Cases of Practice
A collection of case studies documenting General Assembly engagement on peace and security, illustrating different types of responses and Areas of Practice.
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Peace Operations
1947
United Nations Special Committee on the Balkans
The General Assembly established UNSCOB as a civilian mission that would facilitate dialogue and conduct monitoring to reduce cross-border infiltration and tensions in the Balkans.
Uniting for Peace
1950–1951
Origin of Uniting for Peace: Korea
Following Security Council deadlock during the Korean War, the General Assembly adopted the Uniting for Peace resolution, establishing a precedent for Assembly action when the Security Council is unable to act.
Responses to Use of Force Situations
1950–1951
Korea Peninsula
Following the outbreak of hostilities on the Korean peninsula, the General Assembly identified acts of aggression, called for a ceasefire and withdrawal of foreign forces, and supported UN enforcement action.
Sanctions
1951
Korea
Following the outbreak of hostilities on the Korean peninsula, the General Assembly recommended an arms and strategic trade embargo and established a sanctions monitoring body.
Peace Operations
1952–1954
Repatriation Commission: Korea
The Repatriation Commission illustrates the General Assembly’s use of other operational bodies to support de-escalation and confidence-building on the Korean Peninsula.
Responses to Use of Force Situations
1953–1954
Burma
In response to the presence of foreign armed forces in Burma, the General Assembly condemned the violation of Burma's territorial integrity and called for the disarmament and withdrawal of those forces while encouraging negotiations and good offices to facilitate their peaceful evacuation.
Uniting for Peace
1956
1st emergency special session: Middle East (Suez Crisis)
Following Security Council deadlock, the General Assembly called for a ceasefire, withdrawal of foreign forces and a re-opening of the Suez Canal.
Uniting for Peace
1956
2nd emergency special session: Hungary
The General Assembly condemned the "use of Soviet military forces" in Hungary and intervention in internal affairs, called for the withdrawal of forces, and recommended humanitarian relief and support for refugees.
Peace Operations
1956–1967
United Nations Emergency Force
In response to the Suez crisis, the General Assembly authorized the first armed UN peacekeeping force to supervise the cessation of hostilities, and oversee the withdrawal of foreign forces.
Accountability Mechanisms or Bodies
1956–1957
Special Committee: Hungary
Following the Soviet military intervention in Hungary, the General Assembly established a Special Committee to collect evidence on rights violations and compliance with prior resolutions.
Uniting for Peace
1958
3rd emergency special session: Middle East (Lebanon)
After deadlock in the Council, the General Assembly enhanced the tasks of the peace operation (UNOGIL) and recommended other measures to respond to "illegal infiltration" and foreign intervention in Lebanon and Jordan.
Peace Operations
1958
United Nations Observer Group in Lebanon
General Assembly extension of a Security Council-mandated peace operation helped facilitate the withdrawal of foreign forces from Lebanon, linking the Assembly's peace operations practice with its capacity to de-escalate conflict situations.
Uniting for Peace
1960
4th Emergency Special Session: Question of Congo
Following divergent Security Council views over continued support to a Security Council-established peace operation, the General Assembly empowered it to respond to the Congo crisis of 1961.
Peace Operations
1960–1964
United Nations Operation in the Congo
The General Assembly reinforced ONUC's mandate to be more robust during a crisis period and later financially extended the mission's duration, demonstrating General Assembly ability to extend Security Council-mandated peace operations.
Sanctions
1961–1973
Portuguese Territories
In response to repeated non-compliance on de-colonization recommendations, the General Assembly recommended diplomatic, economic and military sanctions by Member States and NATO partners, and called on the Security Council to make these measures mandatory.
Peace Operations
1962–1963
United Nations Temporary Executive Authority and United Nations Security Force in West New Guinea
The General Assembly gave authority to UNTEA and UNSF to administer the transfer of West New Guinea, establishing the UN's first territorial administration.
Sanctions
1962–1993
South Africa and Apartheid
Recommended diplomatic, economic, military, sporting and cultural sanctions against apartheid South Africa; established a Special Committee to monitor sanctions.
Sanctions
1963–1988
South West Africa (Namibia)
Recommended mandatory sanctions on South Africa over its continued occupation of Namibia, urged Member States to cease political, military and economic cooperation, and proposed UN mechanisms to monitor implementation.
