UNGA RESOLUTION (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 - IR)

Context: Recently, India voted in favor of a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution, urging Israel to implement an immediate ceasefire, protect civilians in accordance with international law, and release all hostages.

UNGA Resolution Passage

• About: It is a decision or declaration voted on by all member states of the United Nations in the General Assembly.
• Voting: General Assembly resolutions usually require a simple majority (50 percent of all votes plus one) to pass.

oHowever, if the General Assembly determines that the issue is an “important question”, then a two-thirds majority is required;

• Background: The United Nations Secretary-General invoked Article 99 of the UN Charter, urging the UN Security Council to act on the war in Gaza.

oArticle 99 allows the secretary-general to “bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter which in his opinion may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security”.

• UNGA Adoption and India's Response: Upon adoption by the UNGA, India expressed satisfaction that the international community found common ground to address the myriad challenges confronting the region.

UN General Assembly 

• Establishment: In 1945 under the United Nations (UN) Charter
• Member Countries: All 193 members
• UNGA President: The UNGA is headed by its President, who is elected for a term of one year.
• Composition: United Nations General Assembly comprises all 193 Members of the United Nations.
• Mandate: provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter.