LIMUN HS 2017 25TH 26TH NOVEMBER 2017 RULES OF PROCEDURE
Contents Chapter I: General rules... 3 Rule 1 - Authority of the Secretary-General... 3 Rule 2 Authority of the Committee Chairs... 3 Rule 3 Language and attire of the conference... 3 Chapter II: Rules governing committee sessions... 3 Rule 4 General powers of the Committee Directors... 3 Rule 5 Motion to appeal the Directors decision... 4 Rule 6 Participation of non-member states... 4 Rule 7 Quorum... 4 Chapter III: Rules governing the opening of debate... 4 Rule 8 Roll Call... 4 Rule 9 Motion to Open Debate... 5 Chapter IV: Rules governing debate... 5 Rule 10 General speakers list... 5 Rule 11 The proposal of motions... 5 Rule 12 The withdrawal of a proposed motion... 6 Rule 13 Order of disruptiveness of motions... 6 Rule 14 Moderated caucus... 6 Rule 15 Unmoderated caucus... 7 Rule 16 Adjournment of the debate... 7 Rule 17 Resumption of debate... 8 Rule 18 Closure of debate... 8 Rule 19 Suspending debate... 8 Rule 20 Adjournment of the meeting... 9 Chapter V: Rules governing speeches... 9 Rule 21 Speeches... 9 Rule 22 Time limits on speeches... 9 Rule 23 Yields... 9 Rule 24 Right of reply... 9 Chapter VI: Points... 10 Rule 25 Raising points... 10 Rule 26 Point of personal privilege... 10 Rule 27 Point of order... 10 Rule 28 Point of parliamentary inquiry... 10 Chapter VII: Rules governing the drafting of written proposals... 10 Rule 29 Working papers... 10 Rule 30 Draft resolutions... 11 Rule 31 Introduction of draft resolutions... 11 Rule 32 Friendly amendments... 11 Rule 33 Unfriendly amendments... 12 Rule 34 Introduction of unfriendly amendments... 12 Chapter VIII: Rules governing voting procedure... 12 Rule 35 Definition of a majority... 12 Rule 36 Procedural votes... 12 Rule 37 Substantive votes... 12 Rule 38 Motion to vote by roll call... 13 1
Rule 39 Motion to reorder the draft resolutions... 13 Rule 40 Division of the question... 13 Rule 42 Method of voting... 14 Rule 43 Voting with rights... 14 Rule 44 United Nations Security Council voting procedure... 14 Chapter IX: Preambulatory and operative clauses... 15 Chapter X: Sample Draft Resolution... 16 * Please note that these rules of procedure are based on the Rules of Procedure for Ukraine Model United Nations, written by George Mullens 2
Chapter I: General rules Rule 1 - Authority of the Secretary-General The Secretary-General will have the exclusive right to make written or oral statements to the committees of LIMUN HS 2017. The Secretary-General shall have the exclusive right to appoint and dismiss Committee Directors, Assistant Directors and Delegates prior and during the conference. On matters not specified in the Rules of Procedure, the interpretation of the rules will be the reserve of the Secretary-General. The Secretary-General has the final authority over any decision made with regards to the conference. His or her decisions are final and are not subject to appeal. The Secretary- General can delegate members of the Secretariat to exercise his or her authority in duties specified elsewhere in the Rules of Procedure. Rule 2 Authority of the Committee Directors Every committee will have a Director and an Assistant Director (AD), known collectively as the Directors. In addition to ensuring the flow of debate, the Directors of the Committee shall declare the opening and closing of debate. The Directors will aim to direct all discussions towards consensus and ensure the strict observance of the Rules of Procedure. The Directors can use their discretion to reject Motions considered to be unconstructive or irrelevant, except for a Motion to appeal a decision of the Directors. The Director may temporarily transfer his or her duties to assistants at his or her discretion. The Directors are also required to hand over duties to a designated member of the Secretariat upon the request of the Secretary-General. In exercising these functions, the Directors will be subject to the Rules of Procedure and ultimately responsible to the Secretary-General for their actions. Rule 3 Language and attire of the conference English will be the official working language of the conference. Delegates will show courtesy to other Delegates, the Directors of the Committee, the Secretariat and the professional staff of all venues by presenting themselves in formal business attire at all times, unless otherwise stated in the description of the social events. The Directors will immediately call to order all Delegates who are not courteous to other members of the conference and must refer to the Secretary-General if it is required to expel any Delegate for failing to abide by this rule. Chapter II: Rules governing committee sessions Rule 4 General powers of the Committee Directors Under the powers given by these rules and by the appointment of the Secretary-General, the Directors shall have the authority to declare the closing and opening of each committee 3
