UN Human Rights Experts Question Cross-Border Strikes and Indus Waters Treaty Suspension

According to a 17-page UN communication dated Oct 16 and made public Dec 15, UN human rights experts say that India's reported cross-border strikes into Pakistan after the April 22 Pahalgam attack may violate international law.

They note that there is no publicly verifiable evidence linking Pakistan to the attack, and that India did not notify the UN Security Council under Article 51 (self-defence), raising concerns about unlawful use of force and right-to-life violations.

The experts stressed that counter-terrorism actions must meet the international legal tests of necessity, proportionality, and distinction.

They expressed serious concern over India holding the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance; the IWT is a binding 1960 water-sharing treaty. Unilateral suspension may breach international obligations.

Disruption of the Indus waters could affect millions in Pakistan reliant on the river system for drinking water, agriculture, food security, and livelihoods.

Access to safe drinking water is a recognized human right; water should not be used as political pressure.

UN experts asked India to clarify the legal basis for military action, treaty suspension, and safeguards against humanitarian, environmental, and economic harm. They also urged peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute in line with international law and self-determination.

Note: These are statements by UN human rights experts in a communication and do not represent a formal UN Security Council decision.