Farewell to Joseph Francis, defender of religious freedom in Pakistan
The founding lawyer of CLAAS-UK dedicated over twenty years to defending Christians and religious minorities. He offered legal assistance to victims of blasphemy laws, forced conversions and discrimination. Internationally respected, he leaves behind a fundamental legacy for the protection of rights in the country.
Islamabad (AsiaNews) - On any given day, Joseph Francis could be found in a courtroom, in a modest office meeting with families in need, or on an international call discussing religious freedom in Pakistan.
For over twenty years, his work was based on a single principle: justice must be accessible to all people, regardless of religious belief. With his passing, we mourn a champion of Christian rights in Pakistan, an authentic voice for the community and for humanity.
As founder and national director of the Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS-UK) - a Christian organisation against religious persecution - Francis dedicated his life to defending people accused under blasphemy laws.
He also defended victims of forced conversions and members of religious minorities who suffer discrimination and violence. In a country where such cases provoke intense public reactions and entail personal risks, his work often required legal expertise and exceptional courage.
His organisation provides legal assistance, emergency support and advocacy, both nationally and internationally. Over the years, Francis has engaged legislators, civil society leaders and global human rights bodies to shed light on the system that afflicts minority communities. Her approach combines careful political dialogue with the aim of not only defending individuals, but also addressing structural inequalities within the legal and social framework.
Pakistan's leading human rights body, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), expressed its condolences, praising his leadership and highlighting his commitment to equality and uninterrupted service to marginalised communities, which earned him national and international recognition, including a nomination for the European Union's prestigious Sakharov Prize.
‘Francis's firm belief in the equality of citizens in human dignity will be remembered with deep respect. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and all those who had the opportunity to know him,’ the HRCP said.
Renowned human rights activist Krishan Sharma, a member of the Hindu community, also recounted how, in the 1990s, during a conference in Lahore, he met a courageous and deeply compassionate man. That man was Joseph Francis.
"From our very first meeting, his sincerity and kindness left a lasting impression on me. He was not just a speaker or an activist, he was a believer in people. Through the renowned CLAAS organisation, he and his team provided us with basic training on human rights protection. For many of us, it was more than just a training course," Sharma recalled.
In 2003, when he was detained for ten long months, it was Joseph Francis who contacted his family. He reassured his loved ones of his support. ‘He wrote to international organisations on my behalf and also arranged legal assistance,’ Sharma said. ‘At a time when it would have been easier to remain silent, he chose solidarity. When fear could have prevailed, he chose courage. I will never forget that,’ he added.
The fruitfulness of his work reached international recognition when he was awarded the title of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), an honour that recognises his services to human rights and religious freedom.
However, those who know him personally say that it was not the awards that motivated him, but his deep-rooted belief that constitutional guarantees and rights must translate into concrete protections.
Working in a sensitive and often unstable environment such as Pakistan has not been without its difficulties. Indeed, human rights defenders working in the field of religious freedom are often subject to pressure, criticism and security concerns. Despite this, Francis has maintained a firm, principled stance in support of legal reform, due process and equal citizenship.
His personality has often been described as resilient and composed. His colleagues emphasise his ability to remain calm during crises and his unwavering focus on justice. At the same time, victims and their families speak of his compassion, of a lawyer who listens before arguing and who understands that dignity is as important as legal defence.
As Pakistan continues to grapple with debates over religious tolerance, legal safeguards and minority rights, Joseph Francis remains a prominent figure in the country's human rights landscape.
His journey reflects both the complexity of defending freedom of belief and the enduring belief that the rule of law, when applied impartially, can serve as a shield for vulnerable people.
For Francis, the mission was clear: to ensure that justice is not selective and that the promise of equal rights before the law applies to every person.
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07/02/2019 17:28
