Altaf Hussain Wani advocates for dignity of victims

Altaf Hussain Wani, the permanent representative of the World Muslim Congress to the United Nations, recently stressed the critical importance of safeguarding, documenting, identifying, and investigating bodies and human remains of victims of unlawful deaths as mandated by international law. This call to action was made during a dialogue with a special rapporteur on extrajudicial and summary executions at the 56th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Wani highlighted that international criminal law not only focuses on holding individuals accountable for severe human rights violations but also prohibits the mistreatment of the deceased. He pointed out that desecrating dead bodies during armed conflicts constitutes a war crime under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Wani emphasized that violations of the right to life not only impact the dignity and protection of the deceased but also infringe upon the rights of families to access the remains of their loved ones.

Specifically addressing the situation in Kashmir, Wani condemned the Indian government for withholding the return of 658 bodies of individuals killed by occupation forces since 2019. He criticized this action as a clear breach of international humanitarian law and the Indian constitution. Wani also questioned whether the Special Rapporteur had engaged with the Indian government on this issue.

Furthermore, Wani underscored that the disrespectful treatment of the deceased not only affects individuals and communities but also obstructs the victims' rights to truth, justice, and reparations. He emphasized that state responsibilities to protect the deceased are essential for upholding the rights of families and ensuring thorough investigations into all unlawful deaths.

Ensuring the proper handling and investigation of human remains is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative. Altaf Hussain Wani's advocacy for the protection of victims' dignity and families' rights serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding international laws and standards regarding the treatment of the deceased. By respecting and preserving human remains, we honor the memory of those who have lost their lives and uphold the principles of justice and accountability.