Why in the news

India abstained from voting on a UN General Assembly draft resolution on Islamophobia introduced by Pakistan and co-sponsored by China.
India asserted that while condemning all acts of religious discrimination, it’s crucial to recognize religiophobia against various faiths rather than singling out one religion.

India’s Position on Islamophobia:

Prevalence of Religiophobia: India emphasized that religiophobia extends beyond Abrahamic religions and affects followers of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism.
Opposition to Precedence: India expressed concerns that adopting the resolution could set a precedent for numerous resolutions centered on specific religious phobias, potentially dividing the United Nations along religious lines.
Religious Autocracy: India urged member states to consider the broader scope of religious discrimination globally in non-secular theocracies, highlighting the need to address challenges faced by all faiths.
Contemporary Forms: India cited examples of attacks on religious places of worship and the spreading of hatred against non-Abrahamic religions as evidence of contemporary religiophobia.

The UNGA is the main policy-making organ of the United Nations, founded in 1945.
It serves as a forum for all Member States to discuss and make recommendations on a wide range of international issues covered by the UN Charter.
The UNGA is the only universally representative body of the UN, focusing on topics like international peace and security, development, disarmament, human rights, and international law.

The UNGA comprises all Member States, with each having an equal vote in the assembly. It elects non-permanent members of the Security Council, appoints the Secretary-General, and approves the UN budget.
It has granted observer status to international organizations, entities, and non-member states, allowing them to participate in its work with certain limitations.
Notable observers include the European Union, the Holy See, and the State of Palestine.

The UNGA discusses, debates, and makes recommendations on various international issues within its competence, including political, economic, humanitarian, social, and legal matters.
It plays a central role in standard-setting, codification of international law, and making recommendations to promote international political cooperation.
It has the power to

Consider and approve the UN budget,
Elect non-permanent members of the Security Council, and
Make recommendations on maintaining international peace and security, disarmament, and other matters outlined in the UN Charter.

A UNGA resolution is a formal expression of the General Assembly’s opinion, will, or intention on various matters of global significance.
UNGA resolutions are adopted through a voting process during plenary sessions of the General Assembly.
Each member state has one vote, and decisions are typically made by a two-thirds majority of those present and voting.
While UNGA resolutions are not legally binding on their own, they can influence the development of customary international law and provide guidance for the interpretation of treaties and conventions.
Types of Resolutions:

1. Binding Resolutions: Some resolutions are legally binding on member states, requiring them to take specific actions or comply with certain obligations.
2. Non-binding Resolutions: Many resolutions are non-binding, serving as recommendations, expressions of concern, or statements of principle. While non-binding, these resolutions carry significant political weight and influence.

With reference to the United Nations General Assembly, consider the following statements:

The UN General Assembly can grant observer status to the non-member States.
Inter-governmental organisations can seek observer status in the UN General Assembly.
Permanent Observers in the UN General Assembly can maintain missions at the UN headquarters.

Which of the statements given above are correct? (2022)