Maria s Model United Nation Rules of Procedure Official Language: The medium of communication shall be English for written and verbal purposes. Attire: All delegates may be dressed in western formal/ country specific ethnic clothing only. General Speakers List The Chair shall open the General speakers list for each topic to be discussed at the request of a delegate. Any delegate wishing to be added to the speakers list shall indicate so by raising their placards when asked by the Chair or shall submit such a request in writing to the dais. Setting the time for the General Speakers list By default the time set for the GSL is 2 minutes. However, delegates can motion to increase or decrease the speaking time, which will be voted upon by the committee or council. When a delegate exceeds his or her allotted time, the Chair may call the speaker to order without delay. Yielding Time The delegate, who has been recognized by the Chair to address the body on a substantive issue/general Speakers List, may yield any time following their remarks after their speech. Yields may be made in three ways: To Another delegate -Yield to another delegate. His/her remaining time shall be given to another delegate) To points of information- Yield to questions. Delegates shall be selected by the Chair to ask one question per speech. The Chair has the right to call order to any delegate whose question is, in the opinion of the Chair, not designed to elicit information. Answers to questions are limited to the time remaining in a delegate s speech. To the Chair- Yield to the Chair. Such a yield should be made if the delegate does not wish his/her speech to be subject to comments. The Chair shall then move on to the next speaker. Once a delegate yields his/her time, the second delegate (the one who has been yielded to) may not yield any remaining time.
Right to Reply The Chair may recognize the Right to reply only in instances of a grave personal insult. A delegate can use the Right of Reply to interrupt a speaker only if his or her country s sovereignty has been hurt. However the chair has the discretionary power to decide when to entertain a right to reply. Appeal to the Chairs Decision An appeal is made when a delegate feels that the Chair has made an incorrect ruling. The delegate formally challenge the Chair in writing by sending a note to the dais, moving to appeal the Chairs decision. The appeal will be taken to the Secretary General who will decide if the appeal will be considered. Once the motion is acknowledged, the Secretary General will hear from both the delegate and the Chair before making a decision. POINTS Point Of Personal Privilege During the discussion of any matter, a delegate may raise a Point of Personal Privilege, and the Chair shall immediately address the point. A Point of Personal Privilege must refer to a matter of personal comfort, safety and/or wellbeing of the members of the committee. The Chair cannot refuse to recognize a Point of Personal Privilege. Point Of Order During the discussion of any matter, a delegate may raise a Point of Order and the Chair shall immediately consider the request. A Point of Order must relate to the observance of the rules of the committee. A delegate may also raise a point of order to specify any factual mistakes made by any other delegate. The Chair may refuse to recognize a Point of Order if the delegate has not shown proper restraint and decorum governing the use of such a right, or if the point is dilatory in nature. Point Of Information (Question to other delegates) After a delegate gives a speech, and if the delegate yields their time to Points of Information, one Point of Information Can be raised by delegates from the floor. The speaker will be allotted the remainder of his or her speaking time to address Points of Information. Points of Information are directed to the speaker and allow other delegations to ask questions in relation to speeches and resolutions. Point of Parliamentary Inquiry A delegate may raise a point of parliamentary enquiry to know about the committee proceedings at any moment. The delegate may also be requested to approach the dais.
