Karachi, At a recent webinar, prominent speakers emphasized the urgent need for an early and peaceful resolution of global conflicts, including the Kashmir dispute, to realize the ideals of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The event titled “75 Years of UDHR – Building a Sustainable Human Rights Culture” was organized by Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR) in collaboration with various academic and human rights organizations.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the webinar brought together a distinguished panel of experts, including Dr. Livingstone Sewanyana, the United Nations Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order; Dr. Farah Naz, Professor at NUST; and several other human rights and academic professionals. The event, moderated by KIIR Chairman Altaf Hussain Wani, commemorated the 75th anniversary of the UDHR and focused on the challenges of maintaining global peace and security in a polarized world.
The speakers highlighted the dire need for strengthening the UN mechanism and enforcing the human rights regime, noting that building a sustainable human rights culture is impossible without adhering to the principles of the UDHR. Specifically, the situation in Kashmir was discussed extensively, with speakers pointing out India’s military occupation and deteriorating political and human rights conditions in the region. They condemned the increase in violence, bloodshed, and human rights violations by Indian troops, accusing India of violating the UDHR and other human rights treaties.
The webinar also underscored the importance of addressing Kashmiris’ specific concerns for fostering a just and inclusive society. Speakers called for global cooperation to resolve long-standing conflicts like Kashmir, which they believe is crucial for achieving the goals set out in the UDHR.
Dr. Livingstone Sewanyana remarked that the UDHR was created in the aftermath of World War II to promote peace and cooperation. He lamented that despite the mandate’s establishment, the world continues to struggle with violence, armed conflicts, and humanitarian emergencies. He stressed the need for collective action to resolve conflicts that threaten global peace and highlighted challenges such as climate change and the impact of unilateral actions by powerful states.
The webinar concluded with a call for stronger human rights enforcement and accountability mechanisms, urging nations and individuals to work together to address the pressing issues of our time, including climate change and conflict resolution.