Ansar Burney, born on August 14, 1956, in Karachi, Pakistan, is a renowned human and civil rights activist with an impactful career spanning several decades. Graduating with a Master’s in Law from Karachi University, Burney has left an indelible mark on the landscape of human rights in Pakistan since the 1980s.
Early Life and Activism
During the 1970s, Burney emerged as a prominent student leader associated with the People’s Student Federation. His vocal advocacy for justice, human dignity, and civil rights led to conflicts with the military government. At the age of 20, in 1977, Burney was arrested for delivering pro-democracy speeches against martial law, setting the stage for his tumultuous journey in human rights activism. His experiences during imprisonment ignited his commitment to addressing the deplorable conditions and unjust detentions he witnessed.
Following his release in 1980, Burney founded the Prisoners Aid Society, Commission Against Terrorism, and the Bureau of Missing and Kidnapped Children in Karachi. These organizations laid the groundwork for the later establishment of Ansar Burney Trust International, a non-governmental, non-political, and non-profit organization dedicated to human and civil rights.
The Ansar Burney Trust International
Initially focused on the release of unlawfully detained prisoners and welfare reforms, the Ansar Burney Trust expanded its scope to cover various human and civil rights issues, including combating human trafficking globally. The Trust operates as a network of human rights organizations and volunteers, aiming to deliver justice, advocate for better treatment of individuals, and safeguard civil liberties.
Over the years, the Trust has been instrumental in bringing about reforms in prisons, police stations, and mental institutions. By conducting surprise inspections and ensuring representation in these institutions, the organization monitors and advocates against abuse. Burney’s team has successfully lobbied for improved living conditions, separate facilities for men and women, education and training for prisoners, and the cessation of inhumane practices like shackling mental patients and children.
Federal Minister for Human Rights
In November 2007, Ansar Burney assumed the role of Pakistan’s caretaker federal minister for the newly established Human Rights ministry. His tenure focused on establishing the ministry, creating a national human rights commission, and overseeing general elections. Burney’s impactful prison visits during this period resulted in the release of numerous innocent individuals, including children, and advocated for broader reforms in orphanages and shelter homes.
UN Human Rights Council Advisor and Humanitarian Activities
Elected as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council Advisory Committee in 2008, Burney’s expertise and impartiality earned widespread support. His humanitarian activities extend to various causes, including prison reforms, prisoner rights, anti-death penalty advocacy, and combating human trafficking.
Prominent Cases
Ansar Burney’s involvement in prominent cases showcases his commitment to justice. From securing the release of individuals wrongfully detained for decades to advocating against death penalties, Burney’s efforts have made a substantial impact.
Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Slavery
Internationally recognized for his anti-human trafficking efforts, Burney played a pivotal role in ending child slavery, particularly child camel jockeys in the Middle East. His two-decade-long campaign led to the rescue and repatriation of thousands of trafficked children.
Recognition and Awards
Due to his groundbreaking work, Burney is widely acknowledged as the pioneer of human rights in Pakistan. He received numerous awards, including the Outstanding Young Person of the World Award in 1991 and the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, the first-ever civil award in human rights, in 2002. His tireless efforts against human trafficking earned him recognition as an Anti-Human Trafficking Hero by the U.S. Department of State in 2005.
Private Life
In his personal life, Burney married Shaheen in 1981, and they have three children: Fahad, Raheel, and a daughter named Sana.
Ansar Burney’s journey exemplifies unwavering dedication to human rights, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and drive positive change.