Daijiworld Media Network - United Nations

United Nations, Aug 8: The United Nations has expressed concern over the security situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), calling for accountability for actions taken against people participating in peaceful protests.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres supports the concerns raised by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General Farhan Haq said on Friday.

“The Secretary-General supports the work of his High Commissioner, and we certainly hope that the pleas made by Mr Turk will be listened to,” Haq said in response to a question from PTI on the situation in PoK and the UN chief's assessment of recent developments.

Turk had last month expressed concern over the unrest in PoK and called for impartial and thorough investigations into the deaths of protesters. He also raised concerns over Pakistan's ban on the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and the arrests of its leaders.

The UN had also voiced concern over restrictions on internet access and public gatherings, saying such measures violate the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

Asked whether the UN would seek accountability from authorities over the alleged crackdown on protesters, Haq said all authorities should allow peaceful protests.

“It’s important that all authorities everywhere allow for peaceful protest, and certainly that is the case here. If there have been people harmed for engaging in peaceful protest, there needs to be accountability for that,” he said.

Turk had earlier appealed for calm in PoK amid a wave of unrest ahead of elections to the region's Legislative Assembly.

According to a statement issued by his office in Geneva last month, dozens of people, mostly protesters but also members of the law enforcement agencies, had reportedly been killed since June ahead of the July 27 election.

The UN High Commissioner had called for prompt, thorough and impartial investigations into all deaths resulting from the unrest, including those of protesters and security personnel.

The Joint Awami Action Committee, a movement comprising traders, transporters, students, lawyers, activists and others, had spearheaded the protests. The group was subsequently banned under anti-terrorism laws over allegations that it posed a threat to public order and security.

The UN also urged authorities to ensure full internet access throughout the territory and called for meaningful and inclusive political dialogue to address the underlying grievances and concerns of the local population.