In the heart of Bangladesh, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community continues to face systematic persecution, challenging fundamental principles of religious freedom and human rights. The recent tragic death of 16-year-old Shahriar Rakeen epitomizes the ongoing violence and discrimination faced by this religious minority.
The 142nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Committee, held on October 17-18, 2024 at the Palais Wilson in Geneva, provided an opportunity for an in-depth dialogue between the Committee experts and the official delegation of Pakistan. At the heart of the discussions was the question of freedom of religion and discrimination against religious minorities, particularly the Ahmadiyya community, which raised serious concerns among the Committee members.
HRWF (09.10.2024) – The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Pakistan is enduring an alarming rise in violence and systemic persecution in 2024, with a disturbing trend of targeted murders, desecration of mosques and graves, and the continued denial of basic civil rights.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has long faced systemic persecution and violence, particularly in Pakistan. Despite Pakistan being a signatory to international human rights instruments, the state has codified religious discrimination against Ahmadis into its constitution and legal frameworks, most notably through the Second Amendment of 1974, which declared Ahmadis as non-Muslims, and Ordinance XX of 1984, which criminalised their religious practices. As a result, Ahmadis in Pakistan live under constant threat of violence, imprisonment, and societal exclusion. The United Nations (UN), through its eligibility guidelines and various human rights bodies, has repeatedly affirmed that Ahmadis fleeing persecution in Pakistan qualify as refugees under international law.
We are deeply concerned about Germany’s refusal to grant asylum to Ahmadiyya Muslims and their forced return to Pakistan, where they face persecution and denial of rights. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Pakistan is enduring an alarming rise in violence and systemic persecution, with a disturbing trend of targeted murders, desecration of mosques and graves, and the continued denial of basic civil rights. By sending back the Ahmadis to Pakistan, Germany contravene its obligation under:
