Compiled by: The Ateneo Model United Nations Commission. This work is not to be reproduced unless permitted by the organization.

Transcription

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2 Compiled by: The Ateneo Model United Nations Commission This work is not to be reproduced unless permitted by the organization. 2

3 Table of Contents INTRODUCTION 4 CONFERENCE PROGRAM 6 CODE OF CONDUCT 10 GENERAL INFORMATION 12 ATENEO MODEL UN COMMITTEES 14 BEFORE THE CONFERENCE 17 BEGINNING THE COMMITTEE 19 DEBATE ON A RESOLUTION 23 WORKING PAPERS 29 RESOLUTIONS 31 CRISIS SITUATIONS 41 ATENEO MODEL UN CONFERENCE TOPICS 43 POSITION PAPERS 46 TIPS AND REMINDERS 50 3

4 Introduction 4

5 Model United Nations Model United Nations is an academic simulation of the existing New York based United Nations organization in an academic environment. It provides opportunities for students around the world to practice cross cultural communication, experience multilateral diplomacy, and engage in discussions involving the world s issues and current events. Model United Nations thus becomes a platform for young individuals to hone their skills in negotiations, writing, policy analysis, and problem solving as they work together to realize common goals and come to accord through resolutions and good will. Ateneo Model United Nations Primer The Ateneo Model United Nations Conference Primer is intended to provide all pertinent information concerning procedural and logistical guidelines all delegates are required to observe and abide by. Delegates are encouraged to read this primer thoroughly especially during their pre conference preparation. Moreover, this primer serves as a guide for delegates during the conference proper to ensure that proceedings go efficiently and without disorder of any kind. Should there be any inquiries or clarifications pertaining to anything connected to the conference that are not found in this primer, delegates are to direct their concerns to the Delegate Services Department. 5

6 Conference Program 6

7 Ateneo Model United Nations 2014 CONFERENCE PROGRAM DAY 1: Friday, 17 January 2014 A-MUN DAY 1 Venue Time Event 8:00-8:45 Registration for Day 1 of A-MUN :45-9:00 Ingress of Delegates to General Assembly Hall 9:00-9:10 Opening Ceremony Two-minute Diplomatic Silence FAVR 9:10-9:15 Opening Statement by Chief-of-Staff 9:15-9:25 Presentation of Themes by Secretary-General 9:25-9:35 Remarks from the European Studies Program Director 9:35-9:45 Presentation of Conference Agenda and Opening Council 9:45 12:00 First Council Session n FAVR: General Assembly 1 n FAVR: General Assembly 2 n FH 311: Security Council FH 311 SS. Conf. Rm. 1/2 12:00-12:30 Lunch Batch 1 12:30 13:00 Lunch Batch 2 7

8 FH 310 FH 308 FH :00-17:50 2nd and 3rd Council Session n FH 310: General Assembly 1 n FH 308: General Assembly 2 n FH 311: Security Council SEC C 201 A 17:50-19:30 Day in the Lives of Ambassadors Talk by 1. Ambassador Rosario G. Manalo 2. Ambassador Akinyemi Farounbi 8

9 DAY 1: Saturday, 18 January 2014 A-MUN DAY 2 Venue Time Event FH 202 FH 310 8:00-8:45 Registration for Day 2 of A-MUN 2014 n FH 202: General Assembly 1 n FH 310: General Assembly 2 n FH 311: Security Council FH 311 8:45-11:50 4th Council Session n FH 202: General Assembly 1 n FH 310: General Assembly 2 n FH 311: Security Council SEC B Foyer and SEC C Foyer 11:50-12:50 Lunch FH 308 FH 310 FH :50 16:00 5th Council Session n FH 308: General Assembly 1 n FH 310: General Assembly 2 n FH 311: Security Council Working Break (13:30-14:00) 16:00-16:30 Awarding Ceremony MVP Roofdeck 16:30-16:50 Closing Remarks by Ateneo AEuSS President 16:50-17:00 Closing of the Conference by Ateneo AEuSS Prime Minister 17:00-17:30 Picture taking 9

10 Code of Conduct 10

11 CODE OF CONDUCT Dress Code In order to effectively embody the character of a professional UN delegate, participants of Ateneo Model UN are required to wear diplomatic/corporate attire. Everyone is enjoined to limit the colors of their attire to neutral shades. Ateneo Model UN will not tolerate attire that includes T shirts, short pants, athletic wear, denim apparel, and hats. Ateneo Model UN strongly respects religious diversity. In line with this principle, religious attire that may have been considered as inappropriate will be permitted. The Ateneo Model UN Secretariat reserves the right to decline the admittance of any delegate deemed to be dressed in inappropriate attire. Dress code violations will automatically forfeit delegates of their privileges during the conference. Decorum Ateneo Model UN delegates are expected to carry themselves in a manner appropriate of real life diplomats. Diplomatic etiquette should be highly observed throughout the entire conference. The debates that transpire during any Model United Nations conference generally carry a well defined tone of formality. Delegates are therefore encouraged to communicate and cooperate with other delegates with utmost respect and courtesy. Principles of a healthy line of cross cultural communication that acknowledges both religious and cultural diversity should be held as the standard in this conference. All types of contemptuous acts and deeds will be sanctioned by the organizers of this conference. Alcoholic beverages, cigarette smoking, drugs, public displays of affection, and any explicitly lascivious acts are prohibited. Delegates found to have violated these rules will be sanctioned accordingly and will not be allowed to join the conference thereafter. 11

