Journalist questions UN silence on Kashmir amid India’s rights abuses in IIOJK
Geneva: The Kashmir issue was brought into focus at the United Nations when a journalist questioned the President of the Human Rights Council, Ambassador Omar Zniber, about the Council’s silence on human rights violations by Indian forces in occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Kashmir Media Service, during a press briefing, the journalist highlighted the lack of action from the Council, referencing the last major UN report on Kashmir released under former High Commissioner Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein.
The journalist questioned why the Council had not revisited the human rights crisis in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), despite ongoing reports of abuses, including violence and arbitrary arrests.
Ambassador Zniber responded by stating the Council’s procedures, stating that raising specific issues is primarily the responsibility of member states and stakeholders.
“It is up to any delegation wishing to advance a subject to take the initiative,” he said, underscoring that while the Council facilitates dialogue, its focus areas are determined by member states. He added, “My role is to ensure these processes work effectively, so the Council can make decisions in line with international obligations and our guiding purposes.”
