HighLights
  1. India urges UN report on PoK human rights.
  2. Cites killings, detentions, internet restrictions in PoK.
  3. Criticises UN human rights office's double standards.

India has firmly urged the United Nations human rights office to issue a report on Pakistan’s response to alleged human rights violations in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK). The concerns include killings carried out by security forces, the detention of protest leaders and restrictions on internet access in the region and comes at a time when the PoK has been reeling from civil unrest.

India Calls Out UN Over 'Double Standards'

India raised the issue during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly’s Third Committee, calling for accountability and a fair investigation into the reported incidents on Wednesday. Speaking during an interactive dialogue with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, India’s First Secretary Anuj Swarup questioned the approach of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Swarup said the office should address human rights concerns fairly and avoid applying different standards to different situations. In a post on X, the Permanent Mission of India to the UN mentioned that Swarup “cautioned against selectivity and double standards of OHCHR, which erode trust in multilateralism, at the same time reaffirmed India’s commitment to work with the High Commissioner.”

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Reaffirming India’s stance, Swarup also asked the UN human rights office when it would publish a report on the steps taken by Pakistan to address the concerns raised over PoK. Notably, India has called for impartial investigations into killings allegedly involving security forces, fair legal treatment for detained leaders of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JACC) and the removal of internet restrictions across the region.

India Urges UN Body To Seek Answers From Pakistan

“When can we expect OHCHR to issue a report on the steps taken by the Government of Pakistan on this? Pakistan would do well to look inwards and reflect on how such rights are not being enjoyed in its large part, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and for that matter, in Rawalakot, which is under its illegal occupation,” Swarup said.

Referring to earlier statements by the OHCHR and the High Commissioner on the situation in PoK, Swarup stated that these statements called for prompt, thorough and impartial investigations into killings allegedly carried out by armed and security forces. According to him, the UN human rights office had shown what India considers an overly selective approach to such incidents.

“Violent responses to protests in our neighbourhood as well as in the west have gone uncommented. Needless to say, such double standards contribute to loss of trust in multilateralism and the work of OHCHR,” Swarup added. He further highlighted India’s commitment to human rights while referring to the country’s freedom movement led by Mahatma Gandhi and its emphasis on non-violence and equality.

What’s Happening In PoK?

Over the last few months, PoK has witnessed protests over rising living costs, shortages of essential supplies, and demands for greater civil rights. The demonstrations have been led by the JACC which has repeatedly raised concerns over economic hardship and the treatment of locals by the authorities. Violent clashes, security crackdowns and reports of deaths and injuries in areas including Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Rawalakot and Poonch have also been reported.

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