12 General Information 12

13 GENERAL INFORMATION Name Tags Name tags will be provided for the delegates before the conference which will serve as their credentials. The name tag will include the delegate s full name, country assignment, committee designation, and the institution he/she hails from. Delegates and staff members are obligated to wear their name tags at all times for the entire duration of the conference. Responsibly wearing the name tags will help the staff and event organizers identify delegates, which will decrease the possibility of any misunderstanding between school personnel, faculty, and student body while the delegates are on campus. All name tags are to be surrendered at the end of the first day of the conference to the Ateneo Model UN Commission. Placards Placards will be provided for each delegate, indicating his/her country assignment and council designation. Delegates are encouraged to handle their placards with care. Before delegates break for recess, they must surrender their placards to the Delegate Services Committee for safe keeping. Delegates may keep their placards as souvenirs at the end of the conference. Registration Delegates must check in for each day of the conference at the registration desk located outside the General Assembly Hall before convening. Upon signing in on the first day of the conference, delegates will receive their delegate kits, which include the delegate s name tag, placard, notepad, pen, and an Ateneo Model UN T- shirt souvenir. Likewise, delegates are required to surrender their name tags and placards at the registration desk at the end of each conference day excluding the final one when they get to keep their name tags and placards as memorabilia. Liability Ateneo Model UN will not hold itself liable for any damage, theft or loss of any and all items during the conference or outside it. Delegates are advised not to leave their belongings unattended. Language English will be the official working language of this conference, and formal language shall be used. All delegates are always to refer to themselves in third person (i.e. The delegate of <full official name of your assigned country> moves to ), and never in first (I move to ). Delegations For Ateneo Model UN 2013, delegates are assigned either one of the two General Assemblies or the Security Council. Countries in the General Assembly are represented by only one delegate. Each country is given one vote. Veto powers are held by the Permanent Five (P5) in the Security Council. 13

14 The Ateneo Model UN Committees 14

15 ATENEO MODEL UN COMMITTEES Committee Size Brief Description Sample Issue General Assembly 1 General Assembly 2 At least 30 delegates; 1 Chair; and 2 Vice Chairs The General Assembly is usually the largest council designation in any Model United Nations conference. In larger global conferences, the General Assembly comprises of several sub committees such as the Historic General Assembly, the World Trade Organization, the Economic and Social Council, and others. The topics discussed in this committee are often intercontinental in nature, involving many of the member states. Climate Change: Addressing the Issue of Deforestation Security Council 15 countries represented; 1 Chair; 1 Vice Chair The Security Council is generally part of a committee referred to as Specialized Agents, which often limit the number of their delegate participants. The Security Council deals with issues that press on peace, security, conflict, politics, and economic influences. Regional Coverage and Global Effects of Somalian piracy Delegates Delegates are the main participants in any Model United Nations Conference. Each participant is assigned a country to represent within the context of his/her committee s theme. In order to ensure that proceedings carry on appropriately, each delegate is cautioned to conscientiously reflect only his/her nation s views and policies. The delegates must take great caution to not go out of character as a representative of their respective country as this will ruin the quality of the debate and the negotiation. 15

16 The practice of interjecting one s own personal opinions and bias at any point and time especially if they are directed negatively towards another delegate during the debate or conference proceedings is strongly discouraged. Notes Delegates are allowed to pass notes to each other with the help of pages (note passers). The Chair, however, may revoke this privilege if he/she deems that this dispensation is being maltreated. Secretariat or Dais The Secretariat is in charge of a Model UN committee. It is composed of the Chiefs-of-Staff of the Ateneo Model UN Commission, a Chair, a Vice-Chair, a Rapporteur, and the pages in each committee. It is the administrative organ of the conference. The Secretariat has numerous tasks that range from delivering notes, ensuring that delegates behave in a professional manner, and ensuring that all delegates receive copies of the resolutions being debated on. Chairs Chairs take on the roles of moderators who have absolute parliamentary control during and over the conference. They are primarily tasked with facilitating the flow of debate from roll call to passing resolutions in order to ensure that the discussions in their respective committees proceed efficiently and remain relevant to the topics at hand. Chairs come to decisions regarding agendas, objections, motions, amendments, and votes. They are also allowed to address points of order, and they are allowed to recommend procedural mechanisms. In addition, Chairs are responsible for keeping order during the conference proceedings by taking note of any violations or warnings delegates may incur. Pages Pages are also referred to as note passers. They are responsible for relaying messages from one delegate to another or from one delegate to the Chair, and they have no power in the flow of the debate. The Chair may call for assistance from pages in counting votes, distributing copies of resolutions, and other logistical matters. Appeal Though Chairs have absolute control over the conference and their decisions are considered final, there are certain cases when delegates may appeal a decision made by the Chair. However, the move to appeal the Chair s decision still lies within the jurisdiction of the Chair who has the authority to accept or reject the appeal. If the appeal in question is directed towards the whole committee and not to specific conference proceedings, delegates may address the appeal to the Secretariat. 16