session, direct discussions and ensure the observance of all rules, give the right to speak, put Motions to vote, and announce the result. As such, the Directors shall have complete control over the proceedings of his or her committee. The Directors shall rule on all points under Chapter VI (on Points) and may propose the closure of the debate along with the suspension or adjournment of the debate and meeting. The Directors can temporarily transfer his duties to a member of the Secretariat or another member of his or her chairing team. If it is necessary, a Directors can choose to suspend the debate without a vote, in order to clarify any substantive or procedural issues. The Directors may use his or her discretion to assign all speaking times for all Delegates whilst Delegates are debating on the general speaker s list. Rule 5 Motion to appeal the Directors decision Any Delegate can appeal any decision of the Directors unless stated otherwise in these rules. This Motion requires a second. If there are seconds, the Directors can defend their decision in an oral statement to the committee. After this oral statement, the committee will move directly into a procedural vote on the Motion which will require a 2/3 majority to overrule the Directors decision. This Motion is a procedural vote under rule 36, meaning that all Delegates must vote either in favour or against, abstentions are not in order. However, any decisions of the Secretary- General or members of the Secretariat cannot be appealed. Rule 6 Participation of non-member states The representatives of Observer States or NGOs will have the full rights as all other Delegates. However, Observers are not allowed to vote in substantive votes, i.e. the final vote on any draft resolutions. Observers may only be present when the Committee Directors commences roll call. Rule 7 Quorum Before the start of each session, the Directors will declare that the Committee is open to debate once quorum has been satisfied and shall commence with roll call as per rule 8. Quorum is satisfied only once at least 1/3 of the members of the Committee are in the committee room. Quorum is to be assumed unless a Delegate specifically challenges it by asking for roll call. The presence of a majority of Delegates is required for any substantive Motions to be voted upon. Chapter III: Rules governing the opening of debate Rule 8 Roll Call At the beginning of each Committee session, the Committee Directors will call upon each member state in English alphabetical order to state their presence in the committee. Delegates may respond by replying either present or present and voting. If a Delegate replies present and voting, then the Delegate may not abstain on substantive votes and 4
may generally indicate a stronger country position towards the agenda item. Observers are required to reply as present as per rule 6. Rule 9 Motion to Open Debate Once quorum has been satisfied at the first committee session and the Directors has gone through roll call, the first item of business will be the opening of the debate. As there is only one topic per committee, a Motion to Open Debate is the only motion which is in order. This motion requires a second, and if there are any objections then there will be a procedural vote on the opening on debate. Speakers in favour and against this motion are not in order. Chapter IV: Rules governing debate Rule 10 General speakers list Once the debate of the committee has been opened, a continuously open speakers list known as the general speakers list will be automatically opened for the purpose of debate. The intial time limit for speeches will be set at the discretion of the Directors. They can change this time at their own discretion. A Delegate Motion to change the Speaker s time requires a second and a simple majority to pass. The Directors will ask the Delegates for those who wish to be added to the general speakers list and may ask at any time whether any other Delegates wish to be added. The Directors will keep a written copy of the order of speakers. Delegates may send a note to the Directors to be added to the speakers list, or by raising their placards when the Directors asks for more speakers. No Delegate may be on the speakers list twice at the same time. The general speakers list will be followed for all subjects concerning the topic adopted by the committee. Importantly, if there are no more Delegates on the speakers list then the debate on the agenda item shall be considered finished and the committee shall move into a closure of the debate. When a Delegate is speaking in the general speakers list, they must yield their time according to the rules of yielding found in Rule 23. Any Delegate not present in the committee when their turn to speak arrives, will automatically have their time yielded back to the chair so as to continue debate. A Delegate can also ask to be removed from the general speakers list by sending a note to the Directors or by asking orally before he or she is about to start their speech. Rule 11 The proposal of motions The Directors can ask for any Motions at any time when the floor is open. It is strictly out of order for Delegates to raise Motions whenever they please. For a Motion to be proposed, the Directors will open the floor and will ask Delegates to propose motions one by one. The Directors may stop asking for Motions at any point and move to voting upon the Motions on the floor. This is entirely at the Director s discretion and cannot be appealed. 5
The Directors will entertain the Motions on the floor in the order of their disruptiveness as per Rule 13. If there are several Motions which are of the same disruptiveness, then the Directors will decide the order of them. This is at the discretion of the Directors. The Directors must ask the committee if there are any seconds and objections to the Motion being entertained. If there are seconds and no objections, then the Motion will be accepted without a procedural vote. If there are no seconds, then the Motion will fail. If there are both seconds and objections, then the Directors shall move to a procedural vote as per Rule 36. If the Motion fails, it will be discarded by the Directors. The Directors will subsequently look at the next most disruptive Motion as determined above. This will continue until a Motion is passed or all Motions fail. Once a motion is passed, the other motions on the list are lost, and must be raised again the next time the Director opens the floor to motions. If all Motions fail, then the Directors can ask once again for more Motions, or go back to the