UN urged to check rights violations in IHK

LAHORE

Speakers in a seminar at Punjab University (PU) have said that serious violations of human rights in Indian-Held Kashmir are being committed by Indian forces, which is a big question on criminal silence of so-called flag-bearers of human rights.

They were addressing a seminar to mark International Day for Human Rights organised by Punjab University Department of Gender Studies in collaboration with Ministry of Human Rights and Christian Care Foundation at the university here Tuesday. PU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Niaz Ahmad, MPA Mahindar Singh Pal, MPA Ayesha Iqbal, Department of Gender Studies Chairperson Dr Raana Malik, Ministry of Human Rights Director General Lubna Mansoor, Director General Commerce Azhar Iqbal, faculty members and a large number of students attended the seminar. “Where is the United Nations? Where are the advocates of human rights? Why international community is not taking serious notice of human rights violations in Indian-Held Kashmir,” asked Prof Niaz Ahmad while addressing the seminar.

“UN will be useless if it cannot implement its own resolutions on Kashmir and cannot ensure implementation of its charter on human rights in the valley,” the VC said, adding there was complete lockdown in the valley since 128 days. He said Kashmiris had no access to medicine and even they were not being allowed burial in graveyards. He said India was even not following the decision of her Supreme Court and the rights of Muslims, Sikhs and Christians were being usurped. Mahindar Singh Pal said Holy Prophet (PBUH) had given the lesson of equality presenting the best charter of human rights in his address while performing Haj 1,400 years ago; so there was no need to make new policies on human rights. He said India had converted IHK into the largest jail of the world and human rights violations in IHK demanded us mark Kashmir Day instead of marking International Human Rights Day. He said he was wearing turban in green colour to express solidarity with the people of Kashmir.

Ayesha Iqbal stressed women to get education and help each other to ensure protection of their rights.

Azhar Iqbal said that our GSP Plus status was connected with human rights situation in Pakistan. He said Pakistan had signed 27 conventions and treaties in the wake of GSP Plus status out of which seven were associated with human rights.

Dr Raana Malik said it was necessary to ensure human rights for achieving sustainable development goals.

Human Rights Day: White Ribbon commemorated Human Rights Day dedicating it to Kashmiri women and children who are living in fear of being raped and murdered by the Indian army.

The sense of fear deepens after the sexist statements of Indian politicians directed towards Kashmiri women. Kashmiri women have been immensely affected. Indian forces use rape as a weapon of war against Kashmiri people. International agencies have documented cases of rape, sexual exploitation, harassment, molestation and torture of Kashmiri women, said Omer Aftab, CEO White Ribbon. He said the people of Indian-Held Kashmir were facing the largest occupation force in the world.