Accountability Mechanisms or Bodies
1963
Fact-Finding Mission: South Vietnam
With invitation from Vietnam, the General Assembly established a fact-finding mission to examine allegations of persecution of the Buddhist community.
Good Offices and Mediation
1964 -2005
Zones of peace
Zones of peace, declared areas of peace designed to reduce international tensions, illustrate General Assembly use of its convening power to support good offices and create space for political processes.
Good Offices and Mediation
1965–1989
Western Sahara
General Assembly engagement supported sustained good offices and political processes toward a peaceful resolution of the dispute, alongside support for self-determination mechanisms, envoys and peace operations.
Uniting for Peace
1967
5th Emergency Special Session: Middle East (the Six-Day War)
The General Assembly responded to the Six-Day War through recommendations on humanitarian assistance, the status of Jerusalem and implementation of international humanitarian law.
Sanctions
1967–1979
Southern Rhodesia
Responding to a situation of racial oppression, the General Assembly supported efforts to end minority-rule, including support to coercive action and progressively stronger sanctions measures.
Accountability Mechanisms or Bodies
1968–present
Special Committee: Occupied Palestinian Territory
Established a Special Committee to investigate Israeli policies and practices in the occupied territories and report annually to the General Assembly.
Responses to Use of Force Situations
1969–1988
South West Africa (Namibia)
General Assembly responses to South Africa’s occupation of Namibia and attacks on neighbouring States included findings of aggression, calls for withdrawal and sanctions, and recommendations for military assistance.
Uniting for Peace
1971
Regular session: The Situation in the India/Pakistan Subcontinent (Hostilities over Bangladesh)
In response to hostilities between India and Pakistan, the General Assembly called for a ceasefire, refugee support and Security Council action. This matter was considered in connection with the Uniting for Peace resolution, but during regular session.
Accountability Mechanisms or Bodies
1973
Commission of Inquiry: Mozambique
The General Assembly established a Commission of Inquiry to investigate reported massacres in Mozambique, identify those responsible and recommend accountability measures.
Responses to Use of Force Situations
1974
Cyprus
General Assembly responses to the 1974 crisis in Cyprus combined calls for the withdrawal of foreign forces with support for negotiations and humanitarian assistance, alongside repeated affirmations of Cyprus’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Accountability Mechanisms or Bodies
1974–1975
Request for an Advisory Opinion on Western Sahara
To inform proposed decolonization in the territory of Western Sahara, the General Assembly referred questions concerning the territory's legal status to the ICJ.
Good Offices and Mediation
1975 – 2000
Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones
Nuclear-weapon-free zones are an example of how the General Assembly can use its support for regional political processes and convening power to support good offices and collective diplomatic action on non-proliferation and disarmament.
Responses to Use of Force Situations
1978–1981
Kampuchea
Following foreign intervention in Kampuchea, the General Assembly called for the withdrawal of foreign forces, reaffirmed the principles of non-intervention, supported the Secretary-General's good offices, and addressed the humanitarian consequences of the conflict, including refugees.
Good Offices and Mediation
1978–1998
Kampuchea * (new)
General Assembly engagement on the conflict in Kampuchea combined support for Secretary-General good offices and related diplomatic and convening efforts with humanitarian relief and response.
Uniting for Peace
1980
6th Emergency Special Session: The Situation in Afghanistan and its Implications for International Peace and Security
The General Assembly deplored the armed intervention in Afghanistan, called for the withdrawal of foreign troops and appealed for humanitarian assistance and refugee support.
Uniting for Peace
1980–1982
7th Emergency Special Session: Question of Palestine
The General Assembly repeatedly reconvened the 7th emergency special session to address developments concerning Palestine and Lebanon through recommendations on withdrawal of forces, humanitarian protection and Palestinian self-determination.
Uniting for Peace
1981
8th Emergency Special Session: Question of Namibia
The General Assembly called for comprehensive sanctions against South Africa and urged stronger Security Council action to advance Namibia's independence.
Responses to Use of Force Situations
1981
Iraq (nuclear installations)
General Assembly responses to an attack on Iraq’s nuclear reactor included condemnation of a Charter violation, recommendations for sanctioning measures, and calls for further Security Council action.
Uniting for Peace
1982
9th Emergency Special Session: The Situation in the Occupied Arab Territories
The General Assembly declared Israel's annexation of the Syrian Golan Heights null and void, called for Israel's isolation and urged Member States to take measures in response.
