Geneva abuzz with protests against Pakistan, India

GENEVA: The United Nations Human Rights Commission’s (UNHRC) 33rd session has attracted variety of individuals and groups this year interested in events and activities related to Pakistan.

These groups have been active both inside the Palais des Nations and the Broken Chair – the venue of protests outside the main UN building.

These activities have been led by veteran campaigners who have used the forum of the UNHRC to further their campaigns and causes for many years now.

Mehran Marri, who has campaigned on the Balochistan issue for around 13 years from this forum and at the European Union level, has done more activities this tear than any time before. He has so far organised four side events at the UNHRC and a major event is planned next week where keynote speakers are expected to speak about human rights matters. He has so far arranged two well-organised protests outside the UNHRC building and led a march alongwith his brother-in-law and banned Baloch Republican Party leader Brahumdagh Bugti. Several posters have been visible in areas of Geneva, sponsored by the Balochistan House organisation.

In front of the iconic Broken Chair, campaigners from Indian occupied Kashmir have put up posters and stalls highlighting gross human rights violations by the Indian army. These pictures explain to the international community how India is using pellet guns against innocent Kashmiris to crush the freedom movement of Kashmiris.

A large scale demonstration was held outside the UNHRC which was attended by Kashmiris from Britain, Italy and Brussles. The protesters chanted slogans against India’s extremist Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his actions against the people of Kashmir. Tehreek-e-Kashmir’s Faheem Kayani led a delegation from the UK.

At the UNHRC forum, nearly 10 side events have been organised so far to inform the world community about the ongoing situation in Indian-Held Kashmir. These events have been led by Kashmriris from IHK. Shamim Shawl addressed events in association with Muslim women from various countries on how situation in Indian-Held Kahsmir is very critical for women whose sons, brothers and children are being targeted by the occupation army.

Kashmiri nationalist groups have also been active, led by Shaukat Kashmiri. The UKPNP leader has held events in relation to Azad Kashmir calling for reforms and serious efforts to empower the local populations.

UK-based exiled Baloch leader Khan of Kalat Amir Ahmed Suleman Daud also attended the UNHRC session and spoke to media. He has announced that Balochistan’s “government in exile” will be formed but didn’t explain how and when.