UNHRC seminar highlights digital repression, shrinking civic space in IIOJK
Geneva: A seminar held on the sidelines of the 62nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council voiced concern over growing digital repression and shrinking civic space in conflict-affected regions, particularly Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
According to Kashmir Media Service, the seminar, titled “Digital Rights and Civic Spaces” was organized by the Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR) in collaboration with the Community Human Rights Advocacy Centre (CHRAC). The event brought together human rights defenders, digital rights experts, journalists, and civil society representatives.
Speakers highlighted increased use of internet shutdowns, mass surveillance systems, targeted content removal and algorithmic censorship to stifle peaceful dissent and obstruct the exercise of the right to self-determination, a right recognized under the UN Charter and relevant Security Council resolutions.
Participants noted that repeated and prolonged communications blackouts, combined with the monitoring of social media and messaging platforms in IIOJK have severely restricted the ability of Kashmiris to document human rights violations, mobilize peacefully and engage with international mechanisms.
“Digital tools that should expand civic participation are instead being weaponized to silence voices demanding accountability and the realization of long-standing UN-recognized rights,” a KIIR representative said, adding the internet restrictions and surveillance in Kashmir not only violate digital rights but also undermine the fundamental freedoms necessary for any meaningful exercise of self-determination.
The seminar called for greater international scrutiny of digital repression in disputed territories, the establishment of independent monitoring mechanisms for internet governance during conflicts, and stronger safeguards for civic space both online and offline.
Participants urged UN member states and the Human Rights Council to address these concerns as part of their ongoing review of human rights situations.
The seminar was moderated by Syed Faiz Naqashbandi, and speakers included Prof Christa, Dr. Waleed Rasool, Ms Naila Altaf Kayani, and Mr. Zaffar Qureshi.