MOTIONS Suspend Debate (Motion to Caucus) Upon the recommendation of the Chair or any delegate, the committee may consider a motion to Suspend Debate for the purpose of a moderated or un-moderated caucus. This motion requires a majority vote. Moderated Caucus: The recommendation for a moderated caucus must include a time limit for delegate remarks and a time limit for the entire caucus (e.g. The nation of [country name] moves for a five minute moderated caucus with a 3 0 second speaking time. During moderated caucus, the chair shall recognize delegates for remarks without the use of a speakers list and yields shall be out of order. The delegate of would like to raise a motion to suspend formal debate and move into a moderated caucus on the topic for a time period of with individual speaker s time being Un-moderated Caucus- The recommendation for an un-moderated caucus requires a time limit to be made. Un-moderated caucuses allow delegates to have informal discussions, negotiate with other delegates and come up with working paper/ draft resolutions. The delegate of would like to raise a motion to suspend formal debate and move into an unmoderated caucus on the topic for a time period of. RESOLUTIONS & WORKING PAPERS: What are resolutions? A resolution is a document that contains the proposed solutions to the agenda under discussion in the committee. It s called a resolution because that s what the United Nations calls the documents they produce. Technically, the resolution should be called a draft resolution before it is voted upon and then called a resolution after it is successfully passed during voting bloc. Specifically, resolutions are usually written during unmoderated caucus (sometimes called informal caucus) where delegates are free to roam around the committee to collaborate on ideas with each other, and sometimes students work outside in hallways or computer labs as well. Resolution-writing becomes more focused during the latter sessions of committee when different country policies are clear and different ideas have been mentioned already. The ultimate purpose of a committee session is to pass a resolution. All the speeches, debate, negotiation, and teamwork is supposed to lead up to a resolution which contains all the proposed solutions to the issue. The resolution(s) that the majority of the committee agrees upon
will be passed during voting bloc and the sponsors will be informally commended for building consensus on good ideas. Most conferences allow multiple resolutions to pass as long as they do not contradict each other, but a few conferences allow only one resolution to pass. Who are sponsors? Sponsors of the resolution are those who are responsible for writing down the draft resolution and are the principal authors of the resolution. Who are signatories? Signatories of the resolution are those who want the resolution to be discussed and debated upon in the committee so that further changes can be made so that the resulting resolution adopted is effective in all regards. Preambulatory Clauses: The preamble of a draft resolution states the reasons for which the committee is addressing the topic and highlights past international action on the issue. Each clause begins with a present participle (called a preambulatory phrase) and ends with a comma. Preambulatory clauses can include: References to the UN Charter; Citations of past UN resolutions or treaties on the topic under discussion; Mentions of statements made by the Secretary-General or a relevant UN body or agency; Recognition of the efforts of regional or nongovernmental organizations in dealing with the issue; and General statements on the topic, its significance and its impact.
Sample Perambulatory Phrases- Affirming Alarmed by Approving Aware of Bearing in mind Believing Confident Contemplating Convinced Declaring Deeply concerned Deeply conscious Deeply convinced Deeply disturbed Deeply regretting Desiring Emphasizing Expecting Expressing its appreciation Expressing its satisfaction Fulfilling Fully alarmed Fully aware Fully believing Further deploring Further recalling Guided by Having adopted Having considered Having considered further Having devoted attention Having examined Having heard Having received Having studied Keeping in mind Noting with regret Noting with deep concern Noting with satisfaction Noting further Noting with approval Observing Reaffirming Realizing Recalling Recognizing Referring Seeking Taking into account Taking into consideration Taking note Viewing with appreciation Welcoming Operative Clauses:
Operative clauses identify the actions or recommendations made in a resolution. Each operative clause begins with a verb (called an operative phrase) and ends with a semicolon. Operative clauses should be organized in a logical progression, with each containing a single idea or proposal, and are always numbered. If a clause requires further explanation, bulleted lists set off by letters or roman numerals can also be used. After the last operative clause, the resolution ends in a period. Sample Operative Phrases Accepts Endorses Further requests Affirms Approves Authorizes Calls Calls upon Condemns Confirms Congratulates Considers Declares accordingly Deplores Designates Draws the attention Emphasizes Encourages Expresses its appreciation Expresses its hope Further invites Deplores Designates Draws the attention Emphasizes Encourages Endorses Expresses its appreciation Expresses its hope Further invites Further proclaims Further reminds Further recommends Further resolves Has resolved Notes Proclaims Reaffirms Recommends Regrets Reminds Requests Solemnly affirms Strongly condemns Supports Takes note of Transmits Trusts What are Working Papers?
