A UN resolution is a formal expression of the will and conscience of the United Nations. It is a legally binding document for all 193 Member States.
It can enlist a peacekeeping force, impose sanctions or refer a dispute to the International Court of Justice – all within its mandate under the Charter. But navigating the lengthy process is no easy feat. “It’s a complex journey from an idea to a UN resolution,” says Nikolai Galkin, an adviser on Security Council issues in the Office of the Secretary-General.
Depending on the nature of the issue, the first step is usually to produce an initial draft. This typically involves counsellors from a UN member’s permanent mission to the UN in New York who specialise in the issue. They will consult with regional groups, the country of concern and counterparts in other Council members’ delegations.
Some resolutions are purely substantive, tackling the ‘what’ and ‘why’ of the issue. Others are largely procedural, addressing the ‘how’ of the issue. For example, resolution 1540 (2004) requires all countries to refrain from supporting non-State actors that seek to develop, acquire, manufacture or possess chemical, biological and nuclear weapons and their means of delivery for terrorist purposes. It also establishes a Security Council Committee (1540 Committee) to monitor implementation.
General Assembly resolutions are non-binding for their addressees, but those dealing with internal matters of the UN, such as budgetary decisions or instructions to lower-ranking organs, may be binding. Some examples include Resolution 1: Establishment of the United Nations Atomic Energy Commission, Resolution 259: Recognition of Palestine as a non-member observer state and Resolution 63: Call for a moratorium on capital punishment with a view to its eventual abolition.