The Knowledge Production function at the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) is a dynamic engine that plays a pivotal role in addressing human rights violations and shaping informed policy recommendations for the government and other stakeholders.
Here’s a closer look at how this function operates:
Investigating Human Rights Violations
NCHR’s dedicated team of researchers conducts meticulous investigations into instances of human rights violations. Through a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, they gather evidence, interview witnesses, and analyse data to uncover the truth behind alleged violations. These investigations are critical in not only substantiating claims but also providing a comprehensive understanding of the nature and scope of the violations.
Report Launches
NCHR’s report launches are pivotal events where the institute engages with a broader audience. These events serve as platforms to disseminate research findings, raise awareness about human rights issues, and advocate for change. Report launches bring together government officials, civil society representatives, international organizations, and the public to discuss the findings and policy recommendations. These gatherings are instrumental in fostering dialogue, garnering support for human rights initiatives, and holding stakeholders accountable for addressing violations.
Informing Policy Recommendations
NCHR’s Knowledge Production function goes beyond merely identifying violations; it also actively contributes to the formulation of policy recommendations. By analysing research findings, trends, and patterns, the function helps the Commission develop evidence-based and contextually relevant policy documents. These recommendations cover a wide spectrum of human rights issues, aiming to address root causes, improve legal frameworks, and enhance protection mechanisms.
In essence, NCHR’s Knowledge Production function acts as a bridge between investigating human rights violations, crafting informed policy recommendations, and effectively communicating these findings to a wide audience through report launches. Through this integrated approach, NCHR strives to create a more just and rights-respecting society where human rights are upheld and protected for all.
NCHR strategically employs various forms of media and filmmaking as powerful tools for its knowledge production and dissemination goals. Recognizing the profound impact of visual storytelling, documentaries, and multimedia resources, the Commission collaborates with filmmakers, media outlets, government and civil society organizations to amplify its message and reach diverse audiences. This multifaceted approach ensures that NCHR’s knowledge production efforts are inclusive, engaging, and impactful. Some examples include;
Aagahi Series
‘Aagahi’ is a series of videos designed to raise awareness about pressing on critical topics like acid crimes, honour killings, rape, domestic violence, sexual harassment, knowledge of nikahnamas (the marriage contract), and the process of filing an FIR with the police.
Film Links: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0jT5nQn5YdMdjT3qH0bfJtHksto9SSqP
Women’s Right to Inheritance
A documentary series comprising of 4 short films, that goes behind the scenes to show the reality of what it is like for women fighting for their inheritance rights in Pakistan.
Film Link (1): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brxUUc0czmw
Film Link (2): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZbJsYd47Fw
Film Link (3): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFhk5sccslM
Film Link (4): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NO914_IQyvA
‘Fairy’ (Series of 3 short films on child domestic labor)
Short but powerful web-series on child domestic labor, produced in collaboration with Group Development Pakistan, Ministry of Law & Justice, and the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights
Film Link (1): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bX-QlZJB-Kg
Film Link (2): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yitd9MSOV9s
Film Link (3): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33kIHUE_Kec
Systemic Discrimination of Sanitation Workers
Film ‘Hellhole’ was produced on the death of a sanitation worker and depicts the dark, gruesome reality that sanitary workers are subjected to day in and day out.. It was licensed and screened at an NCHR report launch event and distributed on social media.
Film ‘Minority Rights: Discrimination against sanitation workers’ was based on the deaths of two sanitation workers, Nadeem and Faisal Masih. It showcases the danger and discrimination prevalent in this line of work, the high number of casualties and the impact on the families of the deceased.
Film Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtWVrTDlQwI
Film Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juXIIGRC6gc
Bonded Labor
Film produced and disseminated on the topic of bonded labor, which is a widespread socio-economic phenomenon in Pakistan, affecting over three million people. For its report and documentary, NCHR met with a family of freed bonded laborers and interviewed them. The family had been trapped in a cycle of bonded labor for 30 years. NCHR also interviewed another man who inherited his father’s debt equivalent to 450 USD, and spent 32 years trying to pay it off.
Film Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PF_qqrOEB1I