Concerns Raised Over Human Rights in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir
Geneva, Switzerland
During the 57th session of the Human Rights Council, Sajid Hussain, Secretary of Information for the United Kashmir People’s National Party, highlighted serious human rights abuses in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He urged the United Nations to prioritize reports from 2018 and 2019 that addressed violations in the region, particularly in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Key Issues Highlighted
Hussain pointed out issues such as excessive force, arbitrary detention, and restrictions on freedoms of expression and association. He noted the deteriorating situation in Rawalakot, where radical Islamic forces are pressuring activists and issuing fatwas against them, leading to harassment and threats.
Cases of Concern
Hussain mentioned the arrest of human rights defender Asma Batool for sharing a poem on social media, resulting in blasphemy charges. Another case involved Arsalan from Arja, Bagh, who faced similar threats. Both endured persecution and solitary confinement.
Call for Action
Hussain called for urgent action from the Council to address these issues and urged Pakistan to protect its citizens and end extremism. He emphasized the importance of unification and stability in Jammu and Kashmir for the safety and prosperity of its people.
Doubts Revealed
Sajid Hussain -: Sajid Hussain is a person who is part of the United Kashmir People’s National Party. He is concerned about the rights of people living in a region called Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir -: Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir is a part of the larger region of Jammu and Kashmir, which is claimed by both India and Pakistan. It is currently administered by Pakistan.
UN -: UN stands for the United Nations, an international organization that works to maintain peace and security around the world. It also focuses on promoting human rights and helping countries work together.
Human Rights Council -: The Human Rights Council is a group within the United Nations that focuses on protecting and promoting human rights globally. They listen to concerns and reports about human rights issues from different parts of the world.
United Kashmir People’s National Party -: This is a political group that wants to represent the interests of people living in the Kashmir region. They focus on issues like human rights and self-determination for the people there.
Excessive force -: Excessive force means using more physical power than necessary, often by police or military, which can hurt people and violate their rights.
Restricted freedoms -: Restricted freedoms refer to limitations on people’s basic rights, like freedom of speech, movement, or assembly, which can prevent them from living freely.
Asma Batool and Arsalan -: Asma Batool and Arsalan are activists, which means they work to bring attention to important issues. In this case, they are facing problems because they are speaking out about human rights in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Extremism -: Extremism refers to holding extreme political or religious views that are not shared by most people. It can sometimes lead to violence or intolerance.
Stability in Jammu and Kashmir -: Stability in Jammu and Kashmir means having peace and order in the region, where people can live safely without fear of conflict or violence.
