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DELEGATE TRAINING HANDBOOKNZ MODEL UN 2013Victoria University of Wellington5-8 JulyWWW.UNYOUTH.ORG.NZ

MODELUN2013

CONTENTS

Booklet Introduction

Theme

Committees

Regional Groupings

International Organisations

Debate Strategy

Rules of Procedure

Glossary

Debates Diagram

The debate of resolutions is the foundation of a Model United Nations and the majority of your time at NZ Model UN will be spent in committee sessions so it is very useful to understand what happens in these sessions. This booklet will help you to make the most of the opportunity to experience the rules and procedures that govern international relations.

It is highly recommended that you read this training booklet before the conference and use it as a reference during the conference. It will introduce you to the purpose of resolutions, the regional groupings, debate strategy as well as the rules of procedure and a glossary of Model UN terms.

This training booklet was designed to complement the online training programme. As part of your preparation, you will need to conduct individual research on the country you are representing. For tips on researching your country and resolution topics, and further information on how debate at NZ Model UN works, visit the online training programme at www.nzmodelun.unyouth.org.nz

BOOKLET INTRODUCTION

RESOLUTIONS In committee and plenary you debate resolutions. These are formal recommendations and plans of actions by United Nations bodies that are developed through debate and discussion by member states. There are two parts to a resolution, preambulatory and operative clauses.

PREAMBULATORY CLAUSESThese provide background information for the resolution. Preambulatory clauses are not usually altered as they are mainly factually based. They may include information regarding the key issues, purpose and scope of the resolution and also previous resolutions that have addressed the topic. These generally begin with declaratory words such as ‘affirming’ or ‘recognising’.

OPERATIVE CLAUSESThese clauses explain how the United Nations plans to deal with the issue. They will suggest actions and initiatives that states, the United Nations or organisations should take to address or help solve the issue. A list of common operative clauses is below:

*Demands can only be used by the Security Council

RESOLUTIONS

Approves Calls for Confirms DeploresDraws the attention Endorses Proclaims RemindsSolemnly affirms Trusts

AcceptsAuthorisesCondemnsConsidersDemands*EmphasisesExpresses its appreciationReaffirmsRegretsStrongly condemnsTakes note of

Affirms Calls CongratulatesDeclares accordinglyDesignates Encourages Expresses its hope Recommends Requests Supports Urges

WHAT IF I DON’T LIKE A RESOLUTION?A member state can amend a resolution if they believe it requires changing for them to support it. To do this delegates will need to submit an official amendment form signed by a seconder. These should generally not contradict the ‘spirit’ of the resolution, or lead to generic bureaucratic or financial arguments, but instead try to propose constructive and beneficial changes. Amendments may:- Strike out clauses- Amend pre-existing clauses- Add operative clauses (preambulatory clauses are generally not amended)

THEME:

LOOKING BEYOND THE MILLENIUM DEVELOPMENT

GOALS

The 2015 deadline for the Millenum Development Goal is fast approaching. The UN must build on the momentum of progress that it has already achieved and set new thresholds for overcoming poverty, inequality and improving lives of millions worldwide. Setting long-term goals and working towards achieving them is very important in order for nations to achieve the change behind the MDG’s, regardless of whether they are reached by the deadline. Within this theme we are attempting to look at what Member States can do once the MDG’s reach maturity.

It is important to note that three targets of the MDG’s have been achieved; cutting extreme poverty to half its’ 1990 level, halving the proportion of people without access to improved sources of drinking wate by 2010, and significantly improving the lives of at least 100 million slum dwellers. There is a long way to go to achieve the MDG’s however the 2012 MDG report by Banki Moon suggests that if Member States reaffirm their commitment with renewed vigour, then the MDG’s completion before maturity lie within the UN’s reach.

The MDG’s were established by the UN, and an annual report is provided as to the progress of each MDG. With the deadline for the achievement of the goals is fast approaching, it is certain that the UN will be discussing ‘where to go from here’ upon the conclusion of the MDG’s. Looking beyond the MDG’s is a highly relevant theme to the future direction of the UN and it offers delegates an opportunity to innovate first. There is limited precedence in this area and you will literally have the entire playing field available for you to challenge yourself, your peers and collaborate to come up with unique ideas and solutions.

