Historical Crisis Committee Delegate Preparation Guide UCMUN 2015 17 th Annual UConn Model United Nations November 13-15, 2015 University of Connecticut, Storrs Campus
Table of Contents Description of the Committee 3 Historical Crisis Committee in UCMUN 4 Delegates in HCC 5 Parliamentary Procedure 7 Voting Procedure and Action Plans 9 Roll of the Dais 13 Conclusion 16 2
Description of HCC The Historical Crisis Committee (HCC) is a simulation that takes hold of an issue or event that can be discussed and debated by the Security Council or any United Nations committee. A topic that can be simulated in the Security Council (SC) would be anything that could be the existence of a threat to the peace or act of aggression (UNSC 2015). It calls upon the parties to a dispute to settle it by peaceful means and recommends methods of adjustment or terms of settlement, but can even delegate the power to resort to imposing sanctions or even authorize the use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security (UNSC 2015). A HCC does not always follow the exact setup of the Security Council. They could form cabinets (where delegates become actors identical to the head of state represented) or regional bodies (delegates have equal votes and functions as any committee, thus eliminating the Permanent 5 aka the P5). The function of how delegates will be represented in the committee should be outlined in the Committee Simulation page in the background guide for the topic. Within the Model United Nations community, HCC s have been regarded as simulations that are exciting and challenging. The topics assigned to HCC s can be fiction, historical fiction, or based on historical crises throughout the history of the United Nations. That being said, a possible topic could be something as fictional as Scarface taking over the Canadian government or the Suez Canal Crisis. HCC s can even be utilized into Future Crisis Committees (FCCs) in which topics can take a crisis of the near future or the distant future. For example, an FCC can have a topic as fictitious as a new country destroying bridges to the moon, or something in the nature of dealing with the removal of Russia from the Arctic seas. 3
HCC in UCMUN The Historical Crisis Committee evolved from crisis situations that occurred amongst different committees during an UCMUN conference. Crisis situations were often created for committees like the Security Council. These crisis topics came with little warning to delegates in order to simulate a real life event that often occurs at the United Nations. Through the development of crisis situations, UCMUN has created an entire committee in order to emulate an exciting and challenging simulation of the United Nations. In order to have an efficient and amazing experience in the HCC, there should be only 14-21 delegates involved during the committee. Parliamentary procedure will also change for this committee as well as certain actions that will occur throughout the simulation. One topic shall be generated for the committee rather than two due to the nature of an HCC. 4
Delegates in the HCC The role of the delegate shall remain the same as any other delegate in the committee depending on the choice of the director. A position paper will still be required for all delegates to complete prior to the conference. All history prior to the moment of the crisis situation is true and should be researched, the results of the crisis however, can sway from history. The HCC as a Security Council If the HCC Director chooses to have the delegates simulate a topic as the Security Council, then the roles of the delegates will hold the same function as those within the SC. This means that all delegates will share the same ability to speak and vote. However, just as it is found within the SC, there will be the Permanent Five (P5). The P5 are permanent seats within the SC held by the delegates of: China, France, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Russian Federation. These members have the ability to veto any resolution even if there is a majority in the committee. Only one member of the P5 needs to vote against a resolution so that it is vetoed regardless of international support. Research on: policies, laws, and historical events conducted by the country being represented is crucial to form this representation. For this year, the HCC will run as a Security Council 5
The HCC as the Cabinet(s) If the director chooses for the HCC to function as cabinets, then the delegates will still hold the same functions of a delegate in a committee, but the delegate would be asked to personify a character. The cabinet(s) work as delegates personifying a specific head of government or official with state functions. For example, if the topic called for the British Parliament to react to the Revolutionary War in the British Colonies, then the delegates would act as either specific members of the parliament or delegates within it. They would still however, hold the same function and power as delegates from other committees. In order to do well as this role, it is recommended to research various sources and biographies to get a more in depth of the person the delegate will act as. The HCC as Regional Bodies If the director chooses for the delegates to be regional bodies, then the delegates maintain the same role as any committee, with the exception of a P5 typically found in the SC. The delegate must represent their country as well as possible in the crisis. Research on: policies, laws, and historical events conducted by the country being represented is crucial to form this representation. 6
