Q. With reference to the United Nations General Assembly, consider the following statements :
1. The UN General Assembly can grant observer status in the non-member States.
2. Inter-governmental organisations can seek observer status in the UN General Assembly.
3. Permanent Observes in the UN General Assembly can maintain missions at the UN headquarters.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: d) 1, 2 and 3
Question from UPSC Prelims 2022 GS Paper
Explanation :
Observer Status for Non-Member States in UNGA
The UN General Assembly can grant observer status to non-member states. This allows entities that are not full member states of the United Nations to participate in the Assembly’s work without voting rights. An example of a non-member observer state is the Holy See (Vatican City).
Observer Status for Inter-Governmental Organizations
Inter-governmental organizations (IGOs) can also seek observer status in the UN General Assembly. This enables them to participate in the sessions and work of the Assembly, again without the right to vote. Examples of IGOs with observer status include the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Functions of Permanent Observers in the UN General Assembly
Permanent Observers in the UN General Assembly can maintain missions at the UN headquarters. These missions are similar to the embassies that countries maintain in foreign capitals. They are staffed by diplomats and can be used to facilitate communication with the UN, participate in meetings, and carry out other functions related to their observer status.
Therefore, the correct answer is 1, 2, and 3.
