With reference to the “United Nations Credentials Committee”, Consider the following statements. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

UPSC Prelims 2022 Question:

With reference to the “United Nations Credentials Committee”, consider the following statements:

1. It is a committee set up by the UN Security Council and works under its supervision.
2. It traditionally meets in March, June and September every year.
3. It assesses the credentials of all UN members before submitting a report to the General Assembly for approval.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 3 only

b) 1 and 3

c) 2 and 3

d) 1 and 2

Correct Answer: Option a) 3 only

Learn more about the United Nations Credentials Committee in the explanation below.

Explanation:

• A United Nations Credentials Committee is appointed at the beginning of each regular session of the General Assembly. It consists of nine members, who are appointed by the General Assembly on the proposal of the President.
• The Credentials Committee functions under the auspices of the UN General Assembly. So, statement 1 is not correct.
• A Credentials Committee is appointed at the beginning of each regular session of the General Assembly. Usually, the committee meets in November, brings the report to the General Assembly in December for adoption. So, the statement 2 is not correct.
• The Committee is mandated to examine the credentials of representatives of Member States and to report to the General Assembly thereon (Rule 28 of the Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly). So,statement 3 is correct.

Functions of the Credentials Committee

• Examine the credentials of representatives of Member States.
• Report to the General Assembly on the credentials of representatives.
• Consider any challenges to the credentials of representatives.
• Decide on the validity of credentials.
• Make recommendations to the General Assembly on the seating of representatives.

Powers of the Credentials Committee

• Request additional information from representatives.
• Summon witnesses.
• Conduct investigations.
• Make recommendations to the General Assembly.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

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