17 Before the Conference 17

18 BEFORE THE CONFERENCE Position Papers A position paper is a one page summary statement. Preparing a position paper enables the delegate concisely collect all the information gathered on his/her country, committee, and the topic in question, and in this manner, s/he is familiarized with the country s/he has been assigned to before the committee session convenes. Delegates are required to submit their position papers before the conference. Six -Step Strategy for Model UN Research Preparing for a Model United Nations Conference may be a tedious task if you are unable to focus your research properly. This strategy will guide you to properly prepare for the discussions and debates during the conference: 1. Know your country in general. a. Form of government; b. General demographic (population statistics on religious and cultural diversity); c. Any issues on rebellion, separatists, issues with indigenous people (if any); d. Geographical borders and topographical characteristics; 2. Know the issue, both objectively and in the framework of your country s policies. a. Know whether your country is central to the issue, and always, always keep your country s position in the matter in mind. b. Look at official statements by the pertinent government agencies; c. Statements given by government officials in international conferences; d. Government press releases (go to Foreign Affairs site, usually); e. Research on the important specifics of the issue in general. 3. Using the information about the issue in relation to your country s policy, foreshadow and framework thoughts accordingly. a. Good time to write a position paper (see above); b. Given the basic policies you are aware of, try now to formulate what your country will now say. c. Identify your red lines in the issue, the non-negotiables of your country. 4. Look for UN-related resolutions that your country may have supported before which are related to the topic/policy at hand. a. Read them, and determine if the resolution still fits with your policy, or is it time to change? b. What does the resolution try to do with the issue? c. What tone in resolutions do you think should you write/sponsor? 5. Determine the core states that influence the issue. Determine your role in the issue. a. Will my country be expected to give strong stances on the issue? b. Will my country be a major actor in the debate, given my position with regards to the issue? c. Who are my country s allies? d. Who are the countries I should look out for? Why? 6. Branch out. Look for sub- issues that fall under the council issue. Try to familiarize yourself with some of these. They will help during the debates and other occurrences requiring your direct contributions. a. You may find a topic to write a resolution on. b. Crisis situations may occur. You may want to prepare for them. 18

19 Beginning the Committee 19

20 BEGINNING THE COMMITTEE Roll Call The Chair begins with a roll call to which the delegates will respond to with present in voting which is indicative of a delegate s attendance, but with the right to abstain during voting procedures. Absent will be cast by the dais when the delegate is not present. Each committee will have one topic and several draft resolutions on various specific issues pertaining to the committee s theme. Setting the agenda serves to lay down the order by which the resolutions that are already available will be discussed. The primary purpose of calling the roll is to determine the existence of quorum. Quorum Quorum is the needed minimum number of delegates in order for a committee to start its session. The quorum of an A-MUN General Assembly is majority which is fifty percent of the delegates plus one to offset discussion on resolutions and voting. In the A-MUN Security Council, a majority is also needed to begin the session. Setting of the Agenda Due to the nature of the Ateneo Model UN, the agenda is determined and released to the delegates prior to the conference. Hence, the Chair will ask the Rapporteur to provide the agenda at the beginning of the session. Delivery of Policy Statements Every delegate has to prepare and orally present an opening speech at the beginning of the conference, stating his/her country s stance on the committee specific issue. Delegates are given a maximum of sixty seconds for their opening speeches. The Chair is responsible for strictly imposing this time limit to accommodate all the delegates before lobbying and discussions on resolutions can begin. Customarily, opening speeches are presented formally thus the delegate who is about to deliver his/her opening speech must address the Chair and the committee respectfully. For example, Good morning/afternoon/evening, honorable Chair and fellow delegates. <Full official name of your assigned country> is honoured to be present in this year s Ateneo Model UN Conference. Motions It is encouraged that a member of the assembly to set the general speaker s time for the entire session. However, if no motion is raised to set the speaker s time, it can be set later on. Other motions can be raised as well, but the context within which they are made must be taken into consideration. 20

21 Type of Motion What does it do? When is it applicable? How many votes are needed to pass? Motion for an Unmoderated Caucus Un moderated caucuses are multilateral discussions that do not impose parliamentary procedures. When sides of an argument feel that a structured debate is not conducive to state a point clearly to another. It is also an opportunity to lobby in session. Only one delegate needs to second the motion. If there are objections, one speaker for and one against will be required by the Chair. Simple majority will be needed to pass. Motion for a Moderated Caucus Moderated Caucuses are debates to limit topics to a more specific discussion. They follow the order of countries listed on the speakers list. To be placed on the list, one needs to raise his placard. When council opts to stick within a timed and orderly series of exchanges on the matter being discussed. Only one delegate needs to second the motion. If there are objections, one speaker for and one against will be required by the Chair. Simply majority will be needed to pass. Motion to Table Resolution To simply junk the resolution for whatever meritorious reason. Should be raised between speeches. Between speeches on the resolution. When no points are being raised. 2/3 majority. - When someone motions to table a resolution, the council proceeds straight to voting block. Motion to move directly to voting procedures Ends all debate on the resolution, and immediately places the council into voting procedures. In between speeches on the resolution, and when no points are being raised. No vote needed. Only a second and no objections. 21

