31 eminent citizens express outrage over cancellation of key ordinances

Thirty-one eminent citizens of the country have expressed deep outrage and protest over the failure of parliament to pass several key ordinances, including the National Human Rights Commission ordinance.

In a statement on Sunday, April 12, they said the revocation of ordinances related to fundamental reforms, human rights protection and judicial independence is contrary to public expectations.

The statement noted that while 98 of the 133 ordinances issued by the interim government were recommended for passage, crucial ordinances concerning the Human Rights Commission, Supreme Court Secretariat and judicial appointments were revoked. They particularly described the passage of bills revoking these ordinances in parliament on April 9 as a disregard for public aspirations.

According to them, the implementation of these ordinances would have strengthened human rights protection, ensured judicial independence and enhanced government accountability. However, their failure has raised concerns that the relevant institutions may once again become ineffective.

The statement also described the delay in passing the Right to Information (Amendment) and Enforced Disappearance Prevention ordinances as disappointing. The citizens demanded swift enactment of these ordinances into law and warned that otherwise, the public may again raise their voice in protest.

The statement further said these ordinances were crucial for ensuring the effectiveness and transparency of constitutional institutions. The public has long expected the establishment of a strong human rights framework and an independent judiciary, which could have been further consolidated through these ordinances. The process of systemic reform has been obstructed by their revocation or failure to pass.

The citizens called for urgent reconsideration of these ordinances and their implementation as laws in line with public expectations. They warned that lack of progress on this matter could lead civil society to launch more organised movements, which could negatively impact the country's democratic environment.

The signatory eminent citizens expressed hope that the relevant authorities would consider the matter seriously and take prompt effective steps to strengthen the country's human rights situation and judicial transparency.