Which UN organ rules on applications from countries seeking to join the United Nations?

• A. General Assembly
• B. Secretariat
• C. International Court of Justice
• D. Security Council

Answer: (A)

Admission to the United Nations is decided by the General Assembly. When a country applies, the Security Council first reviews the request and must recommend admission if it is satisfied the applicant meets the criteria. If there is a positive recommendation, the General Assembly then votes on the membership by a two-thirds majority and grants it. This is why the General Assembly is the organ that rules on applications to join the UN. The Secretariat handles administrative tasks, the International Court of Justice settles disputes between states, and the Security Council’s role is to assess and propose rather than grant membership on its own.