How to Write a Resolution

1. How to Write a Resolution

2. What is a Resolution? • A carefully-drafted single sentence asking the assembly to express an opinion, affirm a policy, or take an action. • It is a formal proposal made to the assembly by a delegate or group of delegates. • It consists of both preambulatoryand operative clauses.

3. Preamble • This section explains the purpose of the resolution and states the chief reasons for the recommendations given later. • Often, the Preamble refers to a previous UN action, a resolution, or to the United Nations Charter. • The Preamble may NOT be amended. • Each preambulatory clause starts with a verb.

4. Preamble Verbs • AffirmingAlarmed byApprovingAware ofBelievingBearing in mindConfidentContemplatingConvincedDeclaringDeeply concernedDeeply consciousDeeply convincedDeeply disturbedDeeply regrettingDesiringEmphasizingExpressing its appreciation • Expressing its satisfactionFulfillingFully awareFully believingFurther deploringFurther notingFurther recallingGuided byHaving adoptedHaving consideredHaving considered furtherHaving denoted attentionHaving examinedHaving heardHaving receivedHaving studiedKeeping in mindNoting • Noting with approvalNoting with deep concernNoting with regretNoting with satisfactionObservingRealizingReaffirmingRecallingRecognizingReferringRecallingSeekingTaking into accountTaking into considerationTaking noteViewing with appreciationWelcoming

5. Operative Clauses • This section states the policy or action that delegates are being asked to adopt. • It must be clearly and succinctly worded. • This section must be based on the positions and arguments you have made in the Preamble. • Each clause must deal with only one complete idea and set forth a clear action to be taken. • Each clause must be numbered. Clauses may be divided into sub-clauses using (a), (b), etc. • Operative clauses begin with action verbs.

6. Operative Verbs • AcceptsAffirmsApprovesAuthorizesCallsCalls forCondemnsCongratulatesConfirmsConsidersDeclares accordinglyDeploresDemands* • DesignatesDraws the attentionEmphasizesEncouragesEndorsesExpresses its appreciationExpresses its hopeFurther invitesFurther proclaimsHave resolvedNotesProclaimsReaffirms • RecommendsRemindsRegretsRequestsSolemnly affirmsStrongly condemnsSupportsTrustsTakes note ofTransmitsUrges

7. Sample Resolution Resolution A.1 (number to be assigned by the director)Committee: General AssemblyTopic: The Situation in DarfurSponsors: United Kingdom, Canada, India, MexicoSignatories: Panama, Germany, Chad, Lebanon, Laos The General Assembly, Recalling Security Council Resolution 1769 and all previous resolutions concerning the situation in Sudan, Recognizing the past efforts of the AU and UN peacekeeping forces stationed in the Sudan for the promotion of peace and stability, Recognizing the deteriorating situation as a humanitarian crisis, Reaffirming that the continued presence of peacekeeping forces is necessary for the welfare of displaced peoples within Sudan, Realizing that current troop deployments are not enough to maintain peace and stability within the Darfur region,

8. Operative Clauses Numbered and separated by semicolons • Requests that additional methods be implemented to promote peace in the Darfur region, including: • The protection of non-governmental aid organizations; • The inclusion of other international leaders outside of Sudan in peace talks; • Requests that the Security Council and the African Union authorize the deployment of more peacekeeping troops to Darfur; • Urges the fighting parties of Sudan to cease operations; • Condemns those who work against the security of the Darfur region and ultimately threaten the security of the international community; • Requests further aid be given to the displaced population, particularly women and children who are the most vulnerable in this conflict; • Congratulates all members who have dedicated themselves to the promotion of peace within this troubled region.

