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Banning Awami Action Committee will not serve the purpose of peace and stability in the Valley. By Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Chairman, World Forum for Peace & Justice
As the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council begins to discuss its agenda item #8 which is ‘follow up to and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action’, there is always an opportunity for an aggressive program to elevate human rights issues to the forefront of the international community’s agenda.
As stated in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (A/CONF.157/23), the World Conference on Human Rights considers human rights education, training and public information essential for the promotion and achievement of stable and harmonious relations among communities and individuals. Historically, human rights issues were often viewed through the prisms of East versus West, however, the current geopolitical situation allows for human rights issues to be debated, pursued and acted upon on their own merits.
While the economic inter-development of the world marketplace being addressed though different multinational trade organizations, the United Nations must take a dynamic step to assure its relevancy in world affairs. We are seeing a new paradigm in international relations. Countries are often looking past human rights issues and conditions to guarantee economic development and security for themselves.
The promotion, protection and restoration of human rights at the national, regional and international levels must continue to be one of the primary goals of the United Nations. The close relationship between the maintenance of international peace and security and the effective realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms must be well established.
As such there is growing attention to the fact that situations causing massive violations of human rights have occurred in the context of armed conflicts, indiscriminate military attacks against civilians and communal violence. Therefore, the United Nations must concentrate its efforts on developing institutions which will address the most pressing violations as well as help mitigate potential rights violations when political effort fail to deter violence. Only by simultaneously addressing humanitarian assistance, promotion of human rights as well as peace, security and stability can we be sure to protect and assist the people, the institutions and the country.
We believe that there are several ways for the United Nations to focus attention on its efforts to increase world attention on the promotion of fundamental human rights. As the Human Rights Council addresses the agenda item 8, it should use its opportunity to reassert its relevancy in world affairs by taking concrete steps to reduce rights violations in several areas. By addressing smaller less intractable situations, the United Nations can show positive movement, create a culture of human rights successes and raise awareness.
One such area is Jammu & Kashmir which is still pending on the agenda of the Security Council since 1948. In Jammu & Kashmir, the credibility of the United Nations itself is put to the test on a daily basis. A United Nations initiative at this time will be the most important positive step taken in years for the people of Kashmir.
However, a new and disturbing trend has developed, and it saddens me to bring it to the attention of the officials of United Nations Human Rights Council. It is clear that those human rights defenders who speak out against human rights violations in Kashmir are being targeted by the Indian authorities. The result: increased disappearances, imprisonment, threats to the families, associates, and relatives of those who speak or write even on social media.
One prime example is that of Khurram Parvez who is quite known to the various United Nations Special Experts, including: Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances; Luciano Hazan (Chair-Rapporteur), Aua Baldé (Vice-Chair), Tae-Ung Baik, Gabriella Citroni, Henrikas Mickevičius, Ms. Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders; Ms. Fionnuala Ní Aoláin, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while counter-terrorism; and Mr. Morris Tidball-Binz, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions.
The most alarming development took place today (March 11, 2025) in Kashmir, when the Awami Action Committee Jammu Kashmir which is headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq who also heads the All parties Hurriyat Conference, was declared as an unlawful association by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India with immediate effect. This notification shall have effect for a period of five years from the date of its publication.
The reasoning behind banning the organization given by the Ministry of Home Affairs is as follows: “Whereas, the Awami Action committee, chaired by Umar Farooq is indulging in unlawful activities, which are prejudicial to the integrity, sovereignty and security of the country.”
It is worth mentioning here that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq made a public statement on October 4, 2024, that he believes that oppression, violence and guns cannot resolve the Kashmir issue, but it can only happen on table through a genuine dialogue process. Mirwaiz added that he has never advocated violence. We may have differences but there is no animosity towards anyone. We are ready to give our cooperation in this process," said Mirwaiz, adding, "The government has to revisit its policy as we won't be deterred with this policy of repeated detentions."
Likewise, it is none other than Mary Lawlor, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders who said, “Khurram Parvez is not a terrorist. He is a human rights defender.” Time Magazine wrote that Khurram Parvez is one of 100 most influential people of 2022.
We urge the United Nations Human Rights Council to persuade the Government of India that banning a social-educational institution, Like Awami Action Committee will not serve the purpose of peace and stability in the Valley. The ban has to be lifted on AAC which stands for peaceful resolution of the Kashmir conflict through dialogue and deliberation and not through violence and brute force.
We also urge the Human Rights Council to recommit itself ensuring that Khurram Parvez, human rights defender is released unconditionally and without any delay.
