GENEVA — United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has appealed for calm in Azad Kashmir, as a wave of unrest tied to the region’s Legislative Assembly elections has left dozens dead since June.
Türk’s office said dozens of people — mostly protesters, but also law enforcement personnel — have reportedly been killed since June in the run-up to the vote for the Legislative Assembly on July 27. The High Commissioner has called for prompt, thorough and impartial investigations into all the deaths, covering both protesters and members of the security forces, and has urged authorities to restore full internet access across the territory.
Türk also called for meaningful and inclusive political dialogue to address the underlying issues behind the unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
“UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk appeals for calm in Pakistan-administered Kashmir (Azad Kashmir) amid a wave of unrest ahead of regional elections at the end of the month. Dozens of people, mostly protesters but also law enforcement personnel, have reportedly been killed since June ahead of the vote for the Legislative Assembly on the 27th of July. We call for prompt, thorough and impartial investigations into all deaths that have occurred due to the unrest, both amongst protesters and members of the security forces. We urge the authorities to ensure full internet access throughout the territory. The High Commissioner calls for meaningful and inclusive political dialogue to address the underlying issues and grievances of the local population.”
Jeremy Laurence
UN HUMAN RIGHTS SPOKESMAN