Role of the UN in the development of the IPC

Question 1

Diplomatic efforts from the UN were effective in securing immediate agreement cessation of hostilities in the region

Answer 1

• UN-sponsored ceasefire and the 1949 Karachi Agreement
  established a ceasefire line which is known as the line of actual control which marked the effective limits to both states to bring an end to active hostilities and prevented further escalation of the conflict
• Prevented conflict for the next 16 years

1965 Reso 211
- Clear call for an immediate ceasefire between India and Pakistan was pivotal in halting hostilities and preventing further escalation of the conflict

1972 Simla Agreement
- Reaffirmed commitment to respect the LOC in Jammu and Kashmir, agreed to refrain from altering the status quo and to resolve the dispute through peaceful means

Question 2

Diplomatic efforts from the UN were effective in defusing tensions and fostering relations for negotiations

Answer 2

1949 Karachi Agreement
- Marked the beginning of diplomatic dialogue between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir issue
- Laid the foundations for subsequent negotiations and efforts to find a lasting solution to the conflict

1966 Tashkent
- To continue meetings both at the highest and at other levels on matters of direct concern to both countries

1966 U Thant
- Negotiated with and mediated between India and Pakistan throughout the conflict while offering his good offices that led to subsequent resolutions that were passed in the UN borne out of the extensive discussion of the aspects of the crisis, its implications and the possibility of a ceasefire

1972 Simla Agreement
- Prisoner of war and civilian internees repatriation can be seen as a confidence building measure
- Signalled a resumption of diplomatic relations and India and Pakistan agreed to normalise relations and work towards improving bilateral ties through high-level talks

Question 3

Diplomatic efforts ultimately were unable to achieve a resolution to the conflict as it could not answer the fundamental question of Kashmir –> start and end

Answer 3

1949 Karachi
- plebiscite not held

1972 Simla
It did not outline a specific mechanism or timeline for achieving the resolution of the Kashmir question
This led to continued tensions and periodic outbreaks of violence in the time period succeeding the syllabus

Question 4

UN formation of peacekeeping operations led to long-term peacekeeping and controlled the situation

Answer 4

1949 Reso 39 and 47
- UNCIP to investigate and mediate the dispute between the 2 parties
- Continually used to resolve disagreements related to the LOC past the Karachi agreement, with the Military Advisor presiding over those matters and giving the final say
- Reso 47 would set the basis for the creation of the UNMOGIP and expanded the UNCIP membership to increase efficacy

1949 UNMOGIP
- Maintained long term peace by ensuring a minimal level of peace and security in the region with its presence along the LOC with only low-intensity border skirmishes occurring

1966 UNIPOM
- U thant set up UNIPOM through resolution 211 to provide necessary assistance to ensure the supervision of the ceasefire and withdrawal of armed personnel
- First group arrived the day the ceasefire was signed with about 100 men present
- Supported politicians when they met in Tashkent to conclude a political agreement on the withdrawal of armed forces

Question 5

Limitations of the UN in peacekeeping operations would unfortunately lead to wars breaking out due to the inherent structural limitations of intervention

Answer 5

1949 Reso 47
The UN did not have the mandate to interfere in domestic affairs due to the principle of sovereignty in article 2 clause 1 that only allows the UN to persuade and influence diplomatically and not compel and coerce through the use of force or threats

1949 UNCIP
Their role was limited to investigating and mediating only, not having any enforcement powers to intervene militarily to enforce its mandate

1949 UNMOGIP
45 observers across 740km
Could not stop any shelling or prevent civilian casualties as they were unarmed
When border skirmishes occurred, it could not physically stop the heavily armed military of India and Pakistan
It was also not conferred the mandate of the UN which allowed action by air, sea or land forces to maintain or restore international peace and security

1965 UNIPOM
100 officers observing thousands of miles with varying degrees of training
Had to rely on comms of the two armies and thus could not accurately report on the developments

1966 UNSC Vetoes
USSR vetoed the convening of the UNSC as a P5 power which effectively disabled them from discussing about the topic as a council and cant even begin to move on creating a resolution

1972 Simla Agreement
No mechanisms present or formed from this agreement in order to monitor any violations on the LOC or address disputes regarding the LOC effectively