The European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning the abduction, forced conversion, and child marriage of Maria Shahbaz in Pakistan, demanding judicial reform, victim protection, and GSP+ accountability. CAP LC examines this institutional response alongside its Geneva side-event on minority women, UN Committee Against Torture submissions, and the growing linkage between EU trade policy and human rights enforcement.
CAP Liberté de Conscience and Global Human Rights Defence co-hosted a side event at the Geneva Press Club during HRC 62 on forced religious conversions and minority women in Pakistan. MEPs, human rights defenders, and minority representatives examined abduction patterns, child marriage, blasphemy laws, and EU GSP+ leverage. Speakers called for enforcement of existing laws, independent investigations, education reform, and international accountability to protect Hindu, Christian, and Sikh girls from coercion and exploitation.
UN experts document systematic abduction and forced religious conversion of minority women and girls in Pakistan. In 2025, 75% of victims were Hindu, 25% Christian, with 80% of cases in Sindh. Adolescent girls aged 14–18 are primary targets, facing abuse, stigma, and trauma. Baloch women face compounded ethnic and religious persecution. Co-organised by CAP Liberté de Conscience and Global Human Rights Defence, this HRC 62 side-event examines international accountability mechanisms and urgent protection measures.