9. The Most Recent UN General Assembly Resolution: The General Assembly, Recalling its resolution 66/176 of 19 December 2011, as well as Human Rights Council resolutions S/16-1, S/17-1 and S/18-1, Expressinggrave concern at the deterioration of the situation in Syria, in particular the ongoing human rights violations and use of violence by the Syrian authorities against its population, Reaffirming the role of regional and sub regional organizations in the maintenance of international peace and security as set out in Chapter VIII of the Charter, Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria, and to the principles of the Charter, Reaffirming that all Member states of the United Nations should refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State or act in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations, Welcoming the engagement of the Secretary-General and all diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the crisis,

10. 1. Reaffirms its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria and stresses the need to resolve the current political crisis in Syria peacefully; 2. Strongly condemns the continued widespread and systematic violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms by the Syrian authorities, such as the use of force against civilians, arbitrary executions, killing and persecution of protestors, human rights defenders, and journalists, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, interference with access to medical treatment, torture, sexual violence, and ill-treatment, including against children; 3. Calls upon the Syrian government to immediately put an end to all human rights violations and attacks against civilians, protect its population, fully comply with its obligations under applicable international law and fully implement Human Rights Council resolutions S-16/1, S-17/1, S-18/1 and its resolution 66/176, including by cooperating fully with the independent international commission of inquiry; 4. Condemns all violence, irrespective of where it comes from, and calls upon all parties in Syria, including armed groups, to immediately stop all violence or reprisals in accordance with the League of Arab States’ initiative; 5. Stressing again the importance to ensure accountability and the need to end impunity and hold to account those responsible for human rights violations, including those that may amount to crimes against humanity, 6. Demands that the Syrian government, in accordance with the Plan of Action of the League of Arab States of 2 November 2011 and its decisions of 22 January and 12 February 2012, without delay: (a) cease all violence and protect its population; (b) release all persons detained arbitrarily due to the recent incidents; (c) withdraw all Syrian military and armed forces from cities and towns, and return them to their original home barracks; (d) guarantee the freedom of peaceful demonstrations; (e) allow full and unhindered access and movement for all relevant League of Arab States’ institutions and Arab and international media in all parts of Syria to determine the truth about the situation on the ground and monitor the incidents taking place; and

11. 7. Calls for an inclusive Syria-led political process conducted in an environment free from violence, fear, intimidation and extremism, and aimed at effectively addressing the legitimate aspirations and concerns of Syria's people, without prejudging the outcome; 8. Fully supports the League of Arab States’ 22 January 2012 decision to facilitate a Syrian-led political transition to a democratic, plural political system, in which citizens are equal regardless of their affiliations or ethnicities or beliefs, including through commencing a serious political dialogue between the Syrian government and the whole spectrum of the Syrian opposition under the League of Arab States’ auspices, in accordance with the timetable set out by the League of Arab States; 9. Calls upon all Member States to provide support to the Arab League initiative, as requested; 10. Calls upon the Syrian authorities to allow safe and unhindered access for humanitarian assistance in order to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to persons in need of assistance; 11. Requests in this context the Secretary-General and all relevant UN bodies to provide support to the efforts of the League of Arab States both through good offices aimed at promoting a peaceful solution to the Syrian crisis, including through the appointment of a Special Envoy, as well as through technical and material assistance, in consultation with the League of the Arab States; 12. Requests the Secretary-General to report on the implementation of this resolution, in consultation with the League of Arab States, within 15 days of its adoption.

12. Two Levels of the U.N.

13. Choose Wisely • Why would a country propose a General Assembly Resolution? • Why would a country propose a Security Council Resolution?

14. Extra Credit Opportunities • Passing a General Resolution (5 points) • Passing a Security Council Resolution (15 points) • Most Outstanding Resolution (10 points) • Most “International” – works to build the largest and best coalition (10 points) • Most prolific resolution writers (5 points) • Rouge Nation Awards—go to nations who are “outside” the community of nations and who get resolutions passed—Iran, Myanmar, etc. (10 points) • Humanitarian Resolution—for the resolution that has the most positive benefit for humanity (10 points)

15. Checklist for Today • Task Leader: • Get resolution handout for you and your group • Coordinate work on Step 2 • Delegate homework and when/how it’s due • Group: • Work together on Step 2 • Decide: General Assembly or Security Council Resolution? • (Start on Step 3: Write a Resolution) • Step 2 due Friday, Beginning of Class