Srinagar: The United Nations Human Rights (UNHRC) has condemned government raids on Human Rights  defenders, restriction on civil society and its impact on the rights of the people of Kashmir.

On the 46th session of the Human Rights Council, Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said the body continues to monitor situation in Kashmir.

“We continue to monitor the situation in Indian-administered Kashmir, where restrictions on communications, and clampdowns on civil society activists, remain of concern. Despite recent restoration of 4G access for mobile phones, the communications blockade has seriously hampered civic participation, as well as business, livelihoods, education, and access to health-care and medical information,” Michelle stated in her statement.

“Raids against human rights defenders in October and November exemplify the continued restrictions on civil society, and resulting impact on the rights of the people of Kashmir to impart and receive information, and to engage in free, open debate on Government policies affecting them. Internet access in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir also remains a serious problem, prompting student protests in the past year”.

She also stated that in India, continued protests by hundreds of thousands of farmers highlight the importance of ensuring laws and policies are based on meaningful consultations with those concerned.

“I trust that ongoing dialogue efforts by both sides will lead to an equitable solution to this crisis that respects the rights of all. Charges of sedition against journalists and activists for reporting or commenting on the protests, and attempts to curb freedom of expression on social media, are disturbing departures from essential human rights principlesm,” Michelle stated.

“With regard to inclusion and participation, I am encouraged by the recent experience of my Office in a pilot programme in Kerala State, where officials, civil society organisations and community leaders have used innovative technology to ensure that the voices of marginalized and poor people are heard, and their needs addressed, in the pandemic response”.