On International Human Rights Day, the Center for International Strategic Studies, AJK (CISS-AJK), hosted a hybrid conference titled “Addressing Systematic Human Rights Violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).” The event brought together a distinguished panel of experts to discuss the persistent human rights crisis in the region.
Moderated by Research Officer Saba Ghulam Nabi, the conference featured presentations from prominent researchers, academics, and policymakers. Key discussions revolved around the legal and humanitarian implications of India’s actions in IIOJK.
Qurat-ul-Ain Shabbir, Research Officer at CISS-AJK, delivered a detailed presentation on India’s breaches of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and International Human Rights Law (IHRL). She criticized India’s legal measures in Kashmir for systematically suppressing the rights of Kashmiris, despite its commitments as a signatory to international treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Geneva Conventions.
Dr Raja Nazakat Ali Khan, Assistant Professor at the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK), emphasized that the Kashmir conflict must be viewed as a human rights crisis. He exposed the use of women as weapons of war, incidents of state-sponsored sexual violence, custodial killings, and arbitrary detentions, highlighting their systematic nature under Indian state patronage.
Author and analyst Ershad Mehmood analyzed the deteriorating human rights situation following India’s 2019 abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A. Speaking virtually via Zoom, he described how the revocation led to a clampdown on basic freedoms, including speech and assembly. He pointed to increased targeting of journalists, arbitrary arrests, and a broader pattern of state repression.
Former AJK Minister Farzana Yaqoob, also participating virtually, called for proactive engagement by Kashmiris on global platforms. She stressed the need for sustained advocacy to ensure the international community recognizes and addresses the plight of Kashmiris.
A lively Q&A session allowed participants to engage deeply with the speakers, focusing on the legal frameworks applicable under IHL and IHRL. Concluding the event, Zohaib Altaf, Associate Director at CISS-AJK, expressed gratitude to the speakers and participants while underscoring the institute’s commitment to spotlighting the Kashmir issue. He commended the leadership of Executive Director Dr Asma Shakir Khawaja for CISS-AJK’s impactful work on the matter.
The conference concluded with a token of appreciation presented to Dr Raja Nazakat Ali Khan, acknowledging his valuable contributions. This event marked an important step in amplifying the voices of Kashmiris and drawing international attention to the ongoing human rights violations in IIOJK.