general speakers list. This decision is totally subject to the Directors and cannot be appealed. All motions, whatever their type, are to be raised in the manner detailed in this rule. Rule 12 The withdrawal of a proposed motion A Delegate who proposes a Motion may at any time withdraw that Motion before the vote on that Motion as commenced. If the committee has approved of a Motion, then the Delegate who proposed the Motion may not withdraw it. Rule 13 Order of disruptiveness of motions The order of disruptiveness of Motions determines the order in which Motions are looked at and voted on, from the most to least disruptive: 1. Adjournment of the debate (rule 16) 2. Suspension of the debate (rule 19) 3. Closure of debate (rule 18) 4. Resumption of debate (rule 17) 5. Introduction of draft resolutions (rule 31) 6. Introduction of amendments (rule 34) 7. Introducing working papers (rule 29) 8. Extension of a caucus (rule 14 and 15) 9. Unmoderated caucus (rule 15) 10. Moderated caucus (rule 14) A motion of the same disruptiveness but of a longer period of time is not more disruptive. Rule 14 Moderated caucus A Motion for a moderated caucus is in order at any time prior to the closure of debate, if the Directors have opened the floor to Motions. In a moderated caucus, the Directors will 6
temporarily leave the speakers list and call upon Delegates who wish to speak. The Delegate making the Motion must explain the topic/purpose of the caucus, specify a time limit (less than 20 minutes) and a time limit for individual speeches. This Motion requires a second to be adopted and will be subject to a procedural vote under rule 36. If the Motion has been accepted, it is customary to ask the Delegate who proposed the speech whether they want to be the first speaker of the caucus. A motion to extend a moderated caucus is in order once the time limit for the caucus has elapsed, so long as the extension is less than half the original time limit of the caucus, and the extended caucus does not exceed 20 minutes. Extensions to the second degree are out of order. There are no yields in a moderated caucus: when a delegate finishes their speech, they need only sit down. The Directors may rule the Motion to be out of order if the Directors feels that the Motion is not constructive to debate or is not relevant to the topic. This decision of the Directors is not open to appeal. Rule 15 Unmoderated caucus A Motion for an unmoderated caucus is in order at any time prior to the closure of debate, while the Directors have opened the floor to Motions. In an unmoderated caucus, Delegates roam freely in the committee room speaking to other Delegates about their country positions or other issues concerning the topic being debated. Unmoderated caucuses are also where Delegates are expected to write all documents which the committee will debate. The Delegate raising the Motion must briefly explain the purpose of the unmoderated caucus and must specify an overall time limit for the caucus to not exceed a total of 30 minutes (including extensions). The Directors may rule the Motion to be out of order if the Directors feels that the Motion is not constructive, or is not relevant to the topic being debated. This decision of the Directors is not open to appeal. A motion to extend an unmoderated caucus is in order once the time limit for the caucus has elapsed, so long as it does not exceed the total time limit of the caucus. Extensions to the second degree are out of order. Rule 16 Adjournment of the debate A Motion for the adjournment of debate requests the adjourning the agenda item currently under discussion, this is also known as the tabling of the debate. If a Motion for adjournment passes, the agenda item is considered dismissed, all documents will be tabled and no further action will be taken upon the agenda item. If the Motion to adjourn the debate is successful, this effectively ends the whole debate, and the committee will commence debate on a different issue to be determined by the Secretariat. A Motion to adjourn the debate is in order at any time when the floor is open, prior to the closure of debate. This Motion is subject to a procedural vote under rule 36. If there are objections to the Motion, then a speakers list will be opened with a maximum of 2 Delegates in favour and 2 Delegates against the Motion. Once the speakers list has elapsed, debate will be closed automatically and this will be followed by a procedural vote. 7
The Directors may also use his or her discretion to rule this Motion out of order, if for instance, the Committee has already commenced debate on a subsequent item on the agenda. Rule 17 Resumption of debate A Motion for the resumption of debate requests the reopening of the debate on the agenda item that was previously adjourned. This Motion requires a second and will be subject to a procedural vote under rule 36. If there are objections to the Motion, then a speakers list will be opened with a maximum of 2 Delegates in favour and 2 Delegates against the Motion. Once the speakers list has elapsed, the speaker s list will be closed automatically and followed by a procedural vote. Rule 18 Closure of debate A Motion to close the debate requests the ending of all discussions on the agenda items and a move into voting procedure on all substantive proposals. Once this Motion has been completed and voting procedures have taken place, then the committee shall automatically adopt the second agenda item, or another agenda as directed by the Secretariat. A Motion to close the debate is in order at any time when the floor is open prior to the closure of debate and when the Directors asks for Motions. However, the Directors can use his or her discretion to rule the Motion out of order if he or