Internet, August 8: United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has backed a call for an impartial probe into deaths during recent protests in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.
UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said Guterres supports the work of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk.
UN Seeks Accountability Over Protest Deaths
Turk had called for prompt, thorough and impartial investigations into all deaths linked to the unrest. The inquiry should cover protesters and security personnel, he said.
Haq said authorities must allow peaceful protests and ensure accountability if protesters were harmed.
Recent protests were led by the Joint Awami Action Committee against alleged election irregularities and the reservation of seats for outsiders.
Around 50 protesters have reportedly been killed during the unrest. The JAAC has since been banned under anti terrorism laws.
The UN Human Rights Office said the ban and restrictions on gatherings raised concerns over freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.
Turk also called for detained JAAC leaders to receive legal representation and access to their families. He stressed that their rights to due process and a fair trial must be protected.
The UN has also highlighted concerns over the treatment of civil society groups during the unrest.
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