“Eradicating extreme poverty continues to be one of the main challenges of our time, and is a major concern of the international community. Ending this scourge will require the combined efforts of all, governments, civil society organizations and the private sector, in the context of a stronger and more effective global partnership for development. The Millennium Development Goals set time-bound targets, by which progress in reducing income poverty, hunger, disease, lack of adequate shelter and exclusion — while promoting gender equality, health, education and environmental sustainability — can be measured. They also embody basic human rights — the rights of each person on the planet to health, education, shelter and security. The Goals are ambitious but feasible and, together with the comprehensive United Nations development agenda, set the course for the world’s efforts to alleviate extreme poverty by 2015. “United Nations Secretary-General BAN Ki-moon

FIRST COMMITTEE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY: Disarmament and International Security This committee focuses on maintaining and creating world peace, disarmament and international security issues. At NZ Model UN 2013, delegates will debate the question of refugee repatriation.

SECOND COMMITTEE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY: Economic and FinancialThe second committee deals with issues relating to economic growth and development of member states. At NZ Model UN 2013, this committee will discuss the accessibility of technology.

THIRD COMMITTEE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY: Social, Humanitarian and CulturalThis committee covers a wide range of issues relating to social, humanitarian affairs and human rights topics. At NZ Model UN 2013, delegates will discuss universal access to education.

FOURTH COMMITTEE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY: Special Political and DecolonisationThis committee has a focus on issues such as the United Nations peacekeeping efforts, specific political questions, and the political, social and economic impacts of decolonisation. This body more often deals with specific circumstances and situations as they relate to member states. At NZ Model UN 2013 the Fourth Committee will consider how to improve the living conditions of slum dwellers.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY The UN Environment Program (UNEP) is the voice for the environment within the United Nations system. UNEP acts as a catalyst, advocate, educator and facilitator to promote the wise use and sustainable development of the global environment. At NZ Model UN 2013 EPA delegates will be concerned with biodiversity loss.

COMMITTEES:The United Nations was first founded in 1945 following the failures of the League of Nations in preventing mankind from the “scourge of war”.

Originally comprising a mere 51 members and one General Assembly, the United Nations now has 193 member states, numerous Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and has numerous specialised committees and forums.

NZ Model UN 2013 will feature several of these specialised committees and forums. They each focus on a specific policy area central to international relations and global governance. This policy area determines what types of topics will be debated at each committee.

WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLYThe World Health Assembly is the governing body of the World Health Organisation, and is responsible for determining the agenda and direction of the WHO. The WHO in turn is the coordinating authority and directing on health within the United Nations. This makes the World Health Assembly the most important health policy body worldwide. At NZ Model UN 2013, the assembly will be discussing maternal mortality.

THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCILThe Security Council is a major body of the United Nations that mainly addresses specific situations of pressing concern to international security. They are able to use diplomatic, economic and military sanctions to uphold peace and security as the only committee that has the power to make binding resolutions, recommendations and deploy peacekeeping operations.

The Security Council is made up of 15 member states, consisting of 5 permanent members–China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States–and 10 non-permanent members who are on a two-year term. The ‘P5’ have the veto power on substantive resolutions – one of the most controversial issues within the UN system today.

At NZ Model UN, countries that currently sit on the Security Council will be represented by three delegates. All three delegates will sit in one of the GA Committees, the Human Rights Council or the Economic and Social Council for one committee session, and work with one of the other delegates representing the same country on the Security Council for the other two committee sessions. At NZ Model UN 2013, the Security Council will be debating:

1. The Question of the Situation in Lybia2. Gender Equality in UN Peace Keeping forces3. The Question of the Situation in Israel and Palestine

PLENARY SESSIONSThe plenary sessions will see all delegates sitting together to pass resolutions. Within a UN session the plenary meets at the beginning to finalise the agenda and make opening statements and at the end of a session where all issues are voted on through resolutions passed in plenary meetings, usually towards the end of the regular session, after the committees have completed their consideration of them and submitted draft resolutions to the plenary Assembly.

