Ease up on Kashmir, engage people in the decision-making, United Nations Human Rights Chief tells India and Pakistan in Geneva.
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00:00I am deeply concerned about the impact of recent actions by the government of India on the human rights of Kashmiris.
00:30including restrictions on internet communication and peaceful assembly,
00:34and the detention of local political leaders and activists.
00:37While I continue to urge the governments of India and Pakistan
00:40to ensure that human rights are respected and protected,
00:43I have a particular concern about the impact of recent actions by the government of India
00:48on the human rights of Kashmiris,
00:50including restrictions on internet communication and peaceful assembly,
00:54and the detention of local political leaders and activists.
00:57While I continue to urge the governments of India and Pakistan
01:00to ensure that human rights are respected and protected,
01:03I have appealed particularly to India to ease the current lockdowns or curfews,
01:07to ensure people's access to basic services,
01:10and that all due process rights are respected for those who have been detained.
01:14It is important that the people of Kashmir are consulted and engaged
01:18in any decision-making processes that have an impact on the future.
01:22The lockdowns in the northeast Indian state of Assam
01:24have caused great uncertainty and anxiety,
01:27with some 1.9 million people excluded from the final list published on 31st of August.
01:33I appeal to the government to ensure due process during the appeals process,
01:37prevent deportation or detention,
01:39and ensure people are protected from statelessness.