UN

Now a meeting at the United Nations to present the issues to member of the UN Human Rights Commissions. Muslim members of our group are clear that the problem is misuse and not repeal of the law. Other members are clear the law must be removed. Ways of improving the administration of the law include only allowing senior police officers to register blasphemy cases; involving a religious leader from the religion of the accused at the outset; having a panel of senior judges to hear cases. One speaker has challenged whether it is right that the constitution should discriminate in favour of one religion. He argues it is this which has led to the current religious intolerance and extremism. A human rights lawyer has described the law as dividing his country, that the law is bad for both the majority and minorities. Questions included the relevance of intent in blasphemy; has the law itself given rise to an increase in intolerance; can religious leaders work together in Pakistan to improve the law; has the law had any good effect?

Steve. UN Geneva