The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, which concluded on Tuesday, has issued a formal joint declaration that strongly denounces the terror attack in Pahalgam and advocates for significant structural reforms within the United Nations. The two-day international assembly, inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, saw participation from representatives of Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.
Addressing the security situation, the participating nations collectively condemned the act of violence that took place in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025. The declaration noted that the attack resulted in 26 fatalities and left several others injured. In their statement, the member countries reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms, specifically citing the importance of curbing the cross-border movement of terrorists, restricting terror financing, and eliminating safe havens. The forum emphasized that terrorism should not be linked to any specific religion, nationality, civilization, or ethnic identity, insisting that those responsible for such acts must be held accountable under national and international law.
Beyond the condemnation of specific attacks, the forum called for the expedited finalization and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the United Nations framework. The member states urged a stance of zero tolerance toward terrorism, explicitly rejecting the application of double standards in counter-terrorism efforts and calling for concerted action against all UN-designated terrorist entities.
The declaration also addressed the escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia, particularly in the context of the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Expressing deep concern, the forum called for maximum restraint from all parties to prevent further aggravation of the situation. The participating nations emphasized the necessity of protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure while respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. Furthermore, the declaration encouraged the use of dialogue and diplomacy to maintain the stability of global trade, energy flows, and supply chains.
In a pointed criticism of international policy, the forum condemned the use of unilateral coercive measures that contradict international law. The declaration highlighted that unilateral economic and secondary sanctions often carry negative implications for human rights, including the right to health, food security, and general development within targeted states.
A major focus of the discussions was the urgent need for reform in the global peace and security architecture. The forum advocated for a comprehensive overhaul of the United Nations, with a specific focus on the Security Council. The participating nations stated that such reforms are necessary to make the global body more just, equitable, democratic, and representative of contemporary international realities.
This call for multilateral reform is intended to ensure that the UN remains effective in addressing the evolving needs of the international community. The declaration concludes by underscoring the importance of strengthening multilateralism to better reflect the diverse voices and requirements of the modern era, setting a clear agenda for the member nations as they move forward in their collaborative diplomatic efforts.
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