UN seeks accountability over protester harm in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir

Unitednations,UPDATED: Aug 8, 2026 07:57 IST

The United Nations has expressed concern over the security situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, with a spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres saying there must be accountability if people were harmed for taking part in peaceful protests.

The remarks came as the UN also backed concerns raised by High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Trk, who last month called for calm, sought impartial and thorough investigations into the deaths of protesters, and voiced concern over restrictions on internet access and public gatherings.

Responding to a question by PTI on the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and how the Secretary-General viewed the recent developments there, 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. Trk will be listened to."

On whether there would be calls for accountability from the authorities over the crackdown on protesters, Haq said, "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."

In a statement issued in Geneva last month, Trk expressed concern over recent developments in the region and appealed for calm amid a wave of unrest ahead of regional elections at the end of the month. The statement said dozens of people, mostly protesters but also law enforcement personnel, had reportedly been killed since June ahead of the July 27 vote for the Legislative Assembly. The High Commissioner called for prompt, thorough and impartial investigations into all deaths linked to the unrest, among both protesters and members of the security forces.

The statement also raised concerns over Pakistan's ban on the Joint Awami Action Committee and the arrest of its leaders. The Joint Awami Action Committee, a movement behind the protests, includes traders, transporters, students, lawyers, activists and others, and has been banned under anti-terrorism laws for allegedly threatening public order and security. Concerns were also raised about restrictions on internet access and public gatherings in violation of the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. "We urge the authorities to ensure full Internet access throughout the territory," the statement said, while also calling for meaningful and inclusive political dialogue to address the underlying issues and grievances of the local population.

The UN's position, as set out by Haq and Trk, combines concern over the unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir with calls for accountability, full internet access, impartial investigations into the deaths, and inclusive dialogue to address local grievances.

With PTI Inputs

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