ECO FAWN Society raises Pahalgam terror attack at UN Human Rights Council
Geneva, March 12
At the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Yasser Laaroussi, from the ECO FAWN Society, during General Debate under Item 3, in his oral statement, highlighted the terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025. He urged the international community to intensify efforts to combat terrorism and ensure accountability for attacks targeting civilians.
Addressing the Council, Laaroussi paid tribute to the victims of the attack, describing the incident as a "cold-blooded assault against humanity itself." He emphasised that the deliberate targeting of civilians constitutes a serious violation of international human rights law and humanitarian principles.
According to the statement, the attack claimed the lives of 26 people. Among the victims was local pony handler Syed Adil Hussain Shah, who reportedly tried to shield visitors from harm during the incident.
Laaroussi stated that terrorism in all its forms poses a direct threat to fundamental human rights, including the rights to life, liberty and personal security. Addressing delegates, he said acts of terrorism represent a rejection of human dignity and civilised order.
"No political, ideological or strategic pretext can ever justify violence against innocent civilians," he said.
The statement also warned that cross-border support or tolerance of terrorist groups could aggravate threats to international peace and national sovereignty.
Calling for stronger international cooperation, Laaroussi urged UN member states to ensure that impunity does not prevail and to take decisive action against individuals or networks that harbour, finance or facilitate terrorist organisations.
The ECO FAWN Society reaffirmed its commitment to defending human rights, supporting victims of terrorism and strengthening international accountability mechanisms.
Concluding the intervention, the organisation emphasised that remembering the victims must be accompanied by collective international action to ensure that justice, peace and human dignity prevail over violence and extremism.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The story of Syed Adil Hussain Shah, the pony handler who shielded visitors, is both heartbreaking and a testament to the real spirit of Kashmiriyat. 🕊️ These attacks aim to destroy that harmony. The UN must move beyond statements to concrete action against states that sponsor terror.
While the condemnation is necessary, I hope this leads to consistent application of principles. Often, similar attacks in other regions don't get this platform at the UNHRC. The fight against terrorism must be universal, not selective based on geopolitics.
As an Indian, it's frustrating that our citizens face such threats repeatedly. The international community's "urges" and "calls" feel hollow without tangible steps to cut off terror financing and diplomatic cover. Our security forces are on the frontlines every day. Global solidarity needs to be more than just words.
Accountability is key. Who planned this? Where did the weapons come from? The statement rightly points out that harbouring terrorists is a threat to sovereignty. Nations that do so must be named, shamed, and face serious consequences. Enough is enough.
The human cost is devastating. 26 lives lost, families shattered. My heart goes out to all affected. I'm not deeply familiar with the regional politics, but targeting tourists and a local hero like Syed Adil is pure evil. The world must stand united against this.
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