These are the committee s views on a particular sub-topic of the main agenda at hand or solutions to a crisis at hand. They provide direction to the committee and help to formulate a consensus on the subtopic or crisis at hand. A working paper has no prescribed format and requires a minimum of 20% signatories to be introduced. Before introduction to the committee, a working paper needs to be approved by the chair and voting can be carried out in an informal way. In case of multiple working papers, the discretion in putting which one to vote first. The voting on a working paper can be done in an informal way by show of placards. Submission of Working Papers, Draft Resolutions, and Amendments: Working papers, draft resolutions, and amendments shall be submitted to the Chair typed and with the proper number of signatures. Introducing Draft Resolutions: Once a draft resolution has been approved by the Director and has been copied and distributed, a delegate may raise a motion to introduce the draft resolution, which is automatically approved and does not require a vote. The content of the introduction shall be limited to summarizing the operative clauses of the draft resolution. Such an introduction shall be considered procedural in nature, hence yields and comments are out of order. Additional questions and comments regarding the resolution are encouraged to be raised through the speakers list and yields and moderated caucus that refer specifically to discuss the draft resolution introduced. Amendments: Both friendly and unfriendly amendments require the approval of the Chair. An amendment is considered friendly if all of the sponsors of the initial draft resolution are drafters of the amendment and agree to incorporate the amendment. Such an amendment is adopted automatically. Unfriendly amendments are those which the sponsors of the resolution are not willing to incorporate to the resolution. An unfriendly amendment must have the approval of the Chair and the signatures by 20% of the committee. Amendments to amendments are out of order. Voting: Methods of Decision: All procedural decisions, except for the closure and adjournment of debate, shall be made by a simple majority of the delegations present. Delegations physically present in the committee may not abstain on procedural motions. Decisions on draft resolutions and amendments shall require a simple majority in favor. However, the passage of all resolutions and amendments in the
Security Council requires nine affirmative votes and an affirmative vote or an abstention on the part of all permanent members Voting Rights: Each present delegation shall have one vote. Observing nations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) cannot vote on substantive matters. Each vote may be a Yes, No, or abstain or Yes with rights or No with Rights. The vote Yes with Rights or No with Rights include explanations for the vote being taken which are to be presented in verbal form at the end of the committee. On procedural motions, members may not abstain. Members present and voting shall be defined as members casting an affirmative or negative vote (no abstentions) on all substantive votes. Conduct While In Voting Procedure: After the Chair has announced the beginning of voting, no representative may enter or leave the room, nor shall any representative interrupt the voting except on a Point of Personal Privilege, Point of Inquiry, or a Point of Order in connection with the actual conduct of the voting. Communication between delegates is strictly forbidden. A member of the staff shall secure the doors during voting procedure. Method of Voting: Delegations may vote in favor of or against a proposal or may abstain from voting. The committee shall normally vote by show of placards, but any delegate may request a roll call vote on substantive matters. The roll call vote shall be taken in alphabetical order of the English names of the countries present. During a roll call vote, delegations may answer with an affirmative vote, a negative vote, an abstention (when appropriate) or may pass. Delegations passing in the first round of voting will be called upon alphabetically in a second round, at which time they may only answer with an affirmative or negative vote. Delegations that appear to be voting out of policy, while casting an affirmative or negative vote, may reserve the right to explain their vote by Voting with Rights. Delegations must announce that they are voting with Rights at the time they cast their vote. The Chair may permit delegations voting with Rights to explain their votes after voting has concluded but before the decision has been announced. Order of Draft Resolutions: If two or more draft resolutions relate to the same question, the committee shall vote on the resolutions in the order in which they have been submitted. Voting On Unfriendly Amendments: During the voting procedure on a substantive proposal, unfriendly amendments to a resolution shall be voted on first. When unfriendly amendments are proposed,the committee shall first vote on the amendment that creates the greatest change to the draft resolution, as deemed by the Chair, and then the amendment that creates the second greatest change to the resolution. This process continues until all amendments are voted upon. Amendment voting is a substantive procedure and adoption requires the simple majority consent of the delegations present. Voting of Resolutions: A simple majority will be sufficient to pass the resolution in the committee such that a consensus on the solutions to the agenda at hand at can be reached at and the discussion to the adopted agenda can be successfully concluded.