22 Motion to divide the question Debate on the resolution will be done per operative clause, instead of taking it as a whole document. If motion passes, voting on the resolution will also be a division of the question. In between speeches on the resolution. Done to hasten debate proceedings to more problematic clauses. Majority Vote - To pass the motion, voting per question will follow procedure of council requirements Points Point When to use it What it does How to say it Point of Order Immediately after you think that the Chair or a delegate made an error in procedure. It informs the concerned parties of the error in procedure. This delegate believes that the Chair/the delegate of made an error in/by Point of Parliamentary Inquiry At any time you are confused with matters pertaining to procedures. Rise only when no one is speaking. Asks the Chair how to continue with the Debate This delegate would like to inquire about the (time of suspension of session, etc.) Point of Personal Privilege When no one is speaking. You may only interrupt speaker if the point is on audibility. Asks the Chair to grant you timed bathroom breaks, etc. Unless it is on the matter of audibility of another speaker, all points of personal privilege are to be sent via notepassers. State reason for such a request. Wait for confirmation from the Chair. Point of Information When the Chair opens up the floor for points after a speech is delivered. Inquires from the delegate who just gave a speech Polite phrasing of a question related to the speech he just delivered. 22

23 Debate on a Resolution 23

24 DEBATE ON A RESOLUTION General Speaker s List The General Speaker s List is part of the conference s default method of debate. The Chair lists down the order by which delegates can address the committee prior to voting on a resolution. If delegates wish to be placed on the General Speaker s List, raising the placard is enough for the Chair to recognize a delegate as a speaker. Once the General Speaker s List has been established, delegates are allowed one minute to speak. The Chair will strictly monitor the time limit. The Chair may open the floor to points of motion thereafter and any delegate may move to open unmoderated caucus on the topic at hand. Special Speaker s List The creation of a Special Speaker s List is a type of moderated caucus dedicated to a specific aspect of the topic or issue that needs special attention. Any delegate can motion for a Special Speaker s List once the Chair opens the floor for points of motion. For example, the topic of discussion is Somalian piracy. A delegate may motion for a Special Speaker s List for a moderated caucus on a specific topic he/she wants to focus on such as financing terrorist organizations. The delegate who motioned for the Special Speaker s List will have to state the purpose and time limit of the entire moderated caucus as well as the time limit for each delegate s speech, which is usually set to thirty seconds. Yield If a delegate does not finish his/her speech in the time allotted during a discussion on a resolution, and if there are more than 25 seconds left for his/her speech, s/he may yield to any of the following: To questions His/her time to the Chair His/her time to another delegate If the delegate yields to questions, and no one raises a question, the Chair will appoint at least one other delegate to ask questions regarding the speech, which the delegate who has the floor is obligated to answer each question in a one minute time frame. Yielding to the Chair ends the time the speaker has been given, however, the Chair can opt to move down the Speaker s list or open the floor for questions directed to the speaker from other delegates. Yielding the remaining time to another delegate only allows that delegate to speak in the permitted time frame increased by the time yielded to him/her. After the remaining time has passed, the Chair will move down on the Speaker s List. Moderated Caucus The purpose of a moderated caucus is to focus the debate on a specific aspect of the topic during the discussion. Any delegate may move for a moderated caucus after the Chair opens the floor for points. The Chair will only facilitate the voting of those in favor of or opposed to a moderated caucus. If the majority of the committee raises their placards, a moderated caucus will ensue. The Speaker s List will be temporarily suspended on the event of a moderated caucus. The Chair will encourage delegates to speak at will. 24

