Palestine's Status Advanced by UNGA: Pursuit of Full UN Membership

 

Art by Sean Matthew Parra

By Sean Matthew Parra

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) voted to upgrade the rights of the State of Palestine as an Observer State in the United Nations (UN) on May 10, 2024. This grants the State of Palestine significant rights and privileges within the UN, including having a seat in alphabetical order among member states, making statements for groups, submitting proposals/amendments, and co-sponsoring initiatives, among others, that are expected to take effect on the UNGA’s next session this coming September.

The resolution, however, falls short of granting Palestine full UN membership, which means that as an observer state, Palestine is still not accorded the right to vote in the UNGA or put forward its candidature in other UN bodies. However, the resolution does determine the state to be qualified for such status and recommends that the UN Security Council (UNSC) reconsider their plight.

With 143 nations voting in favor, nine against, and 25 abstaining, questions arise about what UN membership entails, why Palestine pursues it, and why, despite overwhelming support, it remains disputed. 

What does full UN membership entail?

Full UN membership, through the UNSC's recommendation and the UNGA's decision, provides certain rights and responsibilities to nations in key global decision-making processes. It gives them rights to vote in the UN, access to crucial UN organs and agencies, and essentially encourages recognition of sovereignty from other states. 

At present, Palestine holds a non-member state observer status in the UNGA, a position it shares with the Holy See. However, observers have limited participation rights. They can speak in UNGA assembly meetings but are not allowed to vote on resolutions.

The State of Palestine has had multiple attempts to apply for full UN membership since 2011, and most member states have supported its application, including the Philippines. However, attempts have been barred by the United States in the UNSC with their power to veto. To the United States, Palestinian statehood must be negotiated by Palestine and Israel, not the UN. 

Why does Palestine continue to pursue full UN membership?

The Israeli occupation of Palestine has had a long and drawn-out history dating back to the aftermath of Jewish oppression and World War II. Today, the occupation has escalated to the shell bombing of the Gaza Strip and the continuous eviction of Palestinians in the West Bank. 

For Palestinians, full UN membership would establish a comprehensive and formal recognition of Palestinian statehood. This entails benefits such as access to UN organs and agencies, joining treaties, and, most importantly, voting in the UNGA and other global decision-making processes, including those concerning the Israeli occupation. While it may not be the key to ending the conflict, it is a significant step towards lasting peace in West Asia.

All we ask for is to take our rightful place among the community of nations. To be treated as equals. Equals to other nations and States. To live in freedom and dignity, in peace and security, in our ancestral land.

- Ambassador Dr. Riyad Mansou, Mission of the State of Palestine to the United Nations