(Dr. Fai is also the Secretary General, World Kashmir Awareness Forum. He can be reached at: WhatsApp: 1-202-607-6435. Or gnfai2003@yahooc.om Kashmirawareness.org)
As stated in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (A/CONF.157/23), the World Conference on Human Rights considers human rights education, training and public information essential for the promotion and achievement of stable and harmonious relations among communities and individuals. Historically, human rights issues were often viewed through the prisms of East versus West, however, the current geopolitical situation allows for human rights issues to be debated, pursued and acted upon on their own merits.
While the economic inter-development of the world marketplace being addressed though different multinational trade organizations, the United Nations must take a dynamic step to assure its relevancy in world affairs. We are seeing a new paradigm in international relations. Countries are often looking past human rights issues and conditions to guarantee economic development and security for themselves.
The promotion, protection and restoration of human rights at the national, regional and international levels must continue to be one of the primary goals of the United Nations. The close relationship between the maintenance of international peace and security and the effective realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms must be well established.
As such there is growing attention to the fact that situations causing massive violations of human rights have occurred in the context of armed conflicts, indiscriminate military attacks against civilians and communal violence. Therefore, the United Nations must concentrate its efforts on developing institutions which will address the most pressing violations as well as help mitigate potential rights violations when political effort fail to deter violence. Only by simultaneously addressing humanitarian assistance, promotion of human rights as well as peace, security and stability can we be sure to protect and assist the people, the institutions and the country.
We believe that there are several ways for the United Nations to focus attention on its efforts to increase world attention on the promotion of fundamental human rights. As the Human Rights Council addresses the agenda item 8, it should use its opportunity to reassert its relevancy in world affairs by taking concrete steps to reduce rights violations in several areas. By addressing smaller less intractable situations, the United Nations can show positive movement, create a culture of human rights successes and raise awareness.
One such area is Jammu & Kashmir which is still pending on the agenda of the Security Council since 1948. In Jammu & Kashmir, the credibility of the United Nations itself is put to the test on a daily basis. A United Nations initiative at this time will be the most important positive step taken in years for the people of Kashmir.
However, a new and disturbing trend has developed, and it saddens me to bring it to the attention of the officials of United Nations Human Rights Council. It is clear that those human rights defenders who speak out against human rights violations in Kashmir are being targeted by the Indian authorities. The result: increased disappearances, imprisonment, threats to the families, associates, and relatives of those who speak or write even on social media.
One prime example is that of Khurram Parvez who is quite known to the various United Nations Special Experts, including: Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances; Luciano Hazan (Chair-Rapporteur), Aua Baldé (Vice-Chair), Tae-Ung Baik, Gabriella Citroni, Henrikas Mickevičius, Ms. Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders; Ms. Fionnuala Ní Aoláin, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while counter-terrorism; and Mr. Morris Tidball-Binz, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions.
The most alarming development took place today (March 11, 2025) in Kashmir, when the Awami Action Committee Jammu Kashmir which is headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq who also heads the All parties Hurriyat Conference, was declared as an unlawful association by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India with immediate effect. This notification shall have effect for a period of five years from the date of its publication.
The reasoning behind banning the organization given by the Ministry of Home Affairs is as follows: “Whereas, the Awami Action committee, chaired by Umar Farooq is indulging in unlawful activities, which are prejudicial to the integrity, sovereignty and security of the country.”
It is worth mentioning here that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq made a public statement on October 4, 2024, that he believes that oppression, violence and guns cannot resolve the Kashmir issue, but it can only happen on table through a genuine dialogue process. Mirwaiz added that he has never advocated violence. We may have differences but there is no animosity towards anyone. We are ready to give our cooperation in this process," said Mirwaiz, adding, "The government has to revisit its policy as we won't be deterred with this policy of repeated detentions."
Likewise, it is none other than Mary Lawlor, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders who said, “Khurram Parvez is not a terrorist. He is a human rights defender.” Time Magazine wrote that Khurram Parvez is one of 100 most influential people of 2022.
We urge the United Nations Human Rights Council to persuade the Government of India that banning a social-educational institution, Like Awami Action Committee will not serve the purpose of peace and stability in the Valley. The ban has to be lifted on AAC which stands for peaceful resolution of the Kashmir conflict through dialogue and deliberation and not through violence and brute force.
We also urge the Human Rights Council to recommit itself ensuring that Khurram Parvez, human rights defender is released unconditionally and without any delay.
(Dr. Fai is also the Secretary General, World Kashmir Awareness Forum. He can be reached at: WhatsApp: 1-202-607-6435. Or gnfai2003@yahooc.om Kashmirawareness.org)
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