The first six months of 2024 (January-June) saw a continued trend of state repression and counter-insurgency operations in the war-trampled region of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJK). On the ground, violations of International Human Rights Law (IHRL) and International Humanitarian Law (IHL) led to appalling human tragedies. The international response against these ‘Atrocity Crimes’ was inconsistent, as well as other patterns of egregious violations, some amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity. They include heavy hand repression, Confiscation of civilian properties, land grabbing and demolition of civilian properties, torture, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial executions, and other series of crimes against Kashmiris. Human rights defenders and journalists often bore the brunt of India’s excessive use of force and repressive policies.

The occupying authorities use anti-terror laws to criminalize the work of Human rights organizations, civil societies, socio-religious organizations, and digital media networks in the IOJK. These anti-terror laws supersede the universal safeguards guaranteed under UDHR, ICCPR & other international conventions.

Our on-ground research has uncovered disturbing evidence of escalating “atrocity crimes” perpetrated against the civilian population in the UN-recognized disputed territory. These findings shed light on the crimes against humanity arising from the transitional phase of settler colonialism, which appears to be a deliberate attempt to alter the demographic composition of the region.

Since August 05, 2019, the occupying authorities have brazenly disregarded the established regulations and protocols designed to protect the health and environment of the local population. This flagrant disregard for the well-being of the people has exacerbated the already dire situation in the region, leading to a deepening health and environmental crisis.