Question
Q78) With reference to the United Nations General Assembly, consider the following statements:
- The UN General Assembly can grant observer status to the non-member States.
- Inter-governmental organisations can seek observer status in the UN General Assembly.
- Permanent Observers in the UN General Assembly can maintain missions at the UN headquarters.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: 4
Detailed Explanation
- The UN General Assembly (UNGA) can grant observer status to non-member states (example: Holy See and Palestine have observer status).
- This status allows participation in General Assembly work without voting rights.
- Hence, Statement 1 is Correct
- Inter-governmental organizations (IGOs) (e.g., the European Union, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, African Union) can and have been granted observer status in the UNGA.
- So, observer status is not limited to countries; organizations can also get it.
- Hence, Statement 2 is Correct.
- Permanent Observers (whether non-member states or IGOs) can maintain a Permanent Observer Mission at the UN Headquarters in New York.
- For example, the Holy See and the European Union maintain permanent missions at the UN.
- Hence, Statement 3 is Correct.