Islamabad: Lockdown of Occupied Kashmir by Indian government since 127 days remained the focus of all the activities organised on the International Day on Human Rights in the capital.
In her statement on this special day commemorated around the world to advocate for human rights, the Federal Minister for Human Rights Dr. Shireen M. Mazari said that as the world marks Human Rights Day, it could not ignore the massive human rights violations being committed by the Indian forces in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir where it's occupation forces use rape as a weapon of war and pellet guns against women and children to silent them.
She demanded that the International community must fulfil the UNSC commitment made and continue a siege of Indian Occupied Kashmir for over four months so far depriving Kashmiris of basic human rights. “The Modi Government’s fascist policies and illegal annexation of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir constitutes war crimes under International Law,” she said in her tweet.
She further said that Human Rights for every Pakistani as laid out in the constitution, as envisaged by Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and in fulfilment of our international commitments. “Foremost before us is the example set by our Prophet PBUH in respecting human rights and human dignity.” She further said On Human Rights Day, we must address the challenges we face in ensuring global respect for human rights and protection of these rights within our own country. “After years of dictatorships and civilian neglect, we are making sincere efforts to traverse a difficult path of ensuring.”
Human Rights Day is celebrated all over the world to commemorate the anniversary of the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the first global acknowledgement of the universal and inalienable nature of human rights. Pakistan was one of the earliest signatories to the Declaration in 1948. Since then, Pakistan has affirmed this commitment through the adoption and ratification of several other key international human rights conventions/ treaties.
White Ribbon also dedicated Human Rights Day to ‘Kashmiri Women and Children’ who are living in fear of being raped and murdered by the Indian army. A statement issued on the International Day urged the attention of world community towards the use of rape by Indian forces as weapon of war against Kashmiri people.
“The sense of fear deepens after the sexist statements of Indian politicians directed towards Kashmiri women. International agencies have documented cases of rape, sexual exploitation, harassment, molestation and torture against Kashmir women,” said Omer Aftab Chief Executive Officer, White Ribbon.
He said people of occupied Kashmir are facing the largest occupation force in the world. “This region has the highest ratio of half widows and half mothers and they are facing triple burden; looking for children, working outside and searching for their husbands.”
White Ribbon strongly condemned Indian atrocities especially against children, girls and women. “We condemn the brutal acts of the Indian Government, inhumane behaviour of Indian army and misogyny of Indian politicians,” said Omer.
He further added that the issue of Kashmir is being ignored by the international community. “The whole world has to raise the voice and take some practical steps to protect the most vulnerable people of the world, people of Jammu and Kashmir.”