A resolution is a set of proposals for addressing an issue or problem. Draft resolutions are the final results of research, caucusing and negotiation by delegates during committee sessions. Resolutions, which are suggestions for future action, can be either directives or recommendations and require a simple majority to pass (except Security Council resolutions).
The body of a resolution is divided into three sections: the heading, the preamble and the operative clause. The heading identifies the committee and topic, while the preamble provides background on the issue and highlights past international action. The operative clauses are then written in the form of a single paragraph. Each operative clause starts with an adjective and ends with a semicolon. The draft resolution is then numbered so that delegates can reference it when debating the proposal in committee.
While a draft resolution can be voted on in any UN body, it is most often adopted by the General Assembly (GA). The GA is made up of 193 Member States and 80% of its resolutions are adopted by consensus. While a GA resolution does not have legally binding force for Member States, it still carries the weight of world opinion and the moral authority of the international community. For example, in Resolution 62/128, the GA deplored the Moroccan occupation of Western Sahara and urged that it end immediately. The resolution was adopted by consensus with only the United States and Israel voting against it.
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