The seminar organized by the Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR) and the Kashmir Policy Research Institute (KPRI) on Human Rights Day has once again spotlighted the grave and ongoing human rights crisis in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
As the world marks the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the situation in Kashmir stands as a stark example of how international commitments are often ignored in practice. The call for urgent global action has never been louder, especially in light of mounting evidence and repeated appeals by civil society, experts, and the United Nation.
Human Rights Crisis in Kashmir
Since the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A in August 2019, the human rights situation in Kashmir has deteriorated significantly. Reports indicate that over 1,030 Kashmiris have been killed in encounters orchestrated by Indian forces, including women, youth, and elderly civilians. The use of counter-terrorism laws has enabled extrajudicial killings, custodial deaths, house raids, surveillance, and arbitrary detentions, fostering an environment of fear and repression.
The United Nation and various international NGOs have documented patterns of torture, incommunicado detentions, punitive demolitions, forced evictions, communication blackouts, and suppression of press freedom. These violations have been systematically justified under the guise of maintaining security, but the reality on the ground reveals a much darker picture.
Systematic Violations and International Response
The legal system in Kashmir has been weaponized to silence dissent and justify state violence, with the judiciary often complicit in extending detentions and sentencing individuals in decades-old cases. This has created a culture of impunity, where perpetrators of abuses face little to no accountability. The United Nation has repeatedly called for independent investigations and remedial action, but progress remains elusive. As one United Nation expert stated,
“The international community must bridge the gap between official narratives and on-the-ground realities to ensure accountability.”
The lack of independent investigations and the suppression of press freedom have further exacerbated the situation, making it difficult for the truth to emerge.
The Role of Civil Society and Media
Civil society actors and media organizations have played a crucial role in documenting and exposing human rights abuses in Kashmir. However, reporting on Kashmir is fraught with danger, as journalists and activists face significant risks. The suppression of press freedom and the targeting of journalists have further silenced critical voices. Despite these challenges, civil society continues to advocate for justice and accountability. As one journalist noted,
“Reporting on Kashmir is a dangerous endeavor; the risks are high, but the need for truth is greater.”
The United Nation has recognized the importance of a free press in upholding human rights and has called for the protection of journalists and activists.
The Need for Global Action
The analysis of the current situation in Kashmir reveals a clear and urgent need for global action. The international community cannot remain indifferent while systemic violations continue unchecked. The principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights must be upheld, and accountability must be ensured for all perpetrators of abuses.
The United Nation has repeatedly called for remedial action and accountability, but more needs to be done to bridge the gap between official narratives and on-the-ground realities. As one United Nation statement emphasized,
“The international community must act decisively to address the human rights abuses in Kashmir.”
The voices of Kashmiris must be heard, and their struggle for rights must be supported.
The seminar organized by KIIR and KPRI has once again highlighted the urgent need for global action on Kashmir abuses. The human rights crisis in Kashmir is not just a regional issue but a global concern. The international community must act decisively to ensure accountability and uphold the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The United Nation’s role in advocating for justice and accountability is crucial, and its calls for independent investigations and remedial action must be heeded. As the world commemorates Human Rights Day, the situation in Kashmir serves as a stark reminder of the work that remains to be done.
