United Nations (TDI): Pakistan called upon the international community on Friday to “not turn a blind eye” to the “war crimes” occurring in Palestine and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), emphasizing the urgent need to eliminate impunity and secure justice for victims of grave injustices.
Speaking at the General Assembly’s Sixth (Legal) Committee, Ambassador Usman Iqbal Jadoon, Pakistan’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, expressed deep concern over the ongoing cycle of occupation, oppression, and violence in Palestine.
He highlighted that as the world marks the somber one-year anniversary of Israel’s military actions against the Palestinian people, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to escalate.
Ambassador Jadoon attributed the deteriorating situation to over seven decades of illegal Israeli occupation and a blatant disregard for international law, including United Nations General Assembly and Security Council resolutions that affirm the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
He stated, “These inhumane actions by Israeli occupation forces are not only unacceptable but also constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, and a ‘plausible’ genocide as ruled by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).”
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In light of a recent General Assembly resolution addressing the ICJ Advisory Opinion, the ambassador stressed that Israel must “immediately and unconditionally withdraw from all occupied Palestinian territories, end its unlawful policies, make reparations for the damages, and ensure the Palestinians can exercise their right to self-determination.”
He further emphasized the necessity for global cooperation to eradicate impunity for perpetrators of these crimes and to ensure justice for the victims.
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Noting the role of the International Law Commission’s draft articles and commentaries as vital tools for enhancing accountability, he cautioned against premature conclusions regarding their implications.
Ambassador Jadoon underscored the importance of aligning the definitions in the draft articles concerning the prevention and punishment of crimes against humanity with those established in relevant UN conventions.
He said, “We must exercise caution to prevent the introduction of new definitions that could lead to ambiguity and inconsistency in interpretation.”
