The UN Experts have raised strong objections on India’s unilateral actions of May 7 inside Pakistan, asserting that the use of force by India violated the principles of the United Nations Charter. In a report on India-Pakistan war, the UN experts said Indian attacks targeted civilian areas, mosques were affected and several civilians were killed and wounded. The UN experts said that Pakistan informed the Security Council that it reserved the right to self-defence under Article 51. They said India failed to provide credible evidence that Pakistan was involved at the state level in the Pahalgam attack. The UN experts emphasized that there is no recognized right for unilateral military force under the pretext of counterterrorism. They warned that India’s actions posed the risk of escalating into a major conflict. They termed the Indian actions a grave violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and the principles of non-interference. The UN Special Rapporteurs have also endorsed Pakistan’s stance on Indus Waters Treaty. They expressed deep concern over India’s declaration to hold in abeyance the Indus Waters Treaty. They noted that any obstruction or threat to the flow of water affects the fundamental rights of millions of people in Pakistan. The rights to water, food, employment, health, environment and development are directly impacted by this decision. The UN special experts emphasized that interference with transboundary water rights must be avoided. They said water cannot be used as a tool for political or economic pressure. The special experts’ report recognized that no party can unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, emphasizing the treaty remains in effect unless both governments mutually terminate it through a new agreement. The special experts’ report also referred to the Indian refusal to participate in arbitration and challenging the scope of the Indus Waters Treaty. The UN experts demanded India to fully honour the Indus Water Treaty and refrain from violating Pakistan’s rights. They said India should take concrete steps to prevent human rights violations and damages arising from the obstruction of water. The UN Special Rapporteurs also sent a questionnaire to the Modi government, raising key questions including the evidence of Indian allegations. They also inquired about India’s intentions regarding a peaceful resolution to Jammu and Kashmir dispute. India did not respond to any of the questions. Due to the lack of response, the UN Special Experts released the report.
UN Experts raise objections on India’s unilateral actions of May 7 inside Pakistan
