A United Nations resolution is a formal expression of the opinion or will of one of the UN’s principal organs (General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, or Human Rights Council). Resolutions require a majority vote to pass. A two-thirds majority is required for “important questions,” which are broadly defined as matters of international peace and security, admission of new members, suspension of the rights and privileges of membership, operation of the trusteeship system, and budgetary issues.
The most commonly used tool in the Security Council’s arsenal is Article 41, which outlines sanctions provisions that can be enacted against member states. This tool has been employed frequently since the Cold War, starting with a trade embargo against Southern Rhodesia in 1966 and an arms embargo against apartheid-era South Africa in 1977. The Security Council’s power to impose sanctions is vetoed by permanent members of the body, giving them substantial power over decision-making within the UN.
This resolution, passed on 9 September 2025, condemned Israel’s air strikes against Hamas leaders in Qatar, and called for a ceasefire. It also requested the Secretary-General to explore, by 1 June 2026, options for the future of UNIFIL following withdrawal from the country.
This resolution, adopted in 1975, designated that year as International Women’s Year, calling for equal rights and recognition of women, and establishing the fact that “Zionism is a form of racism and racial discrimination.” The text also called on all states to respect international law on women, including non-discrimination, equality, and family reunification.
