Pax Christi International honors those working for human rights in Pakistan with 2016 Peace Award

Pax Christi International is excited to recognize the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace of Pakistan and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan with the 2016 Pax Christi International Peace Award. These two organisations were chosen as representatives of the nonviolent struggle of the human rights community in Pakistan. In a country where arbitrary detention, torture, deaths occurring while in custody, forced disappearances, institutional injustices against religious minorities, and extrajudicial execution are frequently reported, Pax Christi International honors the clear and courageous stand taken by practitioners of justice and peace against persistent patterns of violence and human rights violations. The two organisations will be honoured at a ceremony in Geneva at the World Council of Churches’ Chapel on 17 November 2016.

In her letter to the two organisations announcing this year’s choice, Greet Vanaerschot, Secretary General of Pax Christi International wrote, “Your tenacious work, performed in very difficult circumstances and at great personal risk, offers a sign of hope, courage and healing to those in your country who are facing tremendous suffering, violence and trauma in their daily lives.”

The Human Right Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) plays a lead role in providing a highly informed and objective voice in the struggle for the provision of human rights for all and democratic development in Pakistan. They monitor human rights violations and seek redress through public campaigns, lobbying and intervention in the courts, while also organizing seminars, workshops and fact-finding missions. The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace, formed by the Pakistan Catholic Bishops’ Conference, provides services in the field of human rights with special focus on issues of the religious minorities in Pakistan. Through its 8 offices across the country, CCJP runs peace programs while also campaigning for an unbiased education system in order to counter religious intolerance in society.

Established in 1988, the Pax Christi International Peace Award is funded by the Cardinal Bernardus Alfrink Peace Fund and honours contemporary individuals and organisations who make a stand for peace, justice and nonviolence in different parts of the world.

Brussels, 3 November 2016

Pax Christi International