Human Rights Ministry, EU launch Young Expert Programme

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Human Rights has launched the ‘Young Experts Programme’ across federal and provincial human rights departments in the country.

The programme is being inaugurated through an online orientation session organised for the first batch of young professionals. It aims to provide an opportunity to gain human rights specific knowledge, skills and expertise, whilst working with state institutions and independent commissions in Pakistan.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari said the ministry is working towards promoting a culture that recognises the importance of educating and training the youth of Pakistan as future leaders of the country.

“Pakistan has one of the largest youth demographics in the world, it is crucial we recognise that therein lies our most valuable asset. It is important to create opportunities for the youth to gain the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to make an impact and bring about true change.”

“While the immediate benefits of the Young Experts Programme will be evident in terms of increased capacity of human rights institutions and independent commissions, the long-term impact of investing in our youth is beyond measure.”

Federal Secretary Rabiya Javeri Agha said the programme is a prestigious, innovative and progressive initiative that is the first of its kind in Pakistan.

The Young Experts Programme recruits inspired, talented and dynamic young graduates in the field of human rights through a rigorous and highly competitive selection process. The first cohort will comprise of 40 Young Experts who will be engaged for a period of twelve months.

These Young Experts will learn about Pakistan’s legal system, domestic and international human rights obligations, and the processes and procedures of different state institutions. The programme will also enable them to develop and strengthen their skills related to research, data analysis, policy and legislation, whilst bridging the capacity gaps of current institutions.

The programme is being launched under the ‘Huqooq-e-Pakistan’ (European Union Promotion of Human Rights in Pakistan) project for the capacity development and institutional reform of human rights related state institutions in Pakistan.

In her introductory remarks during the orientation, EU Charge d’Affaires Anne Marchal said the “partnership is all-encompassing, covering a wide range of political, security, trade and cooperation issues, as well as energy and climate change.”