A resolution is a formal expression of the opinion or will of UN organs, including the Security Council and General Assembly. In principle, any organ may issue resolutions. However, most resolutions are passed by the Security Council and the General Assembly, which are the main deliberative and representative bodies of the Organization. Resolutions are often the result of a lengthy process of debate and negotiation among members. The word “resolution” is used to distinguish them from decisions, which are usually shorter and concern procedural matters such as elections and the time and place of future sessions of a given organ.

The Security Council has the mandate to maintain international peace and security. Its most powerful instrument is the veto, which allows any of its five permanent members (the U.S., China, France, Russia and the United Kingdom) to block the adoption of a resolution, regardless of its content. The veto has come under increasing criticism for fueling deadlock and protecting the geopolitical interests of P5 nations at the expense of global peace and security.

This resolution renews for six months the authorisation for member states, acting nationally or through regional organisations, to inspect vessels on the high seas bound to and from Libya that they have reasonable grounds to believe are in violation of the arms embargo. It also reiterates an urgent call for all parties to conclude an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.