International law even in disputed zones ensures women’s safety, dignity: Speakers
Hattian Balla, AJK: The Institute of Dialogue, Development and Diplomatic Studies (IDDS) organised a seminar at Hatian Bala, Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the seminar, “Kashmiri women the worst victims of Indian state terrorism”, was organized with the collaboration of Post Graduate College for Women, Hattian Bala, in connection with International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
The speakers on the occasion said states are bound by international laws and resolutions, including the United Nations resolution 1325, which acknowledges the impact of conflict on women and emphasises their role in peace-building and protection during disputes.
The Principal of the Post Graduate College in her opening remarks said international law, even in disputed or conflict zones, ensures women’s safety, dignity, and equal rights. She said this obligation extends to respecting local customs that hold women in high regard while preventing the misuse of such customs to justify violence. States, she said, must also adopt measures that prevent extrajudicial powers from being abused to target or oppress women.
Dr Waleed Rasool said that Kashmir women were the soft targets of the Indian troops, therefore, the women were the first casualty of the brutal occupation forces.
He quoted the statements of the UN Secretary-General: “The fight against violence is a collective responsibility. Empowering women is not just a policy—it’s a necessity.”
On the occasion a resolution was also adopted which says that Kashmir is an internationally disputed territory; therefore, the right-to-self-determination is a legitimate rights movement. Thus, Kashmiris can raise their voices to implement the UN resolutions.
The Kashmir women lodged in the notorious Tihar Jail of India must be released with immediate effect as they are daughters of the soil; they must be given the legal remedy, the resolution addes.
