EDM: Communications blackout and human rights in Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Communications blackout and human rights in Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Tabled by Imran Hussain (Labour) 47 signatures

The motion

That this House expresses grave concern at reports of communications blackout, lockdown measures, mass arrests, and raids in Azad Jammu and Kashmir; condemns any excessive or unlawful use of force against peaceful protesters, and civil society representatives; notes with alarm the distress caused to British Kashmiris and others in the UK who have been unable to contact relatives and loved ones in the region, including British citizens currently in Azad Jammu and Kashmir; further notes concerns regarding restrictions on communications, safe medical access for injured persons, due process for detainees and the breakdown in dialogue between the authorities and peaceful protest and civil society groups; believes that peaceful advocacy for constitutional reform, democratic equality, accountable governance, freedom of expression and peaceful assembly should not be criminalised; calls for the immediate restoration of communications, the lifting of restrictions affecting contact between families, safe medical access for all injured persons, protection of peaceful assemblies and the release or prompt production before court of all detainees; urges the Government of Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir to immediately end the lockdown, restore all communications, and resume peaceful table-talk and negotiation through dialogue with respect for Kashmiri human rights; and calls on the Government to use all appropriate diplomatic channels to facilitate an immediate lifting of the lockdown, a restoration of all communications, enhanced consular support for affected British nationals, prevent any further escalation, and engage urgently in constructive table talks to secure a peaceful resolution that respects the human rights of Kashmiris.

Signatories (47)