GENEVA/BRUSSELS, (Unib Rashid) – A seminar held on the sidelines of the 62nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has highlighted growing concerns over digital repression and shrinking civic space in conflict-affected regions, particularly Jammu and Kashmir, warning that restrictions on digital freedoms are undermining fundamental human rights and democratic participation.

The event, titled “Digital Rights and Civic Spaces,” was jointly organized by the Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR) and the Community Human Rights Advocacy Centre (CHRAC). It brought together human rights defenders, digital rights experts, journalists, academics, and civil society representatives to discuss the impact of digital technologies on civic engagement and human rights.

Digital Repression in Kashmir Undermines Civic Freedoms and Self-Determination, Geneva Seminar Told. pic.twitter.com/LaO27YVDlF

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Participants expressed concern over the increasing use of internet shutdowns, mass surveillance systems, targeted content removal, and algorithmic censorship to suppress peaceful dissent and restrict civic freedoms. Speakers argued that such measures have significantly curtailed the ability of people in Jammu and Kashmir to document alleged human rights violations, organize peacefully, and engage with international human rights mechanisms.

Addressing the seminar, a KIIR representative said that digital technologies, which should serve as tools for participation and empowerment, were increasingly being used to silence voices seeking accountability and the realization of rights recognized under international law.

“Digital tools that should expand civic participation are instead being weaponized to silence voices demanding accountability and the realization of long-standing UN-recognized rights,” the representative said. “Internet restrictions and surveillance not only violate digital rights but also undermine the fundamental freedoms necessary for any meaningful exercise of self-determination.”

The seminar heard that repeated and prolonged communications blackouts, coupled with extensive monitoring of social media and messaging platforms, have created significant barriers to freedom of expression, access to information, and civic engagement in conflict-affected areas.

Participants called for enhanced international scrutiny of digital repression in disputed territories and urged the establishment of independent monitoring mechanisms to assess internet governance and digital rights practices during conflicts. They also stressed the need to safeguard civic space both online and offline and called on UN member states and the Human Rights Council to address digital rights violations as part of broader human rights reviews.

The seminar was moderated by Syed Faiz Naqashbandi and featured presentations by Prof. Christa, Dr. Waleed Rasool, Ms. Naila Altaf Kayani, and Mr. Zaffar Qurashi, who shared perspectives on the challenges posed by digital restrictions and the importance of protecting civic freedoms in conflict zones.

The organizers noted that the Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR) works to promote dialogue on the Kashmir dispute and human rights issues, while the Community Human Rights Advocacy Centre (CHRAC) focuses on grassroots human rights documentation and advocacy initiatives.