Linked with Association for Solidarity with Jammu and Kashmir BASJAK, with JAMMU AND KASHMIR, A SMOULDERING CONFLICT, and with again Kashmir. Added later: linked also with Conclusions, with BASJAK’s report on Jammu and Kashmir, and with Meetings.
He says: (Excerpt): » … Our Association urges the Governments of India and Pakistan to respect conscientiously the mutual commitments and to continue bilateral and meaningful negotiations over Jammu and Kashmir. India and Pakistan will not achieve real security until they find a way to resolve their tensions. We appeal to all parties concerned, including the Kashmir leadership, to respond to the desire of the common man for peace and a chance to earn his livelihood to restart his life. Responsibility must take the place for jingoism. The most compelling need of the hour is the protection of life in the homes and on the streets of Kashmir. The Kashmiris have the right to enjoy all their Human Rights, including economic, social and cultural rights … » (full text: statement at Commission on Human Rights, 57th SESSION, GENEVA, 25 JULY – 12 AUGUST 2005).
Remark also the New Updated Photo Gallery, scroll down and click on one of the many links.
Paul Beersmans – Belgium
He works with the Belgian Association for Solidarity with Jammu and Kashmir BASJAK.
Bio:
- 1. Born Berchem, Antwerp (Belgium), 27 March 1943; … …
- 4. Founder/President of the Belgian Association for Solidarity with Jammu and Kashmir (October 1994);
- 5. Associate-Director of the ‘International Movement for Fraternal Union Among Races and Peoples’, a Non Governmental Organisation with ‘Special Consultative Status’ within the ‘United Nations Economic and Social Council’. As such since 1995 participation at the sessions of the ‘United Nations Commission on Human Rights’ and the ‘United Nations Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights’ in Geneva;
- 6. Publications (all the reports and statements are available on the website of the Belgian Association for Solidarity with Jammu and Kashmir … ; (full text for all items).
See: article links on balawaristan.net.
PAUL BEERSMANS, of the International Movement for Fraternal Union among Races and Peoples, said disregard for human rights and fundamental freedoms, in particular the freedoms of thought, conscience, religion and belief, had brought war and great suffering to humanity, especially when serving as a means of foreign interference in the internal affairs of other States. It amounted to a kindling of hatred between peoples and nations. That was the case in Jammu and Kashmir, where a spiral of violence had resulted in endless suffering as the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the Kashmiri people had been violated by foreign jihadi fighters who had support from across the border.
However, positive signs had been seen of late, including the joint statement by the Indian Prime Minister and the Pakistani President. Proposals for confidence-building measures and talks between all parties had been made. It was the opinion of the Movement that a solution would only be found through peaceful means in an atmosphere of friendship and harmony. The peace talks should continue and their pace should be accelerated. (Press Release, HR/CN/1071).
PAUL BEERSMANS, of International Movement for Fraternal Union among Races and Peoples, said the realization of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was dependent on national action, international cooperation and an environment of peace and stability. Where this did not exist, it led to the violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
This was the case in Jammu and Kashmir where, since the end of 1989, a spiral of violence had erupted resulting in endless suffering for Kashmiris. The human rights and fundamental freedoms of the Kashmiris were violated by both foreign jihad fighters, with constant support from across the border, and by the Government. The Governments of India and Pakistan were urged to respect the mutual communities, declarations and agreements and to resume bilateral and meaningful negotiations over Jammu and Kashmir. A broad-based foundation of peaceful regional collaboration could provide a strong material basis for meeting the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. The Kashmiris had the basic human right to live in peace without being the victim of violence from whichever this might come. (reported on science blog).
Nederlandse links:
Er zijn nu al 23.000 doden na aardbeving;
Kashmir: twistappel tussen Pakistan en India, « Kashmir staat op ontploffen », 03/01/2002, Volgens Vlaamse VN-waarnemer moet Pakistan stoppen met steun aan terroristen: Gedode moslimterroristen worden door het Indiase leger tentoongesteld. (full text).
and: « Volgens mij durven ze kernwapens gebruiken », 14/10/1999, Paul Beersmans was in grensgebied Pakistan getuige van militaire escalatie. (full text).
English links:
UN press release of April 13, 2000;
Index of archived updates;
Surveys, scroll down to ‘Service Information‘ for Kashmiri-links;