TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Indonesia pushed for the granting of special privileges to Palestine during an Emergency Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States, on Friday, May 10, 2024.
Indonesia was among 77 co-sponsoring countries of a resolution titled “Admission of New Members in the United Nations,” which was also supported by 143 UN member states.
“This marks the first time an observer state has been given special rights and privileges approaching those of other UN members,” the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Saturday, May 11, 2024.
Palestine has been a UN observer state since 2012.
The granting of these special rights underscores the increasing global support for the Palestinian struggle, further recognition of Palestine as a state in the UN, and the realization of a two-state solution.
Some of the specific rights and privileges granted include Palestine’s ability to sit among UN member states and co-sponsor resolutions. Palestine can also be elected as the chair of UNGA sessions and various committees under it, and fully participate in UN conferences and international conferences under the UNGA.
“With Palestine’s increasing role towards full UN membership, it is hoped that the political visibility of Palestinian issues and struggles will increase… and facilitate and expedite the re-submission of Palestine’s application for full membership to the UN Security Council,” said the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“Especially considering that this resolution also acknowledges that Palestine has met the criteria for full membership under the UN Charter,” the Ministry added.
Last Friday’s Emergency UNGA session stemmed from the veto of one of the permanent members of the UN Security Council, the United States, on Palestine’s request for full membership on April 18.
In response to a joint call from Arab countries, the OIC, and the Non-Aligned Movement, the UNGA has taken steps towards advancing the Palestinian struggle and international peace efforts.
“Today’s success was also supported by Indonesia’s active role in rallying support from countries in various regions,” the Ministry said.
Indonesia views this success as a breakthrough for the equality of Palestinian rights in the global community.
Palestine has held permanent observer status at the UN since 2012, while Israel has been a member of the organization since 1948.
The resolution was initiated by the United Arab Emirates on behalf of the Arab Group and was further promoted by Turkey along with 80 UN member states.
The resolution was adopted after 143 UN member states expressed their support. Nine countries opposed, and 25 others abstained.
The resolution contains a statement of “deep concern” over the veto used by the United States in the UN Security Council on April 18.
ANTARA
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