"It is a matter of grave concern that starvation and collective punishment continue to be used to advance military or political objectives, in stark violation of International Humanitarian Law and Security Council resolutions.Nowhere has the failure to uphold these obligations been starker than in Gaza. The deprivation of food and other essentials, restrictions on humanitarian assistance and destruction of civilian infrastructure have inflicted unbearable suffering on the Palestinian people.Patterns of devastation are also evident in Yemen, Sudan, South Sudan, Haiti and other protracted conflict situations, including occupied territories, where livelihoods have collapsed and millions are now dependent on humanitarian assistance for survival.Statement by Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, at the Security Council Ministerial High-level Open Debate on Food Under Fire: The Security Councils Role in Mitigating Global and Local Food CrisesPlease watch Pakistan's statement below"
In a stirring address at the United Nations Security Council, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, highlighted the urgent issue of starvation and the use of collective punishment in conflict zones. He emphasized the blatant violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) that are exacerbating humanitarian crises in places like Gaza, Yemen, Sudan, South Sudan, and Haiti. These regions have witnessed a sharp decline in living conditions, pushing millions into dependency on humanitarian aid for survival.
The devastating impact of starvation as a military strategy is not a new phenomenon, yet its aggravation is alarming. Ambassador Ahmad pointed out how the blockade of food and essential resources in Gaza is a prime example of using starvation to achieve political or military objectives. The destruction of civilian infrastructure and hindered humanitarian assistance only adds to the suffering of the innocent, primarily affecting children and vulnerable populations.
As representatives from various countries gathered for the high-level open debate, the urgency of addressing food crises was evidently recognized. However, the pathway to meaningful action remains blocked by political complexities. The collective voice of nations, including Pakistan, is demanding that the UN takes decisive action against the usage of starvation in conflicts, urging adherence to both IHL and Security Council resolutions. Ambassadors urged for a united front in addressing the food crisis, emphasizing that humanitarian aid should be free from political jeopardy.
Pakistan's strong stance at the UN signals a potential turning point in international relations concerning humanitarian issues. Advocating for accountability, Pakistan is poised to contribute towards fostering global cooperation on humanitarian aid. It is crucial for the international community to move beyond rhetoric and implement comprehensive measures to guarantee food security and restoration of livelihoods in war-torn regions. The future depends on collaborative efforts to not only address immediate food crises but also establish sustainable policies that will protect innocent civilians and uphold their dignity.
