Understanding the Role of the United Nations in Global Crises: Emergency Sessions and Auditing

Understanding the Role of the United Nations in Global Crises: Emergency Sessions and Auditing

The United Nations (UN) plays a crucial role in maintaining peace and security on a global scale. In times of crisis, such as the recent conflict between Israel and Palestine, the UN has mechanisms in place to address urgent issues that the Security Council is unable to resolve. One such mechanism is the convening of a special emergency session of the General Assembly.

A special emergency session of the UN General Assembly is called when the Security Council is deadlocked and unable to take action to maintain international peace and security. During these sessions, member states discuss urgent peace and security issues and vote on a preliminary resolution. If adopted by a two-thirds majority, the resolution provides recommendations to nations, although it is not legally binding. These sessions are swiftly convened within 24 hours, at the request of member states or the Council itself. Unlike the Security Council, the veto cannot be used in the General Assembly.

In late October, the 193 member states of the UN gathered for an emergency session in the General Assembly to discuss the crisis between Israel and Palestine. This type of meeting is rarely convened, but due to the lack of consensus in the Security Council, it was necessary. The resulting resolution, led by Jordan and supported by over 40 member states, including Egypt, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, received 120 votes in favor. Only 14 countries voted against, including Israel and the United States, and 45 abstained.

The adopted resolution included calls for an "immediate, durable, and sustainable humanitarian ceasefire," as well as "demands" for all parties to comply with international humanitarian law and ensure the continuous, sufficient, and unimpeded supply of essential supplies and services in Gaza. This emergency session was convened due to the Security Council's failure to agree on several resolutions related to the crisis between Israel and Palestine since October 7.

The ability of the General Assembly to hold special emergency sessions is outlined in the UN resolution "Uniting for Peace" from November 3, 1950. Member states can request the President of the General Assembly to convene such a session to make appropriate recommendations for collective measures, including the calling of ceasefires, and, as a last resort, the use of armed force when necessary in case of a breach of peace or act of aggression.

In the first plenary meeting of a special emergency session, or upon its resumption, the General Assembly usually hears from the concerned country or countries. Member states then debate the issue and vote on a preliminary resolution. If adopted by a two-thirds majority, the General Assembly's resolution, although non-binding, provides recommendations to nations. Previous resolutions from past sessions have included requests for an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice and a call for a UN-led international force to intervene and ensure the cessation of violence.

Special emergency sessions are quickly convened when the UN Security Council is deadlocked. This occurs when one of the five permanent members of the Council (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States) uses its veto power to reject a related resolution. While the use of the veto can be promptly reviewed in a regular General Assembly meeting, special emergency sessions are an option for UN members to discuss urgent peace and security issues. This was the case regarding the crisis between Israel and Palestine, as the Council's failure to reach consensus on various resolutions led a group of UN member states to request a special emergency session from the Assembly.

Only 11 special emergency sessions have been convened in the past 73 years, with the most recent being in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. These sessions allow countries around the world to collectively address urgent global peace and security issues. At the request of member states or the Council itself, the President of the General Assembly must convene a special emergency session within 24 hours.

The rules governing these sessions emerged after the start of the conflict in the Korean Peninsula in 1950, when the Assembly adopted its historic "Uniting for Peace" resolution. Another unique element is that, unlike the 15-member Security Council, the veto cannot be used in the General Assembly. If a two-thirds majority of the Assembly votes in favor, a proposed resolution is adopted. Additionally, Security Council resolutions have legal force, while General Assembly decisions are not legally binding for governments. However, they carry the weight of global opinion and the moral authority of the international community.

Six out of the 11 special emergency sessions of the General Assembly have been related to the Middle East. The first session of this kind was held in 1956 to consider the Arab-Israeli armistice agreements of 1949, which had been "disregarded" due to foreign military presence in Egyptian territory near the Suez Canal. During this session, the Assembly adopted a set of resolutions that, among other things, called for the Secretary-General to present a plan for establishing, with the consent of the involved nations, a United Nations Emergency Force to ensure and oversee the cessation of violence.

Subsequent special emergency sessions were convened on Middle East issues in 1958 and 1967, the question of Palestine in 1980, and the situation in the occupied Arab territories in 1982. At the request of UN member states, special emergency sessions can be reconvened at any time, as has been the case over the years.

Turning our attention to another aspect of the UN's work, we can explore the recent election of Brazil to the United Nations Board of Auditors. On November 3rd, Bruno Dantas, the President of Brazil's Court of Auditors (TCU), was elected by acclamation to serve on the Board for the 2024-2030 term. This election highlights both Dantas' international work and the technical excellence of the TCU.

The United Nations Board of Auditors is an independent body composed of only three auditors-general. Its primary responsibility is to audit the UN's accounts, including its Funds and Programs, and make recommendations for improving governance and management within the UN system. While the position is held by the auditor-general of the country, which is equivalent to the president of the TCU in Brazil, the functions are carried out with the support of a team of auditors from the national audit institution.

This is a significant achievement for Brazil, as it marks the first time in over 130 years that the Brazilian Court of Auditors will serve on the UN Board. Brazil is also the twelfth largest contributor to the UN's regular budget, further emphasizing its commitment to the organization's mission.

In conclusion, the United Nations plays a vital role in global crises and peacekeeping efforts. When the Security Council is deadlocked, special emergency sessions of the General Assembly provide a platform for member states to address urgent peace and security issues. These sessions allow for collective action and the adoption of non-binding resolutions, which carry the weight of international opinion. Additionally, the UN Board of Auditors ensures transparency and accountability within the organization by auditing its accounts and making recommendations for improvement. Brazil's election to the Board highlights its international recognition and commitment to good governance within the UN system.

To contribute to the ongoing work of the UN and promote global peace and security, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Support peaceful resolutions: Encourage governments and international organizations to prioritize diplomatic solutions and peaceful negotiations in times of conflict. By advocating for dialogue and cooperation, we can contribute to the prevention and resolution of conflicts.

2. Foster transparency and accountability: Promote the importance of auditing and financial oversight within organizations, including the UN. By ensuring transparency and accountability, we can strengthen governance and management practices, ultimately improving the effectiveness and efficiency of global institutions.

3. Stay informed and engaged: Stay updated on global issues and developments, particularly those related to peace and security. Engage in discussions, raise awareness, and support initiatives that promote peace, justice, and sustainable development.

By taking these actions, we can all contribute to a more peaceful and secure world, working hand in hand with the United Nations and its member states.