GUIDELINES FOR
RESOLUTION WRITING
THESSALONIKI INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
MODEL UNITED NATIONS
Thessaloniki, 2005
Actions of the United Nations are most frequently expressed in resolutions submitted
in draft form under the sponsorship of one or more delegates. Resolutions may simply
register an opinion, or may recommend action to be taken by a UN organ or related
agency. Only the Security Council may take decisions which bind member states to a
certain course of action.
While it may be helpful for delegates to come to the Model UN conference with a
draft resolution, the draft should not be introduced into the formal session until it has
been circulated among other delegates to incorporate different perspectives and to
build a base of support. Most draft resolutions are sponsored by several states or by an
entire regional or common interest group.
The conference Secretariat will provide for duplication and distribution of resolutions
and amendments at the conference.
When drafting and sponsoring a resolution, keep in mind that the wording will greatly
influence its appeal (of lack thereof).The resolution should be clear, concise and
specific. The substance should be well-researched, and reflect the character and
interests of the sponsoring nations.
Rule 1
Context of the Resolution
The United Nations pass resolution, not laws. A resolution is the most appropriate
means of applying political pressure on Member States, expressing an opinion on an
important issue, or recommending action to be taken by the United Nations or some
other agency. However, the Security Council has the power and legitimacy of
applying resolutions whether by the use of force or by implying economic pressure
through its resolutions.
UN Security Council resolutions follow a common format.
Each resolution has three parts:
1. The Heading
ThessISMUN 2004 – Guidelines for Resolution Writing for the Security Council
2. The Perambulatory Clause and
3. The Operatic Clause
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Rule 2
Format of the Resolution
The entire resolution consists of one long sentence, with commas and
semicolons throughout the resolution, and only one period at the very end.
Each clause in the preamble should end with a comma
All Operative Clauses end with a semicolon, except the final clause that ends
with a period
Resolutions should be single spaced, with each line numbered in the left
margin.
The first word in each clause should be underlined.
Rule 3
Perambulatory Clause
The purpose of the perambulatory clause is: a) to show that there is a problem that
needs to be solved, b) to supply historical background for the issue, c) to demonstrate
that the problem is within the jurisdiction of the UN and thus d) to justify the action1.
Preamb clauses usually participate with a quotation of the Charter or past UN Security
Council resolutions or precedents of customary international law relevant
perambulatory clause is followed by a comma as stated in Rule 2 (B).
The preamble begins with the name of the organ or the committee: e.g., the General
Assembly Plenary, the Security Council etc, ECOSOC, etc., typed on the left margin
as shown in the sample resolution
Sample words for perambulatory clauses:
Affirming
(Deeply) disturbed
Alarmed by
(Deeply) regretting
Having considered
Observing
Aware of
Emphasizing
Believing
Expecting
Bearing in mind
Having examined
Confident
Having Studied
Contemplating
Fulfilling
Guided by
Having adopted
Having devoted attention
Realizing
Recalling
Recognizing
Having heard
Having received
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These purposes are fulfilled by reference to appropriate sections of the UN Charter, by citing
precedents of UN action, or by citing previous resolutions or declarations. It is customary to include the
numbers of previous resolutions passed on the same topic. The Preamble should also point out the key
elements of the current problem by specifically referring to situations or incidents. Finally, the
preamble may include altruistic appeals to the common sense or humanitarian instincts of members
with reference to the Charter, etc.
The importance of the preamble depends on the question under consideration. In some case, the
problem is generally accepted and the preamble is merely a formality. In such situations, it is usually
the mechanism of solution that presents the stumbling block. A good example of this is the question of
disarmament. Virtually everyone agrees that nuclear weapons are basically bad, but few agree on how
to get rid of them. In another case, however such as the problem of supporting a national liberation
movement, the solution might be quite simple, but not everyone would agree that is the correct
perception of the problem. In this case, a strong, comprehensice preamble would be necessary.
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ThessISMUN 2004 – Guidelines for Resolution Writing for the Security Council
Convinced
(Fully) aware
Declaring
(Deeply) concerned
(Deeply) conscious
(Deeply) convinced
Taking note
Noting further
(Fully) alarmed
(Fully) believing
(Fully) deploring
Further recalling
Welcoming
Seeking
Having considered/
decided/ reviewed
Keeping in mind
Noting with satisfaction
Noting with deep concern
Noting with regret
Desiring
Referring
Rule 4
Operative Clause
The solution in a resolution is presented through a logical progression of a
sequentially numbered operative clause. These clauses may recommend, urge,
condemn, encourage, request certain actions or state an opinion regarding an existing
situation. Each operative clause calls for a specific action. The action may be as vague
as denunciation of a certain situation or a call of negotiations, or as specific as a call
for a cease-fire. Keep in mind that only Security Council resolutions are binding upon
Member States. Resolutions may request action by member states, by a particular
state, by the UN Secretariat, or by any of the other UN bodies or agencies2.
Operative clauses begin with an active, present tense verb and are followed by a semicolon, with a period placed at the very end, as stated in Rule 2(c).
