International Law and state sovereignty at risk: Charak highlights Venezuela, Bangladesh and Pakistan issues

JAMMU: Sushil Singh Charak, Chief Functionary, Nations Development Association, Former Secretary, International Human Rights Organisation Jammu and Kashmir, India has expressed deep concern over long‑standing developments and current global situations affecting state sovereignty, human rights, and the credibility of international law.

Charak has underscored that, for decades, the international community has repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, including respect for state sovereignty, political independence, non‑intervention, peaceful settlement of disputes, and the protection of human rights. He emphasized that these principles are fundamental to the international legal order and binding on all member states, irrespective of their power or influence.

Sushil Singh Charak has noted that recent international media reports highlight the alleged capture of Venezuelan President NicolásMaduro and his wife by U.S. military forces, followed by assertions of external administrative control and judicially mandated interim arrangements. According to AP News, Maduro was reportedly extracted and flown to the United States as part of a covert operation by U.S. forces. Venezuela’s Maduro arrives in U.S. after stunning capture in U.S. operation (AP News) Charak pointed out that such actions raise serious questions regarding compliance with international commitments and legal norms, and stressed that international law requires governance, security, or transnational crime issues to be addressed through lawful, multilateral, and judicial mechanisms, not unilateral military interventions. The Guardian has also reported widespread international concern over the legality of the strikes and foreign intervention.

Charak has further observed that global responses appear to be selective and inconsistent. He highlighted that ongoing atrocities and communal violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh have been documented by multiple human rights groups and media outlets, particularly incidents affecting Hindu and other minority communities throughout 2025. 2025 Bangladesh anti‑Hindu violence (Wikipedia/compiled reports)Charak stated that these serious incidents have not received proportional international attention or coordinated pressure from global institutions charged with protecting universal human rights.

Charak has also referred to reports raising concerns about security challenges and extremist violence in Pakistan, urging that such issues similarly demand objective global scrutiny and commitment to consistent human rights standards. While some Indian parliamentary discussions have referenced cross‑border terrorism concerns related to Pakistan, the broader international response to extremist actions and minority protection has been uneven.

Sushil Singh Charak has emphasized that selective enforcement of international focus and action raises grave concerns about fairness, impartiality, and credibility in global governance. He added that powerful nations, particularly the United States, are often perceived as influencing international responses according to strategic interests rather than impartial justice — a perception that risks undermining the legitimacy of multilateral institutions and the rules‑based international order.

Charak has strongly stressed that these inconsistencies highlight the urgent need for the international community to uphold its legal and moral obligations without double standards or bias. He emphasized that national laws must operate in harmony with international law, and that sovereignty, democracy, and human rights must be respected without favoritism or selective intervention. Charak warned that long‑standing international commitments lose their meaning when applied unevenly, and that global stability and peace cannot be achieved through coercion or power‑driven strategies.

Charak reiterated that reaffirming commitment to the ideals of the United Nations is essential, and that domestic constitutional processes, international law, and genuine multilateral engagement must operate together. He added that sustainable peace, accountability, and stability can only be achieved when the rule of law prevails over the rule of force, and when international commitments are honored both in letter and in spirit.

International Reference Links (Verifiable Sources)

• Venezuela capture & international reaction:
  Venezuela’s Maduro arrives in U.S. after stunning capture in U.S. operation (AP News)
  US attack draws global condemnation and debate (The Guardian)
  World condemns US assault on Venezuela (Dhaka Tribune)
• Bangladesh minority violence:
  2025 Bangladesh anti‑Hindu violence documented incidents (Wikipedia)
• Pakistan & regional violence context:
  India highlights attacks on minorities in Bangladesh and Pakistan (NDTV reporting)

Sushil Singh Charak
Chief Functionary, Nations Development Association,
Former Secretary, International Human Rights Organisation (J&K), India