she feels that there should be further debate on the agenda before moving to voting procedure. This decision is not subject to appeal. This Motion requires a second. If there are objections to the Motion, then a speakers list will be opened with a maximum of 2 Delegates in favour and 2 Delegates against the Motion. Once the speakers list has elapsed, the speakers list will be automatically and followed by a procedural vote. The closure of debate requires a 2/3 majority of all members present in the committee. Rule 19 Suspending debate A Motion to suspend the debate requests a temporary stopping of the meeting. It is usually at the end of a committee session. Whilst the floor is open and the Directors is asking for Motions, a Delegate may Motion for a suspension of the meeting and must specify a time for reconvening. This Motion requires a second and will be subject to a procedural vote. If there are objections to this Motion, there will be no special speaker s list. This Motion should be used to propose short breaks of the session rather than an unmoderated caucus. The Directors may rule that the Motion is out of order if he or she feels that it is not yet time for the suspension of the session. This decision is not subject to an appeal. The Directors can also briefly suspend the meeting at any time at his or her discretion. 8
Rule 20 Adjournment of the meeting The adjournment of the meeting signals the end of the Committee s work for UkraineMUN 2017. After the adjournment of the meeting, the Committee shall reconvene at UkraineMUN 2018. This Motion will be subject to a Procedural vote as per rule 36. Chapter V: Rules governing speeches Rule 21 Speeches No Delegate may address the Committee without the prior consent of the Directors (except during an unmoderated caucus). The Directors may call a Delegate to order at their discretion if his or her speech is not relevant to the agenda item, is considered offensive, infringes upon the sovereignty of a member state or goes against the spirit of the United Nations Charter. All Delegates are required to make all speeches from a 3 rd person perspective and must not use personal pronouns such as I. Delegates will be representing their country s views, not their own. Rule 22 Time limits on speeches The Directors may use his or her discretion to set a speaker s time during general speakers list. The minimum time limit will be thirty seconds and the maximum time limit will be two minutes. When a Delegate exceeds the allotted time, the Directors must call the speaker to order. Rule 23 Yields If a Delegate was granted the right to speak in the general speakers list and has time remaining, then they may yield their remaining time in three ways: 1. Yield to another Delegate. His or her remaining time will be given to a Delegate, who then must yield the floor to the chair. 2. Yield to points of information. The Directors will select Delegates who want to ask a question to the current speaker. The Delegates asking the questions will be limited to one short question. Only the time taken for the speaker s answers to questions will be deducted from the speakers time. Follow-up questions will only be allowed if, in the opinion of the Directors, the Delegate has not answered the question. This decision is not open to an appeal. 3. Yield to the Chair. Such a yield should be made if the Delegate does not wish to yield to questions or another Delegate, the Directors will then move to the next speaker. Yields to the second degree are out of order. Rule 24 Right of reply A Delegate may request a right of reply only in cases where the Delegate feels another Delegate has infringed their country s sovereignty or integrity. A statement that infringes a country s sovereignty or integrity is a statement that is directed to the governing authority 9
of that Member State and questions the very existence of a member state. A request for a right of reply must be submitted in writing to the Directors with a short explanation, a right of reply may not be requested orally. If the Directors deems that such a request is in order, the Delegate may give a speech (with the time determined by the Directors) explaining why their national sovereignty has been infringed. Chapter VI: Points Rule 25 Raising points Any point can be raised during the committee sessions provided that it does not interrupt the speaker. The only point that may interrupt a speaker in exceptional circumstances is a point of personal privilege under Rule 26. If a Delegate wishes to raise a point, then they may raise their placard and state their point. The Directors will then take any appropriate action as per the rules. Points shall be recognised prior to any Motions or speakers. Rule 26 Point of personal privilege If there is a circumstance which prevents a Delegate from participating in the committee to their fullest or if the Delegate is in personal discomfort, then they may raise this point. This point can be raised for instance, if the Delegate cannot see a document being projected onto a screen or if the Delegate is not comfortable with the temperature in the room. This point is the only point that can interrupt a speaker, but only if the Delegate cannot hear the speaker. Rule 27 Point of order A Delegate may raise a point of order to protest that the rules of procedure are not being followed or if there is an instance of improper parliamentary procedure. This point may not interrupt the speech of another Delegate. The Directors will then subsequently rule upon the point of order in accordance with these rules. The decision of the Directors is open to appeal. Rule 28 Point of parliamentary inquiry When the floor is open, a Delegate may raise a point of parliamentary inquiry in order to ask the