Voting Procedure on Questions relating to Reports and Petitions concerning the Territory of South West Africa
Overview of the case
Following the preceding Advisory Opinion the General Assembly concerning the International Status of South West Africa, on 11 October 1954, adopted a special Rule F on voting procedure to be followed by the Assembly in taking decisions on questions relating to reports and petitions concerning the Territory of South West Africa. According to this Rule, such decisions were to be regarded as important questions within the meaning of Article 18, paragraph 2, of the United Nations Charter and would therefore require a two-thirds majority of Members of the United Nations present and voting. In its Advisory Opinion of 7 June 1955, the Court considered that Rule F was a correct application of its earlier Advisory Opinion. It related only to procedure, and procedural matters were not material to the degree of supervision exercised by the General Assembly. Moreover, the Assembly was entitled to apply its own voting procedure and Rule F was in accord with the requirement that the supervision exercised by the Assembly should conform as far as possible to the procedure followed by the Council of the League of Nations.
This overview is provided for information only and in no way involves the responsibility of the Court.
Request for Advisory Opinion
Written proceedings
Oral proceedings
Minute of the Public Sitting held at the Peace Palace, The Hague, on June 7th, 1955, the President, Mr. Hackworth, presiding
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Original Language
Orders
Advisory opinions
Summaries of Advisory Opinions and Orders
Summary of the Advisory Opinion of 7 June 1955
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English
French
Press releases
16 December 1954
Voting Procedure on Questions relating to Reports and Petitions concerning the Territory of South West Africa - The President of the Court decides that the Members of the United Nations should be entitled to submit to the Court written statements of their views
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English
16 March 1955
Voting Procedure on Questions relating to Reports and Petitions concerning the Territory of South West Africa - The Court receives written statements from the Governments of the United States of America, India and Poland
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English
French
30 March 1955
Voting Procedure on Questions relating to Reports and Petitions concerning the Territory of South West Africa - Start of public hearings fixed for 10 May 1955
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English
French
9 May 1955
Voting Procedure on Questions relating to Reports and Petitions concerning the Territory of South West Africa - The Court will hold no public hearings in this case
Available in:
English
French
2 June 1955
Voting Procedure on Questions relating to Reports and Petitions concerning the Territory of South West Africa - The Court will deliver its Advisory Opinion on 7 June 1955
Available in:
English
French
7 June 1955
Voting Procedure on Questions relating to Reports and Petitions concerning the Territory of South West Africa - Advisory opinion
Available in:
English
French
Correspondence
