India Demands Pakistan End Human Rights Violations in Illegally Occupied Territories at UN Security Council

India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish.

New York:

India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish, issued a strong rebuke to Pakistan, demanding an end to "grave and ongoing human rights violations in areas illegally occupied by it."

"We call upon Pakistan to end the grave and ongoing human rights violations in the areas illegally occupied by it, where the population is in open revolt against Pakistan's military occupation, repression, brutality and illegal exploitation of resources," Ambassador Harish declared during his address at the United Nations Security Council open debate commemorating the 80th UN Day on Friday.

The Ambassador firmly asserted that Jammu and Kashmir remains an "integral and inalienable part of India," emphasizing the stark contrast between democratic rights in the region under India and Pakistan's governance approach.

"Let me emphasise that the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has been, is, and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India. The people of Jammu and Kashmir exercise their fundamental rights in accordance with India's time-tested democratic traditions and constitutional framework. We, of course, know that these are concepts alien to Pakistan," he stated.

Ambassador Harish underscored India's philosophical commitment to the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, viewing the world as one family, which guides the nation's advocacy for justice, dignity, and prosperity globally.

"This is not only an outlook that anchors our worldview, but also the reason why India has consistently advocated for justice, dignity, opportunity and prosperity for all societies and peoples. It is also the reason why India places its faith in multilateralism, international partnerships and cooperation," he explained.

During his UNSC address, the Indian envoy acknowledged the United Nations' historical contributions since World War 2, while noting contemporary challenges to its relevance, legitimacy, credibility, and efficacy.

"The theme of this debate gains great salience at a time when the world's largest multilateral organisation - the United Nations - faces questions related to relevance, legitimacy, credibility, and efficacy," Ambassador Harish observed.

He further elaborated on the UN's historical role in fostering decolonization and serving as a "beacon of hope for international peace and security."

"This organisation was founded in the aftermath of the Second World War as a beacon of hope for international peace and security. It advanced decolonisation; it has been instrumental in the emergence of new nation-states in the Global South; it drew up ambitious markers for economic growth, social development, and prosperity; it focused our minds on global challenges such as pandemics, countering terrorism and climate change," he added.

October 24 marks the anniversary of the UN Charter's entry into force in 1945, when the ratification by the majority of signatories, including the five permanent Security Council members, officially established the United Nations.