June 8, 2009
UN Human Rights Council, Geneva, Switzerland

At the 11th session of the Human Rights Council, UNPO in partnership with Interfaith International and Baloch representative Mr Noordin Mengal organized a meeting concerning the deteriorating human rights situation in the Balochistan region that straddles Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan.  The session allowed Baloch activists and politicians to provide insight to Permanent Missions, international organizations and NGO representatives, about exploitation of natural resources, regional security, human rights violations and the need for greater autonomy in the region. Speakers at the event included Mr. Noordin Mengal, UNPO Balochistan Member representative, Mr Munir Mengal, a media personality who was forcibly disappeared by the Pakistan state for 16 months in 2006, Mr Nasser Boladai, UNPO Member representative for West Balochistan, Ms. Suriya Makhdoom a representative from Sindh region adjacent to Balochistan and Ms. Maggie Murphy, UNPO Program Coordinator. A statement from the Khan of Khalat was also read.

Click the image below to read the Conference Report: