UN chief backs probe into PoK protest killings

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has backed High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk’s call for a prompt, impartial inquiry into the killings of protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

United Nations: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres backs his human rights chief’s call for an impartial inquiry into the killings of protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), his Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said on Friday.

Haq said that there should be accountability if peaceful protesters were harmed.

---

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has called for “prompt, thorough and impartial investigations into all deaths that have occurred due to the unrest, both among protesters and members of security forces” during the popular protests against election irregularities in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Asked at his briefing about Turk’s statement last month, Haq said, “The Secretary-General supports the work of his High Commissioner, and we certainly hope that the pleas made by Volker Turk will be listened to.”

“It’s important that all authorities everywhere allow for peaceful protest, and certainly that is the case here” in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the UN Chief’s Deputy Spokesperson added.

“If there have been people harmed for engaging in peaceful protest, there needs to be accountability for that,” he added.

About 50 protesters have been killed in the recent protests by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) against Pakistan reserving seats for outsiders in the elections to the local legislature.

The Human Rights office said, “The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) — a movement behind the protests comprising traders, transporters, students, lawyers, activists and others – has been banned under anti-terrorism laws for allegedly threatening public order and security.”

“Some of the group’s leaders have subsequently been arrested. The criminalisation of a civil society organisation and imposition of strict limitations on gatherings raise serious concerns about infringements on the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association,” it said.

Turk called for giving the detained JAAC leaders “access to legal representation and their families” and said, “Their rights to due process and fair trial must be fully guaranteed,” according to his Spokesperson Jeremy Laurence.

The Security Council Resolution 40 from 1948 demands that Pakistan withdraw its forces and citizens from the area it occupies.