Jammu and Kashmir: Human Rights and Political Situation

Lord Hussain Excerpts

Thursday 23rd July 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

As I think I said in my initial Answer, we are monitoring the situation very carefully and we strongly support individuals’ rights of freedom of assembly and expression and peaceful political protest. We have consistently emphasised that any human rights violations should be fully investigated in line with international human rights law. Our overseas network continues to monitor these issues on an ongoing basis.

[Lord Hussain (LD)]

My Lords, I too am very concerned about the newly developing situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with the standoff between the authorities and protesters on civil rights issues. I have family and friends living on both sides of the line of control. What is His Majesty’s Government’s assessment of the human rights situation on the Indian side of the LoC? According to Genocide Watch’s report of February 2026, Jammu and Kashmir is on the brink of genocide and eight of the 10 stages have already been passed. How seriously do His Majesty’s Government take these reports and what are they going to do to stop this potential genocide taking place in Indian-occupied Kashmir?

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

The noble Lord knows from previous Answers to these Questions that we have been consistent about reports of violence. We express our condolences to families who have lost loved ones, but any allegations of mistreatment by the police and armed forces should be investigated thoroughly and transparently by the relevant authorities. We unequivocally condemn killings that have been carried out by militant groups in Kashmir and extend condolences for those killed, and we certainly convey those issues to all the relevant authorities.