In Geneva, Kashmiri delegation briefs OIC permanent representative on IIOJK situation
Geneva : A Kashmiri delegation met the Permanent Representative of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Geneva and expressed gratitude for the OIC’s consistent support for the right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the delegation also appreciated the OIC’s continued attention to and condemnation of human rights violations in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The delegation commended the visit of the OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) to Azad Jammu and Kashmir and appreciated its reports. It expressed concern that, despite repeated requests and engagement, India has not permitted OIC delegations to visit IIOJK, thereby preventing an independent assessment of the situation on the ground.
The delegation was led by Altaf Hussain Wani and included representatives from international organizations, think tanks, and academia: Syed Pervez Shah Advocate, Dr. Raja Muhammad Sajjad Khan, Syed Faiz Naqshbandi, Dr. Waleed Rasool, and Dr. Sarah Shah. During the meeting, the delegation briefed the OIC representative on the current situation in IIOJK. It said freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, association, and the press continue to face severe restrictions.
Several political organizations have been banned, while political activists, human rights defenders, lawyers, and journalists are reportedly being subjected to arrests, harassment, and prolonged detention under stringent security laws, including anti-terrorism legislation and the Public Safety Act. The delegation highlighted reports of arbitrary detentions, prolonged incarceration without trial, house raids, confiscation of property, travel restrictions, and other violations of civil liberties. It noted that young people are frequently detained without due process, while media organizations and journalists operate under intense surveillance, pressure, and censorship, severely limiting independent reporting and public discourse.
The delegation also raised concerns regarding restrictions on religious freedoms, including limitations on Friday congregational prayers, Muharram processions, and other religious gatherings. It said recent legal and administrative changes relating to land ownership, demographic composition, and political representation have generated serious concerns among Kashmiris about the preservation of their identity, land, and resources. The delegation presented two reports to the OIC Permanent Representative documenting the human rights situation in the region.
The OIC Permanent Representative reaffirmed the organization’s continued support for the right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and reiterated its commitment to advocating for a peaceful and just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.
