Writing a Resolution

The final results of discussion, writing and negotiation are resolutions—written suggestions for addressing a specific problem or issue. Resolutions, which are drafted by delegates and voted on by the committee, normally require a simple majority to pass (except in the Security Council). Only Security Council resolutions can compel nations to take action. All other UN bodies use resolutions to make recommendations or suggestions for future action.

The following Resolution Writing Guide comes from the United Nations Association of the United States (http://www.unausa.org/global-classrooms-model-un/how-to-participate/model-un-preparation/resolutions). I have added Preambulatory phrases and the section on Operative Clauses from the sources noted. These were missing from the UNA/USA website.

Draft Resolutions Draft resolutions are all resolutions that have not yet been voted on. Delegates write draft resolutions alone or with other countries.

There are three main parts to a draft resolution: the heading, the preamble and the operative section.

The heading shows the committee and topic along with the resolution number. It also lists the draft resolution's sponsors and signatories. Each draft resolution is one long sentence with sections separated by commas and semicolons. The subject of the sentence is the body making the statement (e.g., the General Assembly, Economic and Social Council, or Security Council).

The preamble and operative sections then describe the current situation and actions that the committee will take.

A draft resolution must always gain the support of a certain number of member states in the committee before the sponsors (the delegates who created the resolution) may submit it to the committee staff. Many conferences require signatures from 20 percent of the countries present in order to submit a draft resolution. A staff member will read the draft resolution to ensure that it is relevant and in proper format. Only when a staff member formally accepts the document and assigns it a number can it be referred to in formal debate. In some cases a delegate must make a motion to introduce the draft resolution, while in other cases the sponsors are immediately called upon to read the document. Because these procedures can vary, it is essential to find out about the resolution process for the conference you plan to attend.

Tips for Resolution Writing-Be sure to follow the format for resolutions provided by the conference organizers. Each conference may have a slightly different format. Create a detailed resolution. For example, if your resolution calls for a new program, think about how it will be funded and what body will manage it. Try to cite facts whenever possible. Be realistic. Do not create objectives for your resolution that cannot be met. Make sure your body can take the action suggested. For example, the General Assembly can't sanction another country – only the Security Council can do so. Try to find multiple sponsors. Your committee will be more likely to approve the resolutions if many delegates contribute ideas.

Preambulatory clauses are historic justifications for action. Use them to cite past resolutions, precedents and statements about the purpose of action. Operative clauses are policies that the resolution is designed to create. Use them to explain what the committee will do to address the issue.

The Structure of a Resolution

Preambulatory Clauses.

The preamble of a draft resolution states the reasons for which the committee is addressing the topic and highlights past international action on the issue. Each clause begins with a present participle (called a preambulatory phrase) and ends with a comma. Preambulatory clauses can include:

1. References to the UN Charter;

2. Citations of past UN resolutions or treaties on the topic under discussion;

3. Mentions of statements made by the Secretary-General or a relevant UN body or agency;

4. Recognition of the efforts of regional or nongovernmental organizations in dealing with the issue;

5. and general statements on the topic, its significance and its impact.

Operative Clauses.

Operative clauses define the actions the United Nations would like to see to resolve the issues outlined in the Preambulatory section. The clauses of the Operative section must address the issues raised by the Preamble.

Sample Resolution from the United Nations Association of the United States

Resolution GA/3/1.1

General Assembly Third Committee

Sponsors: United States, Austria and Italy

Signatories: Greece, Tajikistan, Japan, Canada, Mali, the Netherlands and Gabon

Topic: "Strengthening UN coordination of humanitarian assistance in complex emergencies"

The General Assembly,

Reminding all nations of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which recognizes the inherent dignity, equality and inalienable rights of all global citizens, [use commas to separate preambulatory clauses]

Reaffirming its Resolution 33/1996 of 25 July 1996, which encourages Governments to work with UN bodies aimed at improving the coordination and effectiveness of humanitarian assistance,

Noting with satisfaction the past efforts of various relevant UN bodies and nongovernmental organizations,

Stressing the fact that the United Nations faces significant financial obstacles and is in need of reform, particularly in the humanitarian realm,

1. Encourages all relevant agencies of the United Nations to collaborate more closely with countries at the grassroots level to enhance the carrying out of relief efforts; [use semicolons to separate operative clauses]

2. Urges member states to comply with the goals of the UN Department of Humanitarian Affairs to streamline efforts of humanitarian aid;

3. Requests that all nations develop rapid deployment forces to better enhance the coordination of relief efforts of humanitarian assistance in complex emergencies;

4. Calls for the development of a United Nations Trust Fund that encourages voluntary donations from the private transnational sector to aid in funding the implementation of rapid deployment forces;

5. Stresses the continuing need for impartial and objective information on the political, economic and social situations and events of all countries;

6. Calls upon states to respond quickly and generously to consolidated appeals for humanitarian assistance; and

7. Requests the expansion of preventive actions and assurance of post-conflict assistance through reconstruction and development. [end resolutions with a period]

Phrases defining Preambulatory and Operative Clauses

Each entry in the preamble and operative section of a resolution starts with a word that defines the degree of concern or action the authors of the resolution believe is required to deal with the issue at hand. Some of these words have stronger power than others-and that makes them critical to defining the character of a resolution-and whether or not it will be supported.

Preambulatory phrases include:

Affirming

Alarmed by

Approving

Aware of

Bearing in mind

Believing

Confident

Contemplating

Convinced

Declaring

Deeply concerned

Deeply conscious

Deeply convinced

Deeply disturbed

Deeply regretting

Desiring

Emphasizing

Expecting

Expressing its appreciation

Expressing its satisfaction

Fulfilling

Fully alarmed

Fully aware

Fully believing

Further deploring

Further recalling

Guided by

Having adopted

Having considered

Having considered further

Having devoted attention

Having examined

Having heard

Having received Having studied

Keeping in mind

Noting with regret

Noting with deep concern

Noting with satisfaction

Noting further

Noting with approval

Observing

Reaffirming

Realizing

Recalling

Recognizing

Referring

Seeking

Taking into account

Taking into consideration

Taking note

Viewing with appreciation

Welcoming

Operative Phrases include:

Accepts

Affirms

Approves

Authorizes

Calls

Calls upon

Condemns

Confirms

Congratulates

Considers

Declares accordingly

Deplores

Designates

Draws the attention

Emphasizes

Encourages

Endorses

Expresses its appreciation

Expresses its hope

Further invites

Deplores

Designates

Draws the attention

Emphasizes

Encourages

Endorses

Expresses its appreciation

Expresses its hope

Further invites

Further proclaims

Further reminds

Further recommends Further requests

Further resolves

Has resolved

Notes

Proclaims

Reaffirms

Recommends

Regrets

Reminds

Requests

Solemnly affirms Strongly condemns Supports

Takes note of

Transmits

Trusts

Source: United Nations Association of the United States at http://www.unausa.org/global-classrooms-model-un/how-to-participate/model-un-preparation/resolutions/preambulatory-and-operative-clauses