A UN resolution is a formal document that contains the issues to be resolved and the proposed solutions. It is formally called a draft resolution before it is voted upon and then a resolution after it successfully passes during the voting bloc.

Any United Nations body can issue a resolution but the majority of UN resolutions come from the Security Council and the General Assembly. A resolution typically consists of an unnumbered preambular clause (beginning with a verb and often modified by adverbs) followed by a numbered operative clause, which ends with a semicolon and usually begins with an adjective. It also includes a header giving the date, an alphabetical list of countries that have contributed to the resolution (sponsors), and the name of the issuing body.

Sometimes resolutions fail to pass due to the use of vetoes by permanent members of the Security Council (the “P5”). When this happens, the President of the General Assembly may convene an emergency special session of the UNGA in order to discuss the issue and try to reach a compromise.

Each year, the Third Committee considers various thematic and country-specific resolutions. This year, ISHR is monitoring approximately 53 resolutions that cover a wide variety of human rights concerns.