Country Programs

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Although Pakistan made the transition in 2008 from a military regime to a democratically-elected civilian government, the country is suffering the consequences of political upheaval, resurgent armed groups, corruption, and ongoing human rights challenges. Discrimination on the basis of class hierarchy, religion, and gender is pervasive. Economic discrimination against ethnic minority populations—such as the Baluch, Sindhis, and Pashtuns who represent some 33 percent of the population—persists.   The growing militant threat undermines prospects for the rule of law.  In addition, activists assert that judicial corruption, police abuse, and violence against women and religious minorities, are all widespread. 

The Fund’s program supports the human rights community to raise awareness of human rights principles and challenge impunity by: (1) generating community activism to promote human rights and to challenge militant influences; (2) combating gender-based violence, promoting women’s access to justice and challenging economic discrimination; (3) promoting communities’ rights to land, water and livelihoods; (4) pressing for implementation of existing labor protections and challenging the pervasive practice of bonded labor; and (5) improving respect for the rights of marginalized minority populations (e.g., sexual minorities, religious minorities).

The Fund aims to provide sustainable support for human rights organizations.  To that end, we maintain a long-term focus on specific countries and regions where we believe strategic grant-making can make a difference in advancing human rights protections over time.  The Fund has had a grants program in Pakistan since 2003.