By Abearica Online Editors · Published
Find the resolution itself before repeating a headline's account of a UN decision. Start with the body, document number, and date, then keep the resolution text separate from the voting record and commentary about it.
The UN library guide explains that General Assembly resolution symbols begin with A/RES/, while Security Council resolution symbols begin with S/RES/.1
Search by the identifier, then read the result
Copy the full symbol exactly from your reference. Do not drop part of it to make the identifier look tidier. Check the body and title in the search result before saving the document. If you only have a headline, first identify the resolution it actually names.
The UN Digital Library also supports finding resolutions by words in their titles.1
Related records may include a draft resolution, meeting records, and sponsors.1
Open the adopted text first, then label any related draft as a draft in your notes. When following News, quote the document's identifier alongside your paraphrase so another reader can find the same material.
Check how the decision was adopted
UN bodies can adopt resolutions with a vote, without a vote, or by consensus.2
A recorded vote identifies how individual members voted; a non-recorded summary reports totals without individual votes.2
Look for the type of record you have before describing how a particular member voted. If the material gives only a total, do not infer a country position from it. Use Research & Learn to build a file of the text and supporting records.
Avoid making the document say more than it does
Separate what the text requests or states from your interpretation of its consequences. If you need an answer about legal effect or implementation, seek additional authoritative material rather than treating a title or voting total as that answer.
If your search returns several versions, compare their identifiers and labels before combining notes. Keep the record you actually read, and leave a separate question for anything you have not located.
For a destination-related question, keep practical planning in Travel separate from your document research. Finish your note with the symbol, body, adoption date, source link, and the specific passage you relied on.