Demographic Changes in Conflict Zones like IIOJK is a Human Rights Concern: 58th UN HR Council

Demographic shifts in conflict zones can have long-lasting human rights implications, altering political representation, cultural identity, and resource access—issues currently at the heart of the crisis in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

Speakers at a side event during the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva shed light on the critical human rights consequences of demographic changes in conflict areas, with a specific focus on IIOJK. The event, organized by the World Muslim Congress, Kashmir Institute of International Relations, and the International Women and Children Union, brought together politicians, legal experts, human rights activists, and scholars to examine the severe implications of forced demographic shifts.

Speakers emphasized that practices such as forced displacement, ethnic cleansing, and settlement strategies significantly impact human rights. These policies lead to restrictions on resource access, changes in political representation, and threats to cultural identity, escalating conflicts and prolonging instability.

Expressing deep concern, the panelists highlighted how the Indian government is using demographic engineering as a means of warfare. They noted that the ongoing situation in IIOJK has resulted in mass displacement, forced migration, and the marginalization of the native population, accompanied by widespread human rights violations. The speakers strongly criticized India’s settler policies, arguing that these demographic changes have drastically altered the region’s cultural, religious, and political landscape.

A key concern raised was India’s unilateral revocation of Articles 370 and 35A, which has expedited demographic transformations in the disputed territory. The panelists underscored that the newly enacted domicile law has further facilitated India’s agenda by stripping native Kashmiris of their land, employment opportunities, and legal rights. Reports indicate that over 3.4 million domicile certificates have been granted to non-Kashmiris, significantly altering the region’s demographic balance.

Additionally, the speakers pointed out that India’s ethnic cleansing strategies have resulted in severe human rights violations, leading to the deaths of over 100,000 Kashmiris since 1990. They also highlighted that more than half a million Kashmiris have been forcibly displaced due to the ongoing conflict.

Despite mounting calls for a peaceful resolution to the prolonged dispute, the Indian government continues to push demographic changes in violation of international law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention. The speakers stressed the urgency of addressing these violations at global forums to safeguard the rights and identity of the Kashmiri people.

The distinguished panel included Prof. Dr. Blerim Mustafa, an expert on post-Cold War self-determination; Prof. Joseph Wronka, a social work professor at Springfield College, Massachusetts; Mr. Ghulam Muhammad Safi, a representative of the World Muslim Congress and Convenor of APHC; and Dr. Shagufta Ashraf, from the Community Human Rights and Advocacy Center. The session was moderated by Altaf Hussain Wani, the permanent representative of WMC to the UN and Chairman of KIIR.