UN Human Rights Chief's Message To India & Pakistan

Ease up on Kashmir, engage people in the decision-making, United Nations Human Rights Chief tells India and Pakistan in Geneva.

Transcript

00:00I am deeply concerned about the impact of recent actions by the government of India on the human rights of Kashmiris.

00:30including restrictions on internet communication and peaceful assembly,

00:34and the detention of local political leaders and activists.

00:37While I continue to urge the governments of India and Pakistan

00:40to ensure that human rights are respected and protected,

00:43I have a particular concern about the impact of recent actions by the government of India

00:48on the human rights of Kashmiris,

00:50including restrictions on internet communication and peaceful assembly,

00:54and the detention of local political leaders and activists.

00:57While I continue to urge the governments of India and Pakistan

01:00to ensure that human rights are respected and protected,

01:03I have appealed particularly to India to ease the current lockdowns or curfews,

01:07to ensure people's access to basic services,

01:10and that all due process rights are respected for those who have been detained.

01:14It is important that the people of Kashmir are consulted and engaged

01:18in any decision-making processes that have an impact on the future.

01:22The lockdowns in the northeast Indian state of Assam

01:24have caused great uncertainty and anxiety,

01:27with some 1.9 million people excluded from the final list published on 31st of August.

01:33I appeal to the government to ensure due process during the appeals process,

01:37prevent deportation or detention,

01:39and ensure people are protected from statelessness.