Brussels, (Unib Rashid) __ On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, speakers at a seminar held at the European headquarters in Brussels strongly emphasized that the protection of the rights of Kashmiris is the responsibility of the international community. The important seminar, titled “Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Protection of the Rights of Kashmiris,” was organized by the Kashmir Council Europe at its Secretariat in Brussels.

The seminar was attended by intellectuals, experts, representatives of political and social organizations, human rights activists, and students. During the event, participants discussed the Kashmir issue—particularly the rights of Kashmiris—in the context of international human rights laws.

The seminar was presided over by Ali Raza Syed, Chairman of Kashmir Council Europe (EU). Former Member of the Brussels Parliament Dr. Manzoor Zahoor attended as the chief guest, while Professor Muhammad Imad Hanif of Gordon College Rawalpindi, who is currently working on a research project in Brussels, delivered the keynote address. The proceedings were moderated by Chaudhry Imran Saqib, President of the Pakistan Press Club Belgium.

In his address, Ali Raza Syed stated that Kashmir Council Europe has long been highlighting the issue of Kashmiri rights across Europe. He said the purpose of organizing the seminar was to raise greater awareness about the legitimate rights of Kashmiris, particularly their right to self-determination. He added that Kashmiris have been struggling for their rights for a long time, that their struggle is internationally recognized, and that United Nations resolutions exist on the right to self-determination and the Kashmir issue.

Chief guest Dr. Manzoor Zahoor expressed deep regret over the continued violation of the rights of Kashmiris, stating that to date they have not been granted their right to self-determination. He stressed that the international community must play its role in ensuring the protection of Kashmiri rights.

In his keynote address, Professor Imad Hanif shed light on various aspects of the Kashmir issue, the rights of Kashmiris, and the ongoing struggle to safeguard those rights. He stated that Kashmiris are culturally, religiously, and geographically very important to Pakistan, and that Pakistan has always extended political, diplomatic, and moral support to them. He emphasized that global human rights organizations and major international and regional bodies—particularly the United Nations and the European Union—have a duty to protect the rights of Kashmiris and to play an effective role in achieving a just resolution of the Kashmir dispute.

Other speakers at the seminar included prominent figures Farid Khan, Muhammad Iftikhar Pablo, Syed Jafar Naqvi, Shazia Aslam, and Sheeraz Butt.

Among other notable participants were Wasim Akhtar of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Chaudhry Khalid Joshi, President of the World Kashmir Diaspora Alliance Europe, and social and academic personalities Sheikh Majid, Kenneth Roy, and Sheeraz Raj.

During a special discussion and question-and-answer session, participants engaged in an in-depth dialogue on the long-standing unresolved Kashmir dispute and human rights violations in Indian-occupied Kashmir. Speakers emphasized that the Kashmir issue is fundamentally a long-standing matter of human rights and the right to self-determination, and that the people of Jammu and Kashmir continue to ask the world when they will be granted their basic rights and political autonomy.

Participants highlighted that the most critical aspects of the issue before the international community are the right to self-determination of Kashmiris and the grave human rights situation in the occupied valley. They pointed to ongoing reports of restrictions on fundamental freedoms and civil rights, including freedom of expression, assembly, and movement, as well as the lack of protection of life and property.

The continued oppression by Indian forces stationed in occupied Kashmir and the enforcement of draconian laws such as the Public Safety Act were also condemned, with human rights organizations describing such measures as blatant violations of fundamental human rights.

Referring to several United Nations reports, independent and autonomous human rights experts have expressed serious concerns over grave human rights violations in the occupied valley. Seminar participants stressed that the people of Jammu and Kashmir must be granted their due rights and that the international community must play a decisive role in resolving the Kashmir issue.

At the conclusion of the seminar, Chairman Kashmir Council Europe Ali Raza Syed thanked all participants for their presence and contributions.