Lord Alton of Liverpool
House of Lords
London
SW1A 0AA
11 May 2020
Dear David,
Thank you for your email of 8 April on the subject of the rape and murder of Musa,
a Christian, transgender 15 year old, in Faisalabad earlier this month. I am deeply
troubled by the shocking details of this case, which we discussed by phone when we
spoke on 9th April. My thoughts and prayers are with Musa’s family.
I understand that the accused perpetrator of this appalling crime has since been
arrested by police in Punjab. I welcome this, and urge the Government of Pakistan
to ensure he is brought swiftly to justice. The team at the British High Commission
in Islamabad will continue to monitor this case closely.
Let me assure you that the UK will continue to urge the Government of Pakistan to
guarantee the fundamental rights of all its citizens, as laid down in the Constitution
of Pakistan, and in accordance with international standards. It is vital Pakistan
does this for all its citizens, regardless of their gender, belief, or ethnicity. We are
committed to the principle of non-discrimination on any grounds, including on the
basis of gender identity. We will continue to promote and protect the rights of
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) people.
The FCO’s work in combating violence and discrimination against LGBT people
forms an important part of our wider international human rights work. We are
committed to the ‘Leave No One Behind’ promise made at the United Nations
General Assembly in September 2015.
Every person should have a fair opportunity in life no matter who or where they are.
Yours sincerely,
LORD (TARIQ) AHMAD OF WIMBLEDON
Minister of State for South Asia and the Commonwealth
Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict
