Emmanuel Ukudolo I Saturday, August 30, 2025
NEW YORK – Just about a week from now, specifically September 9, the United Nations General Assembly(UNGA), will hold the 80th session in New York, where key members of the United Nations Security Council, UNSC will formerly recognize the sovereign state of Palestine.
Topping the list is the United Kingdom, France and Canada, Australia and many others. From feelers, only the United States will be alone among the UNSC members that will be kicking against the popular trend.
To set the stage, the U.S. has withheld visas from the official delegation of Palestine, including the Palestinian Authority, PA and Palestinian Liberation Organization, PLO.
Background on the U.S. Decision and Palestinian Apprehension
The U.S. State Department, under the current administration, has stated that the decision to revoke and deny visas for members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority (PA) is based on the PA’s and PLO’s alleged failure to meet peace commitments and their pursuit of international legal action and unilateral state recognition.
The U.S. claims this is in its national security interest. This decision has been denounced by the Palestinian Authority, which argues that it violates international law and the 1947 UN Headquarters Agreement. While some officials, including Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour, are expressing concern, President Mahmoud Abbas is still expected to attend.
The UN has acknowledged the situation and is in talks with the U.S. to resolve it. The timing of this action is crucial, as the UNGA is scheduled to host a significant meeting on the two-state solution, with countries like France, the UK, and Canada having announced their intention to formally recognize a Palestinian state. This U.S. move is seen by some as a direct response to these diplomatic efforts, which Washington views as undermining the peace process by bypassing direct negotiations.
What the UN Must Do
The UN has a clear obligation under the UN Headquarters Agreement to ensure that representatives of member states and observer missions can attend official meetings without hindrance. The agreement, however, does allow for exceptions based on national security concerns. The UN has a few options to address the situation:
Direct Dialogue: The UN, through the Secretary-General’s office, can engage in direct diplomatic talks with the U.S. State Department to urge the reversal of the visa denials. This is a common first step in such disputes, and the UN has already indicated it is taking this action.
Refer to the Host Country Relations Committee: The issue could be formally brought before the UN Committee on Relations with the Host Country. This committee, composed of 19 member states, reviews issues related to the host country’s treatment of diplomatic missions.
General Assembly Resolution: In a more escalated response, a UN member state could propose a resolution in the General Assembly condemning the U.S. action and affirming the principles of the Headquarters Agreement. While such a resolution is not legally binding, it would carry significant political weight.
The UN’s response is critical to upholding the principle of multilateral diplomacy and ensuring that all delegations, regardless of their political status, have the opportunity to participate fully in the global body’s work.
