Kashmiri representatives at the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council have called for greater international intervention on India's actions in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, urging the UN to hold New Delhi accountable for its systematic human rights violations in the territory. Chairman of the Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR), Altaf Hussain Wani, while commenting on the UN High Commissioner’s global updates, emphasized the stark contrast between India’s democratic claims and its oppressive actions in Kashmir. He pointed out that draconian laws, including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), have created an atmosphere of fear aimed at silencing dissent and restricting fundamental freedoms.

Wani said that the High Commissioner’s call for participation and inclusion is particularly relevant to Kashmir, where arbitrary detentions, suppression of human rights defenders, and media censorship shatter the myth of Indian democracy. He urged the global community, particularly the Human Rights Council, to take a firm stance in addressing the ongoing violations and ensuring the protection of Kashmiris' rights.

All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Jammu and Kashmir (APHC-AJK) Secretary General Advocate Parvez Shah welcomed the High Commissioner’s concerns over the shrinking civic space and harassment of journalists and activists in Kashmir. He remarked that India should be ashamed of its democratic facade being exposed at the UN. The Kashmiri delegation at the UN session vowed to push for a third report by the High Commissioner on the human rights situation in occupied Kashmir, highlighting the plight of pro-freedom leaders and the need for an inclusive dialogue to resolve the longstanding conflict.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)