Areas of Practice
Summaries of General Assembly practice and tools across several thematic areas, highlighting past examples and trends.
The Assembly for Peace Handbook (2024) included five chapters summarizing key practice areas for GA engagement in peace and security matters, as well as separate chapters on the Charter basis for GA engagement on peace and security, on practice associated with the Uniting for Peace resolution, and with the Veto Initiative. Subsequent, independent follow-on research products have produced summaries of additional areas of practice (each indicated with a * below).
Each summary of practice identifies prominent examples of GA engagement and general trends in GA practice, including how these relate to SC deliberations or decisions on the same matters. Case studies illustrating past precedents and engagement in these practice areas are hyperlinked throughout, and accessible in full through a library of case studies.
Uniting for Peace
Background on the Uniting for Peace resolution and the emergency special sessions associated with it.
The Veto Initiative
Background on the Veto Initiative and the GA debates convened in alignment with it.
Peace Operations
Establishing peace operations and other operational bodies, laying foundations for operations, and providing other forms of support.
Responses to Use of Force
Calling for ceasefires and withdrawal of forces, calling out Charter violations, recommendations on military support and enforcement action.
Sanctions
Recommending the imposition, removal or adjustment of sanctioning measures, creating sanctions monitoring bodies
Accountability
Identifying violations, establishing investigative bodies, and referring matters to or supporting judicial bodies and other accountability measures.
Good Offices and Mediation
Mandating mediators, envoys and committees, supporting Secretary-General good offices, and use of convening authority.
Humanitarian Relief and Response *
Calling for humanitarian access and assistance, mobilizing funding, and addressing the needs and rights of refugees and displaced persons.