Srinagar: 19th June is marked as International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. This Day reaffirms the principle of universality of all human rights, which apply equally in the conflict areas and occupied territories.
Indian forces have sexually assaulted and gang-raped more than 11,255 women and 2,342 women were martyred as well in IIOJK during the past three decades. Indian forces’ aggression and violence in IIOJK has left 22,923 women widowed.
Indian forces use harassment and molestation as a weapon of war to not only suppress Kashmir’s liberation struggle but to deter activists and leaders from their campaigns using fear that women they belong to would be subjected to sexual abuse. Indian security forces have “employed rape, torture, degrading treatment and killings of Kashmiri women as instruments of state terrorism.” Since 5 August 2019, sexual violence against all genders including children has drastically increased.
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in its two Kashmir reports, the UN Special Procedure Mandate Holders (SPMHs) in their joint communications, international civil society and media in plethora of publications have expressed serious concerns on the widespread sexual violence being committed by the Indian occupation forces in IIOJK and have demanded investigations by a UN Commission of Inquiry.
International community must take cognizance of the sexual crimes against the people of IIOJK and call upon India to respect its international obligations, especially those related to the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and 4th Geneva Convention. On its part, Pakistan will continue to raise its voice against such heinous human rights violations. Web Desk