25 A moderated caucus will only be open for a specific purpose provided by the delegate who motioned for it. The delegate in question will also indicate 1) the time of the entire caucus, 2) the topic, and 3) speaker s time, which the Chair will strictly monitor. Unmoderated Caucus An unmoderated caucus presents opportunities for delegates to speak informally about their nations positions on the topic in question as well as to lobby in preparation for their working papers and draft resolutions. The Chair will ask the one who motioned for an unmoderated caucus to state the purpose of such a motion and the time limit for the discussion, which is usually capped at a maximum of ten minutes. The Chair will strictly monitor the time limit. Once the purpose and time limit has been specified, delegates will vote whether they are in favor of or opposed to an unmoderated caucus. Lobbying and Negotiating Lobbying and negotiating are two of the most important skills every delegate in any MUN conference must develop. A delegate should be able to effectively share his/her stance with other delegates in order to accomplish key tasks during the conference such as drafting resolutions, working papers, and resolutions themselves. Moreover, negotiating can be a very helpful ability during crisis situations when delegates are challenged to engage in high pressure discussions that require them to think critically in order to restore peace and order back to the committee proceedings. More than discussing certain issues with other delegates, negotiating involves coming to a compromise. To be able to start negotiations, a delegate must first be clear on what he/she wants to achieve and the plan by which he/she aims to accomplish it. Research plays an important role in committee proceedings because delegates will find it easier to negotiate with countries that share similar goals and policies such as Australia and the UK because they recognize the same monarchy. While delegates should be clear on what they want, they should also consider what they don t want to happen. In a room full of delegates attempting to lobby and negotiate for support for their stance, delegates have to be cautious not to be overpowered by another delegate s opinion or manner of delivery. The point of lobbying and negotiating is to come to a point of compromise after all the ideas have been presented clearly, constructively criticized, and agreed upon. Delegates must always remember to treat each other with respect and courtesy as if they were in a professional setting at a real United Nations conference. Every delegate should be given an opportunity to speak and petition for their stances and ideas. When a delegate is speaking, everyone is advised to listen attentively and considerately without suddenly interjecting. Delegates are likewise reminded that they are representatives of a country so bias and personal opinion should be excluded from the discussions as much as possible. Suspension or Adjournment of Session A motion to adjourn the session from any delegate may only be entertained by the Chair once he/she opens the floor for motions and if three quarters of the allotted time for the whole session has already been spent. The motion to adjourn the sessions requires a majority to be passed. 25

26 Postponement or Resumption of Debate If the Chair opens the floor for points of motion and a delegate moves to postpone or resume discussion on a resolution or an amendment, the proceedings will require a two thirds majority vote only after two thirds of the entire set committee session time has been spent. Reconsideration A motion to reconsider is entertained after a resolution has been adopted or rejected. A delegate who voted with the majority must make the move to make a point of reconsideration. The Chair will hear from only two delegates against the motion and will proceed to facilitating the voting process where two thirds of those who are present and voting will be required for this motion to be passed. Closure of Debate As with all points, a delegate may only move to close a debate only if the floor is open. After a delegate moves to close the debate, the Chair will hear from two speakers against the motion and none from the group of delegates who are in favor of it. If the majority of the committee is in favor of closing the debate, the Chair will pass this motion and the resolution or amendment in question will be voted on thereafter. Voting No friendly or unfriendly (see page 39) amendment and draft resolution could be considered to be official until after it passes a parliamentary voting procedure. There are two ways of counting votes one is by having delegates raise their placards. If the Chair finds results unclear for whatever logistical reason, he may opt to take a roll call vote. When any delegate motions to move into voting procedure passes, the Chair will mandate all delegates to go back to their designated places, should they be elsewhere. When the committee is in voting procedures, no delegate will be permitted to both enter and exit the conference hall. There are three possible votes to cast. One may vote for, against or abstain on a resolution. Abstentions are only permitted when voting for a resolution. All other matters that require voting procedures will not have abstentions as possible votes. For procedural matters (unless specified otherwise in this primer), resolutions or amendments to pass in the GA, they need to be agreed upon by majority vote of the members present. This is defined by 50% + 1. For example, if there are 40 members, majority vote is Majority vote is also required to pass motions on procedure in the SC. For the Security Council, two-thirds of those present must vote in favor of a resolution with all P5 (Permanent Five) member countries present the US, Russia, the UK, PRC, and France must also vote in favor of the resolution or abstaining, for it to pass. A vote against the resolution from any of the P5 countries will render it ineffective. When a resolution passes, delegates are free to clap. However, clapping for a resolution that failed is strictly prohibited. Motions to applaud the author(s) of the resolution are welcome. Objections to these informal motions are not in order. 26

27 Types of Voting Type By Voice (viva voce) By Show of Hands By Rising By Roll Call Method Members of the assembly in favor say Aye, then members against say No. Afterward, those who abstain say, Abstain. Members in favor raise their right hand, then the vote will be counted. Members against and those abstain do the same. Members in favor rise, then the vote will be counted. Members against and those abstain do the same. Members are called individually in alphabetical order and each says For, Against or Abstain depending on whether they said Present or Present and Voting.* *This is the pre-determined method for voting for A-MUN. It can be modified if a delegate moves to do so. By General Consent Members are asked by the Chair if there are any objections, and if there are none, then the council proceeds to another method of voting.* *This method is used on the assumption that General Consent can be attained. By Ballot Members are to write whether they are for, against or abstain by writing their vote and their assigned country on a piece of paper. This is to be collected and counted by members of the dais. Right to Reply All delegates reserve the right to reply to questions and clarifications set by co delegates. Rights to reply come into play when allegations are set by any other delegate. All a delegate needs is to raise his placard right after the speech in question is delivered. The delegate should request for the right to reply, and he shall be given 30 seconds to respond to anything that may have been raised in the previous speech. 27

