UNSC Urges Global Cooperation to Hold Pahalgam Terrorists Accountable
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The United Nations Security Council has condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack, urging all nations to collaborate in holding those responsible accountable. The Council emphasized the necessity of justice for perpetrators, financiers, and sponsors, while Pakistan's participation reflected a commitment to combat terrorism.
Key Takeaways
- UNSC condemns Pahalgam terrorist attack.
- Calls for global cooperation in justice efforts.
- Accountability for perpetrators and sponsors emphasized.
- Pakistan supports the Council's statement.
- Diplomatic engagement by Guterres may be forthcoming.
United Nations, April 26 (NationPress) The Security Council has strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and has called upon all nations to work together in ensuring that everyone involved in this heinous act is brought to justice.
The Security Council members emphasized that those responsible for these brutal killings must be held accountable, urging all countries to actively collaborate with relevant authorities in accordance with their obligations under international law and pertinent Security Council resolutions, as stated by Council President Jerome Bonnafont during a press briefing on Friday.
A front organization linked to the Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The statement, released by France’s Permanent Representative Bonnafont, who serves as the Council president this month, took a comprehensive approach by including the financiers and sponsors of the massacre.
“The members of the Security Council highlighted the necessity to hold accountable the perpetrators, organizers, financiers, and sponsors of this despicable act of terrorism,” the statement read.
Pakistan, currently an elected member of the Council, supported the consensus statement, at least in principle, committing to the idea of bringing those responsible to justice.
A press statement reflects the Council's agreement and carries moral weight, although it is not legally binding like a resolution.
The statement also dismissed efforts by some in Pakistan to justify terrorist attacks.
“The members of the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, irrespective of their motivation, and regardless of who commits them,” it stated.
The Council members reiterated the need for all nations to combat threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts in alignment with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including human rights law, refugee law, and humanitarian law.
Earlier, the spokesperson for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres suggested that diplomatic initiatives may be underway.
When asked if Guterres would engage with leaders from India and Pakistan, Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric mentioned that updates would follow soon.
Reiterating the condemnation of the terrorist attacks, Dujarric stated, “We urge both the Governments of India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint to prevent further escalation.”
When a reporter expressed concern that the potential conflict between “two nuclear nations” was being overlooked, Dujarric responded, “I don’t agree with your assessment. We are closely monitoring the situation between India and Pakistan.”
