UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has urged the international community to end the double standards in the application of human rights, warning that selective responses to violations are undermining the credibility of the global human rights system.
Speaking during the general debate of the United Nations General Assembly’s Third Committee on 2 October, Pakistan’s Deputy Permanent Representative, Ambassador Usman Jadoon, said the main challenge was the widening gap between international commitments and their implementation.
He said human rights protections must apply universally, regardless of geography, race, religion or political circumstances.
اقوام متحدہ میں پاکستان نے انسانی حقوق کے عالمی اور مساوی اطلاق پر زور دیا ہے۔@ForeignOfficePk@UN@UNHumanRights@PakistanPR_UN@PakistanUN_NY@usmanjadoon_fsp https://t.co/5PDyL1gRMN pic.twitter.com/XRFxfZEjY7
— ریڈیوپاکستان (@PBCofficialNews) October 3, 2026
“If the human rights system is to retain its credibility, then universality must mean universality—not selectivity,” Jadoon said, calling for greater consistency in upholding international law and ensuring accountability.
Gaza And Kashmir
Jadoon highlighted the suffering of Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, describing it as a defining test of the international community’s commitment to human rights.
He called for the protection of civilians, unhindered humanitarian assistance, respect for international law and accountability. He also stressed that Palestinians must be able to exercise their right to self-determination.
Addressing Jammu and Kashmir, Jadoon said the people of the disputed territory had awaited implementation of UN Security Council resolutions for nearly eight decades. He called for a free and impartial plebiscite under UN auspices to determine the territory’s final status.
He also criticised India’s actions in the territory since 5 August 2019, alleging increased restrictions on fundamental freedoms and attempts to alter its demographic and political character.
Jadoon cited arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances and restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly among the concerns raised by Pakistan.
Right To Development
The Pakistani diplomat said poverty, inequality, unsustainable debt and climate-related challenges continued to prevent millions of people from fully enjoying their rights.
He argued that development financing, climate justice, technology transfer and reform of the international financial architecture should form part of global efforts to advance human rights.
“The right to development must occupy its rightful place on the international human rights agenda,” he said, describing development as an inalienable human right rather than charity or a privilege.
Pakistan also expressed support for the proposed International Covenant on the Right to Development, saying it could strengthen international cooperation.
Tackling Islamophobia
Jadoon voiced concern over what he described as the normalisation of Islamophobia, citing hate speech, discrimination, desecration of sacred symbols and attacks on Muslims and their places of worship.
He highlighted the establishment of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia on 15 March, an initiative advanced by Pakistan on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), as well as the appointment of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy.
He called for sustained international action to combat Islamophobia and promote mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
Access To Technology
Jadoon also highlighted the role of technology in expanding access to education, healthcare and other opportunities, while warning that unequal access and inadequate governance could deepen existing inequalities.
He said developing countries should participate equally in shaping and benefiting from technological advances, including artificial intelligence.
He further pointed to a UN General Assembly resolution on access to assistive technology, adopted by consensus on 2 September under Pakistan’s leadership.
The initiative aims to improve access to assistive products, devices and services for persons with disabilities, older people and others who need them.
Concluding his remarks, Jadoon said Pakistan would continue to support dialogue and international cooperation, stressing that human rights commitments must translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives.
He called for a global system in which dignity was not determined by power, justice was not conditioned by politics and development was not treated as a privilege.
