The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) and The Knowledge Forum (TKF) a
discussion and report launch titled “Experiences of Vulnerability in the 2022 Floods in Sindh,” at
the IBA City Campus on December 6, 2023.
Experts, human rights activists, and researchers urged the government to take urgent policy
reforms and effective measures to safeguard vulnerable communities, particularly scheduled
caste minorities, peasants, and women, who continue to suffer the most from climate-induced
disasters in Sindh.
The participants underscored the widespread human rights violations and systemic
discrimination witnessed during rescue and relief operations after the 2022 floods.
Researcher Najamuddin presented findings from a survey conducted in Sanghar and
Nawabshah districts, describing the 2022 floods as a “manmade disaster” that affected 24
districts and 13 million people. The catastrophe led to massive loss of homes, livestock, and
livelihoods. He noted that there was no meaningful consultation with vulnerable communities
before relief operations, leaving many families without any assistance. He further pointed out
that scheduled caste minorities and landless peasants, already marginalised in normal times,
were hit the hardest, echoing similar patterns seen during the 2010 floods.
Raheem Marri, Head of the Department of Inclusion and Disaster Management at HANDS,
linked the devastation to climate change and government negligence. He cited extraordinary
rainfall in parts of Sindh, including Naushahro Feroz, which caused breaches in embankments
and worsened flooding around Manchhar Lake. Marri criticised the authorities for failing to learn
from past disasters and called for inclusive disaster management plans.
Workers’ rights activist Nasir Mansoor highlighted the political dimension of disaster response,
lamenting the inefficiency and lack of training among state relief staff. He demanded
people-centred policies and stronger grassroots movements to ensure accountability and justice
for the affected.
NCHR Member from Sindh, Ms. Anis Haroon, emphasised that health should be recognised as
a fundamental right under the Constitution, urging the state to take responsibility for protecting
citizens’ lives. She criticised the government’s failure to rehabilitate flood victims and address
the needs of the poor.
TKF Director, Ms. Zeenia Shaukat, called for a comprehensive review of disaster response
policies, stressing that human rights principles must be integrated into all climate and disaster
management strategies.
Participants collectively appealed for urgent policy reforms, public awareness, and institutional
accountability to ensure that the most marginalised communities are not left behind in future
climate crises.
