UNGA adopts Pakistan-backed resolution on self-determination

The UN General Assembly unanimously passed a Pakistan-sponsored resolution reaffirming that the universal realisation of the right of peoples to self-determination was a fundamental condition for the effective guarantee and observance of human rights.

The resolution, co-sponsored by 75 countries was adopted without a vote in the 193-member Assembly’s Third Committee, which deals with social, humanitarian and cultural issues.

Earlier, introducing the resolution in the committee, Pakistan’s Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi said that self-determination had provided hope to people in their struggle against foreign occupation, a right that had been upheld by all major summits of the United Nations, Non-Aligned Movement and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The resolution is expected to come up for General Assembly’s endorsement next month.

The text also declared the General Assembly’s firm opposition to acts of foreign military intervention, aggression and occupation, since these have resulted in the suppression of the right of peoples to self-determination and other human rights in certain parts of the world.

Implications for Pakistan

Pakistan has itself been facing demands for right to self-determination in various parts of the country, including in Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan.

‘Free Balochistan’ posters and banners have appeared in various parts of the world including Switzerland and the UK. Altaf Hussain of the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) in recent months has also started demanding right to self-determination alleging that Muhajirs have been subject to brutal repression by Pakistani security forces.