Geneva: During the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the International Muslim Women Union made a compelling plea for the High Commissioner to urgently address the severe human rights issues in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

According to Kashmir Media Service, Ms. Shamim Shawl, representing the Union, voiced deep concerns over the ongoing neglect of the region despite previous reports from the Office of the High Commissioner and various communications from special rapporteurs. Shawl provided a distressing overview of the situation, citing the detention of over 5,000 individuals including political leaders, human rights defenders, and journalists. She also highlighted the egregious use of sexual violence as a strategy in the conflict.

The statement emphatically called for the High Commissioner to break the silence on Kashmir and urged India to permit a fact-finding mission to investigate both historical and present human rights abuses. Shawl stressed the importance of accountability in maintaining the integrity, universality, and neutrality of human rights standards across the globe.