45th Session UNHRC: Intervention by Ms. Veronica Ekelund - Research Analyst EFSAS
24-09-2020, Geneva
Text and video of Ms. Veronica Ekelund's Intervention on General Debate Item 3 (Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development) during the 45th Session of the UN Human Rights Council.
Video of Ms. Veronica Ekelund's Intervention on General Debate Item 3 during the 45th Session of the UNHRC
"Madam President,
Respect for human rights is universal and paramount and applies to all countries, including Pakistan.
And, Terrorism inherently undermines the promotion and protection of human rights.
Talking to CNN in February 2019, Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Shah Mehmood Qureshi admitted that UN designated Terrorist and Chief of Jaish-e-Mohammad, Masood Azhar, resides in Pakistan.
To BBC in March 2019, Mr. Qureshi confessed that his Government and Jaish-e-Mohammed maintained official contact.
In July 2019, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan told the US Institute of Peace in Washington that his country hosts 40,000 terrorists.
In June 2020, Prime Minister Imran Khan referred to Al-Qaeda leader, Osama bin Laden as a “Martyr” in the country’s Parliament.
Last month, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the presence of UN Designated Terrorist, Dawood Ibrahim on its territory.
Madam President,
There is no need to elaborate.
Pakistani officials have time and again confessed; The country continues to be a safe haven for terrorists and terrorist organizations.
The UN Security Council’s consolidated list of terrorist individuals and entities includes 146 entries from Pakistan.
With all due respect, I am compelled to ask.
Why is Pakistan still a member of this august Council?
Thank you".
