STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Thirteen international human rights organisations have urged the government to urgently pass the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Ordinance and the Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Redress Ordinance in parliament to prevent them from expiring.

In a joint statement issued last night, the organisations, including ARTICLE 19, Human Rights Watch, and CIVICUS, expressed deep concern over a reported government move to let the ordinances lapse and introduce fresh bills in parliament at a later stage.

“Such action would effectively eliminate the revitalised NHRC, with five newly appointed commissioners, which now has strengthened authority and independence to investigate abuses and guard against impunity.

“Rather than allowing the ordinances to lapse, any amendments by the government should be made

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