Baloch Women Forum Highlights Human Rights Violations in Geneva

At the UN Human Rights Council, Shalee Baloch from the Baloch Women Forum spotlighted alarming human rights abuses in Balochistan, including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings by Pakistani forces. She called for global accountability and an independent investigation into these violations. The situation remains dire, with reports of escalating violence and systematic targeting of civilians. The Baloch Voice for Justice condemned recent killings, emphasizing the need for immediate action from the international community to address these grave injustices.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 1, 2026, 12:10 IST

Human Rights Abuses in Balochistan

Geneva, April 1: During the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Shalee Baloch, a prominent figure from the Baloch Women Forum (BWF), raised alarms regarding the ongoing human rights violations in Balochistan. She specifically pointed out issues such as enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings perpetrated by Pakistani authorities.

Baloch expressed deep concern, stating that the Pakistani government is systematically targeting Baloch civilians, labeling them as 'terrorists.'

In her virtual address, she remarked, "Balochistan, under Pakistani governance, is experiencing severe human rights violations, particularly against women and children. The situation has worsened, with law enforcement agencies, including military and paramilitary forces, involved in these abuses."

She highlighted that in 2025 alone, there were approximately 1,355 reported cases of enforced disappearances, which included 18 women, alongside 225 murders that remain unaccounted for.

"Pakistan is persistently engaged in the targeting and killing of civilians, branding them as terrorists. The narratives from local witnesses starkly contrast with the government's claims," she emphasized.

Shalee urged the international community to hold Pakistan accountable for its human rights violations in Balochistan and called for an unbiased investigation into the enforced disappearances and civilian killings.

As violence escalates in Balochistan, a prominent human rights organization recently reported another instance of extrajudicial killing by Pakistani forces.

The Baloch Voice for Justice (BVJ) condemned the killing of Israr Baloch, whose bullet-riddled body was found in the Turbat area of Kech district on March 28, following nearly four months of enforced disappearance.

The rights organization noted that Israr's family had no information regarding his detention, and his body was discovered after being killed in custody.

The BVJ asserted that the international community must take action, stating, "This is not an isolated case but part of a systematic trend of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings targeting Baloch civilians with total state impunity. We demand an immediate independent investigation, accountability for those responsible, and an end to the unlawful detention and murder of Baloch individuals."

Balochistan continues to suffer from relentless violence inflicted by Pakistani forces, characterized by a significant rise in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings of Baloch civilians.