At UN council, Kashmir delegation raises human rights concerns in IIOJK

Nisa Rehman of International Action for Peace and Sustainable Development, and Maria Iqbal Tarana of the Commission on Health and Human Rights Promoters. The representatives said freedom of opinion and expression had been severely restricted and raised concerns about surveillance, restrictions on civic space and what they called a “digital siege” affecting activists, journalists and ordinary citizens.

They also alleged land grabs and demographic changes in the region, along with restrictions affecting the religious rights of the Muslim population. The delegation highlighted allegations of arbitrary detention, torture, enforced disappearances and gender-based violence.

It also raised concerns about restrictions on books and changes to academic curricula, which it said could affect the preservation of Kashmir’s history and political identity. “The international community cannot remain a silent spectator to the systematic dismantling of human dignity in Kashmir,” the delegation said.

The representatives urged the Human Rights Council to take concrete steps and called for the establishment of an independent international commission of inquiry to investigate alleged violations and ensure accountability under international law. The concerns were raised as Kashmir remains part of discussions at the Human Rights Council.

During the session, Pakistan and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation also called for continued international attention to the human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir, while India has rejected such allegations and maintains that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India.