Critics argue that the General Assembly's decisions often lack enforcement mechanisms, making them ineffective in resolving international conflicts. To explain further, the ineffectiveness of the General Assembly is often criticized due to the absence of robust enforcement mechanisms.

The UN Charter mandates the UN and its member states to maintain international peace and security, uphold international law, achieve "higher standards of living" for their citizens, address "economic, social, health, and related problems", and promote "universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and ...

Often cited points of criticism include: a perceived lack of the body's efficacy (including a total lack of efficacy in both pre-emptive measures and de-escalation of existing conflicts which have ranged from social disputes to all-out wars), antisemitism, appeasement, collusion, promotion of globalism, inaction, abuse ...