Writing Positions Papers & Resolutions

Position papers Brief introduction Comprehensive breakdown of country’s position regarding topics Provide not just facts bust also make proposals for resolutions

May include: Intro to country and history concerning the topic How the issue affects your country Your country’s policies and justification for these policies Quotes from country’s leaders Statistics to back up country’s position Actions taken by your government re issue

Conventions and resolutions that your country has signed and ratified UN actions that your country supported or opposed What your country believes should be done What your country would like to accomplish with a resolution How positions of other countries affect your position

Tips Keep it simple Organization is important Cite sources Use it to stick to country’s policies and to speak at conferences

Resolutions Three main parts – The heading – The preamble clauses – The operative section

Heading Shows committee, topic, resolution # Also lists Sponsors

Preamble States reasons for which committee is addressing topic and highlights past action Each begins with a clause, ends with a comma – Affirming Realizing – EmphasizingReaffirming – Aware ofSeeking – Deeply concernedTaking into – Recognizingconsideration

Preamble clauses can include: References to UN Charter Citations of past resolutions or treaties Mentions statements made by persons related to the UN Recognition of efforts regional or international or NGO’s dealing with situation General statements on topic

Operative clauses Identify actions or recommendations in a resolution Begins with a verb, ends with a semicolon Each contains a single idea or proposal Organized in a logical progression

Samples Affirms that (affirming a fact) Approves that (you are giving your consent) Calls upon (when asking for help) Proclaims (when making a statement) Further recommends (throwing ideas around) Condemns that (is against something) Supports that (ideas you support or countries)

Details If your country is asking for a new program, how will it be funded and managed? Create realistic objectives; make sure the actions can be taken Cite facts whenever possible