Pakistan Urges ICJ Action on Kashmir and Palestine

APP

United Nations: In a recent address to the UN General Assembly, Pakistan’s Ambassador Munir Akram emphasized the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) measures regarding Palestine as pivotal for resolving ongoing conflicts, specifically urging similar attention to the situation in Indian-occupied Kashmir.

Ambassador Akram noted that the ICJ’s role is increasingly vital amidst escalating threats to global peace and security, citing the rise of unilateral actions that violate UN principles.

He remarked on the plight of the Palestinian people and those in Jammu and Kashmir, both facing foreign occupation and denied the right to self-determination, while calling out the impunity with which some states commit war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Highlighting the ICJ’s Advisory Opinions and provisional measures, Akram outlined four key principles established by the Court: the necessity for Israel to allow Palestinian self-determination, the illegality of acquiring land through force, Israel’s accountability for damages due to occupation, and the obligation of all states to support Palestinian self-determination.

These findings, he asserted, have taken on the force of international law and should apply universally to all situations of military occupation. He called for enhanced ICJ engagement to uphold international justice and proposed several measures for consideration, including:

• Expanding the ICJ’s compulsory jurisdiction by removing member state reservations.
• Encouraging UN bodies to seek more frequent ICJ Advisory Opinions on disputes.
• Ensuring accountability for states violating international law and determining compensation for affected parties.
• Enlarging the ICJ’s bench and increasing its budget to handle a larger case load.

Ambassador Akram concluded by stressing that justice is essential for maintaining global order, urging immediate action to reinforce the ICJ’s role in international law.