While the decisions of the Assembly have no legally binding force for governments, they carry the weight of world opinion, as well as the moral authority of the world community. At NZ Model UN 2013 within the plenary, the General Assembly will hold a Millennium Development Goal summit

The member states of the United Nations are unofficially divided into five geopolitical regional groupings. Depending on the UN context, regional groups control elections to UN-related positions, coordinate substantive policy, and form common fronts for negotiations and voting. Regional groups who share similar policy views can make a formidable force within the General Assembly. At NZ Model UN 2013 delegates will spend time in workshops and will be going out to dinner as regional groups.

REGIONAL GROUPINGS

WESTERN EUROPEAN AND OTHERThe Western European and Others Group (WEOG for short) has 28 members (15 per cent of all UN members). It has a territory divided practically dispersed on all of the continents. WEOG has 5 seats on the Security Council, three permanent ones (France, United Kingdom, United States), and two non-permanent ones.

 Andorra Australia Austria Belgium Canada Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Finland France Germany Greece

 Iceland Ireland Israel Italy Liechtenstein Luxembourg Malta Monaco Netherlands New Zealand Norway Portugal

 San Marino Spain Sweden Switzerland United Kingdom United States of

America

EASTERN EUROPEAN GROUPThe Eastern European Group has 23 members (12 per cent of all UN members), and as such is the regional group with the least number of member states. The Eastern European Group has 2 seats on the Security Council; the permanent seat of Russia and one non-permanent seat.

ASIAThe Asian group make up 28 per cent of all UN members combined, equal only to the African groups. The Asian Group has 3 seats on the Security Council: the permanent seat of China, and two non-permanent seats. For the purposes of NZ Model UN this group has been divided into two subgroups – Asia Middle East and Asia Pacific.

ASIA MIDDLE EAST

 Afghanistan Azerbaijan Bahrain Bhutan India Iran Iraq Jordan

 Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lebanon Mongolia Oman Pakistan Qatar Saudi Arabia

 Sri Lanka Syria Tajikistan United Arab

Emirates Uzbekistan Yemen

 Albania Armenia Belarus Bosnia and

Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Estonia Georgia

 Hungary Kazakhstan Latvia Lithuania Former Yugoslav

Republic of Macedonia

 Montenegro Moldova

 Poland Romania Russia Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Turkey Turkmenistan Ukraine

ASIA PACIFIC

 Bangladesh Brunei

Darussalam Cambodia China Democratic

People’s Republic of Korea

 Fiji India Indonesia Japan Kiribati

 Laos Malaysia Maldives Marshall Islands Federated States

of Micronesia Myanmar Nauru Nepal Palau Papua New

Guinea Philippines

 Republic of Korea Samoa Singapore Solomon Islands Thailand Timor-Leste Tonga Tuvalu Vanuatu Vietnam

LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN The Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC for short) has 33 members (17 per cent of all UN members). GRULAC has 2 non-permanent seats on the Security Council.

 Antigua and Barbuda  Argentina

 Bahama Barbados Belize Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Costa Rica Cuba Dominica Dominican

Republic Ecuador El Salvador Grenada Guatemala Guyana Haiti Honduras Jamaica Mexico Nicaragua Panama Paraguay

 Peru Saint Kitts and

Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and

the Grenadines Suriname Trinidad and

Tobago Uruguay Venezuela

AFRICAThe African Group has 54 members (28% of all UN members), and as such shares the position of the largest regional group by number of member states with the Asian Group. It is the only regional group that has a territory that coincides with the traditional continent of which its name originates. The African Group has 3 seats on the Security Council, all non-permanent. For the purposes of NZ Model UN this group has been divided into two subgroups, Sub-Saharan Africa and Northern Africa.

 Angola Botswana Burundi Cameroon Central African

Republic Comoros Republic of the

Congo Democratic

Republic of the

Congo Equatorial Guinea Gabon Kenya Lesotho Madagascar Malawi Mauritius Mozambique Namibia Rwanda

 São Tomé and Príncipe

 Seychelles South Africa Swaziland Uganda Tanzania Zambia Zimbabwe

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

NORTHERN AFRICA

 Algeria Benin Burkina Faso Cape Verde Chad Côte d’Ivoire Djibouti Egypt Eritrea Ethiopia

 Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau Liberia Libya Mali Mauritania Morocco Niger

 Nigeria Senegal Sierra Leone Somalia South Sudan Sudan Togo Tunisia

REGIONAL ORGANISATIONSWe encourage you also to think about some of the regional bodies of which your country may be a member. Such regional bodies are playing an increasingly important role in international affairs and the interests of your member state when amending or voting on a resolution.