Responses to Use of Force Situations
1983
Grenada
Following the US-led military intervention in Grenada, the General Assembly deplored the intervention as a violation of international law and demanded the immediate withdrawal of foreign forces.
Responses to Use of Force Situations
1986
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
Following US military strikes against Libya, the General Assembly condemned the use of force, called upon the United States to refrain from further military action, and affirmed Libya's right to compensation.
Responses to Use of Force Situations
1989
Panama
The General Assembly deplored the United States military intervention in Panama intervention as a violation of international law and demanded the immediate withdrawal of foreign forces.
Good Offices and Mediation
1989–2005
Sudan: Operation Lifeline Sudan * (new)
Operation Lifeline Sudan illustrates how General Assembly support for Secretary-General good offices, humanitarian coordination and related diplomatic efforts helped sustain humanitarian access while contributing to broader peace efforts during Sudan's civil war.
Peace Operations
1991–1992
United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia
Support for UNTAC illustrates the General Assembly’s role in supporting a Security Council-mandated peace operation as part of its broader engagement in the Cambodian peace process.
Good Offices and Mediation
1991–2025
Myanmar
General Assembly responses to political crisis in Myanmar centered on support for Secretary-General good offices and other diplomatic efforts, alongside humanitarian response and recommendations on sanctions and accountability.
Peace Operations
1992–1993
United Nations Observer Mission to Verify the Referendum in Eritrea
The General Assembly authorized UNOVER to verify Eritrea's independence referendum, supporting the peaceful transition to Eritrean statehood.
Peace Operations
1993–2002
United Nations Special Mission to Afghanistan
Established following the lapse of a Security Council-authorized peace operation, this General Assembly-authorized peace operation supported dialogue, regional coordination and humanitarian response in Afghanistan through much of the 1990s.
Peace Operations
1993–2000
International Civilian Mission in Haiti and International Civilian Support Mission
The General Assembly authorized successive civilian missions in Haiti in the 1990s focused on human rights, democratic institutions and rule of law, including the first fully integrated mission between the UN and a regional organization.
Peace Operations
1994–2004
United Nations Mission for the Verification of Human Rights and of Compliance with the Commitments of the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights in Guatemala
This General Assembly-authorized peace operation focused on monitoring of human rights, and facilitated negotiation and implementation of subsequent peace agreements.
Accountability Mechanisms or Bodies
1994
Request for an Advisory Opinion on the Legality of the Threat or Use of Nuclear Weapons
Following years of resolutions on nuclear disarmament, the General Assembly requested an ICJ advisory opinion on whether the threat or use of nuclear weapons is permitted under international law.
Uniting for Peace
1997–2026
10th Emergency Special Session: Illegal Israeli Actions in Occupied East Jerusalem and the Rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory
Reconvened multiple times since 1997, resolutions adopted in this session have ranged from calling for ceasefires and "maximum restraint", to facilitating good offices and mediation efforts, to supporting accountability mechanisms and humanitarian response.
Accountability Mechanisms or Bodies
1998
Group of Experts: Cambodia
After the peace process and transition period in Cambodia, the General Assembly appointed a Group of Experts to examine Khmer Rouge crimes, and assess options for accountability mechanisms.
Accountability Mechanisms or Bodies
1999
Investigative Team: Afghanistan
In response to intensifying armed hostilities in Afghanistan, the General Assembly requested an investigative team to examine reports of mass killings, rape and other serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law in Afghanistan.
Responses to Use of Force Situations
2000–present
Kimberley Process * (new)
The Kimberley Process illustrates how the General Assembly used its convening authority to support international responses to armed conflict, establishing a certification process aimed at curbing conflict financing through illicit diamond trading.
Accountability Mechanisms or Bodies
2003
Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia
Through an agreement with the Government of Cambodia, the General Assembly helped establish a judicial accountability body to prosecute crimes committed during the Khmer Rouge period.
Accountability Mechanisms or Bodies
2003
Request for an Advisory Opinion on the Legal Consequences of the Construction of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory
Requesting an ICJ advisory opinion on the legal consequences of the Wall enabled the GA to reinforce its prior demands regarding Palestinian rights and self-determination. The case also affirmed the General Assembly’s role in addressing peace and security matters and the GA undertook further accountability measures in response.
