Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 4 May 2023

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

MESSAGE ON THE DAY OF VESAVESAKE DAY OF THE FULL MOON

5 May 2023

I send my warmest wishes to the millions around the world celebrating the Day of Vesak, which marks the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha.

The ideals celebrated on this sacred day have a deep resonance with the goals of our United Nations: understanding among peoples, the pursuit of harmony, the promotion of peace.

At this time of strife, the Buddha’s teachings of tolerance, compassion, and service to humanity are a source of solace and strength.

As we navigate the path to a better future, let us seize the spirit of Vesak.

Let us reach out to bridge differences, rise above narrow self-interest, and work together in solidarity for a more peaceful world for all.

UNDP, UNODC, UNWOMEN

JOINT PRESS RELEASE

Federal Steering Committee of the European Union supported ‘Deliver Justice’ Project holds its second annual meeting

Islamabad, Thursday, 04 May 2023: The Federal Steering Committee (FSC) meeting of the ‘Deliver Justice’ project was held at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Economic Affairs Division (EAD) today for the second consecutive year.

The ‘Deliver Justice’ project supports reforms to ensure delivery of people-centred justice, access to justice for all, particularly women and less privileged groups; and improve service delivery of the security sector in line with the constitutional safeguards and international standards. Implemented in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Merged Districts, the project is funded by the European Union (EU) and is jointly implemented by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The meeting was chaired by the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, EAD, Mr Muhammad Humair Karim, and was attended by senior officials from the EU, the Governments of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, the Federal Government, UNDP, UN Women and UNODC.

The FSC meets every year to discuss the project’s progress and presents its work plans for the year ahead. The meeting chair, Mr Muhammad Humair Karim, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Economic Affairs, EAD, reiterated the Pakistan Government’s commitment and support to the successful implementation of the project. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring accountability and transparency in all aspects of the project. He added, “The ‘Deliver Justice’ project has proven to be a crucial initiative in supporting government efforts to strengthen justice and security sector governance in Pakistan. We look forward to our continued partnership with the EU, UNDP, UNODC and UN Women.”

In the meeting, it was shared that together with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan Rule of Law institutions and partners, in 2022, UNDP, UNODC and UN Women:

• Developed 16 key policy or legislative instruments to strengthen security and justice sector governance in Pakistan
• Sensitized 1,700 people on laws, rights and gender
• Developed capacity of over 2,500 justice and security actors across both provinces (including on gender mainstreaming and responsiveness).
• Created 11 gender-responsive environments for women duty bearers and rights holders.
• Strengthened provincial rule of law coordination mechanisms in KP and Balochistan.

In his welcome remarks, the Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation to Pakistan,  Ovidiu Mic, said, "The EU regards rule of law as a cornerstone for inclusive development, peace and security for the Pakistani people, particularly for its women and girls. Two years into implementation, the Deliver Justice project has now come to an important juncture, calling for an acceleration in the pace of change. The new generation of the Rule of Law Roadmap for 2023-2027 will set the tone for the continuity of essential reforms. We encourage the governments of Balochistan and KP to revise and endorse these roadmaps in a timely manner and allocate enough reosurces for their implementation.”

During the meeting, the FSC emphasized the need for effective oversight and monitoring to ensure time-efficient implementation of the project. The committee also discussed the importance of engaging with civil society organizations, and the media to increase public awareness of the project.

On the occasion, the UNDP Pakistan Resident Representative, Knut Ostby thanked Mr Muhammad Humair Karim for his leadership and chairing the FSC. He extended his gratitude to the Federal and Provincial Government stakeholders for their valuable support and partnership in implementing the project. He reaffirmed that, “As part of our broader efforts to strengthen justice and security sector governance in Khyber

Pakhtunkhwa, under the ‘Deliver Justice’ Project, in addition to the capacity development of relevant staff, UNDP’s Rule of Law Programme is also working towards major legislative reforms which include revision of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Rule of Law Roadmap and drafting of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Prisons and Correctional Services Act. We are thankful to the EU for supporting us in this shared objective to ensure affordable, accessible and speedy justice for all, particularly for women and other marginalized communities in Pakistan.”

UN Women Pakistan Deputy Country Representative, Ms Jacqui Ketunuti in her remarks said "Evidence has shown that enchaning gender parity and diversity in justice sector institutions increases their productivity and efficiency and ensures the delivery of gender responsive services. Through recuitment drive of police department under this project we are encouraging young women to become law enforcement agencies that ultimate facilitate women and girls access to justice."

