The Center for the Study of Organized Hate (CSOH) invites you to a virtual panel discussion that sheds light on the ongoing persecution of religious minorities in Pakistan. 

This event will feature experts and activists who will provide insights into the systemic discrimination and violence directed toward religious minorities, particularly Hindu and Christian communities. Our discussion will delve into the historical context that has shaped these issues, the role of digital platforms, the psychological and social impacts of such persecution, and the ongoing struggle for rights and recognition.

We will also examine the controversial blasphemy laws in Pakistan, which disproportionately target religious minorities, leading to wrongful accusations, incarcerations,  social ostracization, and, in some tragic cases, brutal violence. Our panelists will explore not only the legal ramifications but also the societal attitudes that perpetuate these injustices.

This event is open to all who are interested in human rights, religious freedom, social justice and Big Tech accountability. 

Panelists

Rabia Mehmood  

Rabia Mehmood is a researcher, multimedia journalist, and documentary filmmaker specializing in religiously motivated violence, state repression, and reprisals against human rights defenders. She has documented the impact of religious extremism on Pakistan’s minorities through video and writing. As a former South Asia researcher for Amnesty International, she investigated hate crimes against refugees and asylum seekers in Sri Lanka. An expert on the persecution of religious and ethnic minorities, Mehmood has collaborated with Front Line Defenders, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, the International Centre for Journalists, and other organizations.

Jayya Jaggi

Jayaa Jaggi is a human rights activist and young peacebuilder with expertise in advocacy, P/CVE, FoRB, and strategic leadership. She has worked with national and international organizations, including the National Commission for Minorities and UNOY, and serves on the boards of three civil society organizations. As a National Champion of Public Speaking and certified trainer associated with Toastmasters and Global Shapers, she also champions reforms at the Ministry of Planning. Recognized for her community service, she has received multiple accolades, including being named a Young Woman Leader by UNDP. A social entrepreneur, she has spoken at various national and international forums and is an alumnus of Harvard’s Emerging Leaders program.

Cecil Shane Chaudhry

Cecil Shane Chaudhry has been the South Asia Deputy Team Leader for Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) in the United Kingdom for the past three years. CSW is an organization that advocates for the right to Freedom of Religion or Belief for all. Prior to this role, Cecil served as the Executive Director of the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) in Pakistan for over 7 years. Being a Pakistani Christian and having experienced discrimination first-hand, Cecil felt led to raising his voice against the atrocities committed on marginalized and vulnerable communities. A former minority fellow from the Minority Fellowship Program at the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva, he has extensively advocated internationally on the discrimination against religious minorities in Pakistan.

Moderator

Niala Mohammad

Niala Mohammad serves as the Director of Research, Afghanistan and Pakistan at the Center for the Study of Organized Hate (CSOH). Previously, she held the role of Director of Policy and Strategy at the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) and served as a Senior Policy Analyst for South Asia at the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).