Islamabad, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Munir Akram, has emphasized the UN’s inability to guarantee the right of self-determination and liberation from foreign occupation for the citizens of Palestine and Kashmir.
According to a news release by Kashmir Media Service, Ambassador Akram, addressing the UN community on the occasion of the world body’s 79th anniversary, remarked, “The ongoing slaughter of Palestinians in Gaza by the Israeli bombardment and the massive violations of human rights of the people of Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir are the most visible examples of the UN’s failures.”
Ambassador Akram urged the reinforcement of the UN’s capabilities to address current and emerging threats to global peace and security. He highlighted the importance of alleviating emerging tensions among powerful nations, rejuvenating equitable global economic growth, and confronting the impending threat of climate change. He further noted, “Despite the enormity of these challenges, the hopes of most of the world’s peoples, especially the youth, remain pinned on the United Nations and on its active and sincere Secretary General.”
Reflecting on the UN’s history, Akram stated that over the past 78 years, the organization has been instrumental in averting global conflicts, mediating numerous disputes, and advocating for international peace, arms control, human rights, and global socio-economic development. He described the UN as the central platform for international collaboration between nation-states in their pursuits of peace and prosperity.
Ambassador Akram observed the significant adaptability of the UN in addressing evolving challenges, highlighting the shift from decolonization focus in its initial years to its current emphasis on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite its many accomplishments, the ambassador mentioned, “While the UN can take justifiable pride in its many successes during the last 78 years, it has also fallen short of its Charter’s vision in several ways.” He referenced the failure to prevent aggression against Pakistan in 1971 as an example.
Expressing Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to the principles of the United Nations, Ambassador Akram confirmed the nation’s continual active role in furthering the UN’s mission for global peace, security, and prosperity. He pledged, “Pakistan will continue to play this role in the future, including in the ongoing preparations for the ‘Summit of the Future’ next year.”
In conclusion, the ambassador reaffirmed, “On this day, we reaffirm our resolve to uphold the enduring purposes and principles of the UN Charter and continue the endeavour to realize the full and positive potential of the Organization in the service of humanity’s aspirations for a peaceful and prosperous future.”