WILPF International Statement: De-escalation and renewed dialogue is critical for peace between India and Pakistan

The following statement was published by WILPF International on the 14th May to welcome the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan. We call for mediation, de-escalation and continued dialogue for a pathway to sustainable peace in the subcontinent.

WILPF welcomes the recent ceasefire agreement between the Governments of India and Pakistan and urges its immediate and total compliance. Mediation, de-escalation, and continued dialogue – political and civilian – in the face of this recent but longstanding tension is a critical pathway to sustainable peace within the sub-continent.

Since the attack in Kashmir on 22 April that killed 26, dangerous rhetoric, threats, accusations, military exercises, and missile tests have escalated tensions in the region. Both countries possess nuclear weapons, which, if used, will kill millions. This will exacerbate and expand the already protracted conflict and compound the suffering experienced by communities under military occupation.

This escalation is not new but rather another manifestation of the root causes of violence, which have been fermenting unaddressed for decades. These, together with hyper-nationalism and religious fundamentalism, are fuelling support and momentum towards a catastrophic war.
WILPF strongly condemns any and all acts of violence against civilians or indirectly harming civilians.

1. We call on both States to take proactive measures to effectively stop harmful and hateful rhetoric and to call for an immediate de-escalation.
2. We call on both States to uphold their legal obligations in relation to international human rights and humanitarian law.
3. We call on the international community and the States involved to work collectively and cooperatively on a pathway to sustainable peace with the full and equal participation of women. Inclusive dialogue must be fostered at all levels, through high-level negotiations as well as by reinstating Track 2 and 2.5 diplomatic efforts in parallel.
4. We urge the international community and the States to develop and agree to a declaration of commitment to de-escalation, and an ongoing dialogue to develop both political, civilian, and non-violent solutions within a long-term framework for peace.
5. We reiterate the urgent call for States to advance the universalisation of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) to stigmatise, prohibit, and eliminate nuclear weapons.

The Governments of India and Pakistan, along with the international community, must respond decisively to this moment of volatility and fear by de-escalating and retreating from the brink of violence and destruction.

The only path to sustainable regional security is to re-initiate peace talks and dialogue, attempt to resolve long-standing tensions and seek to re-create pathways for building sustainable peace. This would enable communities in this region, with so much shared history, to thrive.