ISLAMABAD: Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has underscored the need to immediately improve the human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K).
In a briefing held by Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today (Thursday), a 12-member delegation called for just resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.
The foreign secretary briefed the delegation on the deteriorating situation in occupied Kashmir, while highlighting the legal, humanitarian, and peace and security dimensions of the lingering Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
The visit of IPHRC delegation from August 4 to 9 coincides with the completion of two years of India’s illegal steps of 5 August 2019, which it had taken in flagrant violation of UN Security Council Resolutions on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. The delegation will also visit the Line of Control (LoC) to monitor the on-ground situation.
“During the visit, the IPHRC delegation will travel to Muzaffarabad and the Line of Control, and interact with Kashmiri leadership, refugees from IIOJK, and victims of Indian atrocities,” the Foreign Office said in a statement.
The visit is part of IPHRC’s mandate to monitor the deteriorating humanitarian and human rights situation in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), especially as a result of the spate of Indian illegal actions since 5 August 2019.
“The visit would be significant in drawing international attention towards the urgent need to address the egregious human rights situation in IIOJK and for a peaceful resolution in accordance with the UNSC resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people,” the FO said.
The Commission was mandated by the 13th Islamic Summit and the 42nd Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) to monitor the human rights violations in IIOJK and submit regular reports.
The IPHRC, at its 17th regular session held in March 2021, regretted the lack of response from the Indian government on a fact-finding visit to IIOJK. Consistent with its mandate, the IPHRC has been expressing concern about the human rights situation in IIOJK.
