Amnesty International wrote to Punjab’s Chief Minister on 21 May 2026 warning of escalating persecution against Ahmadis ahead of Eid ul-Adha. IHRC documented the demolition of minarets in Jamalpur under mob pressure. CAP LC and IHRC welcome Amnesty’s intervention, noting that Pakistan’s GSP+ reapplication must account for these documented violations of religious freedom.
The Council of the EU formally adopted the revised GSP regulation on 22 May 2026, expanding human rights conditionality from 27 to 32 conventions. CAP Liberté de Conscience and IHRC welcome this reinforcement, noting that Pakistan’s GSP+ reappraisal offers an opportunity to address documented persecution of the Ahmadiyya community. The organisations urge the Commission to use the review to transform words into acts.
The European Parliament adopted resolution TA-10-2026-0186 on 21 May 2026, condemning the Taliban’s Criminal Procedure Code for Courts as institutionalised gender apartheid. The text demands repeal of the Code, ICC warrant enforcement, and recognition of slavery and child marriage as crimes against humanity. CAP Liberté de Conscience supports this resolution, highlighting the intersection of religious freedom and gender persecution in Afghanistan.
The European Parliament adopted resolution TA-10-2026-0185 on 21 May 2026, condemning mass executions and repression in Iran. The text highlights the disproportionate targeting of religious minorities — Bahá’ís, Christians, Jews, and others — and demands accountability. CAP Liberté de Conscience welcomes this intervention, linking it to its own oral statement at the UN 39th Special Session on Iran.
Coordination des Associations et des Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience (CAP LC) and The International Human Rights Committee (IHRC) welcome the findings and recommendations issued by the United Nations Committee Against Torture (CAT) following its review of Pakistan under the Convention Against Torture.
In 2026, the UN Committee Against Torture issued a damning assessment of Pakistan, highlighting a vast gap between legislation and reality. Despite laws like the 2022 Torture Act, torture is practiced with near impunity. The report cites widespread enforced disappearances, abusive blasphemy accusations leading to solitary confinement, and severely overcrowded prisons. The Committee urges Pakistan to ensure accountability, amend legal definitions, and protect minorities and human rights defenders from state abuse and systemic neglect.
Leading international scholars and human rights defenders have rallied in support of Dr Valeriy Engel, President of the European Centre for Democracy Development, following his blacklisting by Latvian authorities. The open letter, addressed to judicial and international bodies, defends academic freedom and freedom of expression. Signatories include eminent professors, UN consultants, and directors of major research institutions from across the globe.
The UN Human Rights Council adopted three consensus resolutions at its 61st session on freedom of religion or belief (A/HRC/61/L.33), minority rights (A/HRC/61/L.20/Rev.1), and combating religious intolerance (A/HRC/61/L.9). All three texts extend monitoring mechanisms, detail state obligations to protect religious minorities, prevent statelessness, counter hate speech, and safeguard places of worship. Sponsored by broad cross-regional coalitions, these instruments reinforce existing standards and provide civil society with a sustained framework for accountability and advocacy.
