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Kashmir Council of Australia arranged Forum at the NSW Parliament House on “Human Rights situation in Jammu-Kashmir”

Marking the annual Black Day, the Kashmir Council of Australia arranged a forum in the Parliament House building of New South Wales (NSW), to protest the illegal occupation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir by Indian forces on 27 October 1947. The topic of the forum this year was “Human Rights situation in Jammu-Kashmir and its impact on vulnerable communities – women, children, old and youth”.

The event was held on Wednesday, 24th October 2018. This Forum was attended by senior NSW parliamentarians from different parties including

Hon. Shaoquett Moselmane

Honourable Shaoquett Moselmane, Labor Party Member Legislative Council (MLC),

Hon. David Shoebridge

Honourable David Shoebridge, Greens MLC,

Former Senator Lee Rhiannon

Former Federal Senator Lee Rhiannon,

Prof Jakelin Troy

Prof Jakelin Troy, University of Sydney,

Mr. Kyser Trad

Mr. Kyser Trad, Founder of Islamic Friendship Association of Australia along with academics, scholars, teachers and members of Kashmiri and Pakistani community. The

Molana Thanvi

event was starts with reciting of Quran by Molana Nazeerul Hassan Thanvi.

Saeed Khan

Mr. Saeed Khan thanks all Guests and Speakers.

Wajiha Ahmed

Wajiha Ahmed was MC of the event.

Speaking on the occasion Former Senator Lee Rhiannon shared experiences of her recent visit to Azad Jammu and Kashmir and interaction with the refugees and Kashmiri leadership. Drawing attention to the report of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) about the situation in Kashmir, she called for an independent international investigation into human rights violations as recommended in the Report. Ms. Lee appreciated Pakistan’s pledge to cooperate with the OHCHR in the conduct of Independent Inquiry and expressed disappointment over the rogue response by the Indian Government to the Report.

Hon. Shaoquett Moselmane

In his remarks Honourable Shaoquett Moselmane, called for respect of human rights of Kashmiris and urged all parties to come together for the sake of peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute.

Honourable David Shoebridge, regarded the Kashmir issue as unfinished injustice of colonialism. He emphasized the need to respect the human rights of Kashmiris including the right to self-determination.

Professor Jakelin Troy of University of Sydney acknowledged the frustration of Kashmiris with the UN and called for ensuring the respect, dignity and human rights of all Kashmiris especially of the vulnerable communities. Mr. Kyser Trad deplored the selective application of principles of human rights and called for investigation under the UN auspices of the crimes being committed against the people of Kashmir.

Abdul Ghafoor Butt

Mr. Abdul Ghafoor Butt of the Kashmir Council stated that Kashmiris were unanimous in their demand for self-determination and strongly condemned the atrocities being committed by the Indian occupation forces in Kashmir. He urged the Australian government, international community and peace-loving people across the globe to extend their full support for the just struggle of the Kashmiri people and to take steps for safeguarding their human rights.

Abbas Rana

Abbas Rana, President of the Pakistan Association of Australia, called upon the government of Australia to take notice and action on the human rights violations in Kashmir.

H.E. Mr. Babar Amin

The High Commissioner, Babar Amin dilated upon the genesis of the Kashmir dispute and the illegal Indian occupation of the Jammu and Kashmir. While reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to give its moral, political and diplomatic support to the people of Kashmir, the High Commissioner stated that addressing human rights violations must remain a priority beyond political expediencies.

High Commissioner Babar Amin hoped that as member of the UN Human Rights Council Australia would join hands with Pakistan to ensure implementation of the recommendations of the Report of OHCHR.

The event was well attended by the Kashmiris, Pakistanis and Australians. There was a consensus among the Speakers and participants on the imperative need to address the plight of the Kashmiri people and called for urgent action by the international community and Australia to address the issue.