The Crossbill News Desk
India abstained from voting on a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution declaring July 12 as the International Day of Hope, a measure that was overwhelmingly supported but opposed by the United States.
India abstained alongside Turkey, Peru, and Paraguay, but did not provide an explanation for its decision. The resolution’s text contained no apparent contentious elements that could have prompted India’s stance.
The resolution, introduced by Bahrain and Kiribati, was adopted with 161 votes in favour and just one against – the US. Even Washington’s close allies, including Israel and Hungary, backed the initiative, which called on the global community to promote peace, tolerance, social stability, and respect for diversity.
The United States defended its opposition, arguing that the resolution included references to diversity, equity, and inclusion that conflicted with its policies aimed at eliminating discrimination and ensuring equal opportunities.
The US also criticized the proliferation of international observances, stating that resources should be directed toward pressing global crises rather than the creation of additional commemorative days.
In its statement, Washington acknowledged that there were no direct financial implications for the UN and that any costs would be voluntary for member states. However, it maintained that, in a world facing numerous challenges, attention and funding should be directed toward critical causes rather than establishing additional international days.
The three resolutions that the US did not challenge that day related to the establishment of a UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan, an agreement for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity, and a decision to hold a special UN General Assembly meeting to mark the 80th anniversary of World War II.
India’s abstention stood out as it diverged from its broader voting pattern on the same day. On March 4, the UNGA considered seven resolutions, most of which were typically adopted without a vote. However, the US forced votes on four of them and opposed each one.
While India supported resolutions designating July 25 as the International Day of Judicial Well-being, February 28 as the International Day of Peaceful Co-Existence, and urging investments in quality education to strengthen democracy, it abstained only on the International Day of Hope resolution.
India abstained alongside Turkey, Peru, and Paraguay, but did not provide an explanation for its decision. The resolution’s text contained no apparent contentious elements that could have prompted India’s stance.
The resolution, introduced by Bahrain and Kiribati, was adopted with 161 votes in favour and just one against – the US. Even Washington’s close allies, including Israel and Hungary, backed the initiative, which called on the global community to promote peace, tolerance, social stability, and respect for diversity.
The United States defended its opposition, arguing that the resolution included references to diversity, equity, and inclusion that conflicted with its policies aimed at eliminating discrimination and ensuring equal opportunities.
The US also criticized the proliferation of international observances, stating that resources should be directed toward pressing global crises rather than the creation of additional commemorative days.
In its statement, Washington acknowledged that there were no direct financial implications for the UN and that any costs would be voluntary for member states. However, it maintained that, in a world facing numerous challenges, attention and funding should be directed toward critical causes rather than establishing additional international days.
The three resolutions that the US did not challenge that day related to the establishment of a UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan, an agreement for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity, and a decision to hold a special UN General Assembly meeting to mark the 80th anniversary of World War II.
India’s abstention stood out as it diverged from its broader voting pattern on the same day. On March 4, the UNGA considered seven resolutions, most of which were typically adopted without a vote. However, the US forced votes on four of them and opposed each one.
While India supported resolutions designating July 25 as the International Day of Judicial Well-being, February 28 as the International Day of Peaceful Co-Existence, and urging investments in quality education to strengthen democracy, it abstained only on the International Day of Hope resolution.
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