Balochistan: India Raises Pakistan’s Human Right Violations Before the UN
Photo courtesy of @NDTV
On 15 September 2016, the Indian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Mr Ajit Kumar, delivered a statement criticizing the systematic abuse and violation of human rights in Pakistan. Highlighting specifically the Balochistan issue, Mr Kumar’s statement came a day after India raised the issue at the UN for the first time. The Ambassador remarked India's credentials as a peaceful, democratic and pluralistic society, in stark contrast with Pakistan’s authoritarianism and appalling human rights records.
Below is an article published by NDTV:
India on Thursday [15 September 2016] said it will continue to raise the Balochistan issue as long as repression and violation of the fundamental rights of Balochis exist.
The statement came a day after India for the first time raised the issue of Balochistan before the UN, accusing Pakistan of widespread human rights violations there as well as in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The issue is also likely to be raised during the UN General Assembly scheduled for later this month [September 2016] in New York.
The Indian delegation to the 71st session of the UNGA will be led by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and she is scheduled to deliver her address on September 26.
Asked if India will continue to raise issue of Balochistan, MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup said, "Till repression exists in Balochistan, till fundamental rights of citizens there are violated, India will raise this issue."
India's Ambassador and Permanent Representative at the UN in Geneva Ajit Kumar said while India's credentials as a peaceful, democratic, pluralistic society that is deeply committed to the welfare of its people are well established, Pakistan is characterised by authoritarianism, absence of democratic norms and widespread human rights violations across the country including in Balochistan.
