UNHRC Urged to Address HRVs in IIOJK: Advocate Parvez Shah

As human rights abuses escalate in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), international attention is once again drawn to the region’s deepening crisis.

Advocate Parvez Shah, Secretary General of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference-AJK chapter, has called upon the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to take immediate notice of the worsening human rights conditions in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

Speaking during the general debate on agenda item 3 at the 58th Session of the UNHRC held in Geneva, Advocate Shah painted a grim picture of the situation in the occupied territory. He stressed that the region is currently plagued by severe restrictions on fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech, assembly, and movement.

Highlighting the widespread use of arbitrary detentions, he brought attention to the plight of numerous political activists and human rights defenders who remain imprisoned under draconian laws. Notably, laws such as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and the Public Safety Act (PSA) are frequently invoked to suppress dissent and silence voices calling for justice.

Advocate Shah particularly emphasized how these laws have been weaponized to target human rights advocates and independent journalists, curbing their ability to report and speak freely. “We urge the Council to take serious note of the High Commissioner’s concerns regarding the misuse of restrictive laws and the systematic harassment of human rights defenders in IIOJK,” he stated.

He also reiterated the need for upholding international human rights standards, stressing the significance of the fundamental right to self-determination. According to Advocate Shah, protecting basic freedoms and human dignity in IIOJK must remain a priority for global institutions.

Additionally, he highlighted that meaningful dialogue among all relevant stakeholders is essential to resolve the long-standing issue of Kashmir. Any solution, he argued, must reflect the legitimate aspirations of the Kashmiri people and comply with international law.

Advocate Shah’s appeal comes amid increasing reports of human rights violations in the territory, which include extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and curbs on media freedom. Rights organizations worldwide continue to raise concerns over the lack of accountability and transparency in India’s actions in IIOJK.

As international forums like the UNHRC discuss pressing human rights challenges globally, Kashmir remains one of the most urgent and unresolved issues. Calls are growing louder for the United Nations and the global community to take concrete steps to address these violations and advocate for the Kashmiri people’s rights.