Sample words for Operative clauses:
Accepts
Designates
Affirms
Draws the attention of
Approves
Emphasizes
Authorizes
Encourages
Calls
Endorses
Calls upon
Expresses its appreciation
Condemns
Further invites
Confirms
Further proclaims
Congratulates
Further recommends
Considers
Further reminds
Declares accordingly
Further requests
Deplores
Further resolves
Proclaims
Reaffirms
Recommends
Requests
Solemnly affirms
Strongly condemns
Supports
Takes note of
Transmits
Trusts
Urges
Notes
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Many resolutions set precedents for subsequent actions, or may call for future action of the body.
They are seldom complete, self-contained solutions to a problem, but are generally steps of links in the
process of finding a solution. In the process of developing a resolution, delegates should consider
several different solutions. Prior research should have yielded an awareness of various alternatives;
imagination may produce new ones. The resolution should be in reasonable consonance with the
policies of the government of the country represented as indicated by its past actions. Nothing is more
frustrating for delegates at a MUN conference than to be confronted by a draft resolution that is totally
out of character for the country sponsoring it. A draft resolution may be submitted simply for political
reasons with no regard for its chance of passage. It is much more difficult to draft a resolution that will
be acceptable to a majority of states and even more so one that is likely to be implemented.
Finally, it is important that the preambular and operative sections of a resolution be consistent. The
facts should be accurate!
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ThessISMUN 2004 – Guidelines for Resolution Writing for the Security Council
Rule 6
Process for the submitting of a Resolution
Pre-written resolution will not be accepted by the Secretariat before the Conference.
At the conference all resolutions are expected to be in good form according to the
attached guidelines. Resolutions must be typed and ready to reproduce. Computer will
be provided for the delegates’ convenience. The members of the Secretariat will not
do extensive editing, and the resolutions, which contain a substantial number of
errors, will be returned to the authors. Please refer to the sample resolution for proper
format3
The process for submitting resolutions will be as follows:
1) Each resolution must be typed as a draft resolution, in the proper format
2) The sponsor of the resolution must be submitting the resolution to the
President of the Security Council. NO resolutions will be copied until
approved by the Director.
3) In order to submit a resolution officially, there is no binding rule to have it
sponsored (according to the appendix of the Rules of Procedure) but you
should be aware that sole sponshorship usually indicates a lack of support
among other member of the Council.
4) The draft resolution must then be submitted to the President of the Security
Council, who will assign it an official number and have copies made for the
entire body. The director is responsible for the distribution of the official
resolution when it is formally proposed on the floor.
5) For a resolution to be formally introduced to the floor, the sponsor must be on
the speaker’s list
Rule 7
Amendments
An amendment is a clarification or a change in a resolution that incorporates
additional interest or concerns after the resolution has been formally submitted to the
Security Council Presidency. Basically, an amendment is a proposal that does no
more than add to, delete or substitute from part or a phrase of the current draft
resolution.
Amendments can be made to resolutions in the following way:
Extract from the Original Draft Resolution
“Realizing that military technology has created new
forms of weapons that pose serious and long term
threats to all forms of life on the planet …”
A) Amendment by Addition
“The nation of
(or state country’s name) moves that we amend
the resolution by adding the word “sophisticated” before the word “weapons”
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Delegates should not feel that the purpose of a MUN conference is to pass as many resolutions as
possible. The success of the Security Council does not rest on the number of resolutions passed. Rather,
delegates should strive toward a valid simulation of diplomatic interactions of the UN, which may
mean that no resolutions are passed.
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ThessISMUN 2004 – Guidelines for Resolution Writing for the Security Council
If passed the resolution would read:
“Realizing that military technology has created new forms of
sophisticated weapons that pose serious and long term threats to all
forms of life on the planet …”
B) Amendment by Striking Out
“The nation of
(or state country’s name) moves that we amend
the resolution by striking out the words “and long term” before the word “threats”.
If passed the resolution would read:
“Realizing that military technology has created new forms of
weapons that pose serious threats to all forms of life on the planet
…”
C) Amendment by Striking Out and Substitution
“The nation of
(or state country’s name) moves that we amend
the resolution by striking out the word “military” which appears before the word
“technology” and substituting in its place the word “nuclear”.
If passed the resolution would read:
“Realizing that nuclear technology has created new forms of
sophisticated weapons that pose serious threats to all forms of life on
the planet …”
D) Examples of unacceptable amendments
Any amendment, which would make the resolution the direct negative of the
sponsors intent:
“The nation of
(or state country’s name)
moves that we amend the resolution by adding the word “not”.
Any amendment which has no relationship to the resolution:
“The nation of
(or state country’s name)
moves that we amend the resolution by adding the word “affect
world food production and” before the word “pose”.
Rule 8
Type of Amendments
Friendly amendment is proposed by any member of the Security Council and accepted
by the original sponsor(s) of the resolution; it is typically used to clarify a point. Upon
agreement of all the original sponsors, the change is incorporated into the resolution
without a vote of the Council.