ASEAN The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, was established on 8 August 1967 inBangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration) by the Founding Fathers of ASEAN, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Brunei Darussalam then joined on 8 January 1984, Viet Nam on 28 July 1995, Lao PDR and Myanmar on 23 July 1997, and Cambodia on 30 April 1999, making up what is today the ten Member States of ASEAN. The main aims and principles of ASEAN are to accelerate economic growth and advance social progress and cultural developments within the region. Furthermore, it aims to promote regional peace and stability through collaboration and mutual assistance on common interest areas. ASEAN fundamentally respects national sovereignty, which is contentious when considering human rights issues in the region.

EUROPEAN UNION The European Union is a partnership between 27 democratic Europeans nation-states that aims to create lasting peace, prosperity and freedom for the European community. The three main bodies that are encompassed as part of the EU is the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union (representing the national governments) and the European Commission. Integration is the key force driving the developing of the EU and this can be witnessed in

the varying policies ranging from the single European currency to frontier-free travel and trade provisions.

ORGANISATION OF AMERICAN STATESThe Organisation of American States came into existence in 1948 with the signing of the Charter of the OAS. It was established to achieve among its members “an order of peace and justice, to promote their stability, to strengthen their collaboration and to defend their sovereignty, their territorial integrity and their independence”. The organisation prides itself on implementing a four pronged approach to its essential purposes: democracy; human rights; security and development.

AFRICAN UNIONThe African Union (AU) 1999 seeks to accelerate integration whilst addressing the multifaceted social, economic and political problems brought about by globalisation to the region. The five main objectives of the OAU were to eliminate colonization and apartheid; to promote unity and solidarity among African States; to coordinate and intensify cooperation for development; to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Member States and to promote international cooperation within the framework of the United Nations.

OTHEROther organisations you may want to take a look into include; OPEC, OECD, G77, APEC, G20, G8.

DEBATE STRATEGYThere are many methods you can utilise in order to have a better chance in debate such as using motions. Here are a few pointers that should help you whilst debating resolutions. For more tips on strategy and how to use the Rules of Procedure to your advantage, see the Strategy section of the NZ Model UN Online Training Programme at http://www.nzmodelun.unyouth.org.nz/.If you need any more help, don’t be afraid to ask a CA when you’re at NZ Model UN.

• Eachcountryhasonevote.RegardlessofGDPorpopulation,all countries have an equal democratic say within the UN system. If you are a developed nation, consider how you can exert influence on other nations to sway the vote. Think about your allies, resources and influence. Least developed countries may want to act as a regional bloc to assert influence.

• ForthedurationoftheModelUN,youarenotyou,theindividual,but you are the agent of the government of the country you represent. Try to represent the position of your country accurately and don’t let your own biases influence this.

• Thekey istofocusonyourcountry’s foreignpolicy(asfromthe point of view of your government, which can be different from the view of the general population) but do not forget that internal politics can also affect the government’s stance in world affairs. Think about your country’s interests, and key issues currently facing your country. In trying to achieve your goals – show other countries how your policies will benefit them, and how similar policies (may) have worked in the past. Prioritise your interests – which can you afford to compromise on?

• A useful suggestion if you are unsure about your country’sparticular view on a specific issue is to look at how your potential allies or adversaries may be positioned. A regional focus is also useful as regional organisations and partnerships may shed light on the general positions of its members regarding certain issues.

• Remember:Shortsharpsnappyspeechesareclassy,andleavemore time for debate. They get your point across in the most direct fashion and are likely to have the greatest effect.

RULES OF PROCEDURECONTENTS:

1. INTERPRETATION2. OFFICERS3. PROPOSITION4. GENERAL DEBATE5. SPEAKING6. YIELDING7. POINTS OF INFORMATION8. POINTS OF ORDER9. POINTS PERSONAL PRIVILEGE10. CAUCUS TIME11. MOTIONS12. AMENDMENTS13. CLOSURE OF DEBATE14. VOTING15. COMMUNICATION

The rules of procedure simulate the workings of the real United Nations, giving delegates the chance to experience first-hand the diplomatic and decision-making processes that guide international relations. 1. Interpretation: 1.1. Unless the contrary appears: a) The Rules mean these Rules of Procedure;

b) The General Assembly or Committee means a Model United Nations session conducted in accordance with the Rules;

c) Speaker means an individual who is a representative of a United Nations member state in the General Assembly or Committee;d) Simple Majority means more than fifty per cent of the member states present and voting;

e) Two-thirds Majority means more than two-thirds of the member states present and voting.