Directors a question regarding the rules of procedure. This point may never interrupt a speaker. This is not the same as a point of information. Delegates are encouraged to try to avoid an overreliance on Points of parliamentary inquiry. Chapter VII: Rules governing the drafting of written proposals Rule 29 Working papers Working papers are informal documents meant to aid the committee in its discussions. A working paper does not need to be written in a draft resolution format. Delegates may raise a Motion to introduce a working paper only once it has been approved by the Directors. The procedure to introduce a working paper is identical to the procedure set out in rule 11. Working papers only require sponsors and do not require any signatories. Once the working paper has been introduced, it will be numbered and uploaded to any relevant committee groups online. 10
Rule 30 Draft resolutions A draft resolution can be introduced via the procedure of rule 31, only once it has been signed by 1/5 of the Delegates present in the room and has received the approval of the Directors. The draft resolution must follow the formatting, perambulatory and operative clauses present in Chapters IX and X. The requirement for 1/5 of delegates includes both Sponsors and Signatories. A Delegate is a sponsor only if they have authored or helped to write the draft resolution. The role of sponsors also indicates support for the draft resolution. A Delegate will count as a signatory if the Delegate has agreed to sign the draft resolution. The signing of a draft resolution does not necessarily indicate support of the draft resolution, but a willingness to see it debated. The signatory therefore has no further obligation towards the draft resolution. Observer members can both sign and sponsor draft resolutions. A Delegate can request that their country name is removed from the list of sponsors or signatories at any time during the debate. This request should be submitted in written form to the Directors. If there are no sponsors left on the draft resolution, or if the draft resolution drops below the 1/5 requirement, then the draft resolution will be automatically withdrawn. Rule 31 Introduction of draft resolutions Once a draft resolution has been approved and follows the rules of rule 30, a Motion to introduce the draft resolution is available to a sponsor. Before seconds and objections to the Motion are heard, one of the sponsors shall read out only the operative clauses of the draft resolution. Once the Delegate has finished reading out the operative clauses, the Directors will ask for seconds and objections to the introduction. If there are objections, then there will be a procedural vote in accordance with rule 36. Once the draft resolution has been introduced, it will be numbered by the Directors and uploaded to any relevant committee groups online. The Directors must then ask for a Motion for a moderated caucus of at least 10 minutes to discuss the draft resolution. More than one draft resolution may be on the floor at one time, however only one draft resolution can be passed per agenda item. Rule 32 Friendly amendments A friendly amendment is a change to an operative clause that does not change the substance of the clause or clauses. Friendly amendments can only be used to change grammatical or spelling mistakes present in a draft resolution. A friendly amendment requires the approval of all the sponsors of the draft resolution. Once the friendly amendment has been approved, a Delegate can introduce a Motion to incorporate the friendly amendment into the draft resolution. This Motion does not require seconds or objections. 11
Rule 33 Unfriendly amendments An unfriendly amendment is a change to an operative clause of a draft resolution that changes the substance of a clause or clauses. Unfriendly amendments require 1/10 of the committee to sign the document. Once the amendment has the required number of signatures, it can be submitted to the Directors for approval in writing or electronically. Once approved, the sponsor of the amendment can then formally introduce the amendment according to rule 34. Unfriendly amendments cannot alter the perambulatory clauses and amendments to the third degree are not permitted. However, a part of a draft resolution that has been amended previously can be further amended through a separate amendment. The sponsors or signatories of a draft resolution do not need to support an unfriendly amendment for it to pass. Rule 34 Introduction of unfriendly amendments Once an unfriendly amendment has been approved by the Directors, one of the sponsors of the amendment may Motion to introduce the unfriendly amendment. Before seconds and objections to the amendment are heard, the sponsor will read out the amendment. Then seconds and objections will be heard. If there are no objections, then the unfriendly amendment will be automatically incorporated into the draft resolution. If there are objections to the amendment, a speakers list to debate the amendment will be opened by the Directors. The number of speakers in favour and against must be equal, with a maximum of 3 Delegates in favour and 3 against will be heard. Once the speakers list has elapsed, debate on the amendment will be closed automatically and this will be followed by a procedural vote on whether to incorporate the amendment into the draft resolution. Chapter VIII: Rules governing voting procedure Rule 35 Definition of a majority Unless stated otherwise in the Rules of Procedure, the decisions made by all committees during LIMUN HS 2017 will be made by a simple majority of Delegates present. In substantive votes, abstentions will not be counted therefore meaning that only votes in favour or against will be counted. A simple majority is defined as more votes in favour than against. If there are an equal number of votes in favour and against, then the vote fails. Rule 36 Procedural votes A procedural vote is a vote on how the debate should proceed. Each Delegate, including observers, will have one vote on procedural Motions. Delegates will express their vote by raising their placards. A simple majority will be required unless stated otherwise in the rules of procedure. Delegates must vote for or against in procedural votes, abstentions are out of order. Rule 37 Substantive votes A substantive vote is only taken when passing a draft resolution. After the closure of debate on an agenda item, the Directors may entertain Motions under Rules 38, 40 and 41. Then, 12
