Viewing Article

Introduction

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.

 

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 (see below). 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.

 

Bringing a Resolution to the Floor for Debate

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.

Motions

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.

Format

Heading

Full Country name:

Committee: Topic:

Title (title cannot be changed by amendment)

Preambulatory phrases

I. The General Assembly, (or other UN organ) ( Preambulatory phrases)

Recalling that (5) spaces should be indented before each preambulatory phrase,

Recognizing that (1) line should be skipped before each title and before and after every phrase,

Gravely concerned that delegates may forget to use a comma at the end of preambulatory phrases,

Understanding that preambulatory phrases outline the issue at hand,

Noting that every resolution begins with the name of the organ, not with the name of the committee,

Taking note of the requirement that three or more documents be cited with their titles, dates, and numers,

Recalling that preambulatory phrases cannot be amended,

Aware that the format of a resolution is one long sentence,

 

Operative Clause

II.Operative Clause/Phrases

Example 1

1. Nevertheless recognizes that this format is used at most conferences;

 

Example 2

2. Urges that operatives pose a solution to the problem at hand;

 

Example 3 sub-operative

3. Welcomes clear and simple wording, and splitting complex ideas into sub-operatives: (a) With a colon introducing the first sub-operative;

 

Sub-operative 1

(b) With one (1) line between each sub-operative;

 

Sub-operative 2

(c) With no underling with the sub-operative;

Sub-operative 3

(d) With a semi-colon at the end of each sub-operative and operative;

 

Example 4

4. Observes that a resolution, being only one sentence, always ends with a period.

 

Word Choice

Preambulatory Phrases

Resolution Vocabulary

Acknowledging Affirming Alarmed Anxious Appreciating Approving Aware Bearing in mind Being convinced Believing Cognizant Concerned Condemning Confident

Conscious Considering Contemplating Convinced Declaring Deploring Desiring Determined Distressed Disturbed Emphasizing Encouraged Endorsing Examining

Expecting Expressing Having Adopted Approved Considered Decided Devoted attention toExamined Heard Received Recognized Regard for

Resolved Reviewed Studied Hearing Keeping in mindMindful Noting Reaffirming Realizing Recalling Recognizing Regretting Reiterating Seeking Shocked Stressing Supporting Taking into account Taking into considerationTaking note Underlining Urging Welcoming

 

Operative Phrases

Accepts Adopts Affirms Appeals Appreciates Approves Authorizes Considers Considers it desirable Decides Declares Demands Deplores Designates Endorses Expresses Instructs Invites Notes Proclaims Reaffirms Repeats Requests Resolves Stresses Suggests Supports Takes note of ©WCIMUN 2008 Calls upon Commends Concurs Condemns Confirms Congratulates Determines Directs Draws attention to Emphasizes Encourages Recognizes Regrets Reiterates Rejects Reminds Renews Transmits Urges Welcomes

Tips on Creating a Resolution

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.