Reema Omer is a Pakistani lawyer, human rights professional, and news analyst. In her current role as a legal adviser for the International Commission of Jurists, Omer actively engages in legal analysis and human rights advocacy. Beyond her advisory responsibilities, she consistently shares her perspectives on the legal landscape and human rights issues in Pakistan through written contributions. Additionally, Omer provides her legal and political insights as a commentator on various current affairs shows across different news channels.
Early life and education
Omer furthered her academic pursuits at Lahore University of Management Sciences, obtaining her BA-LL.B in 2009, a feat that earned her a prestigious gold medal for being the best student. Her commitment to legal scholarship led her to pursue an LLM with a specialization in public international law at the University of Cambridge, UK, in 2010.
Beyond her academic accomplishments, Omer is a family woman, married to Dr. Ali Jan, and they share the joy of parenthood with their daughter, Roohi. This personal aspect complements her professional achievements, showcasing a holistic picture of Reema Omer’s life journey.
International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) Involvement
Since 2011, Reema Omer has been a consultant for South Asia and an international legal adviser for Pakistan at the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ). This organization, composed of 60 eminent judges and lawyers globally, focuses on promoting and protecting human rights through the Rule of Law. The ICJ utilizes its legal expertise to strengthen both national and international justice systems.
Membership in the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP)
As a member of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), Omer contributes to the NGO’s efforts in providing an informed and objective voice in advocating for human rights and democratic development in Pakistan.
Training and Advocacy
Reema Omer actively engages in capacity-building by providing training to human rights activists on national and international human rights protection mechanisms. She also shares her insights through talks on legal matters and human rights issues and takes on the role of a moderator in various panel discussions, both nationally and internationally. Omer’s diverse involvement underscores her commitment to advancing the cause of human rights and justice on various platforms.
Reema Omer has demonstrated a significant commitment to advancing human rights through her extensive writing, assessments, and advocacy efforts.
Reports and Articles
Omer has authored numerous articles and reports, conducting assessments of Pakistan’s compliance with international human rights obligations under various treaties. These publications provide valuable insights into critical human rights issues, including the rule of law, freedom of expression, social justice, access to justice, gender disparity in the legal sector, Pakistan’s international commitments, and the role of national human rights institutions.
Panel Discussions and United Nations Engagement
Actively engaging in regional discussions on human rights in South Asia, Omer has organized and participated in panel discussions. Furthermore, she has delivered oral statements at the United Nations Human Rights Council, contributing to interactive dialogues with UN special procedures.
Media Presence
Reema Omer serves as a legal and political analyst on current affairs shows across various news channels. Her regular contributions to leading newspapers, including Dawn, Geo TV, The News, and Daily Times, play a crucial role in shedding light on legal gaps within national laws and proposing solutions to address prevalent human rights issues in Pakistan.
Social Media Advocacy
With a substantial following of over 160K on Twitter, Omer actively uses this social media platform to amplify her voice on critical issues. Her advocacy encompasses raising awareness against enforced disappearances, misuse of blasphemy laws, gender-based violence, lack of fair trials, impunity, freedom of media, and military courts.
Reema Omer’s multifaceted approach, combining rigorous research, media engagement, and social media advocacy, reflects her dedicated pursuit of justice and human rights in Pakistan.
Insightful Contributions on Geo News' "Report Card"
Reema Omer consistently provides expert legal and political analysis alongside leading analysts on Geo News’ talk show “Report Card.” Engaging with renowned opinion makers, she offers valuable perspectives on current affairs, enriching the show’s discussions with her in-depth insights into the legal and political landscape of Pakistan.
Empowering Women’s Voices: “Aurat Card” YouTube Show
Reema Omer, in collaboration with fellow female journalists Benazir Shah, Mehmal Sarfaraz, and Natasha, has initiated a groundbreaking YouTube show titled “Aurat Card.” This platform is designed to provide women with a space to articulate their concerns and share their perspectives on a wide range of topics.
Diverse Discourse
On “Aurat Card,” the hosts delve into subjects they are well-versed in, spanning politics, law, sports, and entertainment. The show aims to amplify women’s voices by offering a space for discussions that go beyond traditional gender boundaries, addressing topics of expertise and interest to the hosts.
Comprehensive Analysis
The hosts analyze current affairs, critique movies and dramas, and provide reviews on various products. This multifaceted approach not only reflects the diverse interests of the hosts but also offers viewers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of different aspects of life and culture.
Empowering Conversations
Through “Aurat Card,” Reema Omer and her co-hosts contribute to empowering conversations that highlight the expertise and perspectives of women. The show stands as a testament to their commitment to breaking barriers and creating a platform that fosters inclusivity and diversity in media discussions.
Twitter Notice in 2019
In 2019, Reema Omer received a notice from Twitter, asserting that her tweets questioning the procedures of military courts were deemed in violation of the Constitution of Pakistan. Despite this, then Federal Minister for Information Fawad Chaudhry disclaimed any government involvement in officially reaching out to Twitter regarding Reema’s tweets.
Denial of Government Involvement
Fawad Chaudhry, the Federal Minister for Information at the time, explicitly denied the government’s role in submitting official correspondence to Twitter against Reema Omer’s tweets. This contradiction raised questions about the origin and motivation behind the notice sent to Omer by the social media platform.
Advocacy Against Online Harassment in 2020
In 2020, Reema Omer, along with other female journalists, took a proactive stance by appearing before the National Assembly’s standing committee on human rights. In this session, they urged Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and committee members to address the prevalent issue of sexual harassment that female journalists and analysts often face on Twitter.
Ministerial Commitment to Combat Harassment
In response to the poignant accounts shared by the female journalists, the Federal Minister for Human Rights, Shireen Mazari, publicly condemned online harassment against women in the field. She expressed a commitment to taking action against individuals involved in perpetrating online harassment. This advocacy effort marked a significant step toward addressing and combating gender-based harassment in the online sphere.