New York: Pakistan has called for enhanced global efforts to prevent war crimes, emphasizing the shortcomings of the existing international framework in addressing prolonged conflicts and foreign occupations. The nation highlighted the inadequacies of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) initiative during a United Nations General Assembly debate, asserting that atrocities continue with impunity despite global attention.

According to Radio Pakistan, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, stated that the promise of “Never Again” remains unfulfilled, as there is a lack of responsibility, protection, and accountability for victims of mass atrocities. He underscored that genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity are among the gravest offenses against humanity, recalling the introduction of R2P at the 2005 World Summit as a protective measure against such crimes.

Ambassador Ahmad stressed the need for R2P to be implemented consistently and without bias to maintain its credibility as a humanitarian principle, in line with the UN Charter and international law. He advocated for a comprehensive approach focused on prevention, recommending sustained investment in early warning systems, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding. Additionally, he urged the international community to bolster efforts to peacefully resolve protracted conflicts and longstanding disputes on the Security Council’s agenda, adhering to relevant Security Council resolutions and international legitimacy.