Unfriendly amendment is a modification that can be proposed by any member of the
Security Council but does not have the support of the sponsor(s). Unfriendly
amendments must be formally submitted to the President in written form. A vote will
be taken on all unfriendly amendments to a resolution immediately prior to the vote
on the entire resolution.
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ThessISMUN 2004 – Guidelines for Resolution Writing for the Security Council
Rule 9
Voting
The voting rules are as stated on Article 27 of the Charter:
1. Each member of the Security Council shall have one vote.
2. Decisions of the Security Council on procedural matters shall be made by an
affirmative vote of nine members.
3. Decisions of the Security Council on all other matters shall be made by an
affirmative vote of nine members including the concurring votes of the
permanent members; provided that, in decisions under Chapter VI, and under
paragraph 3 of Article 52, a party to a dispute shall abstain from voting. 4
Rule 10
Method of Voting5
Except as otherwise provided herein, the Council shall normally vote by show of
Placards, except that a representative may request a roll-call, which shall then be
taken in the English alphabetical order of the names of the members. The name of
each member shall be called in a roll-call, and its representatives shall reply “yes”,
“no” and, only in the case of voting on substantial matters, “abstain” or “pass”
(according to the rule 40 of the SC Rules of Procedure and Article 27 of the UN
Charter)
Rule 11
Conduct during voting
1. After the President has announced the commencement of voting, no
representative may interrupt the voting except on a point of order in
connection with the voting procedure or with a point of personal privilege.
Honorable Ushers are demanded to close the door of the Room as nobody is
let to enter or to leave the Council.
2. Parts of a resolution or an amendment shall be voted on separately if a
representative requests that the solution be divided (clause by clause). Those
parts, which have been approved, shall then be put to the vote as a whole.
Rule 12
Voting on Amendments
The amendments proposed by the member delegations are passed to the Secretariat
Chair where the Director and the Rapp. Filter the amendments put to discuss and vote
upon according to their importance. Voting on each amendment requires 9 affirmative
votes, including the vote of the 5 permanent members, as it is a substantive matter. If
approved upon the amendment, it cancels the past part of the draft resolution. If
rejected, the voting and discussion of other amendments shall continue till they end.
For the discrimination of procedural and substantial matters, check the appendix of the “SC Rules of
Procedures”
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For further details check out the footnote (xxi) of Rule 40 of the SC Rules of Procedures.
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Rule 13
Voting on Resolutions
1. After the voting of the amendment runs out, the President shall urge the
Council to vote on the draft resolution at hand all at once or clause by clause
(if the sponsor agrees, according to appendix, point 7 “dividing a motion”).
2. After the resolution have been accepted, acquiring 9 votes or more (incl. the
concurring vote of the 5 permanent members), the President of the Council
shall recommend delegates to adjourn, suspend or postpone the session. If the
Draft resolution have been rejected, the Council shall continue to debate or
otherwise decides postpone debate without issuing a resolution6.
[Follows a sample format of a resolution:]
Security Council
Committee:
Code:
Topic:
Economic Sanctions against Iraq
Proposed by:
United Kingdom, United States of America
THE SECURITY COUNCIL,
1. Alarmed by the severe and continued suffering of the civilian population of the
2. Iraqi State,
3.
4. Deeply appreciating the efforts of the Secretary-General and his Special mission
5. to Iraq in their assessment of the tic slaughter of the Iraqi State,
6.
7. Deeply concerned that the massive destruction of the Iraqi infrastructure has
8. resulted in dangerously deficient standards of health for the civilian population
9. in Iraq,
10.
11. Reaffirming the enumerated principles for the Protection of Civilians in
12. occupied Territories as applied within the 1949 Geneva Convention,
13.
14. Fully understanding that the victims of the currently applied economic sanctions
15. are innocent civilians within Iraq,
16.
17.
18. 1. Demands the United Nations Security Council mandate the immediate
19. cessation of economic sanctions currently applied upon the Iraqi nation;
20.
21. 2. Calls upon the Secretary- General of the United Nations, with the assistance
22. of the International Red Crescent and the World Bank, to establish relief
23. programs for the immediate alleviation of suffering and the long-term
24. reconstruction of the Iraqi State;
25.
26. 3. Requires the wealthiest 50% of the declared “international coalition” forces to
27. assist through financial support the programs established under the authority of
28. the Secretary-General with contributions equaling a minimum of 50% of their
6
Please note that the SC never closes a topic, only postpones it either to a certain day either
indefinitely (according to Rule 33 of the SC Rules of Procedures, its footnote no. xiii and the appendix,
point 3 “Debate”)
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ThessISMUN 2004 – Guidelines for Resolution Writing for the Security Council
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
nation’s contribution to the “coalition” war against the Iraqi State;
4. Encourages private relief organizations to assist in the effort to halt the
tremendous levels of suffering currently plaguing the Iraqi peoples;
5. Decides to establish an International Reparations Committee, under the
auspices of the Secretary-General, to determine the valid claims for damages
inflicted upon the Iraqi nation by “coalition” forces;
6. Requests the World Bank to maintain “coalition” reparation contributions;
7. Decides to remain actively seized of this matter.
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