WESTERN MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2013
NOVEMBER 23 2013
GUIDE TO DRAFTING RESOLUTIONS
PART I | WRITING RESOLUTIONS
Resolutions form the backbone of Model United Nations. Committees express the will of the
participating states through the creation of resolutions, collaborative documents that are the endproduct of all the debates of the conference.
Generally, resolutions put forward a policy or course of action that the United Nations or other bodies
in Model United Nations intend to take. The action that resolutions can take varies wildly, although
the range of actions may be limited depending on the committee.
This guide will address the formatting and proper writing procedures for drafting resolutions. Broadly,
resolutions are divided into two sections:
1. Preambulatory Clauses
The opening clauses of a resolution are typically preambulatory; they provide background and give
context to the actions that the resolution will eventually recommend. Often these clauses will indicate
how the issue falls under the purview of that committee or why the topic is important to address
Preamble is intended to be factually based, and often makes reference to past resolutions or statements
by the body in question. Where preamble is not based on fact, the clauses should at least represent
commonly agreed upon sentiments that are uncontroversial.
Because preambulatory clauses do not take any action, they are often considered a formality, and
drafters should try to make these clauses as concise as possible.
Common opening words for Preambulatory Clauses:
Affirming
Approving
Bearing in mind
Alarmed by
Aware of
Believing
Cognizant of
Fully alarmed
Noting further
Confident
Fully aware
Noting with approval
Convinced
Fully believing
Noting with deep concern
Declaring
Further deploring
Noting with satisfaction
Deeply concerned
Guided by
Observing
Deeply disturbed
Having adopted
Reaffirming
Deeply regretting
Having considered
Realizing
Desiring
Having considered further
Recalling
Emphasizing
Having devoted attention
Recognizing
Expecting
Having examined
Seeking
Expressing its appreciation
Having received
Contemplating
Expressing its concern
Having studied
Taking into account
Expressing its satisfaction
Keeping in mind
Viewing with
Fulfilling
Noting further
Welcoming
2. Operative Clauses
The main body of the resolution should consist of numbered Operative Clauses. Depending on the
form of action being recommended by an operative clause, the clause may be divided into sub-clauses.
Sub-clauses are generally used when the resolution provides more than one purpose for an operative
clause, such as when recommending the creation of other bodies.
The forms of action taken in operative clauses can vary, but it is important to note that general
assemblies cannot actually enforce binding resolutions, and can only recommend that the Security
Council consider making the resolution binding. For this reason, the word “Demands” should never
being a non-Security Council operative clause.
Common opening words for Operative Clauses:
Accepts
Approves
Calls for
Affirms
Authorizes
Calls upon
Condemns
Expresses its hope
Recommends
Confirms
Further invites
Regrets
Congratulates
Further proclaims
Reminds
Considers
Further recommends
Requests
Declares accordingly
Further reminds
Resolves
Designates
Further requests
Solemnly affirms
Draws
Further resolves
Strongly condemns
Emphasizes
Has resolved
Supports
Encourages
Notes
Takes note of
Endorses
Proclaims
Trusts
Expresses its appreciation
Reaffirms
Urges
PART II | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
See the Rules of Procedure for more information about amendments, sponsors, signatories, introducing
resolutions and voting procedure.
PART III | SAMPLE RESOLUTION
Resolution 1.1
Committee: The African Union
Topic: Recent Unrest in Libya
Sponsors: Algeria, South Africa, Tunisia
Signatories: Burkina Faso, Comoros, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Republic of
the Congo, Sierra Leone, Somalia
The Assembly of the African Union,
Recalling Declaration 385 of the 17th Ordinary Session of the Assembly, “Decision on the Situation in
Libya”,
Reaffirming the need for all parties in Libya to continue working towards a political solution to the
issues facing the Libyan people,
Recognizing the de-facto legitimacy of the National Transitional Council as the government of Libya,
Applauding the efforts and stated intentions of the National Transitional Council to transition to
democratic governance
Noting the recent capture and subsequent death of Muammar Qadhafi,
Also Noting the recent completion of the NATO mission to Libya and the withdrawal of NATO forces
in compliance with Resolution 2016 of the United Nations Security Council,
1) Urges the National Transitional Council to form a Committee of Reconciliation for the purpose of:
a) Reconciling the divided factions of Libya with the aim of ensuring the equal protection of
the political and human rights of all Libyans
b) Beginning legal processes to investigate and prosecute possible war crimes or other offences
committed by both sides during the conflict in Libya
c) Investigating the circumstances leading to the death of Muammar Qadhafi;
2) Recommends that NATO member states create a board of inquiry to determine the number of
civilian casualties attributable to NATO bombing raids;
3) Encourages the National Transitional Council to continue its efforts in building a more stable and
peaceful Libya.