The Hypocrisy of Global Politics: Gaza, Kashmir, and the Voice of the Oppressed

The Kashmir Conflict is a struggle for self-determination, with reports from major human rights organisations, portraying a bleak image of a territory under siege. Ironically, the global response towards such issues is not beyond selective outrage. Whereas, there are confirmed reports of state-sponsored discrimination and violence against religious and ethnic minorities at the hands of oppressive regimes.
The oppressed’s voices sometimes go ignored in the intricate arena of international relations, where geopolitical objectives/ nuances often trump humanitarian considerations. This is obvious in the dramatically divergent approaches to crises, such as those in Gaza and Kashmir, two long-standing disagreements that highlight the hypocrisy and double standards that exist in global politics.

A Tale of Two Struggles: Gaza and Kashmir

The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and the Kashmir Issue have one thing in common: these are both fights for self-determination, with roots in seated in colonialism and contested sovereignty. While the tragedy of Palestinians has received enormous attention and criticism worldwide, the struggle of Kashmiris has somewhat remained ignored and less talked about globally. On the contrary, the Kashmir issue has grave human rights and justice consequences.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, a long-time supporter of the Palestinian Cause, has publicly criticised the West’s double standards. In an interview with renowned Nikkei Asia in Tokyo on October 17, 2023, Ibrahim highlighted his dissatisfaction with the world community’s hypocrisy, notably its selective sympathy for humanitarian situations. “I’m sick of the hypocrisy. “It’s not politics,” he explained. “These are humanitarian issues.”

Ibrahim’s remarks illustrate a major paradox in international diplomacy: the inconsistency with which global powers handle various disputes. While the West has quickly condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it has been hesitant to accept a cease-fire in Gaza, despite the humanitarian situation. This contradiction is not lost on onlookers, especially those from territories such as Kashmir, who see their problems utterly neglected.

The Kashmir Conundrum: A Forgotten Crisis

The Kashmir conflict, which is sometimes viewed as a bilateral dispute between India and Pakistan, is a battle for self-determination. The people of Kashmir, who have a distinct history and national identity, have been denied the ability to select their future—a right officially recognised by the United Nations. UN Resolutions, scrupulously negotiated by India and Pakistan, confirm this right, but the international community’s response has been tepid at best.

The situation in Kashmir remains to be grave. Reports from major human rights organisations, including Amnesty International and the United Nations, offer a bleak image of a territory under siege. Arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and media repression are common sights, fostering a climate in which opposition is crushed and the people’s voice is routinely muffled.

In August 2019, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reaffirmed that the Kashmir Problem must be handled under the UN Charter and relevant Security Council Resolutions. Despite such clear-cut declarations, the international community has mostly failed to respond, leaving the situation in Kashmir to deteriorate, from bad to worse.

The Role of Leaders of Conscience

Malaysian Prime Minister Ibrahim’s stance on Gaza has received widespread commendation, while his attitude on Kashmir has created controversy. During an interview with ‘India Today Exclusive’ on August 22, 2024, Ibrahim defined Kashmir as a “purely domestic issue of India.” This comment appeared to contradict his normally strong position against international hypocrisy.

Kashmiris, who have traditionally been relying upon conscience-driven leaders like Ibrahim for support, feel deceived. They consider the Kashmir Problem as a human rights and self-determination issue, rather than being a geographical political conflict. Bertrand Russell said in 1964 that “the high idealism of the Indian Government in international matters breaks down completely when confronted with the question of Kashmir.”

The perceived discrepancy in Ibrahim’s opinions may be ascribed to, efforts to improve relations between India and Malaysia. Since Ibrahim entered power in 2022, both nations have achieved tremendous progress in bilateral ties, including settling trade in their currencies and expanding Malaysian palm oil imports in India. These economic connections may explain Ibrahim’s reluctance to take a firm and principled stand on Kashmir, despite his outspoken opposition to global injustice.

The Global Response: Selective Outrage

The international community’s selective anger does not end with Kashmir. Across India, a country known for its democratic traditions, there is a growing human rights problem, particularly the minorities. Reports from the United Nations and Amnesty International, indicate a concerning trend of state-sponsored discrimination and violence against religious and ethnic minorities, particularly Muslims.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been accused of creating a climate of bigotry and intolerance. This has resulted in a significant increase in hate crimes, arbitrary arrests, and even punitive demolitions of minority dwellings. The situation is so dire that UN human rights experts have issued multiple warnings to the Indian Government, that have mainly gone unheeded.

The assassination of a Muslim cleric in the Ajmer Masjid serves as a sobering reminder of the human cost of this growing intolerance. The terrible attack, which sent shockwaves across the neighbourhood, highlights the critical need for justice and responsibility. However, such episodes are becoming more regular, mirroring the larger pattern of discrimination and violence suffered by minorities in India.

The Path Forward: A Call to Global Conscience

As the world grapples with such difficult concerns, the international community must adopt a consistent and ethical approach to human rights. The struggles of the Palestinians and Kashmiris, are not isolated episodes; these are part of a larger pattern of oppression and injustice, which must be addressed.
Prime Minister Ibrahim’s plea to eliminate global hypocrisy should ring true not only in Gaza but also in Kashmir and other areas, where human rights are under attack. It is not enough to criticise injustice selectively; conscience-driven leaders must work for the rights of all oppressed peoples, regardless of geopolitical ramifications.

Finally, the measure of a nation’s greatness is not its economic or military prowess, but its devotion to justice and equality. As the world observes, leaders like Malaysian Prime Minister Ibrahim must take a bold stance in support of the oppressed, whether in Gaza, Kashmir or wherever else human dignity is in danger. The battle for justice is a worldwide one, and it must be fought with unyielding determination.