28 Grievances and Warnings For example, if a delegate has threatened another delegate (within the context of merely representing countries in an academically simulated diplomacy event) in any way, the affected delegate can stand until the Chair recognizes his/her grievance. Once the grievance is recognized, the Chair gives the offending delegate a warning and takes note of it. Issues on Delegate Competence It is assumed by both the Chairs and the delegates in the committee that statements from all delegates are accurate representations of their country s foreign policy. However, should there be any obviously detrimental errors made by any delegate, any delegate who notices should act by sending a note identifying the error to the Chair, in case the Chair himself does not notice the erroneous statement. The Chair will respond by sending a note to the delegate in question mentioning that such an error was indeed committed. This will take place if the Chair believes that the error made by the delegate did not directly affect the quality and flow of debate. However, if the Chair notices that the quality of debate has been adversely affected by the error, the Chair may directly inform the committee in order to correct misconceptions and prevent more errors to occur as an effect of the one in question. Any delegate who would like to determine if the topic of debate is still within the bounds of jurisdiction of the committee should be raised as a Point of Parliamentary Inquiry to the Chair, following the same procedures already discussed in this primer. 28

29 Working Papers 29

30 WORKING PAPERS Working Papers are a one page research summary on a possible topic of a draft resolution. It usually takes the form of an information sheet with maps, graphs, tables and/or a comprehensive outline of ideas. It is ill advised that paragraphs of text be included in the working papers. The only content based requirement set on working papers is that the research summary presented in the working paper should serve at least one operative clause in a draft resolution. The ultimate goal of a working paper is to enlighten the entire council/committee of ideas shared and/or developed by alliances or individual delegations. Working papers are not required features of a Model United Nations Conference. Procedure for Putting Forward a Working Paper The only requirement for the reproduction and distribution of a working paper is to submit it privately to the Chair, who will inspect its contents in terms of competence and format. Should the Chair deem the Working Paper to be only indirectly relevant to the council/committee, he will have the right not to approve its reproduction and distribution. However, this lack of an approval will not prevent the delegate from using the information to lobby, should he decide to do so. Violations in format will merit an immediate rejection, unless edited to comply with the set format. Format The only format prescribed for a working paper is the inclusion of a proper heading and the compliance with the prescribed paper size (A4). The orientation of the document (landscape or portrait) is not of significance. The heading should be placed in the upper left corner of the page, regardless of orientation. The heading should simply indicate the overall topic of the Working Paper and the countries who put the document forward. 30

31 Resolutions 31

32 RESOLUTIONS Resolutions are the heart of each Model United Nations Conference. These documents are the culmination of all discussions, negotiations and lobbying performed and contributed by the various delegations represented in a council. Like an actual United Nations resolution, Model UN resolutions are written binding and nonbinding policies on how to address the primary issue being discussed by the council. Resolutions, which are authored and ratified by delegates in a committee, need only a majority number of votes to pass. However, Security Council resolutions require a two thirds majority vote, with Permanent 5 Member States (USA, China, UK, France, Russia) veto powers. Resolutions written by the UN GA are non-binding, while those by the UN SC are binding. They simply contain suggestions on how the international community could act on an issue involving the member states. However, Security Council resolutions have the authority to compel Member States to perform certain tasks that are within the framework of international law. Draft Resolutions Draft resolutions are resolutions that have not yet been voted on by the committee to which it is addressed to. Delegates have multiple options in writing resolutions. There is no mandate on a timeline involving resolutions. Delegates may opt to come to a conference with a draft resolution already in the works. Furthermore, delegates are allowed to write resolutions during the conference itself. There is no restriction in the number of delegates working on a single resolution. A draft resolution has three main parts: the heading, preamble (commonly known as the pre ambulatory clauses), and the operative section (commonly known as the operative clauses). Each draft resolution is technically one long sentence divided into a varying number of clauses. Each clause ends with either a comma or a semicolon when appropriate. The subject of the sentence is the committee taking action (General Assembly, Security Council, etc.), and therefore, the heading of the resolution. The preamble sets the context of the resolution by a detailed reference of past resolutions that may have been considered while writing the resolution. The operative clauses contain the concrete action plan the resolution aims to present to the committee to consider. For the purposes of a sizable committee, a draft resolution could only be included in agenda by the staff if it has at least one fifth of the committee as tentative signatories. Parts of a Resolution The parts of the resolution highlighted RED constitutes the Heading of the Draft Resolution. The first country listed in the category Submitted by will be considered as Main Submitter. Main Submitters are tasked to read the operative clauses of the resolution once presented to the Council/Committee. All questions regarding the resolution are assumed to be directed at the Main Submitter, unless the question is posed to all Submitters of the draft resolution. The parts of the resolution highlighted BLUE constitutes the Pre ambulatory Clauses. Pre ambulatory clauses set the context of the draft resolution by offering a detailed introduction. These clauses include possible references to past resolutions that may have dealt with the issue being tackled by the draft resolution. These are not read during the presentation of the resolution. 32

