India abstains from voting on U.N. resolution on Israel

Subject: International Relations

Context:

India abstained in the U.N. General Assembly on a resolution that asked the International Court of Justice for its opinion on the legal consequences of Israel’s “prolonged occupation” and annexation of the Palestinian territory.

More about the news:

The resolution decided to request the UN’s highest judicial body to “render an advisory opinion” on “what are the legal consequences arising from the ongoing violation by Israel of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, from its prolonged occupation, settlement and annexation of the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including measures aimed at altering the demographic composition, character and status of the Holy City of Jerusalem, and from its adoption of related discriminatory legislation and measures.”
Resolution adopted by a recorded vote, with 87 votes in favour, 26 against and 53 abstentions, including by India

UNGA Resolutions:

United Nations resolutions are formal expressions of the opinion or will of United Nations organs.
A United Nations General Assembly Resolution is a decision or declaration voted on by all member states of the United Nations in the General Assembly.
General Assembly resolutions usually require a simple majority (50 percent of all votes plus one) to pass.
However, if the General Assembly determines that the issue is an “important question” by a simple majority vote, then a two-thirds majority is required;
“important questions” are those that deal significantly with the maintenance of international peace and security, admission of new members to the United Nations, suspension of the rights and privileges of membership, the expulsion of members, operation of the trusteeship system, or budgetary questions.
Although General Assembly resolutions are generally non-binding towards member states.

United Nations General Assembly (UNGA):

It is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations(UN)
The General Assembly is the main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the UN.It meets from September to December every year, and then again between January and August.
All 193 Member States of the UN are represented in the General Assembly, making it the only UN body with universal representation.
The President of the General Assembly is elected each year by assembly to serve a one-year term of office.
Each of the 193 Member States of the United Nations has an equal vote.
UNGA also makes key decisions for the UN, including:
- appointing the Secretary-General on the recommendation of the Security Council
- electing the non-permanent members of the Security Council
- approving the UN budget