UN human rights offfice raises serious concerns about deadly unrest in PoK
Geneva, July 17
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on Friday raised serious concern about infringements on the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir amid escalating unrest in the occupied territory that has left dozens of people dead and injured.
In a statement issued, Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Jeremy Laurence, said that "the criminalisation of a civil society organisation and imposition of strict limitations on gatherings raise serious concerns about infringements on the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association. Detained JAAC leaders must have access to legal representation and their families. Their rights to due process and fair trial must be fully guaranteed."
According to the statement, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has called for calm and urged prompt, thorough and impartial investigations into all deaths that have occurred due to the unrest, both amongst protesters and members of security forces.
The spokesperson noted that dozens of civilians, including law enforcement personnel, have reportedly been killed since June as tensions mounted ahead of the July 27 election in PoK.
Expressing grave concerns over Pakistani authorities' response to the protest, the UN human rights office said, "The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) - a movement behind the protests comprising traders, transporters, students, lawyers, activists and others - has been banned under anti-terrorism laws for allegedly threatening public order and security. Some of the group's leaders have subsequently been arrested."
The statement noted that the restrictions on internet access in the region were disproportionately undermining the right to freedom of expression, including freedom to seek, receive and share information at a time of heightened tensions. He urged the Pakistani authorities to ensure full internet access throughout the territory.
The High Commissioner called for meaningful and inclusive political dialogue to address the underlying issues and grievances of the local population in PoK.
The JAAC has suspended its long march until July 21, giving the Pakistani government what it described as "one final opportunity" to address its demands, as the unrest in PoK has claimed over 30 lives so far.
Following the expiry of the July 14 deadline, JAAC had mobilised thousands of supporters for a long march towards Muzaffarabad, with large participation from women and children. Caravans from across the region converged on Rawalakot and other protest sites.
However, after negotiations with Pakistani authorities, reportedly involving Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir, and JAAC leaders, including Umar Nazir Kashmiri, the march was suspended.
The group warned that if no concrete action is taken, the long march toward Muzaffarabad will resume on July 22, while ongoing sit-ins across PoK will continue.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's heartbreaking to see such violence unfold. The people of PoK are crying out for basic rights like freedom of speech and assembly, and they're being met with bullets and bans. The international community needs to put more pressure on Pakistan to stop this oppression. Also, the role of the army chief in negotiations shows how much control the military has over civilian matters there. We can't look away from this tragedy.
The UN's concern is valid, but where is the action? This has been going on for weeks now with over 30 deaths. The internet ban is especially cruel - it cuts off families from each other and the world. I hope the JAAC's threat to resume the march on July 22 forces Pakistan to think twice. India must also use its diplomatic channels to raise this at every forum. Enough is enough. 🙏
I get that Pakistan has security concerns, but banning an entire civil society group under anti-terror laws and then shooting protesters is not the answer. This is a political crisis that needs dialogue, not brute force. The involvement of the army chief in talks shows the problem goes deep. I hope the UN's call for impartial investigations actually leads to accountability. The people of PoK deserve peace and justice. 😔
This is a clear case of double standards. Pakistan cries 'Kashmir solidarity' but crushes its own people in PoK. The JAAC represents traders, students, lawyers - ordinary people - and they're being treated like terrorists. The UN is right to demand due process for arrested leaders. As an Indian, I feel for our Kashmiri brothers and sisters on both sides of the LoC. The only solution is a free and fair plebiscite as per UN resolutions. 🚩
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