KIIR urges world HR bodies to influence upon India to honor its commitments

Submits recommendations for 3rd cycle of UPR India

5 Dariya News

Islamabad 14-Apr-2017

While submitting parallel report for the 3rd cycle Universal Periodic Review starting in February, 2017, the Kashmir Institute of International relations Islamabad has urged the UN high commissioner for human rights, president human rights council and members of human rights council to pressurize India to abide by its international commitments and take note of the recommendations submitted by the KIIR.According to the statement issued to KNS, in a letter addressed to the concerned authorities, the KIIR programe Director, Altaf Hussain Wani pointed out that “India would be among the first 14 countries whose human rights record will come under review in the first phase of the 3rd cycle starting from 4th May to 14th May 2017.” “Since the creation of this procedure India came under review twice. In the both cycles India came under heavy criticism from International Human Rights Organizations, International human rights treaty bodies, United Nations Special Procedures, Indian Civil Society and even from Indian’s own national Human Rights Commissions”, the communique said adding that during 2nd cycle, in 2012, India was handed over 172 recommendations by International community to improve its human rights record.“Out of 172 recommendations 71 came from United Nations human rights mechanism, treaty bodies and special procedures while 101 received from different international as well as Indian NGO’s including National Human Rights Commission of India”, the communiqué said.It stated that almost 95 NGO’s submitted parallel reports, 33% of the recommendations were about the discrimination against Dalits and other religious minorities in India, whereas, 27% of the recommendations were about repealing of Armed Forces Special powers Act and Public Safety Act and other draconian legislations which facilitate human rights violations and provide impunity to armed forces.

The KIIR letter maintained that Special Rapporteurs on situation of human rights defenders and extra-judicial, summary or arbitrary execution asked India to repeal Armed Forces Special Powers Act AFSPA, Public Safety Act PSA and ratify CAT & CED without any delay.The KIIR asked the government of India to adopt and comply with the principles of international human rights and UN Mechanisms such as the UN Special Procedures and Treaty Bodies, to protect and promote human rights in the country.Extend invitations to all UN Special Rapporteurs, particularly related to the rights of freedom of opinion, expression, assemblies, association, privacy, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, SR on torture and other inhuman degrading treatment, working group on enforced disappearances.Urging India to repeal Armed Forces Special Powers Act, Pubic safety Act of 1990 other black laws prevalent in the disputed state of Jammu Kashmir the KIIR letter stated that India should respect the international law. “India should also allow an unhindered access to ICRC, MSF and UNMOGIP and OHCHR fact –finding mission to Jammu and Kashmir and oblige the request of United Nations High Commissioners”, the letter said adding that there was a dire need that India should ensure freedom of travel, including grant of travel documents to people of J&K regardless of political thoughts, affiliations or activities. (KNS)