BRUSSELS/GENEVA, (Unib Rashid) — The International Muslim Women’s Union (IMWU) convened a high-level side event during the 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, calling for urgent reparations, accountability and survivor-centered justice for victims of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV).

The event, held at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), brought together human rights advocates, academics, legal experts and political figures to discuss mechanisms for addressing the long-term consequences of sexual violence committed in conflict situations.

The seminar focused on the need for comprehensive reparations frameworks that address the physical, psychological, social and economic consequences experienced by survivors of CRSV. Speakers stressed that many survivors continue to face barriers to formal recognition, justice and effective legal remedies.

IMWU Urges UNHRC to Act on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Allegations in Kashmir. pic.twitter.com/WRVlEISVHN

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A major focus of the discussion was the situation in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. Panelists raised allegations concerning the use of sexual violence, including rape, by Indian military and paramilitary personnel, and called for independent investigations and accountability.

The speakers referred in particular to allegations surrounding the cases of Kunan Poshpora and Shopian, arguing that survivors of alleged mass and gang rape have faced longstanding obstacles in obtaining justice and effective redress.

According to figures cited by the IMWU during the event, nearly 11,000 women in the region have experienced sexual assaults, while approximately 52 percent of women in affected communities have suffered severe psychological trauma. The organization described the alleged abuses as a serious human rights crisis requiring greater international attention.

The figures and allegations presented at the event were attributed by the organizers to reports and research cited by the panel. Speakers called for independent and credible investigations to establish the facts and ensure that survivors have access to appropriate remedies.

Diverse Panel of Experts

The event featured a panel of experts and advocates who addressed the legal, social and political dimensions of conflict-related sexual violence.

Shamim Shawl, IMWU Representative to Geneva, described reparations as both a legal obligation and a moral imperative. She urged international human rights mechanisms to place survivors at the centre of any future accountability and remedy process.

Dr. Shugafta Ashraf, Professor at the University of Kotli in Azad Kashmir, discussed the long-term social and psychological consequences of conflict-related sexual violence, highlighting the impact on survivors, families and communities.

Sajjad Ali, an LLM student at the University of Geneva, examined gaps in existing legal mechanisms and emphasized the need for stronger international and domestic accountability frameworks.

MehruNisa Rehman presented research addressing what she described as the systemic nature of alleged abuses and outlined potential legal pathways for pursuing justice and reparations.

Former Member of the European Parliament Julie Ward contributed a political perspective to the discussion, supporting calls for greater international oversight and adherence to human rights standards.

Sonbia Shawl also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that the experiences and demands of survivors remain visible within international human rights discussions.

Call for Comprehensive Reparations

Panelists called for the development of a comprehensive reparations framework covering financial compensation, medical rehabilitation, psychosocial assistance, legal remedies and guarantees of non-recurrence.

They stressed that any reparations mechanism should be culturally appropriate, accessible to survivors and based on independent investigations capable of establishing responsibility for alleged violations.

“Reparations are not charity — they are recognition and a pathway to healing,” Shamim Shawl said.

The IMWU and participating speakers urged the UN Human Rights Council, member states and relevant international institutions to take further action on allegations of conflict-related sexual violence in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.

They called for independent investigations, accountability for perpetrators where evidence establishes responsibility, and enforceable reparations for survivors.

The event concluded with an appeal for the international community to strengthen survivor-centered approaches to conflict-related sexual violence and ensure that victims are not denied justice because of political, geographic or institutional barriers.