A UN resolution is a formal expression of the opinion or will of a UN organ (such as the Security Council, General Assembly or Economic and Social Council). Resolutions are usually non-binding but may contain important calls for action. Resolutions that are binding have numbered operative paragraphs and begin with “resolves”.
While there is considerable variation in the content of resolutions, they often include a statement of concern, an objective and a call for specific steps to be taken. They typically conclude with the date of adoption and an alphabetical list of countries that contributed to the resolution (sponsors) as well as the name of the issuing body.
Often, resolutions are part of an ongoing process of UN negotiations and have several rounds of drafts before they are adopted. Some resolutions are part of a wider package of agreements and may have annexes with additional texts, such as letters of intent or invitations to join international initiatives.
Despite the best efforts of the US and its allies in the Security Council, the current conflict between Ukraine and Russia has remained deadlocked with the Russian veto blocking any resolution that criticises Moscow’s actions. The United States has used its veto ninety-two times since the Security Council was established. Almost all of those have been against resolutions critical of Israel, reflecting the fact that Washington has always maintained that the issue of Palestinian statehood should be resolved in direct negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian officials, rather than being preemptively decided by the Council.