the freedom, rights, and protection of the Baloch nation’s identity. They highlighted that the Pakistani army has subjected the Baloch nation to decades of oppression in Balochistan, with thousands falling victim to enforced disappearances and countless mutilated bodies being discovered.