2. Officers: 2.1. The General Assembly or Committee shall be controlled by two (2) Officers: a) The Chair; and b) The Secretary. 2.2. The Chair’s powers are exercised at his/her discretion and his/her decision is final.

2.3. The agenda shall be determined by UN Youth prior to the opening of the General Assembly or Committee.

2.4. The Chair shall open and close the General Assembly or Committee.2.5. The order in which agenda items are to be debated shall be voted on by the delegates at the opening of the General Assembly or Committee.

3. Proposition: 3.1. The Chair shall announce the title of the resolution to be debated. 3.2. The Chair shall invite a speaker (the Proposer) to propose the resolution. 3.3. The Proposer shall read the operative clauses of the resolution. 3.4. The Proposer shall yield the floor to a second speaker (the Seconder). 3.5. The Proposer and Seconder shall be selected by the Chair: a) Prior to the debate; or b) From those Speakers raising their placards at the Chair’s request for a

Proposer or Seconder.

4.General Debate:4.1. At the commencement of debate on a resolution the Chair shall open the Speaker’s List and request Speakers to speak For and Against the resolution.4.2. Speakers shall communicate their wish to speak in a written note to the Secretary including the name of their member state and For or Against.

4.3. The Secretary shall compile a list of Speakers speaking For and Against the resolution.

4.4. The order of Speakers shall be at the Secretary’s discretion, starting with a Speaker Against and then alternating between Speakers speaking For and Against where possible.

4.5. At any time during debate a delegate may request in writing that the Secretary: a) Read the Speaker’s List to the General Assembly or Committee;

b) Move him/her down the Speaker’s List; c) Remove him/her from the Speaker’s List; d) Change his/her position from For to Against or vice versa. 4.6. At any time during debate the Chair may close the Speaker’s List.

5. Speaking: 5.1. Speakers must address their remarks to the delegates. 5.2. The Chair shall be addressed as ‘Mister/Madam Chair’.

5.3. Speakers shall refer to other Speakers as ‘The Honourable Delegate for...’ or collectively as ‘member states’.

5.4. No Speaker may speak more than once on each resolution with the following exceptions:

a) The Proposer in his/her Right of Reply; b) When the resolution has been amended and the Speaker has changed his/her

position from For to Against or vice versa.5.5. Unless the Chair declares otherwise, the maximum speaking time shall be three (3) minutes.

6. Yielding: 6.1. Speakers shall yield the floor at the end of their speech by saying “I yield the floor

to...”.6.2. Speakers shall yield the floor either to the Chair or to another Speaker on the Speaker’s List.6.3. If the Speaker yields to the Chair, the Chair shall invite the next Speaker on the Speaker’s List to speak.6.4. If the Speaker yields to another Speaker, that Speaker (the Second Speaker) may address the General Assembly or Committee.6.5. At the conclusion of the Second Speaker’s speech, he/she may yield the floor to the Chair or another Speaker.6.6. If the Second Speaker yields to another Speaker, that Speaker (the Third Speaker) may address the General Assembly or Committee.

6.7. At the conclusion of the Third Speaker’s speech, he/she must yield the floor to the Chair.

6.8. The Chair may disallow a yielding.

7 Points of Information:7.1. If a Speaker concludes his/her speech within the time limit they may receive Points of Information.

7.2. Points of Information may be used to ask the Speaker to: a) Clarify points made in his/her speech; b) Justify his/her stance; c) Give his/her information source. 7.3. Points of Information must always be phrased as a question.