UNODC Officer-In-Charge, Shinji Roberto Nagasawa, added in his remarks, “This Second Federal Steering Committee meeting marks yet another milestone for this programme. The Rule of Law Programme provides a unique advantage to build on its existing engagements and collaborative networks that allow us a smooth transition to bolster the existing reforms at the provincial and federal level.” He also emphasized on UNODC’s commitment to continue working as a strategic partner to the Government of Balochistan and looks forward to working jointly with UNDP and UN Women to support inclusive, just and citizen-friendly rule of law to deliver a free and fair access to justice for all, including women, vulnerable, and marginalized groups.

For additional information, please reach out:

Ayesha Babar, Communications Analyst, and Head of Communications Unit, UNDP Pakistan | ayesha.babar@undp.org   or +92 (51) 835 5650

Rizwana Rahool, Communications Officer, UNODC | rizwana.asad@un.org  or 030198564255,

Erum Fareed, Communications Officer, UN Women |  erum.fareed@unwomen.org  or 0346 8502146

About UNDP:

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP

About UNODC:

UNODC is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. UNODC operates in all regions of the world through an extensive network of field offices. Learn more at unodc.org or follow at @UNODC

About UN Women:

UN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. A global champion for women and girls, UN Women was established to accelerate progress in meeting their needs worldwide. Learn more at unwomen.org or follow @UNWomen

ILO

PRESS RELEASE

Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to Decent Work through the launch of Decent Work Country Programme for next five years

Islamabad (4 May 2023): The Government of Pakistan, employers’ and workers’ organisations launched the next generation of the Decent Work Country Programme for Pakistan during a historic signing ceremony held at the International Labour Organization’s Country Office in Islamabad.

The Programme, covering the period of 2023-2027, reflects the shared priorities of the ILO's tripartite constituents in Pakistan – the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, employers’ and workers' organizations. The programme aims to promote employment, social protection, respect for international labour standards, and occupational safety and health to make workplaces safe and inclusive.

Pakistan was one of the first countries globally to develop a tripartite Decent Work Country Programme in 2005, demonstrating their commitment to lead by example. The programme is aligned with Pakistan's national priorities set out in the Vision 2025, provincial policies and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Pakistan, supporting the country's realization of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Decent Work Country Programme for Pakistan aims to address critical areas of concern in Pakistan's workforce, including the plight of workers in the informal economy, limited social protection benefits, and the rising number of NEETS – youth who are not in employment, education, or training highlighted the Director of ILO’s Country Office for Pakistan, Mr Geir T. Tonstol.

Mr Zahoor Awan, member of the Governing Body of the ILO, representing the workers of Pakistan, congratulated the ILO for providing support and guidance for finalizing the Decent Work Country Programme. He reiterated that Decent Work is the tool that can address the increasing disparities in the world of work. He noted that the new programme draws lessons from the previous programmes and focuses on upholding and advocating for effective application of International Labour Standards through social dialogue which gives workers an equal voice and agency to represent those who are most vulnerable to shocks.

Representing the employers of Pakistan, Mr Fasihul Karim Siddiqui, Vice-President of the Employers' Federation of Pakistan, called the signing of the Decent Work Country Programme a momentous occasion. He said that the programme considers the challenges faced by the economy and the impacts of recent economic turmoil caused by various unfortunate events on businesses and proposes pragmatic solutions to address business sustainability and competitiveness while making them more compliant.

During the ceremony, UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Pakistan, Mr Julien Harneis, expressed that the Decent Work Country Programme for Pakistan would create a more prosperous, fair, inclusive and equitable society as it is premised on the principle of reaching the furthest behind including women, youth, persons with disabilities, migrant workers among others and ensuring equal access to opportunities and decent work.

Finally, the Chief Guest of the occasion, the Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Mr Zulfiquar Haider, stated that the Programme aligns with the Government of Pakistan's vision of creating an enabling environment for sustainable economic growth and job creation. He assured that in the next five years, his Ministry will take concrete and affirmative measures to ensure that decent employment, skills and social protection are mainstreamed to enable Just Transitions for all.

During the event, informative presentations were given on important aspects of the newly launched Decent Work Country Programme IV for Pakistan. Dr Aliya Khan, an eminent scholar and Decent Work expert emphasized the critical role of Occupational Safety and Health and the significance of creating safe workplaces in Pakistan to guarantee a favourable working environment and promote decent working conditions.