RIGHTS FOR ALL
Kashmir: Advocacy, Justice, and Human Rights
“No voice should be silenced; no life should be lost in the struggle for dignity.” Dr. Maryam Idrees
Dr. Maryam Idrees has dedicated her life to human rights advocacy, amplifying the voices of those silenced for decades. Her activism focuses particularly on the people of Indian-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IOJK), women facing systemic discrimination, children deprived of education and protection, and other marginalized communities. Through seminars, workshops, media campaigns, and international advocacy, she has consistently highlighted persistent human rights violations in Kashmir and called upon national and international bodies to take meaningful and urgent action.
Historical Context & Key Violations
1947 – 1948:
- Following the partition of British India, Kashmir became a disputed territory between India and Pakistan.
- UN Security Council Resolution 47 (1948) called for a plebiscite to determine the will of the Kashmiri people.
1989 – 1990s:
- Popular uprisings against Indian rule were met with extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and mass arrests.
2000s:
- Use of pellet guns, live ammunition, and tear gas caused widespread injuries, permanent blindness, and trauma.
- Women and children were disproportionately affected, while access to education and leadership opportunities was severely restricted.
2016:
- The killing of youth leader Burhan Wani sparked mass protests.
- Indian forces responded with excessive violence, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries.
2019:
- Revocation of Article 370, stripping Jammu & Kashmir of special constitutional status.
- Widespread curfews, communication blackouts, and detentions of political leaders effectively silenced dissent.
Responsibilities Under the UN Charter of Human Rights
Dr. Maryam Idrees’s advocacy for Kashmir is firmly grounded in the principles of the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which collectively serve as the foundation of global human rights law. The UN Charter establishes the duty of member states to promote human rights, social justice, and international peace, while the UDHR provides a comprehensive framework guaranteeing the inherent dignity, equality, and fundamental rights of every individual.
In the context of Kashmir, Dr. Maryam Idrees emphasizes that these rights have been systematically denied for decades. Civilians including women, children, and the elderly face violations such as:
- Extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and unlawful detentions
- Use of pellet guns and live ammunition causing permanent injuries, including blindness
- Restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly, and movement
- Denial of education, healthcare, and basic social services
- Gender-based violence, harassment, and exclusion from decision-making
According to the UDHR:
- Article 1 affirms that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
- Article 3 guarantees the right to life, liberty, and security of person.
- Article 5 prohibits torture, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
- Article 21 ensures the right to participate in government and public affairs.
- Article 26 guarantees education as a fundamental right for every child.
The UN Charter obligates member states to prevent violations, protect vulnerable populations, and uphold justice. Dr. Maryam Idrees argues that India, as a UN member state, is failing in its primary obligations under international law, committing grave breaches against civilians in Kashmir while ignoring UN directives and Security Council resolutions.
Role of International Bodies
Dr. Maryam Idrees underscores that the international community bears both moral and legal responsibility to intervene and protect the human rights of Kashmiris:
- The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) must enforce existing resolutions, including Resolution 47 (1948), and facilitate mechanisms for self-determination in Kashmir.
- The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) are called upon to monitor, report, and publicly address ongoing violations.
- The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has a mandate to investigate acts that may constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity, including unlawful killings, collective punishment, and systematic oppression.
- Global organizations such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), European Union, Commonwealth nations, and other international human rights forums are expected to exert diplomatic and economic pressure to ensure compliance with international law.
Dr. Maryam Idrees’s Advocacy Perspective
Dr. Maryam Idrees emphasizes that adherence to the UN Charter is not optional—it is imperative for global peace, justice, and human dignity. She calls on the international community to:
- Hold violators accountable and ensure that justice is delivered to victims of human rights abuses.
- Implement independent fact-finding missions to document atrocities and provide transparent reports to the world.
- Support humanitarian aid and access to essential services for affected populations, particularly in conflict zones along the Line of Control (LOC).
- Ensure the voices of women, children, and youth in Kashmir are heard on national and international platforms, reinforcing the principle that protection of human rights is central to the legitimacy of governance and the maintenance of peace.
Dr. Idrees’s perspective reflects the belief that true international responsibility extends beyond rhetoric. Every UN member, every human rights organization, and every state with influence bears a duty to prevent atrocities, restore rights, and empower the oppressed. The systematic violations in Kashmir represent not only a regional crisis but a global moral challenge, and inaction by the international community only emboldens the perpetrators and deepens the suffering of innocent civilians. By invoking the UN Charter of Human Rights and actively engaging with international bodies, Dr. Idrees demonstrates that advocacy for Kashmir is not just political it is a duty grounded in law, morality, and the universal principles of justice and human dignity.
