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Conflict in Balochistan 10
The context of the report
Human Rights violations cannot be justified even in times of emergencies. Governments bear an obligation
to respect basic human rights norms, at all times, and there can be no derogation in respect of certain fundamental
human rights principles. For example, torture or abduction under State patronage as well as arbitrary detentions
are unacceptable under any circumstances. According to customary international law, excessive, disproportionate,
indiscriminate or unauthorized use offeree is illegal and amounts to gross human rights violations. All killings
under such conditions would also be considered extrajudicial or summary executions.
HRCP has consistently spoken out against extrajudicial killings by State agencies and killings with
impunity by non-State players. At the same time, it would like to emphasize that, states bear a greater responsibility
to protect its citizens and to operate within the law. The Geneva Convention on the Protection of Civilian
Persons in Time of War, adopted on 12 August 1949, lays down guidelines on protecting civilians against
death, injury, or torture even in times of war. Humanitarian law extends to non-international armed conflicts and
protects civilian population against the effects of hostilities.
HRCP will continue to focus its attention on the state of human rights in Balochistan. At the same time
it hopes that through this report the complex socio-political environment of Balochistan can also be briefly
presented so that a better understanding of the root-causes of lingering hostilities in the province can lead to
wiser conclusions. The analysis is also important as it will enable HRCP and others to make principled and
meaningful recommendations for upholding the values of human rights, peace and democracy.