34th Session UNHRC: Intervention by Mr. Dušan Vejinović - Senior Research Analyst EFSAS
15-03-2017, Geneva
Text and video of the Intervention by Mr. Dušan Vejinović, Senior Research Analyst EFSAS, on General Debate Item 4 (Human rights situation that require the Council's attention) during the 34th Session of the UNHRC in Geneva.
Video of Mr. Dušan Vejinović's Intervention on General Debate Item 4 during the 34th Session of the UNHRC
“Mr. President,
Almost half of Jammu & Kashmir is occupied by Pakistan, which the country conveniently calls, ‘Azad’ Kashmir. Though ‘Azad’ means ‘Free’, the residents of so-called ‘Azad’ Kashmir are anything but.
No person in this so-called ‘Free Kashmir’ can assume office or be appointed to a government job unless he takes the oath of Jammu & Kashmir’s accession to Pakistan. In addition to disregarding international obligations to withdraw its forces from Jammu & Kashmir as per UN Resolutions, Pakistan is culpable of Human Rights violations including forced disappearances, torture, political repression and suppression of freedom of speech in this part of Jammu & Kashmir.
According to Pakistan’s own Human Rights Commission, extensive operations targeting the press and pro-independence groups are carried out by the ISI, Pakistan’s infamous spy-agency. Cases of arbitrary arrests by the ISI, in which people have been tortured to death, are widespread.
The cold-blooded murder of the tallest nationalist leader, Arif Shahid in 2013, committed by Pakistan’s intelligence agency is a recent reminder of what happens to those who do not support Jammu & Kashmir’s accession to Pakistan.
Mr. President,
I urge you to pay urgent attention to the human rights violations in this part of Jammu & Kashmir. ‘Azad’ Kashmir is not a ‘local authority’ as incorrectly mentioned in the UN resolutions of 1948. In reality, it is the local colony of the State of Pakistan which rules it with impunity through its intelligence agencies.
Thank you”.
