A Baloch National Movement (BNM) delegation led by its chairman, Dr Naseem Baloch, met Grażyna Baranowska, a member of the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, in Geneva and presented documents concerning enforced disappearances in Balochistan, the organisation said.
According to a BNM statement, the delegation handed over a six-month human rights report and a dossier on enforced disappearances compiled by Paank, the party’s human rights department. It also briefed UN officials on the impact of disappearances on families in Balochistan, which the BNM described as the result of a Pakistani state policy.
A BNM spokesperson said the delegation had presented evidence to support its account, adding that the party’s international efforts had brought greater scrutiny to the issue and compelled Pakistan to answer questions about enforced disappearances before international institutions.
“We expect United Nations bodies not to rely on Pakistan’s false and baseless claims, but to take practical and effective measures to hold it accountable so that the human rights situation in Balochistan may improve,” the spokesperson said.
The meeting took place ahead of a three-day BNM campaign in Geneva. The party said its 12th International Balochistan Conference would begin at the Geneva Press Club on September 24, alongside a photographic exhibition, demonstrations, a rally and meetings with international organisations.
The BNM also said it planned to run messages on a digital truck in New York City and hold a protest outside UN headquarters during the UN General Assembly session.