Mehreen Faruqi (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I ask that general business notice of motion No. 425 standing in my name for today, relating to human rights in Kashmir, be taken as a formal motion.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Is there any objection to this motion being taken as formal? There is. Formality has been denied.

Mehreen Faruqi (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In lieu of suspending standing orders, I seek leave to make a one-minute statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Mehreen Faruqi (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Millions of Kashmiris are still under undeclared curfew. Free speech is being suppressed, with an internet blackout still in place, communications being monitored and journalists being intimidated. The human rights situation in Kashmir has drawn comparisons with Palestine. Kashmiris were not allowed to determine their fate when the British drew their arbitrary borders and have not been allowed to do so since. Self-interest and nationalistic rhetoric will never deliver justice to the people of Kashmir, who have suffered enough. Self-determination by the Kashmiri people is the only answer. The Australian government must use all diplomatic means at its disposal to call on the Indian government to remove troops, release political prisoners, lift the curfew and allow freedom of movement, communication, speech and assembly to the people of Kashmir.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

That concludes the discovery of formal business.