Public International Law H. Mohamed Abdul Raaziq BC0150015

PUBLIC INTERNATIONAL LAW
H. Mohamed Abdul Raaziq

BC0150015
United Nations General Assembly, one of the six principal organs of the United Nations (UN)
and the only body in which every member of the organization is represented and allowed to vote.
The first session of the assembly convened on Jan. 10, 1946, in London, with 51 countries
represented. As of 2006 there were 192 members of the General Assembly. Numerous
nonmembers, such as states, organizations, and other entities (e.g., the Vatican, the African
Union, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and Palestine), maintain observer status,
enabling them to participate in the work of the General Assembly.
The General Assembly exercises deliberative, supervisory, financial, and elective functions
relating to any matter within the scope of the UN Charter. Its primary role, however, is to discuss
issues and make recommendations, though it has no power to enforce its resolutions or compel
state action. Other functions include admitting new members; selecting members of
the Economic and Social Council, the nonpermanent members of the Security Council, and
the Trusteeship Council; supervising the activities of the other UN organs, from which the
General Assembly receives reports; and participating in the election of judges to the International
Court of Justice and the selection of the secretary-general. Decisions usually are reached by a
simple majority vote. On important questions, however—such as the admission of new members,
budgetary matters, and peace and security issues—a two-thirds majority is required.
The General Assembly convenes annually and in special sessions, electing a new president each
year from among five regional groups of states. At the beginning of each regular session, the
General Assembly also holds a general debate, in which all members participate and may raise
any issue of international concern. Most work, however, is delegated to six main committees,
known as (1) Disarmament and International Security, (2) Economic and Financial, (3) Social,
Humanitarian, and Cultural, (4) Special Political and Decolonization, (5) Administrative and
Budgetary, and (6) Legal. (Committees are generally referred to by their number; thus, the
Disarmament and International Security Committee is known as the First Committee.)
Sessions:
The General Assembly’s regular session begins each year on a Tuesday, on the third week of
September, counting from the first week that contains at least one working day. See the Opening
dates of forthcoming regular sessions of the General Assembly and of the general debate.
The General Assembly meets annually in regular session, intensively from September to
December, and resumes in January until all issues on the agenda are addressed – which often is
just before the next session starts.
Special session:
The General Assembly may meet in special sessions at the request of the Security Council, of a
majority of Member States, or of one Member State if the majority of Members concur.
Emergency session:
Emergency special sessions may be called within 24 hours of a request by the Security Council
on the vote of any nine Council members, or by a majority of UN Member States, or by one
Member State if the majority of Members concur.
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. The
landmark Millennium Declaration, adopted in 2000, and the 2005 World Summit Outcome
Document, reflect the commitment of Member States:
 To reach specific goals to attain peace, security and disarmament along with
development and poverty eradication;
 To safeguard human rights and promote the rule of law;
 To protect our common environment;
 To meet the special needs of Africa; and
 To strengthen the United Nations.
In September 2015, the Assembly agreed on a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals,
contained in the outcome document of the United Nations summit for the adoption of the post-
2015 development agenda (resolution 70/1).
According to the Charter of the United Nations, the General Assembly may:
 Consider and approve the United Nations budget and establish the financial
assessments of Member States;
 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;
 Consider and make recommendations on the general principles of cooperation for
maintaining international peace and security, including disarmament;
 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;
 Discuss, with the same exception, and make recommendations on any questions within
the scope of the Charter or affecting the powers and functions of any organ of the United
Nations;
 Initiate studies and make recommendations to promote international political
cooperation, the development and codification of international law, the realization of human
rights and fundamental freedoms, and international collaboration in the economic, social,
humanitarian, cultural, educational and health fields;
 Make recommendations for the peaceful settlement of any situation that might impair
friendly relations among countries;
 Consider reports from the Security Council and other United Nations organs.
The Assembly may also take action in cases of a threat to the peace, breach of peace or act of
aggression, when the Security Council has failed to act owing to the negative vote of a
permanent member. In such instances, according to its “Uniting for peace” resolution of 3
November 1950, the Assembly may consider the matter immediately and recommend to its
Members collective measures to maintain or restore international peace and security. (See
“Special sessions" and "Emergency special sessions”.)

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Public International Law H. Mohamed Abdul Raaziq BC0150015

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PUBLIC INTERNATIONAL LAW

H. Mohamed Abdul Raaziq

The Assembly is empowered to make recommendations to States on international issues within

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