The United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the organization’s principal crisis-management body, has the power to impose binding obligations on all 193 member states to maintain international peace and security. However, the veto powers of its permanent members are often criticised for fuelling deadlock and protecting geopolitical interests at the expense of global peace and security.
A resolution is a formal expression of the opinion or will of one of the UN’s main organs, such as the General Assembly, Economic and Social Council or Human Rights Council. Resolutions require a simple majority (more yes votes than no votes) to pass. However, if a resolution is considered an “important question” by the General Assembly, a two-thirds majority (twice as many yes votes as no votes) is required. Resolutions can also be adopted by consensus.
UN resolutions are typically issued as individual documents and numbered. They are often accompanied by a Press Statement and may include an annexe with explanatory text. Resolutions and decisions of subsidiary bodies are usually published as part of the report of that body to its parent organ. UN bodies can also produce non-binding presidential statements to apply political pressure without passing a resolution.
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