Australian Greens Statement on anniversary of revocation of Article 370 and downgrading of Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory.
On the eve of the third anniversary of the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, the Australian Greens are calling on the Australian Government to do more to ensure people’s human rights are upheld.
Senator Jordon Steele-John, Australian Greens Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs said:
“August 5th is a day of mourning for people of Jammu and Kashmir. The Australian Greens acknowledge that the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir are currently facing a humanitarian and human rights crisis that requires urgent international attention.
“The Australian Greens are calling on the Indian Government to restore and respect the human rights of the people in Kashmir and Jammu, their right to self determination and peace.
“The Australian Government must do more. Particularly to ensure community members are safe, and have and have access to healthcare, education, food, and clean water.
Senator David Shoebridge, Australian Greens said:
“On the third anniversary of the stripping away of Kashmir’s constitutional protections, the Australian Greens stand in solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and the diaspora here in Australia and around the globe.
“The Australian Greens acknowledge the right of the peoples of Jammu and Kashmir to freedom and self-determination. We also acknowledge and support the work of the diaspora to bring awareness of this human rights crisis in Australia and beyond.
“The Australian Government has an obligation to raise the attacks on Jammu and Kashmir in its diplomatic engagements with India. This is about Australia speaking the truth to our friends and acknowledging the universal right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to basic human freedoms.”