Raising alarm over the impact of internet and social media restrictions imposed by authorities in the Indian-controlled state of Jammu and Kashmir, the United Nations has called on New Delhi to protect the right to freedom of expression in the disputed territory.
The world body also urged New Delhi on Thursday to pursue an open and democratic dialogue to address the region’s social and political conflicts.
In a statement issued by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), David Kaye, the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression and Michel Forst, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders stressed that the scope of the restrictions also undermined “the Government’s stated aim of preventing dissemination of information that could lead to violence.”
“The internet and telecommunications bans have the character of collective punishment [and] fail to meet the standards required under international human rights law to limit freedom of expression,” said Kaye, according to a statement.
“Denying such access disrupts the free exchange of ideas and the ability of individuals to connect with one another and associate peacefully on matters of shared concern,” added Mr. Forst.
The ban was imposed on 17 April following widespread student demonstrations.
AP photographer Yasin Dar carrying an injured Kashmiri teen to safety. Photo courtesy Faisal Khan Facebook
The UN noted that information from the media and individuals in Kashmir says, the Government blocked access to 22 websites and applications, including the messaging service WhatsApp, and social media Facebook and Twitter, noted the news release.
The 3G and 4G internet data services for mobile phones and other devices have also been suspended.
According to the UN statement since 2012, there have been an estimated 31 reported cases of social media and internet bans in the Indian state and such developments seemed to be a worrying pattern aimed at curbing protests and social unrest in the region.
“We call on the Indian authorities to guarantee freedom of expression in Jammu and Kashmir and to seek a solution for the social and political conflicts of the region through an open, transparent and democratic dialogue,” the experts said.
The human rights experts also recalled the concerns raised by the UN Human Rights Council – the central inter-governmental body within the UN system responsible for the promotion and protection of all human rights around the globe – over online disruptions and the call upon UN Member States to avoid such shutdowns.
Special Rapporteurs are appointed by the Geneva-based Human Rights Council to examine and report back on a specific human rights theme or a country situation. The positions are honorary and the experts are not UN staff, nor are they paid for their work.
