Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to support the maintenance of human rights in Kashmir.

We recognise that there are human rights concerns in both India-administered Kashmir and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The continued use of detentions and restrictions are worrying. It is important that individual rights are fully respected and that there is constructive dialogue with affected communities. We have raised our concerns with the Government of India. We encourage all states to ensure domestic laws are in line with international standards. Any allegation of human rights violations or abuses is deeply concerning and must be investigated thoroughly, promptly, transparently and independently.