GENEVA: Pakistan, representing Islamic countries, has called to investigate war crimes by Israel against the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank to pave the way for accountability, local media reported on Wednesday.
Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN offices in Geneva, Ambassador Bilal Ahmad, during its general debate of the Human Rights Council said, “It is imperative that violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including alleged war crimes perpetrated against the Palestinian people, are thoroughly investigated, with accountability being upheld accordingly.”
Simultaneously, the Pakistani envoy, representing the OIC countries, expressed “deep anguish” regarding the escalating human rights concerns in Indian occupied Kashmir.
The OIC statement emphasized the urgency of addressing the deteriorating human rights situation in Indian occupied Kashmir, urging India to adhere to relevant UN Security Council resolutions and implement recommendations outlined in the reports by the UN human rights office, OHCHR.
Ambassador Ahmad, speaking on behalf of the OIC, strongly denounced all atrocities committed by the Israeli Occupation Forces in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. He called for the implementation of provisional measures mandated by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and reminded all nations of their responsibilities in this regard.
The OIC reiterated its longstanding plea for upholding respect for human rights and international humanitarian law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly in East Jerusalem. The statement also called for the reversal of measures aimed at perpetuating illegal occupation, apartheid, and colonial settlement ventures in the occupied territories.
Additionally, the OIC urged the Council to facilitate justice and accountability for the Rohingya people, including their safe, dignified, and voluntary return to their homes in Myanmar. The organization reaffirmed its solidarity with Bangladesh and supported efforts to achieve a lasting solution.
Regarding the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the OIC condemned Armenia’s destruction of properties, including cultural heritage and religious sites, in the territories of Azerbaijan liberated from occupation.
The OIC expressed full support for Azerbaijan and called upon the international community to aid in the safe and dignified return of Azerbaijani internally displaced persons (IDPs).
—APP
