Cecilia M. Bailliet, UN Independent Expert on Human Rights and International Solidarity

It is ironic that contemporaneous to the 30^th Anniversary of the Bandung Declaration promoting the principle of peaceful coexistence, we witness the resurgence of the use of force over commitment to peaceful dispute resolution. We are reminded that the historic Simla Agreement of 1972 called for both Governments to take all steps within their power to prevent hostile propaganda directed against each other. They were also tasked with promoting the development of friendly relations between them.  The current risk of endangering peace within the region is grave.

The cycles of violence and displacement have created generations of children and youth growing up in limbo without the security of home, limitation of education due to closure of schools, denial of medical care, under-employment, and interference with the evolution of sound psycho-social identity.  Rather than promote peace, the polarization between the two states has limited freedom of expression and deprived the Kashmiri youth of a voice, instead breeding alienation and radicalization.

It is notable both India and Pakistan voted in favor of the UN Declaration on the Right to Peace that sets forth in Article 2 that States should respect, implement and promote equality and non-discrimination, justice and the rule of law, and guarantee freedom from fear and want as a means to build peace within and between societies.

India and Pakistan should show leadership in promoting Unity in Diversity within Kashmir by committing to setting up solidarity commissions comprised of Hindu and Muslim representatives to promote peace education institutions based on mutual respect and cooperation for the Kashmiri youth, teach civic participation, and create channels for discussion of important issues such as peaceful access to water and improvement of sustainable development for the region.