4th Meeting - MUN 101

Introduction to Draft
Resolution
by: Maurizka Callista C.
Working Paper & Draft Resolution
● Working Paper (WP) → draft of
a Draft Resolution; rough
compilation of ideas/proposed
solutions; no particular
format. WP will be
distributed/might be
introduced, but not voted on.
● Draft Resolution (DR) →
Document that proposes a set
of solutions regarding the
discussed issue. DR should be
written in particular format.
Draft Resolution 101
● Who writes DR?
→ Any delegate in the committee can write a DR. Delegates are encouraged
to form blocs to write a shared resolution.
● When/where to write DR?
→ During unmoderated caucus of committee sessions. In certain cases,
chairs will allow some delegates to write DR during moderated caucus
(outside the chamber).
● Who are the ones credited in DR?
- Sponsors
- Signatories
Structure of Draft Resolution
A. Heading
B. Preambulatory Clauses
C. Operative Clauses
A. Heading
● The required heading includes:
- the topic of the resolution,
- the committee in which it is introduced,
- the number of the agenda item concerned,
- a list of the sponsors and signatories of the resolution.
● A document number will be assigned to the resolution as part of the heading
by the secretariat and it will then be referred to by this number for the
remainder of the simulation.
B. Preambulatory Clauses
● The preambulatory clauses explain the purpose of the resolution and state
the main reasons for the suggestions to follow.
● Where previous UN resolutions/relevant precedents of international law
are referred to → past international efforts.
● The preamble may also include altruistic appeals to the common sense or
humanitarian instincts of member states with reference to the Charter, the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Humanitarian Law, etc.
● Preambular clauses begin with participles, italicized, and are always
followed by a comma.
Examples of Preambulatory Clauses beginnings:
● Acknowledging
● Affirming
● Alarmed by
● Approving
● Aware of
● Believing
● Bearing in mind
● Congratulating
● Deeply concerned
● Deeply convinced
● Deeply disturbed
● Deeply regretting
● Emphasizing
● Expressing its appreciation
● Fully aware
● Further recalling
● Having adopted
● Having considered
● Having devoted attention
● Keeping in mind
● Noting with appreciation
● Noting with deep concern
● Realizing
● Recalling
● Recognizing
● Referring
● Taking into account
● Welcoming
C. Operative Clauses
● Main part of a resolution → proposed actions & recommendations.
● Each operative clause calls for a specific action by member states, by the
Secretariat, or by any UN bodies or related agencies.
● The action may be as vague as denouncing a certain situation or calling for
negotiations, or as specific as, for example, a call for a ceasefire or a
monetary commitment for a particular project.
● Only Security Council resolutions are legally binding upon the international
community.
● Operative clauses are numbered, begin with an active, present tense verb
and are followed by a semicolon, with a period placed after the final clause.
Examples of Operative Clauses beginnings:
● Accepts ● Endorses
● Affirms ● Further reminds
● Approves ● Further requests
● Authorizes ● Further resolves
● Calls for ● Further invites
● Calls upon ● Proclaims
● Condemns ● Proposes
● Confirms ● Recommends
● Considers ● Reminds
● Declares accordingly ● Requests
● Deplores ● Resolves
● Emphasizes ● Supports
● Encourages ● Strongly affirms
● Urges
Tips on Writing Draft Resolution
● Make it clear, concise, but specific in the aspect of implementing your
proposed resolution.
● Arrange the order of operative clauses based on importance and urgency.
● Pay attention to your writing, each word in a draft resolution would
determine whether other delegates will support your draft resolution or vote
against it, make sure your allies read the DR and agree to the content so you
will have people defending your resolution.
● The substance should be well researched. Sponsors should have convincing
arguments to defend their resolution during debate.
Introducing Draft Resolutions
● After the DR is done written & submitted to the chair, the floor is open for
any motions to introduce DR.
● Introducing DR → presentation by bloc’s representative(s).
● Q & A → only allowed for clarificatory questions.
Amendments
● Amendments → change to the debated resolution that any delegates in
committee can submit to be voted upon; before voting procedure.
● Amendments will be submitted to chairs.
● Amendments → Change, Add, or Strike/Delete clause(s).
● 2 types of amendments:
- Friendly amendment: when all the sponsors of the resolution agree on the
change that is to be made. The changes will be automatically incorporated
into the resolution without voting.
- Unfriendly amendment: when not all of the sponsors agree on the change.
Must be voted upon by the committee.
Voting the Draft Resolution
● Voting procedure for DR:
- Roll call before the voting → Present or Present & Voting?
- Each DR will be voted → through raising placards or roll call voting.
- Only 1 DR will pass, but sometimes both DR can fail.