The media recently reported India’s decision to abstain from voting on a draft resolution at the U.N. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The resolution aimed to remove Iran from its main intergovernmental entity, the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), dedicated to advocating for gender equality and female empowerment.
Understanding the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)
Established in June 1946 through an ECOSOC ruling, the CSW serves as the primary international body focusing solely on promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality. It is composed of 45 Member States of the United Nations.
The Controversial Resolution
The U.S. introduced the contentious draft resolution, pushing for Iran’s exit from CSW membership for the rest of the 2022-2026 term. The proposal was backed by allegations of Iran’s suppression of women and girls within its borders. Iran has witnessed numerous protests in light of the September 2022 demise of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who reportedly died after the country’s morality police detained her. The resolution earned 29 votes in favor, 8 against, and 16 abstentions. Several countries, including Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Mauritius, Mexico, and Thailand, chose to abstain.
An Insight into UN Economic and Social Council
The United Nations Charter established the UN Economic and Social Council in 1945 as the principal body for coordinating, reviewing policies, conducting policy dialogues, and providing recommendations on economic, social, and environmental issues. Additionally, it plays a significant role in implementing internationally agreed development goals.
It consists of 54 members who are elected by the UN General Assembly for overlapping three-year terms. It stands as the UN’s cornerstone for reflecting on, discussing, and generating innovative ideas about sustainable development. Every year, ECOSOC plans its activities around a global theme important to sustainable development.
ECOSOC’s Role and Contributing Bodies
ECOSOC is responsible for coordinating the work of 14 UN specialized agencies, 10 functional commissions, and five regional commissions. It also receives reports from nine UN funds and programs and issues policy recommendations to the UN system and member nations. Numerous significant bodies operate under ECOSOC’s supervision, such as:
– International Labour Organization (ILO)
– Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
– United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
– World Health Organization (WHO)
– Bretton Woods Twins (World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund)
– United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
Moreover, various Functional and Regional Commissions, Standing Committees, Ad Hoc, and Expert Bodies are part of ECOSOC.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question
An examination question from 2009 regarding the United Nations involved the following statements: The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of UN consists of 24 member States. It is elected by a 2/3rd majority of the General Assembly for a 3-year term. The correct answer(s) was/were: (b) 2 only.
