100+ Questions and Answers about United Nations (11 to 15)

100+ Questions and Answers about United Nations.

Question 11: What is the role of the United Nations General Assembly?

Answer:

The United Nations General Assembly is the main deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ of the United Nations (UN). It is composed of all 193 member states of the UN, with each member state having one vote. The General Assembly meets annually in a regular session, and special sessions can be convened as needed.

The role of the General Assembly is multifaceted and includes the following:

1. Deliberation and Decision-making: The General Assembly provides a platform for member states to discuss and address global issues, including peace and security, development, human rights, and international cooperation. Resolutions and decisions are adopted through majority voting, allowing member states to express their opinions, make recommendations, and take action on a wide range of topics.

2. Setting International Agendas: The General Assembly plays a significant role in setting the UN's agenda by discussing and adopting resolutions on various global issues. It can initiate discussions on emerging challenges and prioritize areas for international attention and action.

3. Budgetary Authority: The General Assembly approves the UN's budget, which includes the allocation of funds for various programs and activities. It also reviews and approves the financial reports and audited accounts of the UN.

4. Electing and Appointing Officials: The General Assembly participates in the election and appointment of key UN officials, including the Secretary-General, non-permanent members of the Security Council, judges of the International Court of Justice, and members of other UN bodies and committees.

5. Promoting International Cooperation: The General Assembly fosters international cooperation by providing a forum for diplomatic dialogue, negotiations, and partnerships among member states. It serves as a platform for addressing conflicts, promoting dialogue, and finding peaceful resolutions.

6. Reviewing Peacekeeping Operations: The General Assembly reviews and approves the budget and mandates of UN peacekeeping operations, which are deployed to maintain peace and security in conflict-affected areas.

While the General Assembly's resolutions are not legally binding, they carry significant political weight and can shape international norms, standards, and actions. It serves as a platform for member states to express their views, promote global cooperation, and work towards common goals.

 

Question 12: How many members are there in the United Nations General Assembly?

Answer: The United Nations General Assembly consists of all 193 member states of the United Nations. Each member state has representation in the General Assembly and is entitled to one vote. This makes the General Assembly a truly global body, allowing every member state to participate in the discussions, decision-making, and policymaking processes of the United Nations. The General Assembly meets annually in a regular session, and special sessions can be convened as needed to address specific issues or emergencies.

 

Question 13: What is the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights?

Answer:

The United Nations Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a landmark document adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948. It is a comprehensive statement that sets out the fundamental rights and freedoms to which all individuals are entitled, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, religion, or any other status.

The UDHR consists of 30 articles that cover a wide range of human rights, including civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. Some of the key principles and rights enshrined in the declaration include:

1. Right to Equality: All individuals are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are entitled to equal protection under the law without discrimination.

2. Right to Life, Liberty, and Security: Every person has the right to life, liberty, and security of person.

3. Freedom of Thought, Conscience, and Religion: Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. This includes the freedom to change one's religion or belief and to manifest one's religion or belief in practice, individually or in community with others.

4. Right to Education: Every person has the right to education, which should be free, compulsory, and accessible to all.

5. Right to Freedom of Expression: Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression, including the right to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media.

6. Right to Work and Fair Working Conditions: All individuals have the right to work, to just and favorable conditions of work, and to protection against unemployment.

7. Right to Health and Well-being: Everyone has the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.

8. Right to Peace and Security: Individuals and communities have the right to live in peace and security, free from fear and violence.

The UDHR serves as a foundational document for the international human rights framework and has been influential in shaping subsequent human rights treaties, conventions, and national laws. It has been translated into more than 500 languages and remains a universal reference point for the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide.

 

Question 14: When was the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted?

Answer: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948. This date is now celebrated annually as Human Rights Day. The adoption of the UDHR marked a significant milestone in the recognition and promotion of human rights globally. It serves as a cornerstone document for the international human rights framework and has had a profound impact on the development of subsequent human rights instruments, treaties, and national laws around the world.

 

Question 15: What is the United Nations Human Rights Council and its purpose?

Answer:

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is a subsidiary body of the United Nations (UN) responsible for promoting and protecting human rights around the world. It was established on March 15, 2006, by the UN General Assembly through resolution 60/251.

The purpose of the UNHRC is to address human rights violations, promote dialogue and cooperation on human rights issues, and make recommendations to member states and the international community. Some of the key functions and responsibilities of the UNHRC include:

1. Universal Periodic Review (UPR): The UNHRC conducts a periodic review of the human rights records of all UN member states. This review process allows for a comprehensive assessment of a country's human rights situation and provides recommendations for improvement.

2. Country-Specific Mandates: The UNHRC can establish special procedures or mandates to address human rights situations in specific countries. Special rapporteurs or independent experts are appointed to monitor, investigate, and report on human rights issues in those countries.

3. Thematic Mandates: The UNHRC has thematic mandates to examine and address specific human rights issues globally. These mandates cover areas such as freedom of expression, right to education, rights of women, children's rights, and many others.

4. Promotion and Awareness: The UNHRC promotes and raises awareness about human rights issues through various means, including organizing conferences, seminars, and campaigns. It fosters dialogue and cooperation among states, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to advance human rights principles and practices.

5. Responding to Crises: The UNHRC has the ability to respond to human rights emergencies and crises by convening special sessions to address urgent situations and adopt resolutions or take other appropriate actions.

The UNHRC consists of 47 member states elected by the UN General Assembly through a regional group representation. The council meets at least three times a year in regular sessions and can convene additional sessions if needed. The UNHRC plays a crucial role in promoting and protecting human rights globally, addressing human rights violations, and providing a platform for dialogue and cooperation among member states and stakeholders.

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