Kashmiri human rights activist Tasleema Akhter made a heartfelt appeal before the international community in Geneva, sharing her personal experience as a survivor of terrorism. She recounted the traumatic events of April 11, 1999, when Pakistan-backed militants abducted her father and elder brother.
While her father was later released after enduring severe torture, her brother remained in captivity for seven days. The incident left deep emotional scars on the family and forced them into displacement, robbing her of both her childhood and her ancestral home.
Tasleema Akhter emphasized that her experience was not an isolated tragedy, but a reflection of the suffering endured by countless families across Jammu and Kashmir. She recalled that ten of her school classmates lost their parents to terror-related violence, turning children who once shared dreams and laughter into orphans overnight. According to her, this represents the collective pain of Kashmir, where decades of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism have scarred entire generations.
She also highlighted the devastating impact of terrorism across the region over the past three decades. Pakistan-backed militants, she said, have targeted teachers inside classrooms, attacked migrant labourers striving to earn a livelihood, and carried out violence at places of worship, including temples and mosques. Tasleema further pointed out that entire communities, such as the Kashmiri Pandits, were forced into exile and became refugees within their own homeland.
During her address, Tasleema made a strong appeal to the international community, urging global leaders to place victims of terrorism at the centre of the international human rights agenda and take meaningful action against cross-border terrorism.
Tasleema Akhter further called for accountability against states, including Pakistan, that are accused of training, funding, and supporting terrorist groups responsible for spreading violence and instability in Kashmir. She also emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive rehabilitation efforts to help widows, orphans, and displaced families rebuild their lives with dignity and security.
Despite the pain and suffering caused by decades of terrorism, her message remained rooted in resilience and hope. Tasleema made it clear that victims are not asking for revenge, but for justice, peace, and recognition of their suffering. Her address highlighted the importance of ensuring that the voices of terror victims are heard and not ignored in global discussions on human rights and conflict.