The International Muslim Women Union, in collaboration with the Kashmir Institute of International Relations, is convened a seminar titled “Gender-Based Violence in Context of Conflicts” to examine the intersection of international human rights and humanitarian law with the ongoing situation in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Intl seminar on gender-based violence in context of conflicts spotlights violations in IIOK
ISLAMABAD, Jun 30 (APP): The International Muslim Women Union, in collaboration with the Kashmir Institute of International Relations, is convened a seminar titled “Gender-Based Violence in Context of Conflicts” to examine the intersection of international human rights and humanitarian law with the ongoing situation in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
The event addressed the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, enforced disappearances, and the resulting trauma faced by women, including those known as half-widows and half-wives.
From the mass rape at Kunan Poshpora in 1991 to incidents in Khutha, Shopian and other areas, survivors and human rights monitors have documented patterns of sexual violence by Indian security forces, as received in a press release here on Tuesday.
Such acts, committed in the context of armed conflict, may constitute war crimes under the Geneva Conventions and other applicable international standards. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) report on Kashmir (2018–2019) raised serious concerns over sexual violence, lack of accountability, and excessive use of force.
Enforced disappearances have left thousands of women in prolonged uncertainty. These “half-widows” and “half-wives” face legal, economic, and social barriers while pursuing justice through Indian courts, UN mechanisms, and public advocacy. A significant proportion of women in affected areas experience compounded psycho-socio trauma, including post-traumatic stress, depression, stigma, and economic marginalization, as noted in the OHCHR report and civil society documentation.
The seminar underscored states’ obligations under international law, including CEDAW and UN Security Council resolutions on Women, Peace and Security, to prevent, investigate, and redress gender-based violence in conflict settings.
Civil society and survivors’ groups urged the international community to support independent investigations, survivor-centered reparations, and implementation of OHCHR recommendations.
The seminar was moderated by Ms. Paras Zaffar LLM at Geneva University and the speakers included Carolyn Handschin-Moser, Director, Office for UN Relations Geneva, Women’s Federation for World Peace Intl; Ms. Amélie d’Hausen PhD scholar at Geneva University, Advocate Shia Saleem Qurashi. Ms. Tahreem Bukhari Assistant Director CISS AJK.