General Assembly Third Committee Sponsors: United States, Austria and Italy Signatories: Greece, Tajikistan, Japan, Canada, Mali, the Netherlands and Gabon Topic: "Strengthening UN coordination of humanitarian assistance in complex emergencies" The General Assembly, Reminding all nations of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which recognizes the inherent dignity, equality and inalienable rights of all global citizens, [use commas to separate preambulatory clauses] Reaffirming its Resolution 33/1996 of 25 July 1996, which encourages Governments to work with UN bodies aimed at improving the coordination and effectiveness of humanitarian assistance, Noting with satisfaction the past efforts of various relevant UN bodies and nongovernmental organizations, Stressing the fact that the United Nations faces significant financial obstacles and is in need of reform, particularly in the humanitarian realm, 1. Encourages all relevant agencies of the United Nations to collaborate more closely with countries at the grassroots level to enhance the carrying out of relief efforts; [use semicolons to separate operative clauses] 2. Urges member states to comply with the goals of the UN Department of Humanitarian Affairs to streamline efforts of humanitarian aid; 3. Requests that all nations develop rapid deployment forces to better enhance the coordination of relief efforts of humanitarian assistance in complex emergencies; 4. Calls for the development of a United Nations Trust Fund that encourages voluntary donations from the private transnational sector to aid in funding the implementation of rapid deployment forces; 5. Stresses the continuing need for impartial and objective information on the political, economic and social situations and events of all countries;
6. Calls upon states to respond quickly and generously to consolidated appeals for humanitarian assistance; and 7. Requests the expansion of preventive actions and assurance of post-conflict assistance through reconstruction and development. [end resolutions with a period]
AIPPM 2015 Special rules of procedure pertaining to this committee Ladies and Gentlemen, In this year's AIPPM, we shall have delegates representing politicians from all around India, with a multitude of opinions on how an issue can be best solved. It is advised that all delegates go through the following guidelines carefully to assist smooth functioning of the committee. To facilitate discussion, we will follow a special set of procedures- I. Delegates may use either English or Hindi as a medium of discussion. However all official documents shall be presented in English only. II. III. IV. Delegates can be either dressed up in Western or Indian formals/ethic attire The time allotted for the General Speakers list shall be 2 minutes. After every speech, question to the politician on the floor shall be in order, if the speech lasted for less than 2 minutes in duration. This question shall pertain to the politician's speech or a speech made by another member of the said politician's political party. However, a member may be selected at random from any political party at to present his or her party's stance on the issue, at any point during committee proceedings. V. The Committee has no effective resolutions. However, you can write together with each other inter-party treaties that shall resolve to work together on this issue on a respective prospective or current Bill in the Parliament or any Legislative Assembly/Legislative Council. a. In case of a prospective Bill, you shall be required to write the Bill in its entirety in an annex following U.N. Resolution Format. b. All the members of the political parties referred to in said treaty will be required to sign the treaty showing acceptance of the treaty in its entire form. c. Any inter-party treaty/working paper without the signature of all the members of the political parties will be tabled. d. Delegates shall be allowed to present inter-party treaties to the chair from the very first session. VI. VII. A bill/resolution can have a maximum of five authors. The Chair is not the Lok Sabha Speaker/ President or any specific physical identity. However, the Chair shall be present to moderate debate and also can present developing / breaking news /crisis update pertaining to the issue, which can alter the flow of debate for a while. The Chair is ready to be advised by you on changes to Committee procedure which shall be allowed after an overwhelming majority.
Sample Resolution Paper Resolution 1.0 Committee: All India Political Party Meet 2015 Topic Area: Article 377 of the Indian Penal Code Sponsors: Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, Digvijay Singh, Sitaram Yechury Signatories: Mani Shankar Aiyer, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Raj Thackrey Approves the2nd July, 2009 Delhi High Court verdict on Article 377 of the Indian Penal Code which decriminalizes consensual sexual acts of the homosexuals in private, Condemns the discrimination faced by lesbian, gay, bisexuals and transgender in India, Emphasizes the need of increased medical assistance to be provided to the LGBT community to prevent HIV-AIDS, Reaffirming that the United Nations has passed the LGBT rights declaration in December 2008, Reaffirming once again to the opposing party to come up with ideas and assistance to protect the minority LGBT community of India, Further reminds that under Section 377, the homosexual and transgender community can be arrested on grounds of suspicion, Condemns the physical, mental, economic, and emotional violence on the LGBT community; Congratulates the state of Tamil Nadu to be the first to provide Transgender rights in India, 1. Supports the repeal of Article 377 and decriminalize homosexuality in India; 2. Appeals to the government to run an anti-homophobic campaign or assembly;
3. Proclaims to let the able bodied members of society (LGBT community or the minority community) who want to work in any sphere of the employment sector against discrimination; 4. Calls upon both the public and private health sector to provide the LGBT community with rightful treatment, diagnosis, medicines; 5. Encourages sex education in the school level and online or personal counselling to help the LGBT community to overcome hurdles in life; 6. Requests the recognition of same sex couples and child adoption by same sex couples; 7. Further requests access to IVF for lesbians and commercial surrogacy for gay male couples; 8. Emphasizing the importance of facilitating the access to community based providers who have experience in providing health services, including HIV/STD testing and counselling and providing them with pensions; 9. Further recommends legal funds to be created that can take on Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on LGBT issues; 10. Urges local authorities, policy makers, schools, and families need more education on accepting gender-variant children, and in treating people of different sexualities and gender identities equally, and in applying policies and programs in a friendly manner, rather than being hostile; 11. Encourages the NGO s and HIV/AIDS rights activists to continue their support towards the LGBT community; 12. Further requests to change societal attitude, media has to play a responsible role by reporting on LGBT issues and promoting a culture of tolerance and freedom for minorities.