The question of Palestine’s U.N. membership

The question of Palestine’s U.N. membership

Sub: IR

Sec: Int Org

Palestine’s U.N. Membership Application:

• Palestine has renewed its application for U.N. membership, facing opposition mainly from the U.S. at the UNSC, which argues membership should follow a negotiated solution to the conflict.
• Earlier, in 2011, Palestine’s request for U.N. membership was also opposed by the U.S., leading to its current non-member observer status.
• In April 2024, the UNGA supported Palestine’s application despite the U.S. veto, adopting a resolution in May affirming Palestine’s eligibility and urging the UNSC to favourably consider its request.

How does a country become a Member of the United Nations?

• Membership in the Organization, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, “is open to all peace-loving States that accept the obligations contained in the United Nations Charter and, in the judgment of the Organization, are able to carry out these obligations”.
• States are admitted to membership in the United Nations by a decision of the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council.
• Membership applications need UNSC recommendation without opposition from any P5 member.
  • Mongolia’s membership application initially stuck at the UNSC, was eventually approved following UNGA intervention, similar to the Palestine situation.
• The procedure is briefly as follows:
  • The State submits an application to the Secretary-General and a letter formally stating that it accepts the obligations under the Charter.
  • The Security Council considers the application. Any recommendation for admission must receive the affirmative votes of 9 of the 15 members of the Council, provided that none of its five permanent members — China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America — have voted against the application.
  • If the Council recommends admission, the recommendation is presented to the General Assembly for consideration. A two-thirds majority vote is necessary in the Assembly for admission of a new State.
  • Membership becomes effective from the date the resolution for admission is adopted.

India’s Stance

• India supported the May 2024 UNGA resolution favouring Palestine’s membership, believing it could enhance prospects for a two-state solution.
• India’s support aligns with its historical stance of non-discrimination in U.N. membership admissions, as seen with Pakistan in 1947 and China in 1971.

Possible Outcomes and Future Steps

• Palestine’s membership cannot bypass the UNSC and the U.S. China and Russia fear this could set a precedent for Taiwan or Kosovo.
• The U.S. might abstain from vetoing as a protest against Israel, allowing Palestine’s membership to proceed, although Israel might quit the U.N. in response.
• If the stalemate continues, the UNGA might exclude Israel from its deliberations, a tactic used previously with South Africa and the Serb Republic of Yugoslavia.

Incremental Steps

• Granting Palestine participatory privileges short of full voting rights and eligibility for principal organs from September would signal a move towards justice without bypassing the UNSC entirely.

Countries that recognise Palestine:

Source: TH