Sammi Deen Baloch, General Secretary of the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP), addressed the 57th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) via video link, drawing international attention to the ongoing human rights abuses and enforced disappearances in Balochistan.
In her address, Ms. Baloch warned of a deepening humanitarian crisis in the region, which she attributed to “systematic violence” by Pakistani security forces and intelligence agencies.
“For many years, the people of Balochistan have suffered intense and constant human rights violations, including enforced disappearances on a large scale, which have deeply affected our community,” Ms. Baloch stated. “We have reached out to the justice system, but it has failed to deliver justice. We are now seeking assistance from the international community to locate and bring back our forcibly disappeared loved ones.”
Ms. Baloch called on global powers to intervene and pressure Pakistan for the return of the thousands of Baloch individuals who have been forcibly disappeared. “We urge you to take action against human rights violations in Balochistan and help the oppressed receive the justice they deserve,” she said.
Following her address, Ms. Baloch took to social media to reiterate her message. “During the 57th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council, I briefed the Council on the human rights abuses and enforced disappearances in Balochistan,” she posted on X (formerly Twitter).
She also revealed that despite unofficial travel restrictions imposed on her—aimed at preventing her participation in the international forum—she was able to speak with the assistance of Front Line Defenders. “I am grateful to Front Line Defenders for ensuring my voice was heard and enabling me to fulfill the purpose of my advocacy,” Ms. Baloch added.