According to a 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. A 17-page UN communication found India provided no publicly verifiable evidence linking Pakistan to the attack. India did not notify the UN Security Council under Article 51 self-defence, raising concerns over unlawful use of force and right to life violations. UN experts stressed counter-terrorism actions must meet necessity, proportionality, and distinction under international law. Experts 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 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.

Key facts and corrections 17-page UN communication dated Oct 16 and made public Dec 15, no publicly verifiable evidence linking Pakistan to the attack, no UNSC notification under Article 51, necessity, proportionality, and distinction, Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, water as a human right, calls for peaceful settlement.

Note on accuracy These statements reflect the concerns and language used by UN human rights experts and do not establish unilaterally proven facts about guilt or official determinations by UN bodies.