Functions and Powers of the General Assembly

1. Forum for multilateral negotiation

The general assembly was established in 1945 under the Charter of the United Nations (UN). It takes place as a central position as the chief deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the UN. The general assembly provides a unique dialouge for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter and it is consists of 192 members of the UN.

It also acts a significant role in the process of standard-setting and the codification of international law. From September to December each year, the assembly meets in regular session intensively and thereafter as required.

2. Functions and powers of the General Assembly

As stated in the Charter of the United Nations, the General Assembly may:

1. Consider and make recommendations on the general principles of cooperation for maintaining international peace and security, including disarmament;
2. Discuss any question relating to international peace and security and, except where a dispute or situation is currently being discussed by the Security Council, make recommendations on it;
3. Discuss, with the same exception, and make recommendations on any questions within the scope of the Charter or affecting the powers and functions of any organ of the United Nations;
4. Initiate studies and make recommendations to promote international political cooperation, the development and codification of international law, the realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and international collaboration in the economic, social, humanitarian, cultural, educational and health fields;
5. Make recommendations for the peaceful settlement of any situation that might impair friendly relations among nations;
6. Receive and consider reports from the Security Council and other United Nations organs;
7. Consider and approve the United Nations budget and establish the financial assessments of Member States;
8. Elect the non-permanent members of the Security Council and the members of other United Nations councils and organs and, on the recommendation of the Security Council, appoint the Secretary-General.

The assembly may also take action if the Security Council fails to act, owing to the negative vote of a permanent member, in a case where there appears to be a threat to the peace, breach of the peace or act of aggression pursuant to its “Uniting for Peace” resolution of November 1950 (resolution 377 (V)) [PDF], . in order to maintain or restore international peace and security, the Assembly can consider the matter immediately with a view to making recommendations to Members for collective measures.

The assembly has, nonetheless, initiated actions—political, economic, humanitarian, social and legal—which have affected the lives of millions of people throughout the world, while it is empowered to make only non-binding recommendations to States on international issues within its competence.

3. The search for consensus

Each Member State in the Assembly has one vote. Votes taken on designated important issues, such as recommendations on peace and security and the election of Security Council members, require a two-thirds majority of Member States, but other questions are decided by simple majority.

Special effort has been made to achieve consensus on issues in recent years, rather than deciding by a formal vote, thus strengthening support for the assembly’s decisions. After having consulted and reached agreement with delegations, The President can propose that a resolution be adopted without a vote.

siti noradila bt jamal (A130152)

resource:

http://www.un.org/ga/about/background.shtml