Page 3677 - Week 10 - Thursday, 19 September 2019
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The UN, as well, has provided many reports and recommendations regarding human rights abuses and concerns in that part of the world. Over the past year the violence in Kashmir appears to have increased, with a July 2019 UN report stating that 160 civilians were killed in 2018 alone. Unfortunately, the UN does not have any mechanism—the world does not have any mechanism—for countries to be held accountable for the atrocities talked about and documented in UN reports like this.
Possibly as a result of that report, in August this year India stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its semi-autonomy and statehood. At the same time, thousands—possibly hundreds of thousands—of additional Indian troops were sent to the Kashmir Valley and a curfew was imposed. Most communications with Kashmir have been stopped. The curfew and the communications blackout have meant it is entirely unclear if inhabitants of the region have access to food, health services or any of their basic needs. Reports claim that some 3,000 people, including politicians, businesspeople, activists, aid workers and journalists have been detained trying to enter the region. It appears to be completely blockaded and it is unknown how many people internally have been imprisoned or worse.
The fear of violence is so severe that parents are afraid to send their children to school. Clearly there appears to be no access to justice. There is the reality—not the fear—that, without any information from Kashmir, people outside are unable to know if their families and loved ones are safe or what is happening to them.
We know that, typically, in situations like this there is indiscriminate killing, arbitrary detentions, rape, torture and oppression. I know that people in Canberra—and I am sure in the rest of Australia and around the world—with family and friends in Kashmir are thinking along these lines. These actions have an impact on people around us in Canberra. We have a community of Kashmiris here in Canberra who are very anxious and depressed because they are unable to ascertain any reliable information about their family and friends, and they certainly cannot talk to them.
This is a humanitarian issue as well as a political and religious issue. But it is a humanitarian issue first of all, and the Canberra members of the Kashmir community would like Canberra—and, of course, the rest of the world—to be aware of the situation. As I have said before in this place, we are all human, we are all equal and we need to treat each other as brothers and sisters, and with compassion. Sadly, around the world, this simple act of kindness does not always occur. As the Indian politician—and possibly saint—Mahatma Gandhi said, “Live simply so that others may simply live.” This is a good maxim for all of us, for all our lives.
Kurrajong electorate—Dickson
MS STEPHEN-SMITH (Kurrajong—Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Minister for Children, Youth and Families, Minister for Health and Minister for Urban Renewal) (4.19): I rise to speak briefly about recent activity in Dickson, in my electorate of Kurrajong. Dickson is an important hub, not just for the inner north but for all of Canberra. Dickson’s unique shops, quality of services and jobs draw people from across Canberra. It is great to see this part of the city growing and thriving.
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