Unsettled Kashmir dispute contributes to environmental crisis: Speakers
Geneva: Speakers at a side event in Geneva referring to the unsettled Kashmir dispute said that the raging conflict has significantly contributed to an environmental crisis in the region, primarily due to the neglect of environmental concerns amidst political tensions.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the event, hosted jointly by IASPD and Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR) on the sidelines of the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, was addressed by international experts, environmental activists and representatives of human rights bodies hailing from different parts of the world. Prominent among those included Mary Scully the human rights activist from USA, Raja Asim Zeb, Talha Tufail Bhatti and Catherine Cantinstine, Leon sue and Altaf Hussain Wani. It was moderated by President IASPD and Executive Director KIIR Sardar Amjad Yousuf Khan.
The speakers said a healthy environment was essential for enjoyment of other human rights.
Citing massive troops’ concentration in the eco-fragile territory of Kashmir, they said that the troops deployment in the eco-sensitive areas along the Line of Control and use of heavy weapons has led to issues like rapid glacier melting, deforestation, water scarcity and degradation of fragile ecosystems.
Kashmir, they said, is one of the areas vulnerable to climate change. Hinting at heavy militarization of the occupied territory by India, they added: “The presence of large military forces in the restive region contributes to environmental pollution through waste disposal and fuel emissions”.
“Despite existing legal frameworks, including international humanitarian law and human rights treaties, enforcement remains weak and accountability mechanisms are limited”, they said.
In his remarks, Amjad Yousuf highlighted the significance of the UNHCR’s landmark resolution, which acknowledged the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. “A healthy environment is essential for the realization of other human rights”, Khan said.
