In a unified voice, the UNSC denounced the “reprehensible act of terrorism” in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. The Council’s press statement, issued under the French Presidency, stressed the need to combat terrorism in all its forms and urged all states to cooperate in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
BY PC Bureau
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, demanding that those responsible be held accountable and brought to justice. In a press statement, the 15-nation Council used its “strongest terms” to denounce the attack that occurred on April 22nd, which resulted in the deaths of at least 26 people and left many more injured.
The press statement, delivered by the Council President for April, French Ambassador Jerome Bonnafont, emphasized the “need to hold perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of this reprehensible act of terrorism accountable.” The UNSC further stressed that those responsible for the killings should face justice and urged all member states to actively cooperate with relevant authorities in this regard, in accordance with their obligations under international law and existing Security Council resolutions.
A UNSC press statement is a declaration to the media agreed upon by all 15 members of the Council. Sources indicate that the draft statement was initially proposed by the United States and subsequently discussed and negotiated by the Council members, which currently includes Pakistan as a non-permanent member. The requirement for unanimous agreement underscores the unified stance of the international body on this issue.
The UNSC has strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam, in which Pakistani and local terrorists killed 26 people.
UNSC emphasised the need to hold the perpetrators, organisers, and sponsors of “this reprehensible act of terrorism” accountable and bring them to justice. pic.twitter.com/t0vy6NSV5R
— Koustuv 🇮🇳 🧭 (@srdmk01) April 26, 2025
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The members of the Security Council conveyed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the governments of India and Nepal. The attack tragically claimed the lives of 25 Indian citizens and one Nepali national, most of whom were tourists visiting the region. The Council also expressed its wishes for a swift and full recovery to those who sustained injuries in the attack.
Reaffirming its long-standing position, the UNSC stated that “terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.” The Council reiterated that any act of terrorism is criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of its motivation, location, timing, or the identity of the perpetrators.
Furthermore, the UNSC reaffirmed the obligation of all states to combat terrorism by all lawful means, in adherence to the Charter of the United Nations and other international legal obligations, including international human rights law, international refugee law, and international humanitarian law.
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Separately, at a daily press briefing on Friday, Stephane Dujarric, the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, addressed the situation between India and Pakistan. He stated that the UN continues to follow the situation with “very deep concern” and reiterated the Secretary-General’s condemnation of the attacks in Jammu and Kashmir that resulted in the deaths of approximately 26 civilians. He also renewed the UN’s call upon both the governments of India and Pakistan to engage constructively.
