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4.1 KiB
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67 lines
4.1 KiB
Markdown
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title: "Writing a Resolution"
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---
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*Note: This guide assumes you've already choosen a topic; if not, see [Choosing a resolution topic](./choosing-topic-resolution.md).*
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The General Assembly, the largest law-making body of the UN, expresses its intentions and actions as a *resolution*.
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In this article, we'll learn how to write one.
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A resolution is composed of two parts: the *preambulatory* (or preambular) and *operative* clauses.
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Preambulatory clauses provide background on why your resolution is needed, the problem it addresses, and sets the tone for the operative clauses.
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Operative clauses are the items of action; they are directives that countries agree to.
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(Only the Security Council has the power of passing *mandatory* directives.)
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As an example, let's assume we're writing a resolution that condemns kicking puppies. (I would hope that you'd agree with the premise; if not -- that's an interesting opinion.) There was a recent puppy kicking event in the country of `Madeupia`, so let's note that:
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> Noting with concern the International Puppy Kicking Event held in `Madeupia` on 22 September 2024, where various kinds of dogs were subject to unconsionable acts of depravity and abuse;
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This is a good example of a preambulatory clause -- it states background for the operative clauses. If someone asked you if people actually kick dogs, this is your response. It demonstrates the necessity of the resolution.
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There also might be past resulutions about animal abuse or dogs, so it might be prudent to mention those, too:
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> Affirming resolution UNEP/5/1, which specifically emphasizes the value of animals and the contributions their welfare makes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals,
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You essentially want to create many of these preambulatory clauses to paint a vivid picture of the need of your resolution. If you want to see more verbs to go in front of your preambulatory clauses, check out the [preambulatory verbs reference](./preambular-verbs.md).
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Once you're done writing your preambulatory clauses, you write:
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> The General Assembly hereby:
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You do **NOT** write:
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> The Delegation of (your country here) hereby:
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because the resolution is adopted by the Assembly. That's why there's a vote and stuff -- if a country wants to express a feeling it feels by itself, it can submit a Communique to the UN instead.
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Now it's time to talk about operative clauses.
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These clauses are where the actual works gets done.
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I think a good first move is the condemn the country of `Madeupia` for their puppy kicking event:
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> Condemns, in the strongest terms, the affront to animal welfare perpetuated by the State of Madeupia;
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Here are some other forms of clauses you might want to consider:
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> Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General on "Animal Welfare as it pertains to the advancement of the SDGs";
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>
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> Expresses support of the Totally Real Animal Anti-Violence Directorate of the United Nations and their actions in response to this issue;
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>
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> Recognizes the positive contribution of various Member States towards the resolution of this issue, including the Republic of Dog Lovers;
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Do note -- when you're ending your resolution, your final clause ends with a period.
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> Requests the Secretary-General to submit a report on the implementation of the present resolution including recommendations for future action at the next session of the General Assembly.
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For a full list of operative verbs, see the [operative verbs reference](./operative-verbs.md).
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One final note: if you use a comma in any of your clauses, all of the clauses (except the last one) have to end in a semicolon.
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This is because of the rules of Standard English.
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## Some other resources for resolution writing
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- [The UN's Model UN resources](https://www.un.org/en/model-united-nations/drafting-resolutions)
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The UN does say some different things in this article -- it talks about L-documents and agreement annotations and soliciting agreement from other delegations beforehand.
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That's not relevant to our conference, but it is still a good resource.
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For an example of a finished resolution that is somewhat up to format, see the heading "Compilation Text as of 21 October 2016 (Rev. 3) The General Assembly". |