The people of Indian-Administered Kashmir continue to be deprived of numerous basic freedoms, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Tuesday, before urging the Indian authorities “to unlock the situation”.
The appeal over the territory – which both India and Pakistan claim as sovereign - follows months of escalating tensions linked to earlier suicide attacks and the Indian Government’s decision in August to revoke Kashmir’s special status allowing it partial autonomy.
At the time of the Indian Government decision, five UN-appointed independent rights experts warned that it had led to tighter central Government control, restrictions on peaceful protests and a communications blackout.
In Geneva on Tuesday, spokesperson for the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Rupert Colville acknowledged that an “undeclared curfew” had been lifted from much of Jammu and Ladakh regions within a few days.
But he noted that it was reportedly still in place “in large parts of the Kashmir Valley, preventing the free movement of people, as well as hampering their ability to exercise their right to peaceful assembly and restricting their rights to health, education and freedom of religion and belief.”
Highlighting “several allegations of excessive use of force” against protesters that involved the use of “pellet-firing shotguns, tear gas and rubber bullets”, Mr. Colville said that there had also been unconfirmed reports of “at least six civilian killings and scores of serious injuries” in separate incidents since the Indian Government declaration on 5 August.
The Office of the High Commissioner had also received reports that armed groups in Indian-administered Kashmir have threatened residents trying to work or go to school, the OHCHR spokesperson said.
In addition, “at least another six people have been killed and over a dozen injured in alleged attacks by armed group members since 5 August”.
And although restrictions on landline telephones were eventually lifted, and a state-run telecom company allowed to resume partial mobile phone services, all internet services remain blocked in the Kashmir Valley, Mr. Colville insisted.
In line with the Indian Government’s decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir’s partial self-rule, two separate federally-administered Union Territories are to be created this Thursday, the OHCHR spokesperson explained, adding that “hundreds of political and civil society leaders” had been detained “on a preventative basis”.
While some political workers have reportedly been released, most senior leaders – especially those from the Kashmir Valley – remain in detention, he said.
1
1
1
Edited News | OHCHR , UNOG
The UN Human Rights Office on Friday highlighted the worrying situation of migrants in Tunisia and the increase in racist language.
1
1
1
Edited News | OHCHR , UNOG
The UN’s Human Rights Chief has renewed his calls on both parties to the conflict in Sudan to end hostilities, voicing his horror at the situation in El-Fasher in Darfur.
1
1
1
Edited News | OCHA , OHCHR , UNHCR , WHO
Sudan faces horrific violence, famine, and disease, with millions needing humanitarian aid amid conflict.
1
1
1
Edited News | OCHA
Aid delivery via floating dock starts in Gaza but land routes remain crucial, says UN's OCHA.
1
1
1
Edited News | OHCHR , UNOG
The UN Human Rights Office sounds the alarm at the impact on civilians in eastern Ukraine following the latest attacks by Russian armed forces
1
1
1
Edited News | WHO , OHCHR
In Gaza, as more Palestinian casualties of the Israeli military offensive are identified by the enclave’s health authorities, UN humanitarians reiterated on Tuesday that a high proportion of women and children were indeed among the 35,000 dead.
1
1
1
Edited News | OCHA , UNICEF , WHO
UN warns of unprecedented emergency in Gaza due to closed crossings, leading to fuel and aid shortages. Humanitarian operations at risk. Gaza faces famine, malnutrition, and dehydration. Ceasefire needed for aid deliveries.
1
1
1
Edited News | OCHA , OHCHR , UNICEF
Summary: Gaza aid choked off by closure of key southern border crossings, leading to deep concerns about humanitarian operations and potential famine. UN agencies warn of deteriorating conditions and the need for access to essential resources. Israel's actions raise human rights concerns.
1
1
1
Edited News | OHCHR , UNOG
Ravina Shamdasani, UN Human Rights Spokesperson made the following comment on the increased crackdown on journalists in Russia Tuesday at the bi-weekly press briefing in Geneva.
1
1
1
Edited News | UNRWA
Amid reports that some Palestinians have begun to leave Rafah ahead of an anticipated Israeli military operation in Gaza’s southernmost city, UN humanitarians on Monday insisted that they had no intention of quitting the vital aid hub.
1
1
1
Edited News | WHO , OCHA
Summary: UN warns of potential slaughter in Rafah, Gaza, due to Israeli military operation, risking humanitarian disaster and health crisis.
2
1
2
Edited News , Press Conferences | UNRWA
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini will update the press on the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.