Parliamentary Procedure For the HCC, parliamentary procedure will differ from other committees in terms of how the committee is structured and the flow of debate. Points and motions will otherwise remain the same in function. If you have any questions on these or even common parliamentary procedure questions, do not hesitate to ask! We can help or you can look at the the Delegate Preparation Guide. Here are the rules and procedures that will be utilized: 1. There will be no speaker s list. The committee simulation will be held much like a moderated caucus. This is done in order to ensure constant dialogue and allows for crisis situations to arise quickly. A delegate however is still encouraged to motion for an unmoderated caucus when they see fit. All other motions and points are allowed throughout the simulation. 2. Roundtables will be used. A roundtable is a request for a suspension of the rules to discuss a specific topic with the consent of the director. Roundtables: a. Any delegate can request a roundtable if it is entertained by the director b. The chair recognizes each delegate to speak about a specific topic for a specific amount of time. c. Roundtables are often used in order for each delegate to speak out about their stance in order to avoid gridlock, solve confusion in a productive manner, and help rest an issue that is otherwise preventing the committee from moving forward. The speaking time is a minimum of thirty seconds and maximum of two minutes. 7
d. A delegate motions for a round table by stating once recognized by the chair, I motion for a roundtable to discuss the (insert issue/ topic/ probable solution) with a (insert time interval). 3. Straw Poll. A straw poll consists of delegates giving their probable votes on a specific proposal. a. The vote is non- bonding (meaning an opinion can change), but this can be utilized to gauge approval of other delegates. b. The way to motion for this straw poll is to ask the director to motion for a straw poll on (insert proposal, directive, etc.). c. Delegates can either state their position (yay, nay) or abstain. 4. Crisis Update. Throughout the simulation, HCC staff will introduce updates or new crises that the committee must work toward addressing They can come in the form of: videos, news releases, intelligent reports, etc. 8
Voting Procedure and Action Plans Voting procedure will remain the same in terms of how the committee is run. For example, if the committee runs like the Security Council, then voting procedure will follow that of the SC. If the committee is run as a cabinet or regional body, then voting procedure will work the same as any standard UCMUN committee. Entering voting procedure remains the same as well. However, resolutions will not be utilized in this committee. Rather, action plans will be utilized in this committee in the form of: directives, communiqués, and press releases. Directives A directive is the most widely used action plan in the HCC. A directive is a short and concise description or action you wish for the committee to take. There are no preambulatory clauses or light (flowery) language. This is because within a crisis committee, new situations are constantly happening, therefore directives offer a quick reaction. Directives also form a binding action unlike a resolution. Therefore, they must be written with clear and precise descriptions of the actions that want to be taken. Keep in mind, directives must operate in the boundaries of the committee. Directives: Are very direct and straightforward Can utilize bullet points (while it is prefered that these be complete sentences, they do not have to be) but they must be specific in detail Are usually reactions to a crisis update (where more than one directive can be passed) Directives are read in the order in which they are submitted. 9
A delegate will motion to suspend the rules in order to have the chair read directives in the order in which they are submitted. Debate is expected after directives are read. Directives are voted on in normal voting procedure with a simple majority (50% of the delegation +1) When a directive is passed, it is sent directly to the target destination (crisis room) with haste. Directives passed will usually be addressed in the following crisis update. They do not require any signatories. Only two sponsors are required. The overall format (besides the clauses) will be written in the form of UCMUN resolutions. Example: Directive 1.1 Historical Crisis Committee Bay of Pigs Crisis Sponsors: United States, United Kingdom New orders for Minuteman I ICBM silo operators Arm all missiles on the United States Western Sea Board No fire unless fired upon The United States will also scramble all fighter jets to assemble over Cuban Airspace Communiqués Communiqués are used for the purpose of the committee as a whole to present a formal letter to either another actor, country, regional body, bloc, or additional committee (if the HCC is treated as a joint HCC). They can include: negotiations, requests for aid or support, opposition, or other topics that connect with the current crisis update. They are direct like a directive, but can allow for language that resembles more light language depending on the nature of the communique. It is stressed however, that the tone be appropriate for the letter s intent. Tone can be everything. Remember: Always keep the simulation and crisis update in mind Letters on behalf of the committee will be sent to actors (country, presidents, etc.) that will get a response to the committee from the HCC staff Tone is everything At least 2 sponsors, but no signatories required 10
