United Nations General Assembly Emergency Special Session on Ukraine - February 28, 2022
On February 28, 2022, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) convened an emergency special session to address the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This session marked a significant and rare occurrence, as emergency special sessions are only called under exceptional circumstances when the Security Council fails to act due to a lack of unanimity among its permanent members.
Context and Background
- Russian Invasion of Ukraine: On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a large-scale military invasion of Ukraine, escalating the conflict that had been ongoing since 2014 with the annexation of Crimea and the conflict in Eastern Ukraine.
- Security Council Deadlock: The UN Security Council, tasked with maintaining international peace and security, was unable to pass a resolution condemning the invasion due to Russia’s veto power as a permanent member.
Key Events Leading to the Session
- Security Council Resolution: On February 25, 2022, the Security Council attempted to pass a resolution demanding Russia cease its military operations in Ukraine. The resolution was vetoed by Russia, despite 11 members voting in favor.
- Uniting for Peace Resolution: In response to the deadlock, the Security Council invoked the “Uniting for Peace” resolution (Resolution 377 A), which allows the General Assembly to convene an emergency special session when the Security Council is unable to act due to a lack of unanimity among its permanent members.
The Emergency Special Session
- Date and Venue: The session was held on February 28, 2022, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.
- Purpose: The primary goal was to address the urgent situation in Ukraine, discuss the implications of the invasion, and seek a collective response from the international community.
- Participation: Representatives from member states delivered speeches, expressing their positions on the conflict and calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and withdrawal of Russian forces.
Outcomes and Resolutions
- Resolution ES-11⁄1: On March 2, 2022, the General Assembly adopted Resolution ES-11⁄1, which deplored the Russian aggression against Ukraine and demanded an immediate cessation of hostilities and withdrawal of Russian troops. The resolution was passed with a significant majority, reflecting widespread international condemnation of the invasion.
Broader Historical Significance
- International Response: The emergency special session underscored the international community’s commitment to addressing acts of aggression and upholding the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- Diplomatic Pressure: The session and subsequent resolution increased diplomatic pressure on Russia and highlighted the role of the UNGA in mobilizing global opinion and action in the face of Security Council impasses.
The emergency special session of the UNGA on February 28, 2022, was a pivotal moment in the international response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, demonstrating the UN’s capacity to act in the face of geopolitical challenges and reinforcing the importance of multilateral diplomacy.