the committee will move into a substantive vote on the draft resolutions that were most recently introduced, unless the order of draft resolutions was changed under Rule 39. In substantive votes, Delegates may vote Yes, No or Abstain. Delegates who previously stated that they were present and voting at the roll call at the start of the committee session are not allowed to abstain as per Rule 8. Observers are not allowed to vote on substantive votes as per Rule 6. Delegates will express their vote by raising their placards unless a Motion to vote by roll call is passed as per Rule 38. After the Directors has announced the beginning of voting, no Delegate can interrupt the voting except with a point of personal privilege or point of order. Delegates are also not allowed to leave the Committee room whilst voting is taking place. Rule 38 Motion to vote by roll call Once debate on the agenda item has been closed following Rule 18, a Delegate can Motion to vote by roll call. This Motion requires a second. If there are objections to this Motion, then a procedural vote will follow as per rule 36. If the procedural vote succeeds, then a roll call vote will follow on only substantive votes. The Directors will go through the list of Delegates in alphabetical order. In a roll call vote, Delegates can vote in five ways: yes, no, abstain (only if the Delegate is present), no with rights (as per rule 43) and pass. A vote to pass indicates that the Delegate is still uncertain on how to vote. The Delegate must subsequently vote after the final Delegate on the roll call has voted. Rule 39 Motion to reorder the draft resolutions If two or more draft resolutions are on the floor, they will be voted upon in the order in which they were ordered. A Motion to reorder draft resolutions will be in order immediately after the closure of debate, but prior to entering voting procedure. This Motion requires a second and is subject to a procedural vote as per rule 36. When stating the Motion, the Delegate must specify how the draft resolutions are to be reordered. If there are any other Motions to reorder the draft resolutions, then the Committee will vote on each Motion in consecutive order. Voting will continue until either a Motion passes or all Motions fail. If all Motions fail, then the Committee will move onto a substantive vote on the draft resolutions in their original order. If this Motion is approved, the Committee will then move into voting procedure on the draft resolutions in the order specified in the Motion. Rule 40 Division of the question After the closure of debate, a Delegate may propose a Motion to vote on a specific operative clause of a draft resolution separately. This Motion can be proposed after debate has been closed but before voting has started and must include a description on how the draft resolution is to be divided. The division of the question cannot separate preambulatory clauses or sub-operative clauses. 13
If there are numerous Motions to divide the question, then each division will be voted upon in an order set by the Directors where the most radical division will be voted upon first. Each Motion requires a second and an objection. If there is an objection to a Motions to divide the question, then a speakers list will be opened with a maximum of 2 Delegates in favour and 2 against. Once the speakers list has elapsed, then a procedural vote will follow. If the Motion succeeds, then the draft resolution will be divided with the discarded clause or clauses put into a separate document which will be carried into the final vote. Rule 42 Method of voting The Committee will vote by a show of placards unless otherwise stated in the rules of procedure. During substantive votes, a Delegate can raise a Motion to vote by roll call. The Delegate moving for a roll call vote should indicate on which draft resolution or draft resolutions this Motion applies to. Voting by roll call as per rule 38 is the only instance in which Delegates will vote orally. Rule 43 Voting with rights A vote with rights is a vote used in order to explain why a Delegate has chosen to vote against a draft resolution. Voting with rights can only occur if the Committee has entered a roll call vote under rule 38. If a Delegate decides to vote no with rights, the Delegate can then make a brief statement on why they voted against the draft resolution. However, voting no with rights should only be done in extraordinary circumstances, for instance the sponsor of a draft resolution voting against their own resolution. Rule 44 United Nations Security Council voting procedure The Security Council, as the highest body of the United Nations, has a different voting procedure. The United States of America, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the People s Republic of China, and the French Republic shall have a veto for only substantive votes. The Permanent 5 will not be allowed to veto motions or procedural votes and may only use their veto for the final vote on the Draft Resolution being voted on by the Committee. 14
