ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Pakistan has once again urged the global humanitarian fraternity to do everything it can to ameliorate the worsening humanitarian situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJ&K).
In a statement in connection with the World Humanitarian Day being observed on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad also stressed upon the International Community to ensure the lifting of the year-long draconian military siege in IOJ&K and provision of unfettered access and assistance to Kashmiri people in dire need of healthcare.
The World Humanitarian Day is being observed to pay tribute to aid workers who risk their lives in humanitarian service.
The Day also aims to express support for the people affected by crises around the world.
“Today, we join the United Nations and the International Community in commemorating the World Humanitarian Day,” the ministry said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that we pay tribute to the sacrifices rendered by humanitarian workers in saving lives and providing support and protection to people affected by conflict, disasters, and emergencies.
It said that we commend the United Nations, its Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and other Humanitarian Organizations for their leadership in mobilizing and delivering assistance to civilians in need, despite challenges of access and restrictions.
“We value the active role of and substantial contribution by the humanitarian community, in particular, the United Nations in responding to the unprecedented health and socio-economic impact of COVID-19,” the ministry said.
It said that we encourage the global community to uphold the principles of burden- and responsibility-sharing to support sustainable humanitarian responses in large refugee-hosting countries. It said that the protracted refugee situations continue to impact millions of lives and should be supported by the international community in every aspect.
The minister said that Pakistan and its people have shown exemplary generosity, compassion and hospitality in hosting more than three million Afghans for over four decades.
“We are thankful to our partners, especially the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), for helping us in taking care of Afghan Refugees.”
The Foreign Affairs Ministry further said that we reiterate the need for evolving a strategic approach to address humanitarian emergencies, guided by the imperative of upholding international humanitarian law, preventing conflicts from the eruption, and peacefully resolving long-standing disputes and conflicts.
