The general Assembly The UN adopted this Thursday during its 11th emergency special session a resolution that “emphasizes the need to achieve a general, just and lasting peace as soon as possible” in Ukrainein accordance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
The text, presented by Ukraine and supported by more than 60 countries, achieved 142 votes in favor, seven against -Belarus, Eritrea, Mali, Nicaragua, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Russia and Syria-, and 32 abstentions.
The resolution reiterates the need for an immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of all Russian military forces from Ukrainian territory “within its internationally recognized borders”, and calls for a cessation of hostilities.
It also urges the Member States to redouble their support “for diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a general, just and lasting peace” and asks the parties to the conflict to comply with their obligations, in line with international humanitarian law, “to constantly ensure for not causing harm to the civilian population or civilian objects”, and “guaranteeing safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid”.
It also calls for “the immediate cessation of attacks on critical infrastructure in Ukraine” and “highlights the need to ensure accountability for the most serious crimes under international law committed on the territory of Ukraine through proper investigations and prosecutions.” .
Before the adoption of the resolution, the Assembly voted on two amendments submitted by Belarus that failed. Both texts requested changes in the wording of the subsequently approved provision.
Emergency sessions: A mechanism used only eleven times in history
The resolution 377A(V)approved by the General Assembly in 1950, contemplates that special periods of emergency sessions may be requested:
“Resolve that if he Security Councildue to lack of unanimity among its permanent members, fails to fulfill its primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security in any case that proves to be a threat to the peace, a breach of the peace or an act of aggression, the Assembly General will immediately examine the matter, with a view to addressing to the members appropriate recommendations for the adoption of collective measures, including, in the event of a breach of the peace or act of aggression, the use of armed forces when necessary, in order to maintain or restore international peace and security.
If it is not currently in session, the General Assembly may meet in a special emergency session within 24 hours of submitting a request to that effect. Such an emergency special session will be requested if so requested by the Security Council by the vote of any seven of its members, or else the majority of the Members of the United Nations”.
