Geneva, Sep 22: Tasleema Akhter, Chairperson of the Association of Terror Victims in Kashmir (ATVK), J&K, India, addressed the 63rd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva on September 22, 2026.

She said human rights in the present era are fundamental to inclusive development of individuals, societies and nations. Respect for human rights, she noted, strengthens democratic values while ensuring protection of basic necessities, dignity and fundamental freedoms.
Akhter highlighted what she described as contrasting developments in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and Jammu and Kashmir in India. Referring to recent developments in PoJK, she said sustained peaceful protests led by the Joint Awami Action Committee and other civil society groups had raised concerns relating to governance and economic issues.
She alleged that the subsequent crackdown resulted in the arrest of activists and supporters, detention of civil society leaders, restrictions on communications and violent clashes that reportedly caused deaths and injuries. She said these developments had raised concerns over civic space, accountability and the protection of fundamental rights.
Calling for greater attention to the situation in PoJK, Akhter urged relevant international human rights mechanisms to support the protection of civilians and restoration of civic space and communications. She also called for independent and transparent inquiries into reported civilian deaths, with access to relevant information and due process.
Turning to Jammu and Kashmir in India, she highlighted initiatives in skill development, employment generation and support for local businesses since 2024. She also referred to infrastructure initiatives, including Smart City projects and rural development works, as contributing to economic and social development.
Akhter said sustainable development and human rights must go hand in hand, with equal emphasis on dignity, accountability, civic participation, economic opportunity and protection of fundamental freedoms.
She stressed that international human rights institutions have an important role in encouraging dialogue, transparency and peaceful resolution of grievances while ensuring that the rights and dignity of affected communities remain central to the development process.