Accountability Mechanisms or Bodies
2008
Request for an Advisory Opinion on the Status of Kosovo
The General Assembly responded to Security Council deadlock following Kosovo’s declaration of independence by seeking an ICJ advisory opinion that might advance peaceful resolution of the dispute by clarifying the underlying legal issues.
Responses to Use of Force Situations
2011–2016
Syrian Arab Republic * (new)
Following the outbreak of civil war in the Syrian Arab Republic, the General Assembly supported regional ceasefire efforts and other good offices, provided authorisation for a Joint Special Envoy, helped lay the groundwork for the establishment of UNSMIS, and helped establish and support accountability mechanisms, both under international law, and vis-a-vis the Security Council.
Responses to Use of Force Situations
2014, 2022
Ukraine
Following military intervention, the General Assembly reaffirmed Ukraine's territorial integrity, demanded the withdrawal of Russian forces, and recommended international law compliance, accountability measures and efforts to address the humanitarian and economic consequences of the conflict.
Accountability Mechanisms or Bodies
2014–present
Referral of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to the International Criminal Court
Following findings that crimes against humanity may have been committed in the DPRK, the General Assembly repeatedly called on the Security Council to refer the situation to the ICC and consider targeted sanctions.
Accountability Mechanisms or Bodies
2016
International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism
In response to continued international law violations and accountability gaps, the General Assembly established the IIIM to collect evidence in support of criminal proceedings concerning violations committed in the Syrian Arab Republic.
Accountability Mechanisms or Bodies
2016
Referral of the Syrian Arab Republic to the International Criminal Court
In response to escalating violations of international humanitarian law and human rights in the Syrian Arab Republic, the General Assembly encouraged the Security Council to take accountability measures, noting the important role that the ICC could play.
Accountability Mechanisms or Bodies
2017
Request for an Advisory Opinion on the Legal Consequences of the Separation of the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius in 1965
Requesting an ICJ advisory opinion provided a means for the General Assembly to advance longstanding efforts on decolonization and self-determination while contributing to clarification of the territorial dispute between Mauritius and the United Kingdom.
Accountability Mechanisms or Bodies
2021
Myanmar: Response to the 2021 Declaration of a State of Emergency
After the Security Council initially limited its response to a presidential statement, the General Assembly passed resolution 75/287 urging a halt to violence and an arms embargo, setting the precedent for subsequent Security Council action in 2022.
Uniting for Peace
2022–2026
11th Emergency Special Session: Letter Dated 28 February 2014 from the Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations Addressed to the President of the Security Council
Resolutions adopted in the 11th emergency special session have condemned acts of "aggression" against Ukraine, demanded withdrawal of foreign forces, a halt to attacks and additional accountability, nuclear security and economic measures.
Accountability Mechanisms or Bodies
2022
Request for an Advisory Opinion on the Legal Consequences of Israeli Policies and Practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem
Requesting an ICJ advisory opinion on the legal consequences of Israel’s occupation, settlement policies and annexation of territory provided a means for the General Assembly to advance longstanding efforts to address the Israeli-Palestinian dispute and violations of Palestinian rights.
Accountability Mechanisms or Bodies
2023
Request for an Advisory Opinion on the Obligations of States in Respect of Climate Change
Requesting an ICJ advisory opinion on States' legal obligations with regard to climate change represents an effort to address a systemic global challenge with implications for present and future peace and security.
Accountability Mechanisms or Bodies
2024
Request for an Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on the Obligations of Israel in Relation to the Presence and Activities of the United Nations, Other International Organizations and Third States
The General Assembly responded to restrictions on UNRWA amid an immediate humanitarian crisis by requesting an urgent ICJ advisory opinion on Israel’s obligations toward the UN, international organizations and third States.
Good Offices and Mediation
2024
The Pact for the Future
The outcome of a multi-year intergovernmental process, the Pact for the Future illustrates the General Assembly’s use of its convening authority to facilitate political engagement and commitments in support of the maintenance of international peace and security.
Good Offices and Mediation
2025
Conference on the Question of Palestine and a Two-State Solution
Since first envisioning a partition in 1947, the General Assembly has maintained long-standing diplomatic engagement on Palestine, culminating in the 2025 New York Declaration and a renewed wave of state recognitions.
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