Geneva, At a recent seminar in Geneva, speakers emphasized the critical role of the United Nations in fostering peace and preventing crimes against humanity, particularly in regions plagued by longstanding disputes.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the event, organized by the World Muslim Congress on the margins of the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council, featured insights from a cadre of experts, including Dr. Joseph Wronka, Leon Kaulahua Siu, Robert Fantina, Misbah Shafiat, Zafar Ahmed Qureshi, and Altaf Hussain Wani. The discussion centered on the UN’s pivotal responsibilities in upholding international law and human rights standards to avert future conflicts and address current injustices.

The participants argued that human rights initiatives within UN peace operations are fundamental to promoting sustainable development, the rule of law, and enduring peace. By addressing underlying grievances, these initiatives aim to forestall recurrent conflicts. The speakers underscored that safeguarding human rights, maintaining international peace and security, preventing mass atrocities, and supporting development are core UN mandates.

The effectiveness of UN peace-building efforts in identifying and responding to early signs of conflict was scrutinized, with calls for more robust strategies to ensure the comprehensive protection and respect of human rights. The ongoing violence and instability in disputed territories like Palestine and Kashmir were highlighted as areas needing urgent attention, with the speakers advocating for decisive UNSC action to enforce international laws.

The seminar underscored the perceived politicization of the UNSC, where the interests of powerful nations can overshadow impartial conflict resolution, sometimes resulting in the use of veto power to block actions that would address regional conflicts.

The resolution of protracted disputes such as those in Kashmir and Palestine was presented as integral to the UN’s broader objectives of sustainable development, peace, and justice. The attendees urged the Human Rights Council to hold accountable those responsible for human rights abuses in these regions, thereby fulfilling its mandate to protect global human rights.