Dr Luhana was a panellist in a briefing organised by UNPO (Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation) on 15 Sep titled ‘Human Rights in Pakistan ’. Dr Bhutto spoke at a briefing on 19 Sep organised by ECOSOC accredited NGOs, RADDHO and OCAPROCE International. Dr Bhutto also had an opportunity for intervention on Item 5 ‘The Role of Languages and Culture in the Protection of Wellbeing and Identity of indigenous Peoples’.
In the briefings the WSC delegates informed the international community about the worsening situation of human rights in Sindh including target killings of innocent Sindhis in Karachi by fascists supported by Pakistan establishment, killings of Sindhi political activists this year – Sirai Qurban Khuhawar, Roplo Choliani, Zulfiqar Kolachi, Yonus Tunio, Yonus Khaskheley and Haji Khan Noonari. Disappearance of more than 39 Sindhi political activists including Sindhi nationalist leader Muzaffar Bhutto and illegal arrest of nationalist leader Bashir Qureshi, Chairman Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz.
The del egates presented in detail the criminal apathy of Pakistan i establishment and Sind h government in the aftermath of the worst ever floods resulting from the torrential monsoon rains. The floods resulted in inundation of 22 out of 23 districts of Sind h. More than eight million people have been displaced, millions of acres of crops are under water and more than 2 million houses have collapsed. By 15 Sep 750 people mainly children and old died either from drowning or illnesses. Millions of people are surrounded by water without food, medicine, dry clothes and shelter. The rulers are shamelessly having the photo opportunities while people are dying in scores on daily basis. The number of dying is rising by day. Even now the international aid and donor agencies are clearly expressing the views that the Pakistan government is systematically failing the people of Sindh. WSC del egates requested the international community to come forward to help Sindhi people in this worst hour of their history.
Dr Bhutto in his intervention on item 5 mentioned the systematic impediments that the Pakistan i establishment has placed for the development of Sindhi language and culture and requested the international community to press upon Pakistan government to stop policies to discriminate Sindhi language and culture.
The other delegates at the events extended their support to Sindhi peoples struggle for their human rights.
The WSC delegation also met with numerous ECOSOC NGOs, human rights defenders from South Asia region and from other oppressed nations. In these meetings, the delegation had detailed discussions about the worsening situation of human rights of Sindhi people.