Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Kashmir: Human Rights

Tuesday 18 July 2023 · 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 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Rachel Hopkins inquired about recent assessments of policies in light of human rights issues in Kashmir.
  • The Minister responded by encouraging all states to ensure their laws comply with international standards and respect international obligations.
  • Bob Blackman asked if equal rights, including women's property rights, have been restored in Jammu and Kashmir.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Context

The question arises from concerns over human rights violations and the impact on UK diaspora communities.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the implications for policies due to the human rights situation in Kashmir?

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

We recognise that there are human rights concerns in both India-administered Kashmir and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. We encourage all states to ensure that domestic laws are in line with international standards. Any allegation of human rights violations or abuse is deeply concerning and must be investigated thoroughly and transparently.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a recent assessment but addressed the concern generally.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Foreign Affairs
Context

Constituents in Luton are concerned about the potential impact of a judicial process in Kashmir on community cohesion.

Question

Will the Minister ensure that any action relating to Kashmir is handled sensitively and with consideration of diaspora communities' concerns?

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

It is not for the UK to comment on an independent judicial process in another country. We encourage all states to ensure their laws adhere to international standards and respect international obligations. The UK opposes the death penalty in all circumstances.

Not addressed: Did not address the request for sensitive handling of actions regarding Kashmir.

How: It Is Not For The Uk To Comment On An Independent Judicial Process In Another Country.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Context

The question addresses the anniversary of significant legal and constitutional changes in Kashmir.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that equal rights have been restored to people in Jammu and Kashmir, especially women's property rights?

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

Our long-standing position is that India and Pakistan should find a lasting political resolution on Kashmir that takes into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people. It is not for the UK to act as a mediator.

Not addressed: Did not address whether equal rights have been restored or women's property rights were affected.

How: It Is Not For The Uk To Act As A Mediator.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)