Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Kashmir: Human Rights

Tuesday 19 January 2021 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Steven Baker raised concerns about human rights abuses in Kashmir and presented footage suggesting illegal weapons use by Indian forces.
  • Sarah Owen questioned the Government's actions to protect human rights in Kashmir and criticized the lack of strong condemnation from the Secretary of State.
  • Steven Baker inquired about the UK's response to a UN report on human rights violations and asked for assurance that the UK is supporting Kashmiri diaspora communities.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Steven Baker Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

Reports indicate an Indian soldier has been charged over the deaths of three Kashmiri men, raising concerns about human rights abuses.

Question

What steps he is taking to support human rights in Kashmir; and if he will make a statement. A Kashmiri man showed me footage of his home on fire after being shelled by India, suggesting illegal weapons use against Kashmiris.

Answer from Nigel Adams

The hon. Member raised concerns about human rights in Kashmir, noting the Indian soldier charged over the deaths of three Kashmiris and provided evidence suggesting cluster munitions were used by India against another village. The UK encourages both India and Pakistan to engage in dialogue and find lasting diplomatic solutions while respecting international standards.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to coordinating an international effort with UN human rights inspectors on both sides of the line of control as requested

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Q2 Sarah Owen Lab Luton North
Foreign Affairs
Context

Three young Kashmiris were abducted and murdered by an army counter-insurgency officer, raising concerns about ongoing human rights abuses.

Question

Can he tell us what the Government are actually doing to protect human rights in Kashmir? The Minister shares my concern that horrific abuses in Kashmir are not new or uncommon. Why does the Secretary of State lack the courage to speak out against injustices?

Answer from Nigel Adams

The hon. Lady, I know, is very passionate about this area and speaks on behalf of many constituents interested in Kashmir. The Foreign Secretary has spoken directly with his counterpart recently on this issue. India and Pakistan are important friends of the UK; we encourage dialogue between them to find lasting solutions. It is not for the UK to prescribe a solution or mediate.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific plan to protect human rights in Kashmir as requested, instead emphasizing encouragement of bilateral dialogue.

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Q3 Steven Baker Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

A Kashmiri man provided footage of his home being shelled by India and evidence suggesting illegal weapons use against another village.

Question

Is it not time to take seriously a UN report on the human rights situation on both sides of the line of control? Why should diaspora communities in Wycombe feel reassured that the UK is standing up for their human rights?

Answer from Nigel Adams

The hon. Friend correctly raised this matter again, noting evidence of illegal weapons use against Kashmiri villages by Indian forces. The UK recognises human rights concerns in both India-administered Kashmir and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. We encourage states to ensure domestic laws align with international standards and cooperate with UN mechanisms.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to requesting permission for British officials to visit India-administered Kashmir as specifically requested.

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