United Nations: The United Nations has strongly reacted to India’s recent rejection of the UN Human Rights chief, Michelle Bachelet’s remarks wherein she voiced her continued concern over the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, inaugurating the 48th session of the UN Human Rights Council on September 13 said, “Indian authorities’ restrictions on public assembly, and frequent temporary communication blackouts, continue in Jammu and Kashmir, while hundreds of people remain in detention for exercising their right to the freedom of expression, and journalists face ever-growing pressure.”
“Ongoing use of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act throughout India is worrying, with Jammu and Kashmir having among the highest number of cases in the country,” the UN rights chief said in the section on the disputed territory, adding that “such restrictive measures can result in human rights violations and foster further tensions and discontent.”
India had stated that Michelle Bachelet’s comments on the situation in IIOJK are “unwarranted and do not reflect the ground reality.”
Craig Mokhiber, director of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ New York office, on Thursday said, “We will never side with India or Pakistan on Kashmir. But our job is to protect the vulnerable and take the perspective of the victim.”
He maintained that the UN Charter internationalized the human rights for all of the members of the UN and it is the responsibility of the governments to ensure freedom from fear for the people. Kashmir is a difficult issue, he said, because of tensions between India and Pakistan, as well as the roles that both countries play in the international community.
Mokhiber said the UN Human Right Office “will always protect the identity of vulnerable witnesses and victims everywhere”. Web Desk
