The UN human rights office has expressed concern over restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly and association in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir…reports Asian Lite News Desk
The United Nations human rights office on Friday expressed serious concern over restrictions on fundamental freedoms in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), warning that the criminalisation of a civil society movement, arrests of its leaders and internet restrictions risk violating international human rights standards amid escalating unrest that has left dozens of people dead and injured.
In a statement, Jeremy Laurence, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) was concerned that the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association were being undermined.
“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,” Laurence said.
According to the statement, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk called for calm and urged prompt, thorough and impartial investigations into all deaths linked to the unrest involving both protesters and members of the security forces.
The OHCHR said dozens of civilians, including law enforcement personnel, have reportedly been killed since June as tensions intensified ahead of the July 27 election in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The UN also voiced concern over Pakistan’s response to the protests, noting that the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a movement comprising traders, transporters, students, lawyers, activists and other groups, had been banned under anti-terrorism laws on allegations of threatening public order and security. Several of the organisation’s leaders have since been arrested.
The statement further said restrictions on internet access across the territory were disproportionately affecting the right to freedom of expression, including the ability to seek, receive and share information during a period of heightened tensions. The High Commissioner urged the Pakistani authorities to restore full internet access throughout the region.
The UN also called for meaningful and inclusive political dialogue to address the underlying grievances of the local population in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Meanwhile, the JAAC has suspended its planned long march until July 21, giving the Pakistani government what it described as “one final opportunity” to respond to its demands. According to the group, the unrest in the territory has claimed more than 30 lives.
After the expiry of its July 14 deadline, the JAAC had mobilised thousands of supporters, including women and children, for a long march towards Muzaffarabad, with protest caravans gathering in Rawalakot and other locations.
The march was later suspended following negotiations between Pakistani authorities, reportedly involving Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir, and JAAC leaders, including Umar Nazir Kashmiri.
The JAAC has warned that if its demands are not addressed, the long march towards Muzaffarabad will resume on July 22, while sit-in protests across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir will continue.
