A UN resolution is a formal expression of the Council’s will and carries the force of international law. A resolution can include either substantive or procedural provisions. Its preambular clauses begin with verbs, modified by adverbs and are always italicized; the operative clauses begin with words in regular type.
Resolutions are usually adopted at the close of a Council discussion, or a debate. However, a draft resolution can be put forward at any time, and it may be amended at the same meeting. The draft may also be referred to the Council’s committees for consideration. A resolution cannot be vetoed by the permanent members. It can, however, be blocked by the non-permanent members, or even by a single state.
The final text of a resolution is approved by the Council, which can only be blocked by a single member of the Permanent Five (the US). Once passed, Resolutions are published in the Official Records and are binding on all UN Member States. They can be used as a legal tool to compel parties to comply with the terms of a resolution.
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