On behalf of the Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) and the Franciscan Youth (YouFra) of Malta and Gozo, I am writing to express our strong opposition to the human rights violations that are currently being experienced in Pakistan because of the existence, application and abuse of the so-called blasphemy laws within that country.

The Secular Franciscan Order is a Catholic organisation of over 400,000 members present in 110 nations across the world, and which also includes Franciscan Youth present in 49 nations with more than 50,000 members. The Secular Franciscan Order in Malta and Gozo consists of about 400 members, as well as 65 members of the Franciscan Youth.

The Secular Franciscan Order and the Franciscan Youth strongly oppose the situation which is currently being faced by religious minorities in Pakistan. Since our Order is present in Pakistan, we are deeply concerned about the beatings and killings of individuals as well as the destruction of homes and entire villages.

Together with the International Presidency of the Secular Franciscan Order, we have sent an urgent appeal to the government of Pakistan to take immediate action to prevent further violence and discrimination resulting from the blasphemy laws and to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the attacks that have taken place. We, the Secular Franciscan Order in Malta and Gozo, fully support this appeal, as well as the joint statement submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Council by Franciscan International, Pax Christi International, Pax Romana, and Dominicans for Justice and Peace.

We have asked the diplomatic mission for the government of Pakistan in Tripoli to urge their government to take stronger steps to redress the human rights violations being experienced by religious minorities in Pakistan.

Godwin Vella Clark

Secular Franciscan Order

National Council

Malta