(a) Describe the composition of the General Assembly of the United Nations Organisation (UNO). (b) Highlight four functions of the General Assembly.

Answer Details

(a) Composition of the General Assembly of the UNO

1. It is composed of all the member states of the United Nations, each state being a member of the Assembly.
2. Each member state is entitled to send a delegation of up to five representatives.
3. Despite the size of the delegation, each member state has only one vote, reflecting the sovereign equality of states.
4. It meets in regular annual sessions, and may hold special or emergency sessions when necessary.
5. It elects its own President and Vice-Presidents for each session and conducts its business through several main committees.

(b) Functions of the General Assembly

1. Deliberation on world issues: It discusses any matter within the scope of the UN Charter, including questions of peace and security, and makes recommendations.
2. Control of the UN budget: It considers and approves the budget and apportions the financial contributions of member states.
3. Admission of new members: It admits new members, and may suspend or expel members, on the recommendation of the Security Council.
4. Election of members to other UN organs: It elects the non-permanent members of the Security Council, members of the Economic and Social Council, and, with the Security Council, appoints the Secretary-General and elects judges of the International Court of Justice.