The Ultimate Guide to Palestinian Status at the United Nations
By Michelle Nichols
As the world's best investment manager and financial market's journalist, I am here to break down everything you need to know about the current status of the Palestinians at the United Nations. When Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas attends the U.N. gathering in New York this month, he will be seated on the floor of the General Assembly among other member states for the first time.
However, it's important to note that the Palestinian Authority, representing the Palestinian people at the U.N., is not a full member and does not have a vote in the General Assembly. The Palestinians hold a non-member observer state status, similar to the Holy See.
In November 2012, the General Assembly recognized the sovereign state of Palestine by upgrading its observer status to "non-member state." This move received overwhelming support with 138 votes in favor, nine against, and 41 abstentions.
This year, the General Assembly backed a Palestinian bid to become a full U.N. member, urging the Security Council to reconsider the matter favorably. The resolution also granted Palestinians additional rights and privileges starting from September 2024, including a seat among U.N. members in the assembly hall.
Despite the global support shown in the General Assembly vote, the Palestinians remain a non-member observer state as the Security Council has not acted on the recommendation.
For countries seeking U.N. membership, the process involves submitting an application to the secretary-general, followed by assessment and voting in the Security Council. Approval requires at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes from the permanent members.
Back in 2011, the Palestinians' application for U.N. membership faced challenges as the Security Council committee could not reach a unanimous position. With the lack of necessary support and the threat of a U.S. veto, the Palestinian membership bid did not move forward.
In conclusion, the status of the Palestinians at the United Nations is a complex issue with implications for international recognition and diplomatic relations. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for investors and individuals interested in global affairs as it can impact geopolitical stability and investment opportunities.