UPSC Prelims 2022 Q78: Current Affairs – International Organisations & Groupings
With reference to the United Nations General Assembly, consider the following statements:
1. The UN General Assembly can grant observer status to the non - member States.
2. Inter - governmental organisations can seek observer status in the UN General Assembly.
3. Permanent Observers 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
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Observer status at the UN General Assembly
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The GA can grant observer status to non-member States | Correct | Holy See and Palestine are non-member observer States |
| 2. Inter-governmental organisations can seek observer status | Correct | Bodies such as the African Union, EU and SCO hold observer status |
| 3. Permanent observers can keep missions at UN headquarters | Correct | Many observers maintain permanent missions in New York |
Types of observers:
| Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Non-member State | Holy See, State of Palestine (2012) |
| Inter-governmental body | African Union, European Union |
| Other entities | International Committee of the Red Cross |
Observers may speak in debates but cannot vote.
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 3 is also true; observers such as the Holy See keep missions in New York.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 1 is also true; Palestine is a non-member observer State.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 2 is also true; IGOs like the African Union hold observer status.
- (d) CORRECT. Non-member States and IGOs can be observers, and they may keep permanent missions.
Key point
UNGA grants observer status to non-member States (Holy See, Palestine) and IGOs (AU, EU); observers can keep permanent missions but cannot vote.
Remember
UNGA observers: States and IGOs, with missions, without votes.
Common mistakes
- Thinking only States can be observers; IGOs and some other entities can too.
- Assuming observers cannot keep permanent missions at headquarters.
- Forgetting Palestine became a non-member observer State in 2012.
Exam tip
Observer = can attend and speak, can keep a mission, cannot vote.
Sources
- United Nations — Permanent Observers list
- UN General Assembly Resolution 67/19 (2012) on Palestine's status