33 The parts of the resolution highlighted GREEN constitutes the Operative Clauses. Operative Clauses are the detailed action plans of the resolution. They are considered to be the heart of the resolution. Debates will primarily revolve around the content of the Operative Clauses. For formatting purposes, Operative Clauses are numbered orderly, and are indented by at most an inch for easy identification. All pre ambulatory clauses end with a comma. All but the last one of the operative clauses end with a semi colon. The last operative clause ends with a period. All operative and pre ambulatory clauses are to be italicized, as seen in the template below. (The following resolution is an excerpt from the United Nations Security Council Resolution It is used only for the sole purpose of educating delegates on the prescribed format of resolutions.) SAMPLE RESOLUTION SUBJECT: MANDATE OF THE UNITED NATIONS IN IRAQ SUBMITTED TO: the Security Council SUBMITTED BY: USA, UK Co Submitters: Spain and Cameroon The Security Council, Reaffirming its previous resolutions on Iraq, including resolution 1483 (2003) of 22 May 2003 and 1500 (2003) of 14 August 2003, and on threats to peace and security caused by terrorist acts, including resolution ) of 28 September 2001, and other relevant resolutions, Underscoring that the sovereignty of Iraq resides in the State of Iraq, reaffirming the right of the Iraqi people freely to determine their own political future and control their own natural resources, reiterating its resolve that the day when Iraqis govern themselves must come quickly, and recognizing the importance of international support, particularly that of countries in the region, Iraq's neighbours, and regional organizations, in taking forward this process expeditiously, Recognizing that international support for restoration of conditions of stability and security is essential to the well being of the people of Iraq as well as to the ability of all concerned to carry out their work on behalf of the people of Iraq, and welcoming Member State contributions in this regard under resolution 1483 (2003), 1. Welcomes the positive response of the international community, in form, such as the Arab League, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the United Nations General Assembly, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, to the establishment of the broadly representative Governing Council as all important step towards an internationally recognized, representative government; 2. Supports the Governing Council's efforts to mobilize the people of Iraq, including by the appointment of a cabinet of ministers and a preparatory constitutional committee to lead a process in which the Iraqi people will progressively take control of their own affairs; 3. Determines that the Governing Council and its ministers are the principal bodies of the Iraqi interim administration, which, without prejudice to its further evolution, embodies the sovereignty of the State of Iraq during the transitional period until an internationally recognized, representative government is established and assumes the responsibilities of the Authority; 4. Decides to remain seized on the matter. 33

34 Resolution Writing There are various ways one could write an effective draft resolution. This primer offers a possible five step guide to writing effective resolutions. 1. The delegate should know the topic of the council well. This is done by basic research methodologies. Then, the submitters should narrow down the topic to a more specific aspect. One way of effectively narrowing down a topic for a resolution is to enumerate all possible issues that fall under the more general council issue. General Council Issue Possible Resolution Topics Humanitarian Assistance for Unstable Member States Organized Foreign Aid for Pakistan after the large scale July 2010 floods, Installation of Peacekeeping Forces in the Ivory Coast to maintain stability and prevent large scale violence, Rebuilding of Haiti after the 2010 earthquake, etc. Climate Change Climate Change and its security implications, Climate Change and agriculture development, Review of the Convention on Biological Diversity, etc. 2. Once the submitters have effectively narrowed down a topic for consideration, listing down possible action plans that will directly answer the needs posed by the draft resolution topic. In listing down possible steps for the unified action plan, the submitters should consider the importance of making sure that the ideas are feasible, not redundant and are accurate. Resolution Topic Possible Steps for the Action Plan UN s role in the reconstruction of Haiti after the 2010 earthquake Increase in foreign aid in the form of supplies that cater to the basic human needs (food, medication, water, temporary shelter, clothing), send peacekeeping forces to maintain stability while rebuilding process takes place, encourage foreign investments to stimulate Haitian economic system, assess damage, and determine points of reconstruction, etc. 34

35 Situation in Honduras: democracy breakdown Condemn the coup d état, demand for the restoration of the constitutional government, call on UN members states to not recognize any unconstitutional government Honduras would present to the international community, encourage regional efforts to restore constitutional democracy 3. The next step to take would be to order your action plan logically. This is the step where submitters could decide which of the enumerated steps for the possible action plan should be retained or dropped. In doing this, submitters are encouraged to consider matters on feasibility, redundancy and accuracy. After striking down steps deemed impertinent, the next step is to order the steps in a clear and logical outline. There are numerous ways of ordering the steps of the action plan. However, most United Nations resolutions opt to follow a chronological framework by ordering the action plans in the preferred order of execution. The ordering of UN resolutions are feasible but must be logical. 4. After giving your action plan a logical order, each step in your action plan will now take the place of the operative clauses of the draft resolution. For each step/operative clause, submitters should now cite more specific details pertaining to each step/operative clause. Draft Operative Clause Reconstruction of infrastructure in Haiti Further Developed Details 1.Priority should be given to rebuilding roads, air strips, hospitals, and headquarters for bodies vital to stabilization; 2. Encourage direct foreign investments to fund infrastructure, reconstruction, and to simulate Haitian economy. 5. The final step will be for the submitters to organize their outline to fit the technical requirements of UN Resolutions. This should be the phase for the operative clauses and the pre ambulatory clauses to be merged into one document. The clauses of the entire draft resolution should be phrased in the passive voice of the English language conventions. Format in draft resolution in accordance to the standard Resolution Format is being applied in this conference. 35

