Seminar and Protest on International Day for the Victims of Torture
June 26, 24 at Broken Chair, Geneva by IASPD
Report
Title: Kashmir Delegations Seminar and Protest on International Day for the Victims of Torture
Date: June 26, 2024
Venue: United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) Headquarters, Geneva
Target Audience: International Human Rights Organizations, UN Officials, Diplomats, Global Media, Civil Society Representatives
Moderator: Sardar Amjad Yousaf Khan, Executive Director Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR) and President International Action for Peace and Sustainable Development
Key Points:
The seminar commenced with an introduction to the significance of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, emphasizing the ongoing human rights violations in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Human Rights Reports:
- Reference was made to the report titled “Torture: Indian State’s Instrument of Control in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir,” which states that 70% of torture victims are civilians, with 11% dying as a result of torture.
- The failure of the Indian judiciary to prosecute cases of human rights violations was highlighted, pointing out the legal, political and moral impunity granted to the armed forces.
International Advocacy:
- Discussion on India’s status as a signatory but not a ratifier of the United Nations Convention against Torture since 1997. The seminar stressed the need for international pressure to compel India to ratify and adhere to the Convention.
- The importance of Universal Periodic Reviews (UPRs) from 2008, 2012 and 2017, which recommended India ratify the Convention, was reiterated.
Psychological Impact:
- A study by Doctors Without Borders (2015) was cited, revealing that 19% of the Kashmiri population suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to ongoing violence and torture.
Solidarity and Support:
- Pakistan’s continued diplomatic and moral support for the people of Kashmir was underscored. Events organized by the Government of Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir aimed at educating global stakeholders about the ongoing atrocities were commended.
Protest and Public Gathering:
- The seminar was followed by a public protest and gathering, uniting political and religious leaders, activists and the general public. The protest aimed to draw international attention to the plight of Kashmiris and advocate for immediate action against the human rights abuses.
Conclusion: The seminar and subsequent protest effectively highlighted the severe human rights violations occurring in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The participation and solidarity demonstrated by international human rights organizations,
UN officials and the broader global community underscored the importance of continued advocacy and pressure on India to end its use of torture and adhere to international human rights standards.
The event reinforced the commitment to supporting the people of Kashmir and amplifying their voices on the international stage.
