A coalition of Baloch political parties and figures welcomed the US intervention at the 19th session of the UN Human Rights Council, expressing concern over the deteriorating human rights siutation in Balochistan.

In a statement released last week the Baloch groups and Baloch leaders welcomed the intervention as "long-awaited, necessary, encouraging and in the right direction to address the human rights issue".

The statement was signed by Baloch leaders, including Akhtar Meingal, Bramdagh Bugti, Hayrbiar Marri and Khan Suleiman D Ahmadzai, as well as ten leading Baloch resistance and rights groups including: Baloch Liberation Movement, Baloch Republican Party, Baloch Republican Student Organisation, Balochistan Human Rights Council, Balochistan Liberation Organisation, Balochistan National Movement (Zrombesh), Balochistan National Party, Balochistan People Party, Balochistan United Front-IF, International Voice for Baloch Missing Persons.

See here for full statement, extracts reproduced below:

"Baloch welcome US intervention at 19th Session of Human Rights Council of the United Nation’s in Geneva, to support Baloch concerns over deteriorating human rights situation in Balochistan."

"Baloch people and Baloch leaders welcome whole-heartedly the intervention of the US representative at the Session in Geneva, and consider the stated approach of the US President and the Prime Minister of the UK as long-awaited, necessary, encouraging and in the right direction to address the human rights issue. Since violation of human rights is a criminal and deplorable act, the gravity of the violation of human rights of people, necessitates intervention by the international community to protect life and property, whether it is in Bosnia, Congo or for this matter in Balochistan."

"Baloch people also greatly appreciate the supports and the effort of the NGO’s which are assisting Baloch people to raise awareness at international forums and institutions."