Resolutions are formal expressions of opinion or will that are issued by UN organs, such as the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council. They have the same legal status as decisions. Resolutions can be substantive or procedural in nature, and may include a call for action, a request to the Secretary-General to take certain steps, or a statement of support for a particular issue or country.
Resolutions can be introduced to the United Nations by either Member States or organisations. Most resolutions are written by committees of the General Assembly, although the Security Council and the Human Rights Council can also pass them.
In this article, we will discuss what a UN resolution looks like and how to write one. It will explain the basic “who, what, when, where and why” of a resolution and provide some helpful tips to get you started. We will also look at some common pitfalls to avoid.
Resolution 194 – “Resolutions adopted by the General Assembly”
This resolution called for all Palestinian refugees to be permitted to return to their homes, at the earliest practicable date. It also recommended that compensation should be paid for loss of or damage to property incurred by Palestinians wishing to return. It also urged Israel to demilitarise East Jerusalem, and called for an independent commission to monitor the situation in Palestine. This resolution received 97 votes in favour and three against, with five abstentions.