In a powerful statement, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has denounced in the harshest terms the recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, calling for the perpetrators, orchestrators, and sponsors behind this "heinous act of terrorism" to be swiftly brought to justice.
The 15-member body issued an official press statement condemning the April 22 attack, which claimed the lives of at least 26 people and left many others wounded. The Council emphasized the urgent need to hold not only the attackers but also their enablers—organisers, financiers, and backers—accountable under international law.
"The Security Council members stressed the imperative of bringing those responsible for this atrocity to justice and called on all nations to cooperate fully with relevant authorities, in line with their international obligations," the statement read.
This declaration was presented on behalf of the Council by its April President, Ambassador Jerome Bonnafont, France’s Permanent Representative to the UN. Notably, the initial draft of the statement was proposed by the United States before undergoing negotiations among the Council members to achieve consensus. As per protocol, all 15 nations, including Pakistan—a current non-permanent member—had to agree for the statement to be issued.
Expressing profound condolences, the UNSC members extended their sympathies to the families of the victims and the governments of India and Nepal. Among the casualties were 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, most of whom were tourists visiting the scenic region of Pahalgam.
The Council firmly reiterated that terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, remains one of the gravest threats to global peace and security. They stressed that acts of terror are criminal and indefensible, regardless of the motivations behind them, or the identity of the perpetrators.
Reaffirming the necessity for a comprehensive international response, the Council underscored the obligation of all states to confront terrorist threats, fully respecting the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and other branches of international law, including human rights, humanitarian, and refugee law.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres’s spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, addressing the media on Friday, expressed "deep concern" over the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the attack.
"We continue to monitor the situation very closely," Dujarric stated, firmly condemning the Pahalgam assault and urging both nations to exercise maximum restraint to prevent any further deterioration of the situation.
In response to a question about the Secretary-General’s possible engagement with Indian and Pakistani leadership once he returns from attending Pope Francis’s funeral in Rome, Dujarric hinted that updates could be forthcoming.
Dujarric also rejected any suggestion that the UN was downplaying the seriousness of tensions between two nuclear-armed nations. "We are paying very close attention to developments between India and Pakistan," he emphasized.