On the occasion of the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, the Netherlands chapter of the Baloch National Movement (BNM) organized a poignant demonstration in Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands. This gathering aimed to raise awareness of the ongoing plight of the Baloch people, particularly the widespread practice of enforced disappearances carried out by the Pakistani military.
BNM activists passionately delivered speeches, chanting slogans that echoed through the streets of Amsterdam. They held banners, placards, and flags symbolizing the Baloch National Movement and the quest for Balochistan’s independence. The powerful imagery and words conveyed a clear message to the international community, the suffering of the Baloch people must not be ignored.
One of the most impactful aspects of the demonstration was a drama performed by the activists. This emotional portrayal depicted the harrowing experiences of victims of enforced disappearances. The drama highlighted how Baloch activists are abducted by the Pakistani military, often in the dead of night, leaving their families in a state of perpetual agony and uncertainty. The play also illustrated the tireless efforts of these families, who, in their desperation, turn to press clubs and the streets to demand the safe return of their loved ones. The reaction of the Pakistani military, as depicted in the drama, underscored the brutal reality faced by those who dare to raise their voices.
Enforced disappearances have become a tragic norm in Balochistan, a practice that affects nearly every home in the region. The abduction of a single family member sends shockwaves of unending pain and grief through entire families, leaving them in a state of helplessness. The scale of this issue is staggering thousands of Baloch people are currently missing, their whereabouts unknown, and hundreds of mass graves have been discovered across the region.
In light of these grave human rights violations, the BNM used this demonstration to call on the United Nations and Human Rights Watch to take immediate action. The activists urged these international bodies to send a fact finding mission to Balochistan to investigate the enforced disappearances, hold the perpetrators accountable, and impose sanctions on Pakistan for its continuous violation of international human rights laws.
The message from Amsterdam was clear, Baloch rights are human rights and the international community has a moral obligation to intervene. The practice of enforced disappearances must be stopped, and justice must be served for the thousands of Baloch families who continue to suffer in silence.