United Nations, At a significant event held at the United Nations headquarters in New York, senior diplomats and experts underscored the importance of the right of self-determination in addressing global disputes, notably the long-standing issues in Kashmir and Palestine.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the discussion titled “Challenges to the realization of the Right to Self-Determination in the Contemporary Global Context,” sponsored by Pakistan, featured insights from a diverse panel. The meeting was presided over by Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Munir Akram, with contributions from notable figures such as Ms. Fionnuala NiAolain, Ambassador Maged Abdelaziz, Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, and Hameed Ajibaiye. The dialogue also saw participation from ambassadors and representatives from Algeria, Turkey, Morocco, Syria, Iran, and India, each raising concerns pertinent to their nations.
Ambassador Akram, in his opening remarks, emphasized the critical nature of unresolved conflicts in Kashmir and Palestine, stating they pose a threat to international peace and security. He highlighted the denial of self-determination rights in these regions as flagrant violations of the UN Charter’s foundational principles. Akram pointed to the dire human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir and the constant threat it presents to peace between India and Pakistan.
He further warned of the potential for conflict between the nuclear-armed states of India and Pakistan, noting the exacerbation of the Kashmir issue following India’s unilateral actions on August 5, 2019, which ended the region’s statehood and led to severe repression.
Ambassador Hameed Opeloyeru from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) echoed support for the Kashmiri struggle, stressing that resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions is crucial for lasting peace in South Asia. The OIC reaffirmed its commitment to UN Charter principles, advocating for a plebiscite in Kashmir under UN auspices.
The Indian delegate, Ms. Suman Sonkar, maintained India’s stance that Kashmir is an integral part of the country and cited peace and development within the region. In contrast, Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai challenged these assertions, questioning the necessity of a large Indian military presence in Kashmir if it were truly peaceful and integrated. Fai urged India to consider the UN’s stance that the Kashmir conflict requires resolution under its Charter and relevant resolutions.
This event at the UN highlighted the ongoing international concern over the Kashmir and Palestine disputes, reiterating calls for upholding self-determination rights as a means to achieve lasting peace and security globally.