HRCP supports Aurat March.

LAHORE -- The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expresses its unequivocal support for Aurat March, and condemns any attempt to subvert, malign or threaten the march, its organisers and supporters.

HRCP sees Aurat March as an integral part of the collective struggle for human rights in Pakistan and beyond. The depth and breadth of the movement's manifesto is a measure of its inclusivity. Among its legitimate demands, Aurat March has called for an end to violence against vulnerable groups, including women, children and transgender persons.

It has spoken out against enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and warmongering. It has upheld the right to a living wage, the right to freedom of expression and assembly, and the right to a sustainable environment.

These rights are enshrined in the country's constitution and its international human rights obligations. Above all, they are integral to any sense of humanity, empathy and compassion.

The ethos of Aurat March reflects the very values that HRCP has consistently upheld: inclusivity, peace, democracy and the inviolable dignity of all persons regardless of gender, class, ethnicity, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation or identity.

Thousands of young women, transgender persons and men will mobilise on International Women's Day to exercise their right to peaceful assembly and challenge the inherently discriminatory status quo. This is a matter of pride - not cause for censure - and warrants the full support of the state and citizens alike.

Left front: The Lahore Left Front declared its full support and solidarity with the Aurat March being held on Women's Day on March 8 and said that all workers, students, and women's organizations would take part in this rally.

They said that Women's Day was being marked since 1909 and since 111 years the women's rights are being demanded.

Speakers at a conference said the march was Pakistani women's constitutional and democratic right and nothing should stop it from happening. It was important to allow this march in peaceful circumstances.

Speaking at the conference, Lahore Left Front Convener Farooq Tariq said that stopping this march was unconstitutional and the women had a right to take out such a rally. 'We fully condemn the way language is being used against women in general, and the kind of propaganda that is being created against their march,' he said. 'We invite everyone to come to the march at 11am outside Lahore Press Club...