A UN resolution is a formal expression of the Security Council’s will on an issue. It can call for action to end a conflict, approve peacekeeping missions or impose sanctions—all of which are part of the Council’s mandate according to the UN Charter.
The process of drafting a resolution begins with counsellors at a member’s permanent mission in New York who specialise in the subject matter. They consult with regional groups and with counterparts in the Council’s other member delegations. The goal is to find a consensus or majority agreement—this may take weeks or even months.
Once the draft resolution is ready, the sponsor—a penholder—presents it to the Council for debate and a vote. A resolution is either adopted unanimously or by a simple majority—both of which require significant political will and goodwill on the part of all members. If a resolution is not passed, the Council may produce a presidential statement. These are less binding, but still intended to apply pressure and warn that further action is possible.
For example, in the case of Gaza, a US-sponsored resolution that was blocked by Russia and China would have called for an unconditional ceasefire, demanded the immediate release of all hostages, and provided a mechanism to accelerate humanitarian consignments. But this approach, experts who spoke to RS said, would “embolden Hamas to continue its terrorist attacks against civilians.” The US position that the resolution is non-binding makes it possible for Washington to avoid taking steps to compel Israel to comply with international law.