When a United Nation body adopts a formal text known as a resolution, the decision of that UN organ is sealed into an official document. UN resolutions can be either substantive or procedural. They may call for or condemn actions, recommend courses of action and authorize the use of coercive measures such as sanctions, arms embargoes, travel bans, economic penalties, and severance of diplomatic ties. Resolutions of the Security Council, General Assembly and Economic and Social Council are typically published as individual documents; those of the Human Rights Council and a few other bodies as compilations.
As in any other political forum, the UN seeks to keep nations away from activities that could disturb international peace and to encourage those countries to settle their differences peacefully through negotiations. In some cases, such as war, the UN can deploy armed troops (contributed by member states) to separate warring factions and provide security while peace talks are conducted.
In many instances, however, the UN seeks to promote economic and social development to prevent conflict in the first place. In addition, the UN has numerous agencies that address issues of health, water and hunger to reduce poverty, which is a major driver of conflict.