Chapter IX: Preambulatory and operative clauses Preambulatory Clauses Acknowledging Emphasizing Mindful Affirming Encouraged Noting further Alarmed Endorsing Noting with approval Anxious Expressing Noting with concern Approving Expressing appreciation Noting with grave concern Aware Expecting Noting with regret Bearing in mind Fulfilling Noting with satisfaction Being convinced Fully aware Observing Believing Fully believing Reaffirming Cognizant Further deploring Realizing Concerned Further recalling Recalling Confident Grieved Recognizing Conscious Guided by Referring Considering Having adopted Regretting Contemplating Having approved Reiterating Convinced Having considered Seeking Declaring Having examined further Stressing Deeply Disturbed Having received Welcoming Desiring Having reviewed Determined Keeping in mind Operative Clauses Accepts Directs Invites Adopts Emphasizes Notes with appreciation Affirms Encourages Notes with approval Appeals Endorses Notes with interest Appreciates Expressing Notes with satisfaction Approves Expressing its appreciation Reaffirms Authorizes Expressing its conviction Reaffirms its belief Calls upon Expressing its regret Recognizes Commends Expressing its sympathy Recommends Concurs Expressing its thanks Regrets Condemns Expressing its belief Reiterates Confirms Expressing its hope Renews its appeal Congratulates Further concurs Repeats Considers Further invites Suggests Decides Further proclaims Strongly suggests Decides accordingly Further reminds Supports Declares Further recommends Takes note of Deplores Further requests Transmits Designates Further resolves Urges Directs Instructs Welcomes 15
Chapter X: Sample Draft Resolution Sponsors: Austria, Italy and the United States of America [countries in alphabetical order] Signatories: Canada, Gabon, Greece, Japan, Mali, the Netherlands and Tajikistan Committee: General Assembly Third Committee Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM) 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 and perambulatory clauses should either be underlined or italicized] Reaffirming its Resolution 33/1996 of 25 July 1996, which encourages Governments to work with U.N. 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 and operative clauses should either be underlined or italicized] 2. Urges member states to comply with the goals of the UN Department of Humanitarian Affairs to streamline efforts of humanitarian aid by: a. Funding further humanitarian efforts, [use comma between subclauses] b. Aiding in the logistical capabilities of humanitarian missions; [use semicolons to end the operative clause] 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 full stop] 16
Glossary Abstain: During a vote on a substantive matter, delegates may abstain rather than vote yes or no. This generally signals that a country does not support the resolution being voted on, but does not oppose it enough to vote no. Adjourn: All UN or Model UN sessions end with a vote to adjourn. This means that the debate is suspended until the next meeting. This can be a short time (e.g., overnight) or a long time (until next year's conference). Agenda: The order in which the issues before a committee will be discussed. The first duty of a committee following the roll call is usually to set the agenda. Amendment: A change to a draft resolution on the floor. Can be of two types: a "friendly amendment" is supported by the original draft resolution's sponsors, and is passed automatically, while an "unfriendly amendment" is not supported by the original sponsors and must be voted on by the committee as a whole. Binding: Having legal force in UN member states. Security Council resolutions are binding, as are decisions of the International Court of Justice; resolutions of the General Assembly and Economic and Social Council are not. Bloc: A group of countries in a similar geographical region or with a similar opinion on a particular topic. Blocs typically vote together. Chair: A member of the dais that moderates debate, keeps time, rules on points and motions, and enforces the rules of procedure. Also known as a Moderator. Decorum: The order and respect for others that all delegates at a Model UN conference must exhibit. The Chair will call for decorum when he or she feels that the committee is not being respectful of a speaker, of the dais, or of their roles as ambassadors. Delegate: A student acting as a representative of a member state or observer in a Model UN committee. Delegation: The entire group of people representing a member state or observer in all committees at a particular Model UN conference. They are usually all from the same school. Division of the Question: During voting bloc, delegates may motion to vote on certain clauses of a resolution separately, so that only the clauses that are passed become part of the final resolution. This is known as division of the question. Draft resolution: A document that seeks to fix the problems addressed by a Model UN committee. If passed by the committee, the draft resolution will become into a resolution. Faculty Advisor: The faculty member in charge of a Model UN team, class or club. Flow of debate: The order in which events proceed during a Model UN conference. This 17
