I.Preamble and Historical Context of Human Rights
The concept of universal human rights—while recognized globally only in the 20th century—has deep historical roots. Traditions across various civilizations, including the Hindu Vedas, Quran, Bible, and Confucian Analects, laid early foundations for rights and responsibilities. These were later codified in significant documents such as:
- Magna Carta (1215)
- English Bill of Rights (1689)
- French Declaration of Rights (1789)
- U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights (1791)
Despite their influence, these early instruments often excluded women and minorities, which made later developments like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948 truly global and inclusive in scope.
II. Human Rights in Islam – The Prophet Muhammad’s Last Sermon (632 A.D.)
The Last Sermon of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is recognized as an early charter of human rights, predating Western documents by centuries. The sermon covered:
- Equality and Non-Discrimination: All humans are equal, regardless of race or ethnicity.
- Right to Life and Property: Lives and property are sacred.
- Social and Economic Justice: Elimination of interest (riba), tribal revenge, and exploitation.
- Women’s Rights: Emphasizing kindness, fairness, and mutual rights in marriage.
- Labour Rights: Equal treatment of servants/slaves.
- Legal Justice: Individual accountability, rule of law, and prohibition of false ancestry claims.
- Constitutional and State Rights: Following the Qur’an and Sunnah as guidance for governance.
- Children and Inheritance Rights: Preserving lineage, fairness in inheritance.
- Future Generations’ Rights: Ensuring the message reaches those not present.
This sermon offers a universal moral and legal framework that is highly relevant even today, emphasizing the equality, dignity, and responsibility of all individuals.
III. Human Rights Campaign 2020-2024 (Key Activities by Legal Researchers)
Strategic Partnerships
LR collaborated with:
- Islamabad High Court Bar Association
- Youth for Human Rights International
- Law Reform Committees
- Qoumi Zuben
- Islamic University and other academic institutions
They launched “Human Rights Ambassadors 2023–2024” across universities and legal/trade unions, enhancing civic legal education and advocacy.
Key Campaign Events (Dec 1–10, 2023)
Date | Activity | participants | Highligts |
|---|---|---|---|
Dec 1 | Introductory legal session (basic rights & legal remedies) | 9 (5 men, 4 women) | Booklet distribution | Dec 3 | Session with working women | 16 women | Shared real-life experiences | Dec 7 | Public awareness session (G-11 Park) | 83 (23 women 60 Men) | Discussions on constitution & access to justice | Dec 9 | Walking interviews + Art & Craft by children | 77 + children | Community-level engagement | Dec 10 | Peace walk with out-of-school children, balloon campaign, Zoom call with Sikhs in NY | 22 youth, 31 children, 30 online participants | Cross-cultural solidarity, media engagement, and educational activities |
Key Themes Covered
- Freedom of Speech & Expression
- Civil Documentation & Legal Remedies
- Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment
- Interfaith Dialogue and Minority Rights
- Children’s Rights through Art and Interactive Learning
- Strategic Messaging through booklets, balloons, peace walks, and social media
Human Rights Walk and Address by Sheraz Khan at Islamabad High Court
On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, Mr. Sheraz Khan, Executive Director of Legal Researchers, led a Human Rights Walk at the Islamabad High Court. The walk was held to raise awareness about universal human rights and strengthen advocacy for equal access to justice, particularly for marginalized communities.
During his address, Mr. Khan delivered a comprehensive speech covering the 30 Articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). He placed strong emphasis on:
- Freedom of movement
- Freedom of expression
- Freedom of profession and occupation
He also clarified the distinctions and obligations under international human rights law, particularly the roles of:
- State actors in guaranteeing legal protections,
- And non-state actors who also bear responsibility under international humanitarian law in certain contexts.
Mr. Khan highlighted that human rights are not just legal obligations but moral imperatives, and called upon the legal fraternity to uphold these principles in courts, communities, and policy forums. The event was attended by legal professionals, students, civil society members, and representatives of partner organizations, marking a meaningful step toward strengthening human rights dialogue in Pakistan.
IV. Key Takeaways and Impact
- Legacy Building: Bridging classical Islamic teachings with modern human rights standards
- Strategic Legal Literacy: Educating marginalized communities and overseas diaspora
- Youth and Women Inclusion: Core participants in advocacy and rights campaigns
- Cross-Cultural Alliances: Building interfaith understanding and international support
- Grassroots Empowerment: Using simple but effective tools (art, booklets, public gatherings) to disseminate complex legal concepts
Recommendations for Future
- Annual Expansion: Institutionalize this campaign at university and community levels annually
- Documentation Impact Reports: Quantify and publish impact metrics (number of participants empowered, cases filed, etc.)
- Digital Legal Literacy Portal: Develop online platforms for youth to access rights information
- Extend Interfaith & Diaspora Outreach: Foster stronger global coalitions with Afghan, Sikh, and other minority communities