Question

Which UN organ has the authority to suspend a member State from exercising rights and privileges ?

• A. International Court of Justice
• B. General Assembly upon recommendation of Security Council
• C. Economic and Social Council
• D. UNESCO

Hint:

For major constitutional decisions in the UN, such as admitting, suspending, or expelling members, the General Assembly always acts on the recommendation of the Security Council.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This question is based on international law and the operational charter of the United Nations (UN).
We need to determine the specific procedural path required to suspend a member state's rights.

Step 2: Key Formulas and approach:
Refer to the United Nations Charter (specifically Articles 5 and 6).
Identify the constitutional powers and legislative relationships shared between the General Assembly (UNGA) and the Security Council (UNSC).

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

• Article 5 of the UN Charter states that a member of the United Nations against which preventive or enforcement action has been taken by the Security Council may be suspended from the exercise of the rights and privileges of membership.

• This suspension is executed by the General Assembly, but only upon the explicit, mandatory recommendation of the Security Council.

• Similarly, under Article 6, expulsion of a member also requires a Security Council recommendation followed by a General Assembly vote.

• No single organ like the ICJ, ECOSOC, or UNESCO has independent authority to suspend or expel a member state from the parent United Nations body.


Step 4: Final Answer:
The authority to suspend a member state rests with the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council, which is Option (B).