36 Pre ambulatory Clauses Acknowledging Affirming Alarmed by Approving Aware of Believing Bearing in mind Cognizant of Confident of Contemplating Convinced Deeply concerned Deeply convinced Deeply disturbed Deeply regretting Desiring Emphasizing Expecting Expressing satisfaction Fulfilling Fully alarmed Fully aware Fully believing Further deploring Operative Clauses Accepts Affirms Approves Authorizes Calls Calls upon Condemns* Congratulates Confirms Considers Declares accordingly Demands* Deplores Draws attention Designates Emphasizes Encourages Endorses Expresses its appreciation Expresses its hope Further invites Further proclaims Further reminds Further requests 36

37 Further recalling Guided by Having adopted Having considered Having further considered Having devoted attention Having examined Having heard Having received Having studied Hoping Keeping in mind Noting with regret Nothing with satisfaction Noting with deep concern Has resolved Notes Notes with Proclaims Reaffirms Recommends Regrets Requests Resolves Solemnly affirms Strongly condemns* Supports Trusts Urges Takes note of Noting further Noting with approval Observing Realizing Recalling Recognizing Referring Seeking Taking into account 37

38 Taking note Viewing with appreciation Welcoming * For Security Council Resolutions only. Amendments Amendments are proposed changes to a draft resolution currently being discussed by the committee. These allow delegates who did not have opportunities to contribute to a draft resolution to offer ideas and thoughts on how to improve it by making it more agreeable to other nations. There are two types of amendments: friendly amendments and unfriendly amendments. In order for an amendment to be considered friendly, the main submitter and co submitter should first agree on the amendment. If the amendment is not approved by the main submitter and co submitters, it will be deemed unfriendly. Unfriendly amendments will need to receive a simple majority vote from the committee before it is placed in the draft resolution. For this conference, there will be no limit to the number of friendly amendments. However, only a maximum of 3 unfriendly amendments will be submitted for voting by the entire council. Amendments, once deemed friendly or unfriendly, will be forwarded to the Chair. The submitter of the amendment should indicate whether the amendment is friendly or unfriendly for the sake of voting procedure. How to Submit Amendments On a sheet of paper, the delegate must indicate the any of the following: Strike <clause number> this will remove the entire clause from the draft resolution Insert <amendment/editing> in <clause number> Replace < > with <amendment> in <clause number> to replace words, phrases with better phrasing Strike < > in <clause number> to strike out a word/phrase in a clause Debate on Unfriendly Amendments Just like how a debate on resolutions takes place, there will be for and against speeches for each unfriendly amendment. The number of speeches to be given by both sides will be determined by the committee. After the speeches, the committee will vote to adopt the amendment into the resolution. A simple majority is required for all committees except the Security Council, which requires 9 of the 15 members to vote in favor of it. There are no abstentions on voting for an amendment. 38

39 Amending an Amendment Amendments may be amended following the same procedure of amending a resolution, as explained previously. These must be submitted during the debate on the amendment. Amendments to amendments that have already been voted down or incorporated into the draft resolution will not be considered. If an amendment to an amendment passes, then it will be incorporated directly into the resolution. If the amendment for an amendment fails, debate on the originally proposed amendment will resume. Resolution Analysis A Model United Nations delegate will encounter various relations even in a single conference. This part of the primer aims to present a practical framework for delegates, regardless of experience, on how to analyze resolutions for purposes of debate. The first aspect each delegate should look at in the process of resolution analysis is the clarity of the issue being discussed. UN Resolutions should always have a narrowed down issue, which has the general issue of the council as its root. Since UN Resolutions are action plans for specific issues concerning the international community, the lack of a specific concentration will not produce an effective resolution. For example, UN resolutions that discuss the broad issues of Climate Change or Peacekeeping Forces will be difficult to draft because of a lack of concentration. A lack of concentration will only result in general action plans. General Issues Specific and Pertinent Issues Climate Change Desertification, whaling in international waters, preservation of coastal territories, etc. Peacekeeping Forces Mandate of Peacekeeping forces in Somalia, reforming the legal mandate of peacekeeping forces in UN Legal System, etc. Rights of Indigenous People Extension of Rights covered by the UN Convention on the Rights of Indigenous people to reflect globalization, reform in the economic rights of Indigenous People, etc. The second point of analysis a Model UN Delegate could look at is the feasibility of the entire resolution in general. All resolutions should be realistic, if implemented in actuality. Since Model United Nations Conferences should, as much as possible effectively and accurately, simulate actions in the United Nations, all the stipulations in a Model UN resolution should be ones that could actually be executed by the United Nations General Assembly. The implementation of excellent Model UN Resolutions wouldn t be difficult to imagine in the real world. Potential problems on resolution feasibility are often found in the timeframe and the deadlines set for completion and the legality of the actions being proposed or mandated. 39