What they are and how to write them
Resolutions form the basis for issue discussion in the UN. While there is always discussion of issues, resolutions serve to focus discussion onto certain aspects of issues. Not all resolutions are passed, and those that pass often end up very different than how they originally started. In General Assembly bodies, resolutions take the form of a suggested course of action but hold no real power other than that of world opinion. In the Security Council, resolutions can have more power and if agreed to can authorize punitive actions, unfortunately at least one member nation has to be willing to execute that action in order for it hold meaning. Amendments are made through parliamentary procedure and serve to alter resolutions that are being discussed. The following is a basic overview of the form of resolutions and writing procedures. Note that conferences may have different procedures, but the following is workable and can be readily altered to fit the conference model.
I. Draft Resolutions
This initial stage is prior to the resolution being up for full discussion. Often this involves one or more countries/delegates writing a proposal or draft for a resolution on the topic at hand. This is essentially a rough draft and is passed around through different countries to gather input and decide what to alter if anything needs altering. Typically a Draft Resolution will require a minimum number of signatures before it can be presented to the committee staff for inclusion as a resolution for discussion. Many resolutions presented during conferences start as drafts formed by two or more delegates meeting during caucus times, breakfast, lunch, or other times to discuss the topics at hand. Writing your own draft quickly, or having one ready and moving it through the committee early on can be a handy way to get noticed and to go ahead and begin topic discussion. Once presented the resolution is open for discussion and amending, which is covered under PROCEDURES.
II. Structure of a Resolution
1. Title: The Title of a resolution contains more than just a name, it is sort of a street map of the resolution.
A) Subject: What subject does your resolution deal with, this can be general or specific, i.e. Terrorism or Legal Definition of the Act of Aircraft Hijacking in International Airspace
B) Submitted to: What committee is this resolution submitted to
C) Submitted by: What country is submitting the resolution. Often this will be multiple countries listed as SPONSORS (typically those that create it) and CO-SPONSORS (those that did not contribute to it, but agree with it)
D) Other information relating to the committee or conference including numbering, version, etc.
2. Preamble: The Preamble creates a basis for the resolution, it gives a history of the subject dealt with by the resolution, possibly includes previous resolutions, treaties, or agreements, and serves to bring everyone up to speed on the issue. Preambles can be any length, but it is typically best to keep it no more than 5 or 6 phrases. The preamble can be positive or negative in tone, but should be factual and not just an opinion. In other words its the difference between: RECOGNIZING the U.S.'s policy of using weapons intended to injure human beings indiscriminately, vs. AWARE OF the U.S.'s failure to ratify the convention banning land mines Both ultimately can mean the same thing, but the second one brings up a fact that has more force to it than the first phrase. Also a fact can be viewed as less political. The first phrase makes the US out to be bad, the second can still get that across, but does so in a factual manner that cannot be argued with, since the US has indeed not ratified the land mine ban convention.
Useful Preambulatory openings:
Affirming Deeply Concerned Fully alarmed Having received Reaffirming Alarmed Deeply convinced Fully believing Keeping in mind Recalling Approving Deeply disturbed Further deploring Noting with Regret Declaring Having studied Fully aware Recognizing Aware of Deeply regretting Guided by Having examined Confident Having heard Bearing in mind 3. Body: This is the working part of the resolution and is the meat. Here everything you want done is stated. This is also a point were there will be politically bickering so be careful. Just because this is where stuff should be done doesn't mean it will be, many resolutions have a body doing nothing more than congratulating all sides on discussing the issue and making sure that next year they'll discuss it again and not do anything. Also remember that unless it is a Security Council Resolution, it has no real power, so be careful when choosing your words. There is a big difference between "DEMANDS all nations . . . " and "SUGGESTS all nations . . ."
Some useful Operative Clauses:
Accepts Confirms Endorses Regrets Affirms Considers Further requests Requests Approves Declares accordingly Have resolved Urges Solemnly affirms Further invites Calls upon Designates Reaffirms Takes note of Condemns Further reminds Recommends Encourages Further recommends Reminds *** Note: In the preamble and body, try to refrain from using the same opening repeatedly, its dull and not very imaginative.
III. Writing Resolutions Consider all of the following when writing your resolutions:
1. In the preambulatory clauses, discuss the situation's history and current issues regarding it
2. Reference previous UN actions
3. Reference previous UN resolutions on the topic when possible
4. In the operative section include phrases that seek to solve the problem not just make statements
5. Do not be blatantly political, you can get your country's position through without criticizing opposing nations
6. Take into account other nation's views if possible
7. Write the resolution from your country's international or UN view, not just from its general view
8. Refer issues if necessary to already existing bodies, i.e. DO NOT CREATE NEW BODIES
9. If you must create new bodies, include how to fund them
10. If possible do not duplicate existing UN resolutions on an issue.
Sample:
SUBJECT: Biological Weapons
SUBMITTED TO: The First Committee
SUBMITTED BY: Guinea-Bissau
THE DISARMAMENT AND SECURITY COMMITTEE
KEEPING IN MIND the threat posed by biological weapons to mankind,
AWARE OF the growing number of countries developing these weapons of mass destruction,
CONFIDENT that the Biological Weapons Convention can act as a foundation for the disarming of these weapons,
1. CALLS UPON all countries to sign and ratify the Biological Weapons Convention;
2. URGES all nations to end production and stock-piling of biological weapons;
3. SUPPORTS the use of the Security Council to enforce the BWC;
4. DECIDES to remain seized of this matter.
Notes on the sample:
1. The use of all capitals in appropriate places.
2. That the subject and submissions are aligned
3. Preambulatory clauses end with a comma
4. Operative clauses end with semi-colons, except the last which is a period.
5. Operative clauses are numbered.