Pakistan’s envoy to the United Nations has rightly pointed out the obvious in the Gaza conflict. Ambassador Munir Khan exhibited his astute state of mind and diplomacy as he said that it comes as a failure of the UN Security Council, as it has not been able to stem the bloodshed in Gaza by imposing an immediate ceasefire. This has not only hampered the much-desired humanitarian access to the world’s largest concentration camp under Israeli bombardment, but has also dashed all hopes of limiting the escalation of the conflict. The appeasement to the state of Israel by the US and its allies is a blot on the face of the Security Council, which proves beyond any doubt that veto and peace constituency cannot go together.
The envoy was articulate as he equated the tragedy in Gaza with the decades-long imbroglio in Indian occupied Kashmir. More than a million strong army is out to annihilate the Kashmiris, who want nothing but the right of self-determination promised to them by the world community. Thus, the point that was driven strongly is the incapacity of the Security Council to address flashpoints’ needs in the human context, as it is seen more obsessed with realpolitik, per se. Munir’s stance must be endorsed by the egalitarian peace-loving states by making the Security Council more representative of the UN’s membership. As pointed out by Pakistan, the 15-member body should be made more democratic by enlarging the voice of the majority of small and medium-sized states, and more accountable, through the democratic method of periodic elections.
The call for reforms at the UNSC is a foregone conclusion. The earlier the member states act together, the better. What is desired as of now is an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to allow unhindered humanitarian assistance and to prevail over the Jewish state to see reason in the larger interest of regional peace and security. A proposed Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly to discuss the alarming situation in Gaza is the way to go with utmost resolve to save the Palestinians from genocide and extermination.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 23rd, 2023.
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