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United Nations General Assembly Resolution

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A United Nations General Assembly resolution is, in essence, a collective declaration or decision made by all the member states of the United Nations, cast through a vote in the General Assembly. Think of it as the assembled will of the global community, formally articulated.

The passage of these resolutions typically hinges on a simple majority vote – meaning more "yes" votes than "no" votes. However, the Assembly possesses the discretion to deem an issue an "important question." When this designation is made, usually by a simple majority itself, the threshold for passage escalates to a two-thirds majority. This heightened requirement applies to matters of significant weight, including those that profoundly impact the maintenance of international peace and security, the admission of new member states into the United Nations, the suspension or expulsion of existing members, the intricate operations of the trusteeship system, and, naturally, budgetary deliberations. It's a tiered system, reflecting the gravity of the subjects under consideration.

While General Assembly resolutions are generally regarded as non-binding on member states in the broader sense, they carry undeniable weight. Internally, however, certain resolutions can indeed be binding, particularly those that govern the operational procedures of the General Assembly itself, such as matters pertaining to its budget and internal conduct. These are the rules of the house, so to speak, essential for its functioning.

Select List of General Assembly Resolutions

The history of the United Nations General Assembly is punctuated by numerous resolutions, each marking a specific moment in international discourse and action. Here is a curated selection, highlighting some of the more consequential and historically significant ones:

1946

  • Resolution 1: This foundational resolution established the United Nations Atomic Energy Commission (UNAEC). Its mandate was to grapple with the profound implications of atomic energy discovery, specifically tasking it with formulating proposals for the elimination of atomic weapons and other weapons of mass destruction from national armaments, alongside addressing broader issues related to nuclear technology. A prescient move, given the historical trajectory.

  • Resolution 39: This resolution addressed the complex issue of relations between UN Member States and Francoist Spain. It reflects the international community's stance on the regime and its implications for global relations.

  • Resolution 40: This resolution concerned the voting procedure within the United Nations Security Council. It touched upon the intricate mechanisms of decision-making within the Council, a topic of perpetual debate.

  • Resolution 64: This marked the formal establishment of the Trusteeship Council, one of the principal organs of the UN, designed to oversee the administration of trust territories.

  • Resolution 95: This resolution served to affirm the principles of international law as recognized by the Charter of the Nuremberg Tribunal. It underscored the commitment to established legal norms in the aftermath of World War II.

  • Resolution 96: This resolution recognized and defined the crime of Genocide. It was a crucial step in codifying this heinous offense under international law, laying the groundwork for future conventions.

  • Resolution 100: This resolution addressed the establishment of the Headquarters of the United Nations, a decision that shaped the physical presence and operational center of the organization.

1947

  • Resolution 177: This resolution directed the International Law Commission to formulate the principles of international law recognized by the Nuremberg Tribunal. This directive was instrumental in the subsequent development and articulation of the Nuremberg Principles, further solidifying post-war international legal frameworks.

  • Resolution 181: Known as the 1947 UNGA 'Partition resolution', this landmark resolution dealt with the future of the British Mandate of Palestine, proposing a partition plan that would lead to the establishment of separate Arab and Jewish states. Its consequences are still felt today.

1948

  • Resolution 194: This resolution is significant for its call for the "Right of return" for Palestinian refugees. It remains a central point of contention in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

  • Resolution 217: This resolution adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a foundational document that proclaims the inalienable rights of all human beings, regardless of any distinction. It is a cornerstone of modern human rights law.

  • Resolution 260: This resolution paved the way for the adoption of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, translating the recognition of genocide into a binding international legal instrument.

1949

  • Resolution 273: This resolution formally admitted the State of Israel to membership in the United Nations, a significant step in the post-Mandate era of Palestine.

  • Resolution 289: Concerning the disposal of former Italian colonies, this resolution recommended that Libya should achieve independence no later than January 1, 1952. It was a key moment in decolonization.

  • Resolution 303: This resolution reiterated the UN's stance on the question of an international regime for the Jerusalem area and the protection of Holy Places, restating the concept of corpus separatum for Jerusalem.

1950

  • Resolution 377 A: Known as the "Uniting for Peace" Resolution, this was adopted in response to the Korean War, granting the General Assembly the power to recommend collective measures, including the use of armed force, if the Security Council is paralyzed by a veto.

  • Resolution 491: This resolution concerned the admission of Indonesia to membership in the United Nations, reflecting the post-colonial wave of new nations joining the international body.

1951

1952

1955

1956

  • Resolution 997(ES-I): This resolution, adopted during the First Emergency Special Session, addressed the question considered by the Security Council at its 749th and 750th meetings, directly relating to the Suez Crisis. It marked a significant intervention by the General Assembly in a major international conflict.

1960

  • Resolution 1514: This Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples was a watershed moment in the decolonization process, affirming the right of all peoples to self-determination.

  • Resolution 1541: This resolution provided principles for defining what constitutes a colony and clarified the concept of self-determination. It also outlined the obligation of member states to transmit information regarding non-self-governing territories under Article 73 e of the Charter.

1961

1962

  • Resolution 1761: In response to the South African government's policy of apartheid, this resolution recommended sanctions against South Africa, marking a significant international condemnation of the system.

1963

  • Resolution 1962: This resolution was one of the earliest international legal instruments governing activities in Outer space, laying down foundational principles for space exploration and use.

  • Resolution 1991: This resolution amended the UN Charter, crucially expanding the membership of the Security Council from eleven to fifteen members, aiming to better reflect the global geopolitical landscape.

1971

1972

1973

1974

  • Resolution 3275: Building on the momentum of International Women's Year, this resolution adopted in 1975 (though the resolution number reflects a later session) called for intensified action regarding equal rights and recognition for women.

