Geneva: The General Secretary of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Jammu and Kashmir chapter, Advocate Parvaiz Ahmed Shah, has urged the United Nations Human Rights Council to take immediate measures to address the deteriorating situation for human rights defenders in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking at the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council under Agenda Item 5, Advocate Parvaiz highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by lawyers, journalists, and civil society members in the region. He emphasized that those who have previously worked with UN mechanisms to expose human rights violations are now facing persecution.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Advocate Parvaiz condemned the imprisonment and denial of fair trials for those who have raised awareness of the violations. He pointed out that individuals are being held on what he described as “fabricated charges” and are left vulnerable to their oppressors.

The advocate also criticized the Indian government for not addressing the issues raised by the UN High Commissioner concerning the rights of these defenders. Despite India’s claims of being the world’s largest democracy, he argued that the country has failed to protect those advocating for human rights in the region.

The call for action at the international level underscores the gravity of the situation in IIOJK, where human rights advocates continue to operate under significant threat.