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 ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• Statement 1 is correct: the General Assembly grants observer status to non-member States — the Holy See and the State of Palestine are current examples.
• Statement 2 is correct: intergovernmental organisations such as the EU, African Union, Commonwealth and International Solar Alliance (2021) hold observer status.
• Statement 3 is correct: Permanent Observers may maintain missions at UN headquarters in New York and participate in Assembly sessions without a vote.
• Hence 1, 2 and 3, option (d).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- Statement 3 on missions at headquarters is also correct.
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- Statement 1 on non-member States is also correct.
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- Statement 2 on intergovernmental organisations is also correct.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2022, held on 5 June 2022. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.