Global Law Updates: The significant UN resolutions in 2021

Each year, the United Nations (UN) expresses its opinion on issues pertaining to the fulfillment of its purpose through adopting a number of resolutions. These resolutions reflect global consensus on the appropriate course of action to pursue in response to a given situation. This write-up contains a collection of a few significant resolutions which were adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2021.

Concern regarding the plight of the Rohingya community 

The situation of Rohingya and other minorities in Myanmar was addressed in the resolution titled 'Situation of human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar'. The UNGA voiced severe concern about the egregious human rights violations perpetrated by the government security forces in Myanmar, particularly against Rohingya Muslims. It urged the Myanmar's leadership to uphold the people's democratic aspirations. Furthermore, the Myanmar's authorities were asked to assist the safe and voluntary return of the Rohingya Muslims from Bangladesh by fostering trust through confidence-building initiatives such as sending representatives from the Rohingya camps in Bangladesh to Rakhine state.

Graduation of Bangladesh from the Least Developed country (LDC)

The UNGA unanimously adopted a resolution affirming the recommendation of the UN Economic and Social Council that Bangladesh, Laos and Nepal be granted graduation from the LDC status with a five-year transition period. The preparatory period was allowed to facilitate a seamless transition for these nations as they survive the post-covid social and economic turmoil.

Recognition of the right to self-determination

Despite the negative votes of five states including that of Israel and the United States, the UNGA adopted the resolution titled 'The right of the Palestinian people to self-determination'. It pleaded all the states and the agencies of the UN to respect the right of Palestinian to self-determination. It also asserted support for the idea of an independent state of Palestine. Apart from this, the UNGA also adopted another resolution titled 'The universal realisation of the right of peoples to self-determination' which reaffirmed the UNGA's support for the refugees and displaced persons and its sustained opposition to the act of intervention and occupation by the foreign forces.

Combating the trafficking in person

The UNGA adopted a resolution titled 'Improving the coordination of efforts against trafficking in person' where it emphasised the need of showing utmost respect for the human rights of the trafficking victims. In another resolution titled 'Protection of and assistance to internally displaced persons' the UNGA encouraged states to ensure the safety and reintegration of those who were internally displaced as a result of sexual violence, human trafficking, or forced labour, among other reasons. Furthermore, the UNGA adopted the Political Declaration on the Implementation of the United Nations Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons 2021.

Protection of the environment

The UNGA expressed its concern on the decline in biodiversity due to the pollution, climate change, exploitation of marine and land resources in the resolution titled 'Implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity and its contribution to sustainable development'. Another resolution titled 'Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind' was adopted stressing the dangers of global warming and establishing mitigation and adaptation to climate change as a worldwide priority.

Additionally, the UNGA adopted a resolution titled 'Preventing and combating crimes that affect the environment' with a view to insisting the state to take actions against illegal trafficking in wildlife including that of protected flora and fauna, timber, minerals, etc. 

Safeguard of freedom of religion and expression

The resolution titled 'Freedom of religion or belief,' encouraged all nations to take proactive steps to safeguard religious minorities from all forms of violence and terrorism by appropriate constitutional and legislative safeguards. Moreover, the UNGA adopted a resolution on 'The safety of journalists and the issue of impunity' denouncing impunity for journalist assault. It asked all members to adopt necessary legislative frameworks to end such impunity and to foster an atmosphere favourable to media covering events and publishing news without fear.

Food security and eradicating poverty

The UNGA adopted a resolution titled 'The right to food' and expressed serious concern that the number of people without access to adequate food rose by 320 millions in 2020. It reaffirmed its stance that hunger goes directly against human dignity and called for national, regional and international efforts to eradicate hunger from the world.

THE WRITER IS STUDENT OF LAW, UNIVERSITY OF DHAKA.