The UN human rights chief warned that lifelong immunity would erode accountability and weaken the rule of law
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk attends a press conference in Geneva, Switzerland. PHOTO: REUTERS
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has warned that Pakistan’s hasty constitutional changes “seriously undermine the independence of the judiciary and raise serious concerns about accountability and respect for the rule of law”.
The UN human rights chief warned that lifelong immunity would erode accountability and weaken the rule of law, he said in a statement issued on Friday and reported by the BBC Urdu website.
He said the latest amendment, mirroring last year’s 26th amendment, was passed without extensive consultation or debate with the legal fraternity and civil society.
Türk argued that such changes are contrary to the principles that form the basis of the rule of law and guarantee the protection of human rights in Pakistan.
Under the amendments approved on November 13, a new Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) has been given exclusive jurisdiction over constitutional matters, powers previously held by the Supreme Court.
Türk warned that the changes run counter to the separation of powers that underpins the rule of law and ensures the protection of human rights in Pakistan.
The systems of appointment, promotion and transfer of judges have been changed in a way that raises serious concerns about undermining the structural independence of Pakistan’s judiciary. The first Chief Justice of the FCC and the first set of FCC judges have already been appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
“These changes together risk subjecting the judiciary to political interference and executive control,” Türk said.
“Neither the executive nor the legislature should be able to control or direct the judiciary and the judiciary should be protected from any form of political influence in its decision-making.
“A core goal of judicial independence is the isolation of a court from government political interference. If judges are not independent, experience shows that they struggle to apply the law equally and to uphold the human rights of all in the face of political pressure.”
“Sweeping immunity provisions like these undermine accountability, which is a cornerstone of the human rights framework and democratic control of the armed forces under the rule of law,” Türk said.
“I am concerned that these amendments risk far-reaching consequences for the principles of democracy and the rule of law that the Pakistani people hold dear,” Türk added.
