Geneva, Aug. 8 -- The United Nations has called for accountability from authorities regarding the crackdown on peaceful demonstrators in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, emphasising that fundamental rights to peaceful assembly must be respected.

Responding to media queries during a UN press briefing regarding the ongoing situation and human rights concerns in the region, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Farhan Haq stated that authorities across all jurisdictions must respect the right to peaceful protest.

"The Secretary-General supports the work of his High Commissioner, and we certainly hope that the pleas made by Mr. Turk will be listened to," Haq said, referencing earlier concerns raised by UN High Commissioner fo...