“The primary aim of the United Nations in the sphere of human rights is the achievements by each individual of the maximum freedom and dignity. For the realisation of this objective, the laws of every country should grant each individual, irrespective of race, language, religion or political belief, freedom of expression, of information, of conscience and of religion, as well as the right to participate in the political, economic, cultural and social life of his country.”
Unless, therefore, the international community is prepared to examine violations of such obligations undertaken by States and take whatever remedial measures may be necessary, all that we have said for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms becomes a mockery. This view has repeatedly been expressed in different forums of the United Nations on many occasions and I am particularly glad to see that Pakistan, through its distinguished representative Ambassador Agha Shahi, while speaking on violations of human rights in colonial Africa and Palestine, stated on this way very item of the agenda at the meeting of the Social Committee held on May 20, 1970;
“There would be and have been other situations in which massive violations of human rights take place which call for examination, investigation and report, if the obligatory provisions of the Charter of the United Nations in regard to human rights and fundamental freedoms are not to become a subject of mockery and purely of academic debates.”
It is in this context and with the greatest anguish the Government of India wish to bring to your attention a current example of violation of human rights on an unprecedented scale in our age of many millions of people. In bringing this to your notice, the foremost consideration which my country has in mind is the need for urgent humanitarian relief measures for these millions of people-many of whom have been coming into India in ever-growing number as refugees. The problem has assumed such proportions and the sufferings of these people have been so enormous that is cannot be a matter of international concern.
In order to understand this tragic human problem it is necessary to explain its causes. This will make it possible for the world community to appreciate the consequences that have followed and to consider urgent measures in order to reduce, if not remove, the suffering of millions of people.
I
The Government of Pakistan have accepted or supported most of the Declarations, Resolutions and Conventions on Human Rights and it must be a matter of deep concern to the international community that in recent weeks these international obligations have been breached as a result of massive military actions take in East Bengal. I do not consider it necessary, at this stage at any rate, to analyse in depth and detail, the unfortunate events that have taken place in that region. The facts are well-known, and basically it is the accumulated frustration of the East Bengalis and the inequalities which they have suffered over the years that have brought about a most tragic situation. These frustrations and injustices, which by themselves could constitute major violations of the
