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04 Mar 2022 United Nations General Assembly: Russia-Ukraine

Posted at 12:36h in Daily current-affairs by khyati khare 0 Comments

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Recently, India has not participated in the vote conducted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The resolution called on Russia to unconditionally withdraw its troops from Ukraine.
After the use of veto by Russia in the past, the same resolution failed in the United Nations General Assembly (UNSC), after which this session of the General Assembly was called.

Co-sponsored by 96 countries, the resolution required a two-thirds vote of the member states present and voting for it to pass.
It condemns the ‘special military operation’ of 24 February 2022 by Russia on Ukraine.
It states that any territory acquired by force will not be recognized and calls on Russia to stop military operations in Ukraine “immediately without any conditions”.

India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations T.S. Tirumurti said ensuring “safe and uninterrupted passage” for Indian citizens, especially students, is India’s “top priority”.
India has also called for an “immediate ceasefire” and to provide humanitarian assistance in conflict areas.
India hoped that the second round of talks between Russia and Ukraine would yield positive results.
Russia’s actions have put India in an uncomfortable position as it tries to balance its interests with both Russia and Western countries.
Given its experiences with China and Pakistan, India is wary of unilateral attempts to change the borders shared by one country with another.
India urges that all member states respect the principles of the United Nations Charter, commitment to international law and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.
For example, many neighboring countries of India supported the proposal, such as Bhutan, Nepal and Maldives. Afghanistan, which is currently ruled by a terrorist organization (the Taliban), and Myanmar, which is currently ruled by a junta (military), also voted in favor.
Like India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and China abstained from voting.

Resolutions and decisions are the formal expression of the opinion or will of the organs of the United Nations.
The nature of the resolution determines whether it is considered binding on the states.
Articles 10 and 14 of the United Nations Charter refer to the resolutions of the General Assembly as “Recommendations”.
The ‘recommendatory nature’ of General Assembly resolutions has been repeatedly emphasized by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
However, some General Assembly resolutions relating to the internal affairs of the United Nations – such as budgetary decisions or directives to lower-ranking organs – are expressly binding.
In general, resolutions acting under Chapter VII of the Charter are considered binding by the Security Council in accordance with Article 25 of the Charter.
Although they are subject to the veto exercised by the permanent members of the UNSC.