A Kashmiri delegation today held a detailed meeting with Dr. Bethanie Carney Almroth, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes, at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 63rd Session of the UN Human Rights Council. The delegation comprised Advocate Parvez Ahmed Shah, General Secretary, All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC); Mrs.

Shamim Shawal, senior Hurriyat leader; and Prof. Shugufta Ashraf, prominent human rights activist. The delegation briefed the Special Rapporteur on the severe and prolonged exposure of Kashmiri civilians to toxic and hazardous substances and the resulting consequences for their health and human rights in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The delegation said that tons of biomedical waste generated by hospitals across Kashmir are being dumped untreated in open areas near civilian populations.

The waste includes infectious sharps, blood-soaked bandages, pathological waste, used syringes, and expired medicines. It said that non-compliance with the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016, has contributed to the spread of infectious diseases, including hepatitis, skin infections, and respiratory illnesses among people living near dumping sites. The delegation further said that human waste, used engine oil, battery acid, diesel, coolant and other chemical waste generated by Indian army camps and military convoys are being disposed of without treatment in local streams and on land.  

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)