A UN resolution is a formal expression of the opinion or will of one or more UN organs, such as the Security Council, General Assembly, Economic and Social Council and Human Rights Commission. They are passed by a majority vote and are published as individual documents, together with annual or sessional compilations of resolutions adopted by the principal organs. Resolutions are binding on all members of the United Nations.
On 30 November 2022, the Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2663 (2022). In its resolution, the Council extended for six months the authorisation for member states, acting nationally or through regional organisations, to inspect vessels on the high seas off the coast of Libya, bound to or from Libya, which they have reasonable grounds to believe are violating the arms embargo. The resolution also authorised the 1540 Committee to continue to carry out its mandate, including through the establishment of a secretariat for this purpose.
Ian Hurd, a professor at Northwestern University specializing in international law, told RS that the US insistence that this resolution is non-binding is illegitimate and undermines the normative force of international law. “Washington’s retroactive disputes over the binding nature of this resolution are reflective of its attempts to interpret international law in a way that advances its interests,” he says. “This approach undermines the entire concept of the rule of law.” He adds that if Israel does not comply with this resolution, it will reveal whether Washington intends to take a more firm stand on the matter.