It must pass with a simple majority Formatting matches an UCMUN resolution Example: Communiqué 1.1 Historical Crisis Committee Russia in the Cold War Crisis Sponsors: England and Portugal Dear Premier Nikita Khrushchev, It has come to our attention that you have been testing nuclear powered submarine technology in international waters, thus becoming a risk towards foreign investments and trade that are utilized worldwide. This is a threat to our national and economic security. We expect the immediate removal of nuclear submarines in international waters within 48 hours. As the Premier of Russia, we demand you stop these actions immediately or face consequences. Sincerely, The United Nations Security Council The Press Release A press release is utilized to send press information to the world on the current crisis situation at hand. They function similarly to communiqués in that they represent the committee as a whole, but they do not require any action to be taken. The primary function of a press release is to sway public opinion towards a way of thinking or to invoke a reaction by the public as the result of a crisis. The potential of a press release depends upon how the delegate utilizes it. A press release: Is a message from the committee to the public. Used to disseminate information, sway public opinion, cause outrage, drum up support, etc. Sometimes used to publicize an action taken with a previous directive. May be voted on together with another Communiqué or Directive, subject to the discretion of the Chair. Follows similar formatting to a resolution Does not require any sponsor or signatories It must pass by a simple majority Example Press Release 1 Historical Crisis Committee 11
HIV Epidemic Today, it has been found that over 1 million people in the United States have been infected by HIV, a disease that we now realize is not one of infamy; it has infected our loved ones, mothers, fathers children, and so many more. The cabinet deeply regrets allowing this tragedy to continue when something should have been done and encourages an increase in funding and support. The Portfolio Request A portfolio is a document given to each member of the committee that outlines specific powers and abilities that a delegate may hold. Not every HCC may have a portfolio, but if one is presented by the Dais, a delegate may utilize a portfolio request. A portfolio request: Do not need to be voted on Actions taken unilaterally by one member of the committee. Subject to limitations, members of the committee have certain powers that are specific to them and that the other members do not know about. What this means is that, if you have the power to withhold vaccine research in the committee, the portfolio request can be used to accelerate vaccine release, but not to withdraw troops. Can be used to maintain secrecy. Example of uses: meeting in secret with a group or individual, authorizing funds for relief efforts, authorizing weapons or military supplies, leaking false information, etc. 12
Role of the Dais The role of the Dais is to facilitate a fun, engaging, and thought- provoking committee simulation. The role of the Dais is essential to the function of the committee. The Director The role of the director is to ensure that the committee run smoothly with the topic at hand as well as ensuring the full engagement of the delegates. The director will maintain the flow of the committee as well as the approval of actions and motions throughout the sessions. The Topic Specialist The role of the topic specialist is to educate the delegates further on a specific topic for the committee. The topic specialist may also fill in for the role of a delegate if one is absent or needed for the committee. The topic specialist will also act as a special guest if necessary for the committee. A special guest is someone the committee invites to speak on a topic or experience. Because the topic specialist is well versed in the crisis, they can act as someone. The Administrative Directors The administrative directors (ADs) will hold various important function throughout the committee. Here are a few of the roles the ADs will take: Time Keeper/ Records Keeper/ Sub- Director This role is the standard role found in all committees. This AD will mainly adhere to keeping time for any: caucuses (moderated or unmoderated), roundtables, straw polls, etc. Action Plan Requests 13
This role utilizes the AD by having them take and monitor action plan requests; primarily: portfolio requests, and responding to communiqués Report Updated Crises The AD will come in with a crisis report to update the committee that could change the actions of the committee The Administrative Staff The Administrative staff (Admin) shall act as a crucial component to the committee. Used in ensuring proper format for actions plans and more, the admin staff will be in constant communication with the director and ADs while assuring that the content fits the necessary requirements listed. Phases of the Committee and the Flow of Debate The flow of the phases of the committee and the flow of debate will follow very closely with that of a normal committee. However, there are differences that make the HCC very unique. Provided below is a flowchart that outlines the basics of the committee. 14
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Conclusion The Historical Crisis Committee is a committee that is exciting, fast- paced, and rewarding. In order to be successful in this simulation, you must be active, always thinking on your feet, and staying creative with the tools that can be utilized. Note that the storyline for a crisis committee is always changing and the the HCC staff is always responding to any actions that the committee makes. Therefore, always make sure that you are giving your all. 16