  • Resolution 3314: This resolution provided a definition of aggression, offering a clearer international standard for what constitutes an act of war, a critical component of international law.

1975

1976

1978

  • Resolution 33/75: This resolution urged the Security Council, particularly its permanent members, to take all necessary measures to ensure the implementation of UN decisions concerning international peace and security. Notably, the United States and Israel were the only nations to vote against it.

1979

1981

1989

  • Resolution 44/34: This resolution adopted the UN Mercenary Convention, aiming to prevent the use, recruitment, financing, and training of mercenaries.

1991

  • Resolution 46/86: This resolution formally revoked the controversial Resolution 3379, which had equated Zionism with racism. This action reflected a significant shift in international consensus.

1992

  • Resolution 47/90: Adopted on December 16, 1992, this was the first in a series of resolutions concerning the role of cooperatives in social development. Its principles were further elaborated in subsequent resolutions, notably Resolution 62/128.

1993

  • Resolution 47/121: This resolution condemned the ethnic cleansing of Bosnian Muslims by Bosnian Serbs as genocide. It's worth noting that years later, the International Court of Justice in the Bosnian Genocide Case (2007) ruled that while ethnic cleansing was a grave violation, it did not automatically constitute genocide without proof of specific intent to destroy a group.

  • Resolution 48/114: This resolution called for emergency international assistance to refugees and displaced persons in Azerbaijan, addressing a humanitarian crisis.

1998

  • Resolution 53/176: Adopted on December 15, 1998, this resolution focused on taking action against corruption and bribery in international commercial transactions, a critical step in fostering global economic integrity.

2000

  • Resolution 54/205: This resolution, adopted on January 27, 2000, followed up on Resolution 53/176, specifically addressing the prevention of corrupt practices and the illegal transfer of funds, further strengthening the global anti-corruption framework.

  • Resolution 55/56: This resolution introduced the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, a system designed to certify the origin of rough diamonds from sources that are conflict-free, aiming to disrupt the trade in "blood diamonds."

2003

  • Resolution 57/306: This resolution addressed the deeply disturbing issue of sexual exploitation of refugees by aid workers in West Africa. It called for strengthened oversight, accountability, and preventive measures within UN operations, a crucial step in protecting vulnerable populations.

  • Resolution 58/76: This resolution endorsed the Model Legislative Provisions on Privately Financed Infrastructure Projects developed by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), recommending their adoption in this specialized area of international commerce.

2005

  • Resolution 60/7: This resolution designated January 27th as International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a solemn commitment to remembering the victims of the Holocaust and ensuring such atrocities are never repeated.

2006

  • Resolution 60/285: This resolution addressed "The Situation in the Occupied Territories of Azerbaijan," reflecting ongoing international concern regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

  • Resolution 61/106: This resolution adopted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a landmark treaty aimed at promoting, protecting, and ensuring the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by persons with disabilities.

2007

  • Resolution 61/295: This resolution established the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, a significant step towards recognizing and upholding the collective rights of indigenous communities worldwide.

  • Resolution 61/255: This resolution unequivocally condemned, without reservation, any denial of the Holocaust, reinforcing the international commitment to historical truth and remembrance.

  • Resolution 62/149: This resolution called for a universal moratorium on capital punishment with the ultimate goal of abolition. It also urged respect for the rights of those on death row and discouraged the reintroduction of the death penalty in states that have abolished it.

  • Resolution 62/167: This resolution expressed serious concern regarding the state of human rights in North Korea, highlighting international attention to the situation within the country.

2008

  • Resolution 62/63: This resolution addressed the critical issue of Criminal Accountability of UN Officials and Experts on Mission, aiming to ensure accountability for misconduct within UN operations.

  • Resolution 62/128: This resolution, building on previous ones (including 47/90), reaffirmed the importance of cooperatives in social development, recognizing their contribution to economic and social progress.

  • Resolution 62/243: This resolution addressed "The Situation in Nagorno-Karabakh," reflecting the UN's continued engagement with this protracted territorial dispute.

2012

2014

  • Resolution 68/262: Adopted in response to the annexation of Crimea, this resolution affirmed the UN's commitment to the territorial integrity of Ukraine, denouncing actions that undermine its sovereignty.

2015

2017

  • Resolution ES-10/19: This resolution, adopted during an emergency special session, addressed the "Status of Jerusalem," rejecting unilateral actions that could prejudice final status negotiations.

2018

  • Resolution 72/191: This resolution focused on the "Situation of Human Rights in the Syrian Arab Republic," continuing international scrutiny of the dire human rights situation amidst the ongoing conflict.

  • Resolution 73/5: This resolution granted Palestine enhanced privileges within the General Assembly, particularly as it assumed the chair of the Group of 77 in 2019, signifying growing international support.

  • Resolution ES-10/20: Also adopted during an emergency special session, this resolution addressed "Illegal Israeli actions in Occupied East Jerusalem and the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory" and called for the "Protection of the Palestinian civilian population."

2022

2023

  • Resolution ES-11/6: This resolution further elaborated on the principles of the Charter of the United Nations that underpin a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine.

  • Resolution ES-10/21: This resolution, adopted during an emergency special session, addressed "Illegal Israeli actions in Occupied East Jerusalem and the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory," reiterating concerns about the status of these territories.

  • Resolution ES-10/22: This resolution focused on the "Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations" in the context of the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the need for adherence to international law.

2025

  • Resolution ES-11/7: This resolution, anticipated to be adopted, will likely continue the UN's efforts in "Advancing a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine," demonstrating a sustained commitment to resolving the conflict.

  • Resolution ES-11/8: This resolution, also anticipated, is expected to focus on "The Path to Peace," outlining further steps and principles for achieving a stable and enduring peace.

See Also