Human rights advocate Sammi Din Baloch raises concern at UN over enforced disappearances in Balochistan

“During the 57th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council, I briefed the Council on human rights abuses and enforced disappearances in Balochistan. Despite unannounced travel restrictions imposed on me, which were aimed at preventing me from attending the event and silencing my voice, I am grateful to Front Line Defenders for making my voice heard and enabling me to fulfil my advocacy objective,” Sami Deen wrote in a post on X.

In her video statement, Sammi Din said, “My name is Sammi Din Baloch. I am the daughter of Dr. Din Mohammad Baloch, who has been subjected to enforced disappearances for fifteen years. I am a human rights advocate against enforced disappearances. I am from Balochistan, and we are witnessing serious human rights violations and humanitarian crisis in Balochistan caused by Pakistan's military and security intelligence agencies. For many years, the people of Balochistan have been facing serious and ongoing human rights violations, including large-scale enforced disappearances.”

“This situation has greatly affected our community,” he said. “This has greatly affected our community. We have approached the justice system, but it has failed to deliver justice. We are seeking assistance from the international community to locate and bring back our missing loved ones. We urge you to take action against human rights abuses in Balochistan and help the oppressed community get the justice they deserve.”

The Balochistan Post's previous report, published in August, highlighted the ongoing enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in the region. It reported that nine people were released, while six bodies were recovered. The problem persists, especially in districts like Kech, Quetta and Panjgur, where such incidents are frequent. Kech recorded the highest number of incidents at fourteen, followed by Quetta at seven, and other districts recorded fewer incidents.

The crisis has continued for more than twenty years, affecting students, activists, journalists and politicians. The ongoing turmoil is further aggravated by the severe distress among families, especially women and the elderly, who are extremely distressed about the fate of their missing relatives.