Drew MUN Fall 2008

1. Debate set up, Model UN procedures Drew MUN Fall 2008

2. How to set up a formal debate • Once you have your country assignments, you should then be prepared to work together with the other countries in your block (i.e. nations that have similar ideas and opinions on the conflict) • You should then formulate your opinions formally in a position paper, these can vary at length but the goal is to reflect your nations ideas and opinions, not your personal bias. These are useful once debate begins, it gives you direction with your points. • Also to secondary research on your country, familiarize yourself on how they voted in the general assembly if the information is available • You should always do secondary research to learn more about the topic, simulations will be given to you with the necessary information but going above that does not hurt you.

3. The Flow of Debate • Each meeting will begin with a roll call of present nations • The Moderators will then discuss what is on the agenda so as to guide debate toward a specific goal • Points and motions will be made, voted on (majority wins), and debate will begin following what has been voted • The debate then proceeds formally or informally

4. Points within Debate • A point is a request raised by a delegate for information or an action relating to that of the delegate • A point of order is used when a delegate believes the chair has made an error in the running of the committee. The Delegate should only specify the errors they believe were made in the formal committee procedure, and may not address the topic being discussed. • A point of inquiry (also known as a point of parliamentary procedure) can be made when the floor is open (i.e. when no other delegate is speaking) in order to ask the chairperson a question regarding the rules of procedure. • A delegate may raise a point of personal privilege in order to inform the chairperson of a physical discomfort he or she is experiencing, such as not being able to hear another delegate’s speech. • A delegate raises a point of information in order to pose a question to a speaker during formal debate. The speaker chooses whether or not to yield his or her time to points of information.

5. Formal Debate • Formal debate means that nations volunteer to be put on a speakers list in which they will have a certain time limit (usually 2-5 minutes) in which they state their nations position and suggestions of action • If delegates create working papers then formal debate is where they present them in order to gain support from other delegates who may vote outside of their block • After the time ends for the speakers list, then points or motions can be made to move forward with the list or revert to informal debate in order to create resolutions or working papers. • If the speakers list is exhausted, then the delegates move to voting procedures (nations may be recycled if they wish)

6. Informal Debate • Informal debate is divided into two sections, moderated or unmoderated caucuses • In a moderated caucus, delegates have the opportunity to discuss the topics on the agenda by making short speeches in front of the delegation (usually 30 seconds-1 minute). This debate is often used when topic is new and needs to be given more thought. It is also used to find alliances within your block or outside of your block in order to collaborate on a working paper • In an unmoderated caucus nations are given a brief recess in order to collaborate informally with other nations to create working papers or resolutions.

7. Normal Actions of the UN • Although crises differ, there are many precautions and actions that delegates vote for in their resolutions to maintain peace • 1. Maintaining a ceasefire, or establishing a DMZ • 2. economic sanctions to help enforce international law (often used when trying to sway a government away from undesirable policies) • 3. partitions • 4. Peacekeeping coalitions (armed or unarmed) • 5. economic aid (food, water, medicine, ect.) • 6. Condemnations • 7. Arrange peace talks and treaties • 8. Military Intervention • 9. Sever diplomatic relations

8. Working Papers • These are pre-resolutions that reflect either the personal solutions or a country or those within their block. They are less formally written but still require the proper format. • 1. Heading • 2. Perambulatory Clauses • 3. Operative Clauses

9. Perambulatory Clauses • Preambulatory ClausesThe 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

10. Language of Perambulatory Clauses • DesiringEmphasizing Expecting Expressing its appreciationExpressing its satisfaction Having received Having studiedKeeping in mindNoting with regretNoting with deep concernNoting with satisfactionNoting further Noting with approvalObservingReaffirmingRealizingRecallingRecognizingReferringSeekingTaking into accountTaking into considerationTaking noteViewing with appreciationWelcoming FulfillingFully alarmedFully awareFully believingFurther deploringFurther recalling Guided byHaving adoptedHaving consideredHaving considered furtherHaving devoted attentionHaving examinedHaving heardHaving received Having studiedKeeping in mindNoting with regretNoting with deep concernNoting with satisfactionNoting further Noting with approvalObservingReaffirmingRealizingRecallingRecognizingReferringSeekingTaking into accountTaking into considerationTaking noteViewing with appreciationWelcoming

11. Operative Clauses • Operative ClausesOperative 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.

12. Language of Operative Clauses • AcceptsAffirmsApprovesAuthorizesCallsCalls uponCondemnsConfirmsCongratulatesConsidersDeclares accordinglyDeploresDesignatesDraws the attentionEmphasizes EncouragesEndorsesExpresses its appreciationExpresses its hopeFurther invitesDeploresDesignatesDraws the attentionEmphasizesEncouragesEndorsesExpresses its appreciationExpresses its hopeFurther invitesFurther proclaimsFurther reminds Further recommendsFurther requestsFurther resolvesHas resolvedNotesProclaimsReaffirmsRecommendsRegretsRemindsRequestsSolemnly affirmsStrongly condemnsSupportsTakes note ofTransmitsTrusts

13. Rules of Recognition • Sponsors of a draft resolution are the principal authors of the document and agree with its substance. Although it is possible to have only one sponsor, this rarely occurs at the UN, since countries must work together to create widely agreeable language in order for the draft resolution to pass. Sponsors control a draft resolution and only the sponsors can approve immediate changes. • Signatories are countries that may or may not agree with the substance of the draft resolution but still wish to see it debated so that they can propose amendments. • A certain percentage of the committee must be either sponsors or signatories to a draft resolution in order for it to be accepted.

14. Sample Resolution • General Assembly Third CommitteeSponsors: United States, Austria and ItalySignatories: Greece, Tajikistan, Japan, Canada, Mali, the Netherlands and GabonTopic: “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]