Report: Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai / ANI
UNITED NATIONS: An Arria-Formula meeting of the UN Security Council on “Upholding International Law in Situations of Armed Conflict,” hosted by Pakistan, highlighted the need for universal, consistent and effective implementation of international law.
The meeting brought together representatives of UN Member States, including permanent and elected members of the Security Council, along with experts from OCHA, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Peace Institute (IPI) and civil society.
Speakers emphasized that compliance with international humanitarian law and applicable human rights law is essential for protecting civilians, ensuring humanitarian access, strengthening accountability and maintaining international peace and security.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said the key challenge was often not the absence of international law but the gap between legal obligations and their implementation. He stressed the importance of applying international humanitarian law equally and without exception.
Addressing Gaza, Ambassador Iftikhar highlighted the humanitarian consequences of the conflict and called for respect for international law. He also referred to Jammu and Kashmir, recalling relevant UN Security Council resolutions and Pakistan’s position that the dispute should be resolved in accordance with the UN Charter and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Chairman of the World Forum for Peace and Justice, emphasized that the credibility of the UN depends not only on adopting resolutions but also on their meaningful implementation. Referring to the 2018 and 2019 OHCHR reports on Jammu and Kashmir, he called for an impartial and independent investigation to establish facts concerning reported human rights allegations.
Representatives and experts from OCHA, ICRC and IPI also stressed civilian protection, humanitarian access and accountability, while highlighting political challenges that can hinder the consistent implementation of international law.
The meeting concluded with continued emphasis on translating established international legal principles and Security Council resolutions into effective action across situations of armed conflict.
