Cheat Sheets

Preambulatory Clauses and Operative Clauses Cheat Sheet

Preambulatory Clauses

The preamble of a draft resolution states the reasons for which the committee is addressing the topic and highlights past international action on the issue. Each clause begins with a present participle (called a preambulatory phrase) and ends with a comma. Preambulatory clauses can include:

References to the UN Charter;
Citations of past UN resolutions or treaties on the topic under discussion;
Mentions of statements made by the Secretary-General or a relevant UN body or agency;
Recognition of the efforts of regional or nongovernmental organizations in dealing with the issue; and
General statements on the topic, its significance and its impact.

Preambulative Clauses

Operative Clauses

Operative clauses identify the actions or recommendations made in a resolution. Each operative clause begins with a verb (called an operative phrase) and ends with a semicolon. Operative clauses should be organized in a logical progression, with each containing a single idea or proposal, and are always numbered. If a clause requires further explanation, bulleted lists set off by letters or roman numerals can also be used. After the last operative clause, the resolution ends in a period.

| Accepts | Acknowledges | Adopts

| Advises | Affirms | Also calls for

| Also recommends | Also strongly condemns | Also urges

| Appeals | Appreciates | Approves

| Authorizes | Calls | Calls for

| Calls upon | Commends | Concurs

| Condemns | Confirms | Congratulates

| Considers | Decides | Declares

| Declares accordingly | Demands | Deplores

| Designates | Directs | Draws the attention

| Emphasizes | Encourages | Endorses

| Expresses its appreciation | Expresses its hope | Expresses its regret

| Further invites | Further proclaims | Further recommends

| Further reminds | Further requests | Further resolves

| Has resolved | Instructs | Introduces

| Invites | Notes | Notes with satisfaction

| Proclaims | Reaffirms | Recalls

| Recognizes | Recommends | Regrets

| Reiterates | Reminds | Renews its appeal

| Repeats | Requests | Requires

| Solemnly affirms | Stresses | Strongly advises

| Strongly condemns | Strongly encourages | Suggests

| Supports | Takes note of | Transmits

| Trusts | Underlines | Underscores

| Urges | Welcomes |

Points

and

Motions