How to Write a Resolution

Overview

Resolutions are the primary tools of discussion in the United Nations. They form the basis for all UN debate, bringing one or more issues to the floor in a form that Delegates can discuss, amend, and reject or ratify as circumstances dictate.

Resolutions usually state a policy that the United Nations will undertake, but they also may be in the form of treaties, conventions, and declaration in some bodies. They range from very general to very specific in content. Depending on the body involved, they may call for or suggest a course of action, condemn an action, or require action or sanctions on the part of the Member States. The General Assembly and the Economic & Social Council may only call for or suggest actions. It should be noted that no body other than the Security Council might require action or sanctions from Member States. In some cases, final conventions or treaties may also require action, but this would only be on the part of the signatory nations.

Amendments to resolutions are the means by which resolutions may be altered by the body involved. Amendments would create additions deletions, or changes to a resolution in order to increase its acceptability to all nations involved. Amendments are usually needed for a body to move toward a consensus on a resolution.

Resolutions are written in a standard format. Each resolution should be as a single sentence, with commas and semicolons separating the various parts. It is expected that all delegations will observe the following outline when preparing their resolutions.

Resolution: The Heading

The heading at the top of the resolution is very important as it is used to facilitate the work of the Secretariat in processing the resolution. The Heading includes the subject of the resolution (agenda topic), the name of the Body to which it will be presented, and the name/names of sponsoring countries.

Resolution: The Preamble

This part of the resolution is designed to explain the purpose and to state the primary reasons for support of the operative clauses which follow. The perambulatory clauses often refer to earlier UN Resolutions, appropriate articles of the UN Charter, or other UN actions. It begins in all caps with the name of the body to which the resolution is being submitted. The preamble may NOT be amended.

Resolution: Operative Clauses

The numbered operative clauses take the form of recommendations for actions or a statement of opinions concerning the situation. Operative clauses are the statement of policy in a resolution. The draft may request actions by the UN members, Secretariat, or other UN bodies. The operative clauses begin with a verb to denote an action, and each clause usually addresses no more than one specific aspect of action to be taken. Operative clauses may be amended.

Notes on Resolution Writing

• Clauses must begin with proper introductory words/phrases in capital letters;
• Each perambulatory clause ends with a comma;
• Each operative clause ends with a semicolon;
• Each operative clause must be numbered;
• The final operative clause ends with a period.

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Resolution Introductory Phrases

Perambulatory Phrases

• Affirming
• Alarmed by
• Approving
• Aware of
• Believing
• Bearing in mind
• Confident
• Convinced
• Declaring
• Deeply concerned
• Deeply convinced
• Deeply disturbed
• Deeply regretting
• Desiring
• Emphasizing
• Expecting
• Fulfilling
• Fully aware
• Fully alarmed
• Fully believing
• Further deploring
• Guided by
• Having adopted
• Having considered
• Having examined
• Having studied
• Having heard
• Having received
• Keeping in mind
• Noting with regret
• Noting with satisfaction
• Noting with deep concern
• Observing
• Realizing
• Reaffirming
• Recalling
• Recognizing
• Seeking
• Taking into consideration
• Viewing with appreciation
• Welcoming

 

Operative Phrases

• Accepts
• Affirms
• Approves
• Authorizes
• Condemns
• Calls
• Calls upon
• Congratulates
• Confirms
• Considers
• Declares accordingly
• Deplores
• Draws the attention
• Designates
• Emphasizes
• Encourages
• Endorses
• Expresses its appreciation
• Expresses its hope
• Further invites
• Further proclaims
• Further reminds
• Further recommends
• Further resolves
• Further requests
• Having resolved
• Notes
• Proclaims
• Reaffirms
• Recommends
• Reminds
• Regrets
• Requests
• Solemnly affirms
• Strongly condemns
• Takes note of
• Transmits
• Urges

 

Points to Consider in Writing Resolutions

• In the perambulatory clauses, describe the recent history of the situation and the issue as it currently exists;
• Reference past United Nations actions, when possible;
• Reference previous UN resolutions passed on the topic, when available;
• In the operative clauses, include actions which will solve the problem, not just make a statement;
• Don't be blatantly political in the content of the resolution - this may damage efforts to reach a consensus on the issue;
• Take into account the points of view of other resolutions whenever possible;
• Write the resolution from your country's side of the "international" or "United Nations" perspective, not just your country's individual point of view