A UN resolution is a formal expression of the opinion or will of a UN body. Resolutions have a distinct format and are written in a complex process that typically involves multiple drafts. Resolutions from the Security Council, General Assembly and Economic and Social Council are all individual documents while those of other bodies are included in annual or sessional compilations.
Typically, resolutions are written as one long sentence, with preambular clauses and operative clauses that start (or often end) with verbs and are either italicized or underlined. They are separated by semicolons and commas, with the date and an alphabetical list of countries that have contributed to the document (sponsors) shown in the header. The name of the issuing body is included at the top of the text, although it may not appear above the preambular clauses. The operative clauses almost always include the words “demand”, “condemn” or “call upon”. Resolutions may contain paragraphs, subparagraphs and articles.