At least eight United Nations Special Rapporteurs on Monday expressed alarm, claiming that serious human rights violations were committed by Indian authorities in Kashmir following the 22 April 2025 deadly attack in Pahalgam.
“We unequivocally condemn the brutal terrorist attack on a tourist area and extend our condolences to the victims, their families, and the Government of India. However, all governments must respect international human rights law while combating terrorism,” the experts said.
The experts are Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, Morris Tidball-Binz, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Nazila Ghanea, Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Balakrishnan Rajagopal, Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, and on the right to non-discrimination in this context, Nicolas Levrat, Special Rapporteur on minority issues, Paula Gaviria, Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons, Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression and Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders.
After the attack, the statement said, Indian authorities launched sweeping operations across Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the arrest and detention of around 2,800 individuals, including journalists and human rights defenders.
“Some were detained and charged under the Public Safety Act or the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, which permit prolonged detention without charge or trial and contain vague and overbroad definitions of terrorism. Some detainees were allegedly tortured, held incommunicado, and denied access to lawyers and family members.”
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