United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
Context:
- India, once again, abstained as the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) voted 141-5 (35 abstentions) to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, calling upon Moscow to unconditionally withdraw its troops.
- Voting on the resolution occurred after representatives of more than 120 countries, territories and associations, made remarks over two days at a special emergency session of the UNGA.
About UNGA:
- The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making organ of the Organization. Comprising all Member States, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations.
- Each of the 193 Member States of the United Nations has an equal vote.
The UNGA also makes key decisions for the UN, including:
- appointing the Secretary-General on the recommendation of the Security Council
- electing the non-permanent members of the Security Council
- approving the UN budget
- The Assembly meets in regular sessions from September to December each year, and thereafter as required.
- It discusses specific issues through dedicated agenda items or sub-items, which lead to the adoption of resolutions.
- The Assembly is empowered to make recommendations to States on international issues within its competence.
- It has also initiated actions – political, economic, humanitarian, social and legal – which have benefitted the lives of millions of people throughout the world.
Source: THE HINDU.
