*NEW YORK – **Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi effectively raises Pakistan’sviewpoint in UN General Assembly debate *
* Pakistan has called upon the international community to act in a“consistent and uniform” manner to all transgressions, not selectively.*
Speaking in the UN General Assembly debate on Responsibility to Protect andprevent crimes against humanity, Pakistani Ambassador Maleeha Lodhihighlighted the gross violations particularly in occupied territories thatcontinue to the subject of repeated UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.
“Pakistan should not allow human suffering to be selectively prioritizedfor political convenience or to serve narrow interests,”* Maleeha Lodhi*link.She also cautioned against becoming oblivious to the suffering of those whohave been displaced and marginalized.
Focusing on the role played by hate speech to incite violence, thePakistani envoy said Islamophobia has become the most prevalentcontemporary expression of this vile narrative.
“We know only too well from our neighbourhood how the abiding lure ofcommunal politics has become the most assured pathway to political power,”she told the 193-member Assembly.
“Concerted efforts were required to reverse the tide of hate and bigotrythat threatens to undermine social cohesion and peaceful coexistence withinsocieties,” Lodhi said.
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While stressing that the notion of the Responsibility to Protect stands onmore tenuous ground today than ever before, she said that decisions takenby the international community, have in this regard, continue to betray thetest of the highest standards of objectivity and impartiality.
“At its core,” the Pakistani envoy said, “The responsibility to protect, isnot a license to intervene in external situations, but, is instead, auniversal principle of `non-indifference`, in keeping with historicalcontext and cultural norms of respective settings.”
“It is predicated on the express recognition that the responsibility forthe protection of civilians lies first, and foremost, with member states.”
In this regard, she called for recommitment to the UN Charter, based on theinherent dignity and worth of the individual, and the provision offundamental human rights, including the right of peoples toself-determination.