usually indicates the movement between formal and informal debate and the process of drafting, debating and voting on resolutions. Formal debate: The "standard" type of debate at a Model UN conference, in which delegates speak for a certain time in an order based on a speakers' list. Head Delegate: The student leader of a Model UN club or team. Member State: A country that has ratified the Charter of the United Nations and whose application to join has been accepted by the General Assembly and Security Council. Currently, there are 193 member states. Moderated Caucus: A type of caucus in which delegates remain seated and the Chair calls on them one at a time to speak for a short period of time, enabling a freer exchange of opinions than would be possible in formal debate. Moderator: see Chair. Motion: A request made by a delegate that the committee as a whole do something. Some motions might be to go into a caucus, to adjourn, to introduce a draft resolution, or to move into voting procedure. Observer: A state, national organization, regional organization, or non-governmental organization that is not a member of the UN but participates in its debates. Observers can vote on procedural matters but not substantive matters. An example is the Holy See. On the floor: At a Model UN conference, when a working paper or draft resolution is first written, it may not be discussed in debate. After it is approved by the Director and introduced by the committee, it is put "on the floor" and may be discussed. Operative clause: The part of a resolution which describes how the UN will address a problem. It begins with an action verb (decides, establishes, recommends, etc.). Page: A delegate in a Model UN committee that has volunteered to pass notes from one delegate to another, or from a delegate to the dais, for a short period of time. Placard: A piece of cardstock with a country's name on it that a delegate raises in the air to signal to the Chair that he or she wishes to speak. Point: A request raised by a delegate for information or for an action relating to that delegate. Examples include a point of order, a point of inquiry, and a point of personal privilege Position paper: A summary of a country's position on a topic, written by a delegate before a Model UN conference. Preambulatory Clause: The part of a resolution that describes previous actions taken on the 18
topic and reasons why the resolution is necessary. It begins with a participle or adjective (noting, concerned, regretting, aware of, recalling, etc.). Procedural: Having to do with the way a committee is run, as opposed to the topic being discussed. All delegates present must vote on procedural matters and may not abstain. Quorum: The minimum number of delegates needed to be present for a committee to meet. In the General Assembly, a quorum consists of one third of the members to begin debate, and a majority of members to pass a resolution. In the Security Council, no quorum exists for the body to debate, but nine members must be present to pass a resolution. Resolution: A document that has been passed by an organ of the UN that aims to address a particular problem or issue. Right of Reply: A right to speak in reply to a previous speaker's comment, invoked when a delegate feels personally insulted by another's speech. Generally requires a written note to the Chair to be invoked. Roll Call: The first order of business in a Model UN committee, during which the Rapporteur reads aloud the names of each member state in the committee. When a delegate's country's name is called, he or she may respond "present" or "present and voting." A delegate responding "present and voting" may not abstain on a substantive vote. Rules of Procedure: The rules by which a Model UN committee is run. Second: To agree with a motion being proposed. Many motions must be seconded before they can be brought to a vote. Secretariat: The staff of a Model UN conference. Secretary-General: The leader of a Model UN conference. Signatory: A country that wishes a draft resolution to be put on the floor and signs the draft resolution to accomplish this. A signatory need not support a resolution; it only wants it to be discussed. Usually, Model UN conferences require some minimum number of sponsors and signatories for a draft resolution to be approved. Simple majority: 50% plus one vote of the number of delegates in a committee. The amount needed to pass most votes. Speakers' List: A list that determines the order in which delegates will speak. Whenever a new topic is opened for discussion, the Chair will create a speakers' list by asking all delegates wishing to speak to raise their placards and calling on them one at a time. During debate, a delegate may indicate that he or she wishes to be added to the speakers' list by sending a note to the dais. Sponsor: One of the writers of a draft resolution. A friendly amendment can only be created 19
if all sponsors agree. Substantive: Having to do with the topic being discussed. A substantive vote is a vote on a draft resolution or amendment already on the floor during voting bloc. Only member states (not observer states or non-governmental organizations) may vote on substantive issues. Study Guide: A guide to a topic being discussed in a Model UN committee usually written by conference organizers and distributed to delegates before the conference. The starting point for any research before a Model UN conference. Unmoderated Caucus: A type of caucus in which delegates leave their seats to mingle and speak freely. Enables the free sharing of ideas to an extent not possible in formal debate or even a moderated caucus. Frequently used to sort countries into blocs and to write working papers and draft resolutions. Working Paper: A document in which the ideas of some delegates on how to resolve an issue are proposed. Frequently the precursor to a draft resolution. Veto: The ability, held by China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States to prevent any draft resolution in the Security Council from passing by voting no. Vote: A time at which delegates indicate whether they do or do not support a proposed action for the committee. There are two types: procedural and substantive. 20