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Senator David Shoebridge speaking at Kashmir
day event
Kashmir Black Day observed
Across Australia
On
Friday, 27 October 2023, Kashmir Black Day is being observed across Australia
to express support and solidarity with Kashmiri people in their just struggle
against the illegal Indian occupation of parts of Jammu and Kashmir. The main
event was organized today at the Australian Federal Parliament in Canberra. The event was attended by Australian Senators,
former parliamentarians, human rights activists, media, and members of the
Pakistani and Kashmiri Diaspora.
In
his remarks at the occasion, High Commissioner Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri underscored
the significance of 27 October in the history of Kashmir. He highlighted
India’s breach of international law and violation of human rights on this day
in 1947 and every single day for the past 76 years. He also emphasized the
importance of international community's intervention in addressing the ongoing
crisis in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Paying rich
tribute to Kashmiris’ struggle against the Indian occupation, the High
Commissioner reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering political, moral, and diplomatic
support to Kashmiri people till the realization of their right to
self-determination as enshrined in the relevant United Nations Security Council
(UNSC) Resolutions. He also reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful
resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute as per international law, UN
Charter and the UNSC Resolutions.
Senator
David Shoebridge, known for his longstanding commitment to human rights, drew
attention to the 76th anniversary of the occupation of independent
Jammu and Kashmir by Indian troops. He described October 27 as a day to call
for the respect of human rights and called for a fresh UN-monitored process
that would allow the people of Kashmir to freely and fairly
express their will on self-determination.
In
his remarks, Senator Jordon Steele-John also advocated for the rights of the
people in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He stressed that all individuals
have an unalienable right to self-determination, and the people of occupied
Kashmir deserve the same. Senator Steele-John called upon the Indian government
to restore and respect human rights in the region and emphasized the urgent
need for international attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Former
Member of the Legislative Council of New South Wales, Hon. Shaoquett
Moselmane and other speakers at the seminar also expressed
their deep concerns over the prevailing humanitarian and human rights crisis
faced by the people in the region. They called for immediate cessation on gross
and systematic human rights violations in IIOJK and just resolution of the long-standing
dispute as per international legitimacy.
Kashmir
Black Day stands as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice,
peace, and the realization of the right to self-determination for the people of
IIOJK.
Separately,
in a Press Release issued today, The Australian Greens Party urged the
Australian government to play a more proactive role in advocating for the
rights and self-determination of the people in the Indian occupied Jammu and
Kashmir at international forums.
The
commemoration of Kashmir Black Day at the Parliament House underscores the dire
humanitarian situation and human rights crisis currently affecting the people
of IIOJK, thereby emphasizing the pressing need for immediate international
action.
In
a show of solidarity with Kashmiri people, similar events are being organized across
Australia, including in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
The
High Commissioner Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri speaking at the Kashmir Day event in Canberra.
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