Never Forget, London, branch of a Pakistani non-governmental organisation, hosted an important event at SOAS, Vernon Square, London on 23-02-2016 to screen the recently-prepared documentary of Minority Rights Group International. The purpose of organising the event was to showcase religious hatred, bigotry and intolerance which was initially aimed at minorities but this menace has not tilted towards mainstream Pakistani society. The documentary started with interviews of the heirs of Hazara victims becoming targets in various targeted attacks in Quetta, then, it slowly moves to inter-marriages of Shias and Sunnis and the extent of problems they face being family units of different sects. The documentary also captured glimpses of Sufism and ending with constructive notes from interviewees of all faiths about the future of the country.
Screenshot of the Documentary (Photo Courtesy: Never Forget, London)
Ali Raza of Never Forget, London hosted the event who briefly introduced the salient points.
Ali Raza Hosting the Event
Liaquat Ali Hazara was requested to give introduction about the Pakistani Hazaras. After thanking the host and the other organisers of the show, he highlighted about the Hazaras’ history and how they are living in modern-day Pakistan. His introductory session consisted of three sections, ie., (i) the migration of Hazaras to then sub-continent, (ii) current challenges and (iii) Expectations of Hazaras from HR Organisations and International Community.
LAH
Later, Carl Soderbergh, Director of Policy and Communications at the Minority Rights Group International and Emma Eastwood, Senior Media Officer of the same organisation were invited to share their views. Carl Soderbergh mentioned about the brief history of MRG and HR activities across the globe while Emma Eastwood talked about their firm resolve in protecting rights of minorities and liaising with respective governments in respect of human rights violations.
Carl Soderbergh (Director Policy and Communication, MRG)
Emma Eastwood (Senior Media Officer, MRG)
The last part of the show consisted of interactive debate and feedback on the rights of minorities.
Rights Activists at SOAS
Geo and Jang Newspaper covered the event. For viewing the documentary and video coverage of the event, please visit our facebook page.
Jang Coverage of the Event
Hazara United Movement (HUM), United Kingdom 