Pakistani and international non-government organizations are appealing for UN intervention in the case of Farah Hatim, a girl who was allegedly kidnapped, forced into marriage and converted to Islam in the province of Punjab, reports Fides.

Franciscans International (FI), an NGO accredited to the UN, in recent days sent an appeal to Heiner Bielefeldt, UN Special Observer for religious freedom, over the case.

Her family says a recent declaration by the girl that she will remain with her new Muslim family was “forced and conditioned”, and an urgent investigation and intervention is required.

FI asked the UN Council for Human Rights and the international community to put pressure on the Pakistani government to take all necessary measures “to ensure Farah’s personal safety and liberty”, securing her in a shelter where she can physically and mentally recover from the abduction and physical and psychological stress, and “express her free will again”.

FULL STORY

“Salvation and liberty for Farah Hatim”: NGOs appeal to UN (Fides)