ACC Member Shunila Ruth has been elected to chair a Parliamentary Committee overseeing human rights – and in particular religious freedom in Pakistan.
You can read her blog here
At ACC 16 Shunila Ruth spoke powerfully about the improvement in the handling of religious freedom under Prime Minister Imran Khan. She addressed an official meeting hosted by the Anglican Peace and Justice Network and was one of the few voices speaking of new hope in a world where religious freedoms continue to be denied.
The Leader of the House for the Senate of Pakistan, Senator Syed Shibli Faraz, proposed Shunila Ruth for the role and she was unanimously elected.
In 2012 the ACC passed Resolution 15.28 in solidarity with persecuted Christians in Pakistan and called upon the Government of Pakistan to protect the life and property of religious minorities, repeal the blasphemy laws and stop abductions, forced conversions and forced marriages. Shunila Ruth spoke in favour of this resolution at ACC 16.
Her role on the National Commission on Human Rights enables her to work with others to investigate allegations of human rights abuses, review existing and proposed legislation in relation to human rights principles and to carry out research to assist the government fulfil its legal role for the promotion, protection and fulfilment of human rights.
Shunila Ruth has an opportunity to make a real impact on the lives of all. ACC 15 made clear that respect for Islam was fundamental to peaceful and harmonious living in Pakistan, but that it was time to work with Muslim religious leaders who opposed discriminatory practices. Ruth now has the opportunity to deliver on those hopes for which we prayed.
We continue to pray for Shunila Ruth. She is committed to working with her President and thanks him for the opportunity. She has a huge task and needs the support of all.
The churches play a positive and developmental role in the public life of Pakistan, and Christians contribute in the areas of health care, education (both formal and specialized), awareness of the need for a clean environment, gender justice, peace, and inter-faith relations.