Women harassed in most govt depts, insist rights activists.

SWAT -- Human rights defenders here on Wednesday insisted that women were harassed in most government departments in the province and it was high time to stand united for the protection and promotion of human rights to ensure a prosperous and peaceful Pakistan.

They gathered in a workshop organised by civil society organisation Lasoona in Saidu Sharif area in collaboration with National Commission for Human Rights Pakistan, European Union and Welthungerhilfe.

Civil and rights activists and government officials attended the event.

The speakers included director-general (law and human rights) Aneela Mahfooz Durrani, member of the National Commission for Human Rights Pakistan Tariq Javed, provincial Ombudsperson for Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Rukhshanda Naz and chief protection officer of the KP Child Protection and Welfare Commission Ijaz Mohammad Khan.

They said during the previous 10 years, 2,121 child abuse and harassment cases were reported in the province, while the incidents of women harassment at workplaces totalled 16.

Mr Tariq said the NCHR investigated the alleged human rights abuses, examined the existing and proposed legislation on human rights, monitored and reviewed reports on the state of human rights, and made technical recommendations and follow-up on the implementation of treaty obligations.

He also said the commission took suo motu notice of rights abuses.

Ms Rukhshanda said unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favors or other verbal or written communication or physical conduct of a sexual nature or sexually demeaning attitudes, causing interference with work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, or any attempt to punish complainant for refusal to comply...