Key Initiatives Led by Dr. Maryam Idrees
Dr. Maryam Idrees has consistently worked to translate her vision of justice, human rights, and empowerment into concrete actions and impactful initiatives. Recognizing the importance of raising global awareness about the plight of Kashmiris, she has organized and participated in multiple programs designed to inform, engage, and mobilize communities both nationally and internationally. Her flagship initiative, “Pakistan Cries for Kashmir,” brought together students, scholars, and international observers to highlight the ongoing human rights violations and the urgent need for global intervention. Through the “Wake for Kashmir” campaign, she engaged youth and civil society, fostering dialogue and active participation in advocacy efforts. She has also led seminars such as “Media’s Role for Kashmir” to strengthen the capacity of media professionals in shaping international perception and amplifying the voices of the oppressed. Beyond awareness campaigns. She has conducted workshops on youth leadership, student activism, and international human rights responsibilities, empowering young generations to take informed and meaningful action. In addition, her direct LOC engagement programs involved personal visits to affected communities, enabling her to assess needs firsthand, advocate for their rights, and provide humanitarian support, demonstrating a profound commitment to both advocacy and on-the-ground intervention.
- Seminar on Rights of self Determination of Occupied Jammu & Kashmiri people.
- Media’s Role for Kashmir – Seminar enhancing media capacity to shape international opinion.
- Workshops on youth leadership, student activism, and human rights responsibilities of the international community.
- Circle studies on Basic Human Right under the umbrella of UN charter.
- Pakistan Cries for Kashmir – Seminar to generate global awareness.
- Wake for Kashmir – Youth-focused campaign engaging civil society.
Broader Humanitarian Commitment
Dr. Maryam Idrees’s commitment to humanitarian causes goes far beyond advocacy for Kashmir alone; it encompasses a wide spectrum of social justice initiatives aimed at building a fair, equitable, and compassionate society. Recognizing that sustainable development and human dignity are inseparable, she has devoted herself to addressing the needs of the most vulnerable and marginalized communities across Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Pakistan. Her efforts focus on women’s empowerment and protection, ensuring that women are provided with opportunities, legal safeguards, and social support to live with dignity, confidence, and equality. She actively champions child rights and education reform, advocating for inclusive access to quality education, vocational training, and programs that equip young generations with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a competitive and rapidly changing world.
Her advocacy further extends to minority protection and poverty alleviation, striving to create an environment where all citizens, irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social status, can enjoy safety, opportunity, and equality before the law. She also prioritizes healthcare access for conflict-affected communities along the Line of Control (LOC), working to ensure that those living under or affected by ongoing tensions receive necessary medical support, emergency aid, and preventative care. Having personally visited communities along the LOC, Dr. Idrees has gained firsthand insight into the hardships faced by families affected by cross-border violence, displacement, and systemic neglect. These experiences have strengthened her resolve to provide not only immediate humanitarian assistance but also long-term solutions through education, health services, and social development programs. By combining grassroots activism, seminars, workshops, and collaborations with civil society organizations, she amplifies the voices of the marginalized, bringing their concerns to both national and international forums. Her broader vision is to build a society where justice, equity, and peace are not aspirational ideals but fundamental realities, ensuring that no individual or community is left behind in the pursuit of human dignity and national progress.
Recognition
Dr. Maryam Idrees’s tireless dedication to social causes, human rights, and the Kashmiri struggle has earned her national recognition and multiple prestigious awards. She has been honoured by Prof. Dr. Yousaf Ahmed Al-Darwesh, former President of the International Islamic University Islamabad, in acknowledgment of her outstanding social work, advocacy for human rights, and unwavering commitment to the Kashmiri cause.
In addition, she received a special award from the former President of AJK, Sardar Masood Khan, recognizing her exceptional efforts in leveraging social media to raise global awareness about the plight of Kashmiris, her truth-driven approach in exposing injustices, and her dedication to delivering accurate information about the harsh realities of life in Indian-occupied Jammu & Kashmir to the international community.
Further, Dr. Maryam Idrees has been honoured with a shield by the President of AJK, Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry, in recognition of her relentless efforts to highlight the struggles of Kashmiris, advocate for human rights, and mobilize youth and civil society for humanitarian initiatives. These accolades reflect not only her commitment and courage but also her role as a leading voice for justice, truth, and human dignity, both within Pakistan and on the international stage.
