Sumar asks about consular protection for Pakistani women residing in Spain who suffer abuse in their country

Eduardo González The Plurinational Parliamentary Group Sumar has asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs what mechanisms currently exist to allow victims of gender-based violence residing in Spain to access diplomatic or consular assistance when they are in their countries of origin, such as Pakistan. In a written parliamentary question submitted on February 19, Sumar warns that “gender-based violence is an international reality that must be addressed comprehensively, through multi-level cooperation and diplomatic and consular action by States, in line with the commitments undertaken within the framework of the United Nations.” According to the political party led by Vice President Yolanda Díaz, Pakistani community organizations in Spain have reported that, during their trips to Pakistan, some women residing in Spain have suffered episodes of gender-based violence, manifested “through the confiscation or destruction of the woman's personal documents and, in some cases, those of her children.” “These actions severely restrict their freedom of movement and prevent their return to Spain,” since, “when these situations occur, the affected women are forced to restart the visa application process, facing significant difficulties in contacting the Spanish Consulate General in Islamabad and receiving the necessary consular assistance,” the statement continues. Furthermore, when they try to file a local lawsuit, the family court judge rules in favor of the husband, who has parental authority under local law, which complicates the necessary procedures with the Consulate General. “This problem is not limited exclusively to Pakistan,” Sumar warns. “The case of Safia, a 28-year-old Sahrawi woman residing in Spain, recently came to light. She was held captive for more than 18 months in Algeria by her own family after her documents were confiscated,” the statement adds. For all these reasons, the minority party in Pedro Sánchez’s coalition government is asking the Ministry of Foreign Affairs what actions it is taking, through its diplomatic and consular missions, “to guarantee assistance and protection for victims of gender violence residing in Spain who, while in their countries of origin, have their fundamental rights violated.” Yolanda Díaz’s party is also asking whether the Spanish Consulate General in Islamabad is aware of these types of situations and, if so, “what specific mechanisms it has in place to address them and guarantee the protection of those affected.” In addition, Sumar asks the Ministry of Foreign Affairs if it plans to develop a specific protocol for handling these cases, including the establishment of emergency channels and urgent safe-conducts to guarantee the safe return of victims to Spain, and if the Government plans to send specialized mediators to these consulates to defend the rights of these citizens before the family courts of Pakistan.

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