Pakistan called for an “end to impunity” and a “universally accepted framework to prevent and punish crimes against humanity,” saying “accountability and justice are necessary to restore the sanctity of international law.”
The remarks came in a press release by Pakistan’s Mission to the UN after Acting Permanent Representative Ambassador Usman Jadoon addressed the General Assembly’s Sixth Committee (Agenda Item 81).
‘Deep concern’ and a call for accountability
Ambassador Jadoon voiced “deep concern at the perpetration of atrocious crimes against oppressed peoples,” highlighting Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
He condemned the “reign of tyranny and oppression” by Israeli occupation forces, adding that “such brutality and disregard for human life is shocking and unprecedented in modern history.”
While noting a pause in violence, he underscored: “Israel must be held accountable for its atrocities against innocent civilians.”
Failure to act, he warned, would “perpetuate cycles of violence and normalise impunity,” eroding international law and human dignity.
Support for ILC draft, cautions on universal jurisdiction
Pakistan described the International Law Commission’s draft articles as a “constructive foundation,” but cautioned that “premature conclusions and contentious provisions particularly those tied to universal jurisdiction and the Rome Statute could compromise the inclusivity of any prospective convention.”
Jadoon urged the text to “define core crimes such as enslavement, torture, and enforced disappearances in harmony with UN conventions” to preserve legal clarity and coherence.
Next steps: ‘in full conformity with the UN Charter’
Reaffirming “constructive engagement,” Pakistan signalled readiness to contribute to the Preparatory Committee and a Conference of Plenipotentiaries, expressing confidence in forging “a universally accepted convention that upholds accountability without politicisation.”
Member states, the Mission said, should centre talks on legal merits to craft a convention “in full conformity with the UN Charter” one that “combats impunity, secures justice, and offers protection against future crimes against humanity.”
