The Baloch National Movement (BNM) organized its 5th Balochistan International Conference in Geneva Switzerland, marking a significant moment in the global advocacy for Balochistan’s independence. This conference saw the participation of hundreds of BNM activists and prominent human rights defenders, all united in raising awareness about the ongoing human rights violations and the Baloch people’s struggle for liberation.
The conference was hosted by Shali Dad, the Joint General Secretary of BNM Germany chapter, and Iman Baloch, setting the stage for a series of powerful speeches by notable figures from around the world. Among the distinguished speakers were Dr. Naseem Baloch, Chairman of the Baloch National Movement, John McDonnell MP, a member of the British House of Commons, Peter Tatchell, a well known human rights defender and founder of the Tatchell Foundation, Dr. Jennifer Philippa, an academic researcher and humanitarian action specialist and Rahima Mahmut, an Uyghur rights defender and executive director of Stop Uyghur Genocide.
Global Support for Balochistan’s Cause
Each speaker offered unique insights into the dire situation in Balochistan, shedding light on the systematic oppression, enforced disappearances and human rights violations perpetrated by the Pakistani state. Dr. Naseem Baloch, in his keynote address made it clear that BNM’s mission is straightforward,to liberation of Balochistan. He emphasized that the struggle for Balochistan’s independence is not just a political campaign but a humanitarian effort to free an oppressed people from decades of occupation and state sponsored violence. Our struggle will continue until Balochistan is free, he asserted, echoing the sentiments of thousands of Baloch people who have endured years of suffering.
The conference also brought attention to the plight of other oppressed peoples around the world, as Rahima Mahmut drew parallels between the Uyghur genocide and the situation in Balochistan. The shared experiences of systemic persecution, forced disappearances and cultural erasure underscored the importance of global unity in the fight against oppression.
Demonstrations in Geneva, Amplifying the Voices of the Oppressed
On the second day of the conference BNM activists organized a demonstration in front of the iconic Broken Chair monument in Geneva, a symbol of opposition to violence and injustice. The protest was led by Hakeem Wadhella, a senior member of BNM and writer, alongside Jamal Baloch, coordinator of Paank Media. Protesters chanted slogans such as Freedom for Balochistan, Baloch rights are human rights, Sanction Pakistan andStop funding Pakistan.
The demonstration attracted hundreds of passersby, many of whom stopped to engage with the activists and learn more about the ongoing atrocities in Balochistan. The protesters highlighted the Pakistani state’s kill and dump policy, which involves the extrajudicial killings of Baloch activists, often followed by the dumping of their mutilated bodies. Enforced disappearances remain a key issue, with thousands of Baloch people abducted by state security forces, their fates unknown to their families. This has not only devastated individual lives but has also created an atmosphere of fear and despair throughout the region.
The slogans and speeches during the demonstration sought to bring attention to the continuous exploitation of Balochistan’s natural resources, including its minerals and coastline, which are being looted by Pakistan and China through projects like the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The exploitation of these resources has brought fueling further militarization and repression.
Photo Exhibition, A Glimpse into the Heart of Balochistan
The third day of the conference featured a poignant photo exhibition organized by BNM to showcase both the beauty of Balochistan and the tragedy of its people. The exhibition displayed photographs of victims of enforced disappearances, scenes from rallies held in Balochistan, images of extrajudicial killings, and depictions of the natural landscape of Balochistan is a land rich in history, culture, and resources.
Hundreds of visitors attended the exhibition, many of them moved by the stark contrast between the natural beauty of Balochistan and the brutality inflicted upon its people. Visitors captured photos and expressed their solidarity with the Baloch cause. The exhibition provided a visceral representation of the ongoing suffering, making it clear that Balochistan’s struggle is not merely a political issue but a human tragedy that demands global attention and action.
A Call for International Action
The 5th Balochistan International Conference was more than just an event. It was a call to action. The BNM made it clear that they seek international recognition for the Baloch genocide and for the ongoing war crimes committed by Pakistan in Balochistan. The speakers and activists called upon the United Nations, international human rights organizations and foreign governments to impose sanctions on Pakistan for its violations of international law and to stop funding and aiding a regime that continues to oppress and exploit the Baloch people.
The conference’s goal was to expose the atrocities being committed in Balochistan and to build a global network of support for the Baloch liberation movement. As Dr. Naseem Baloch reiterated, ”
Freedom is the basic right of human beings, and we the Baloch are human, and we want to be free from Pakistan.” This sentiment was echoed by every speaker and activist, reinforcing the idea that the Baloch struggle is fundamentally about human dignity, freedom, and justice.
The Path Forward
The Baloch National Movement’s international campaign, including this conference, is aimed at bringing the world’s attention to the Baloch people’s struggle for independence and justice. By organizing events like the photo exhibition and the demonstration in front of the Broken Chair, BNM is not only raising awareness but also building solidarity across borders.
The Baloch people have long suffered in silence, but through these international efforts, their voices are being heard. The conference has succeeded in educating the international community about the crimes being committed in Balochistan, and it has created a platform for further advocacy and action. The BNM’s message to the world is clear, support the Baloch people in their fight for freedom and help bring an end to the human rights abuses that have plagued their region for decades.
The struggle for Balochistan’s liberation is far from over, but with growing international support and continued advocacy, the dream of a free Balochistan may one day become a reality. Until then, BNM and its supporters will continue to fight for justice, freedom, and peace for the people of Balochistan.
