Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were, are, and always will be an integral and inalienable part, reiterates India
Rejecting Pakistan's remarks on Jammu and Kashmir during a United Nations Security Council debate as "politically motivated and unfounded," India on Wednesday (June 26, 2024) described it as "another habitual attempt" to divert attention from the grave violations against children that continue unabated in their own country.
 
India's firm response came during a UNSC Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict after Pakistan's representative made references to Jammu and Kashmir.
 
"Before I conclude, let me respond briefly-in the interest of time, to remarks which were obviously politically motivated and unfounded, made by one representative, earlier against my country. I categorically dismiss and condemn these baseless remarks with the contempt they deserve," India's Deputy Permanent Representative at the UN in New York R Ravindra said.
 
He went on to state that this was "nothing but another habitual attempt to divert attention from the grave violations against children that continue unabated in his own country, as highlighted in this year’s Secretary-General’s report on Children and Armed Conflict".
 
"As far as Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are concerned, they were, are, and always will be an integral and inalienable part of India, irrespective of what this particular representative or his country believes or wishes," Ravindra reiterated. 
 
 
'Grave Violations Against Children in Armed Conflicts a Matter of Deep Concern'
 
Highlighting that this year marks 25 years since the adoption of UNSC resolution 1261 on ‘Children and Armed Conflict', Ravindra noted that over the years, the annual debate has brought to fore the challenges faced by children in situations of armed conflict and helped the international community to recognize the importance of preventing and ending violations against children. 
 
"Towards this end, we greatly appreciate the work of the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary General," he said.
 
However, there remains much progress to be made with the changing landscape of armed conflicts and the varied nature of vulnerabilities that children face, he added. 
 
"The magnitude and severity of grave violations against children in armed conflict situations is a matter of deep concern. This year’s SG report presents a sobering account of the escalating threats faced by children in the conflict zones. Terrorists and armed groups continue to commit majority of the violations," Ravindra stated.
 
India's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN highlighted the following points:
 
1. National governments have the primary responsibility for protecting the rights of the child as mandated by the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
2. The abuse, exploitation, sexual violence and other grave violations against children committed by terrorists need greater focus and determined action.
3. The importance of quality education and skill development to mitigate negative consequences cannot be overemphasized.
4. There is a need for a more inclusive approach to provide protection to child victims of armed conflicts.
5. Based on our experience in UN peacekeeping over the decades, we recognize the importance of having sufficient resources and requisite number of child protection advisers in peacekeeping missions for effective child protection programmes.
 
"The right to a joyful childhood, leading to a life full of opportunities, is the fundamental right of every child. The health, education and creative abilities of our children and young people will determine the well-being and strength of humanity. Children are the future of the world" Ravindra stated.
 
He concluded by reiterating India’s firm commitment to supporting the UN in its endeavours to protect children in situations of armed conflict.