From Kashmir to human rights: India slams Pakistan’s deceptive narratives at UNSC

India exposes Pakistan’s hypocrisy at UNSC: A stark look at minority women’s plight

During a recent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) debate on “Women Building Peace in a Changing Environment,” India forcefully rebuked Pakistan for its attempts to politicize the Kashmir issue, labeling such actions as “despicable” and a “mischievous provocation.”

During the debate, India’s Permanent Representative, Parvathaneni Harish delivered a strong Right of Reply against Pakistan. He criticized Pakistan’s attempt to bring up Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) at the forum, accusing it of “political propaganda” while deflecting attention from its own domestic human rights abuses.

Harish seized the opportunity to turn the spotlight on Pakistan’s appalling treatment of minority women, a tactic that starkly exposes the hypocrisy underlying Pakistan’s political posturing.

He stated, “It is entirely predictable that one delegation has indulged in mischievous provocation… such political propaganda is misplaced at this important annual debate.”

India’s response highlighted the grave plight of minority women in Pakistan, particularly Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians. Citing alarming statistics from Pakistan’s Human Rights Commission, Harish revealed that an estimated thousand women from these communities are subjected to abduction, forced conversions, and forced marriages each year.

This grim reality stands in stark contrast to Pakistan’s self-proclaimed commitment to human rights.

The issue of minority women’s rights in Pakistan is not new. Reports have surfaced over the years detailing the systematic targeting of these women. For instance, a 2020 report by the Movement for Solidarity and Peace in Pakistan revealed that around 1,000 girls from minority communities are abducted annually, many coerced into abandoning their faith and marrying their captors. Such incidents, often met with silence from authorities, underline a deep-seated culture of impunity that Pakistan seems unwilling to address.

India also drew attention to the broader implications of women’s participation in peacebuilding. While Pakistan attempts to divert discussions to Kashmir, it fails to acknowledge its own responsibilities towards the women in its borders. Harish remarked, “We recognize that sustainable peace requires women’s full, equal, meaningful, and safe participation at all levels of decision-making.”

This commitment is exemplified by India’s proactive steps, such as the Women’s Reservation Bill passed in 2023, aimed at increasing women’s representation in governance.

India’s historical commitment to empowering women extends beyond rhetoric. The country has actively contributed to UN peacekeeping efforts, deploying the first all-female formed police unit to Liberia in 2007. This pioneering initiative has set a global standard and demonstrated the effectiveness of women in peacekeeping roles. Currently, over 100 Indian women peacekeepers are serving worldwide, a testament to India’s dedication to the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda.

In contrast, Pakistan’s attempts to shift the focus onto Kashmir expose its inability to address pressing human rights issues within its own borders. The irony is palpable: while Pakistan raises concerns about external conflicts, it neglects the systematic violence against its own minority communities.

As India reaffirms its commitment to transforming the WPS agenda from theory to practice, it stands as a beacon of hope for women who continue to suffer under oppressive regimes. By holding Pakistan accountable at the UNSC, India not only defends its position on Kashmir but also champions the rights of women—both domestically and internationally.

In a world where political rhetoric often overshadows genuine human rights concerns, India’s robust stand serves as a critical reminder that actions must align with words, and hypocrisy has no place in the pursuit of justice and equality.

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