TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
THE CONTEXT: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution with 143 votes in favour and nine against while 25 countries abstained; it does not give Palestinians full membership but recognises them as qualified to join.
EXPLANATION:
- On May 10, India voted in favour of a draft resolution presented at an emergency special session of the U.N. General Assembly.
- The resolution, titled ‘Admission of new Members to the United Nations’, was proposed by the Arab Group and supported Palestine’s bid for full membership in the United Nations.
- While the resolution does not grant Palestinians full membership, it acknowledges their qualification and recommends favourable reconsideration by the Security Council.
- The resolution received overwhelming support, with 143 votes in favour, nine against, and 25 abstentions.
- India’s affirmative vote signalled its backing for Palestine’s aspirations for full U.N. membership.
Historical Support from India
- India’s support for Palestine dates back several decades.
- It was among the first non-Arab states to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people in 1974.
- Furthermore, India recognized the State of Palestine in 1988 and established diplomatic ties.
- In 1996, India opened its Representative Office to the Palestinian Authority in Gaza, later relocating it to Ramallah in 2003.
Rights and Privileges Granted
- The resolution outlines the additional rights and privileges afforded to Palestine upon recognition of its qualification for U.N. membership. These include:
→Seating among member states in alphabetical order.
→Making statements on behalf of a group, including representatives of major groups.
→ Eligibility for election as officers in the General Assembly and its Main Committees.
→Full and effective participation in U.N. conferences and international meetings.
- The annex to the resolution specifies that Palestine’s additional rights and privileges will be effective from the 79th session of the General Assembly, commencing in September 2024.
- Observations on Palestine’s Status While recognized as an observer state, Palestine currently lacks voting rights in the General Assembly and cannot nominate candidates to U.N. organs.
- The resolution’s passage marks a significant step towards enhancing Palestine’s participation and representation within the United Nations.
U.N. General Assembly:
- It was established in 1945 under the Charter of the United Nations. It Comprised of all 193 Members of the United Nations.
- The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is the main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the UN.
- The functions and powers of the UNGA:
o Elect the non-permanent members of the Security Council and the members of other United Nations councils and organs and, on the recommendation of the Security Council, appoint the Secretary-General.
o Consider and make recommendations on the general principles of cooperation for maintaining international peace and security, including disarmament.
o Discuss any question relating to international peace and security and, except where a dispute or situation is currently being discussed by the Security Council, make recommendations on it.
o Initiate studies and make recommendations to promote international political cooperation, codification of international law, the realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms, etc.
o Make recommendations for the peaceful settlement of any situation that might impair friendly relations among countries.
o Consider reports from the Security Council and other United Nations organs.
SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/despite-us-opposition-un-general-assembly-backs-palestines-bid-for-full-membership/article68162573.ece
Spread the Word
