New Delhi [India]: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has clarified reports regarding a resolution discussed at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), dismissing them as misleading. According to MEA sources, the resolution, which is tabled annually by Pakistan in the UNGA’s Third Committee, was adopted without a vote and does not reference Jammu and Kashmir.
“We have seen misleading foreign media reports about a resolution in the UNGA. This is an annual resolution tabled by Pakistan in the Third Committee. It is adopted without a vote. This resolution has no mention of Jammu and Kashmir,” the MEA sources stated.
The Third Committee of the General Assembly, currently chaired by Zephyrin Maniratanga, Permanent Representative of Burundi, is focused on social, humanitarian, and human rights issues.
As part of its agenda, the Committee examines human rights concerns, including reports from the special procedures of the Human Rights Council, established in 2006. Special rapporteurs, independent experts, and chairs of treaty bodies present their findings and engage with the Committee as per their mandates from the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly.
The Committee addresses topics such as women’s advancement, child protection, indigenous rights, refugee treatment, racial discrimination, and the right to self-determination. Social development issues, including youth, family, ageing, disabilities, crime prevention, criminal justice, and drug control, are also on its agenda.
The UNGA, the primary policy-making body of the United Nations, consists of 193 Member States, each with equal voting rights. It provides a platform for discussing a wide array of global issues as outlined in the UN Charter.
The Assembly meets annually from September to December and convenes additional sessions as necessary. Specific topics are addressed under dedicated agenda items, leading to the adoption of resolutions.