7.4. If the Speaker concludes his/her speech within the time limit, the Chair will ask the Speaker if he/she is open to Points of Information.7.5. If the Speaker chooses not to be open to Points of Information, he/she shall yield the floor. 7.6. If the Speaker chooses to be open to Points of Information:

a) The Speaker may nominate the number of Points of Information he/she wishes

to receive; b) The Chair will invite delegates wishing to ask Points of Information of the

Speaker to raise their placards; c) The Chair will invite a delegate from those with raised placards to ask a Point of

Information; d) The Chair will continue to invite delegates to raise Points of Information until no

more are to be received; e) The Chair may at any time refuse to allow any further Points of Information to be

asked of the Speaker; f) After receiving all of his/her Points of Information the Speaker shall yield the

floor. 7.7. During Points of Information: a) Both the delegate raising the Point of Information and the Speaker answering

the point shall stand;b) The delegate raising the Point of Information shall sit once he/she has asked his/her question;

c) The Speaker will then answer the question raised in the Point of Information; d) No cross-floor debate shall be entered into;

e) The Chair shall make any required interjections on the basis of relevance, abuse or procedure.

8. Points of Order:8.1. At anytime during debate, a delegate may raise a Point of Order.

8.2. The Point of Order must come under one of three categories: a) Relevance: the Speaker’s comments are irrelevant to the resolution; b) Abuse: the Speaker’s comments are insulting; c) Procedure: the Speaker is not complying with the Rules. d) Parliamentary Inquiry: to request explanation of the Rules. 8.3. To raise a Point of Order a delegate (the complainant) shall stand and say “Point of

Order”. 8.4. Once a Point of Order is raised, debate will be suspended, and:

a) The Chair will ask the Complainant what Point of Order is being raised; b) The Chair may ask the Complainant for clarification if necessary; c) The Chair will rule on the Point of Order. 8.5. Debate shall then resume in accordance with the Chair’s order. 8.6. The Complainant may not speak on the substance of the matter being debated.

9. Points of Personal Privilege:9.1. At any stage when a Speaker has the floor and is not speaking clearly or with enough volume, any delegate can raise a Point of Personal Privilege9.2. Upon recognition of a Point of Personal Privilege, the Chair shall ask the Speaker to adjust their speech accordingly.

10. Caucus Time: 10.1. The Chair will decide when a caucus time is to be called. 10.2. Delegates may request caucus time by sending a note to the Chair or by motion.

11. Motions11.1. Delegates make a motion by raising their placard, having been recognised by the

chair, then stand and state their motion. 11.2. Delegates may make motions to the chair at any time the floor is open. 11.3. Motions requiring a vote will require a simple majority.

11.4. Motions requiring a vote are procedural motions, all delegates must vote in the affirmative or negative.11.5. Motions requiring a vote are (in order of precedence): a) To suspend the meeting (for caucus time); b) To adjourn the meeting (for meal time);

c) To adjourn the debate on the item under discussion (to debate another amendment or resolution);

d) To close the debate on the item under discussion (to move straight to a substantive vote); e) To adopt by acclimation (have the resolution passed by consensus).11.6. Ruling on motions are at the absolute discretion of the chair.

12. Amendments:12.1. At any time during debate a delegate (the Amender) may propose an amendment to the resolution being debated.12.2. The Amender shall submit the proposed changes to the Chair on an official amendment form.

12.3. The amendment will be ruled invalid by the Chair if: a) It is not submitted on an official amendment form; b) It substantially changes the nature of the resolution; c) It is insignificant; d) It amends a clause that has already been amended; e) It is similar in nature to another amendment that has already been introduced; or f) It lacks a seconder. 12.4. Invalid amendments will not be debated and will be returned to the Amender. 12.5. If the Chair introduces an amendment: a) He/she will invite the Amender to read it to the General Assembly or

Committee; and b) The General Assembly or Committee shall vote whether or not to debate the

amendment.12.6. If the vote determines that the amendment shall not be debated, the amendment shall be voted on immediately.12.7. If the vote determines that the amendment shall be debated, debate on the resolution shall be suspended and:

a) A Speaker’s List will be compiled of Speakers For and Against the amendment; b) Debate shall proceed in the same way as for a resolution; c) When there are no further Speakers or debate is otherwise closed, the Chair

shall declare the debate closed; d) There shall be no Right of Reply; e) The Amendment shall be voted on; f) The Chair shall announce the result of the vote and debate on the resolution

shall resume.

13. Closure of Debate:13.1.When the Speaker’s List has expired or the debate has otherwise ceased, the Chair shall declare the debate closed and shall invite the Proposer to exercise his/her Right of Reply.

13.2.The General Assembly or Committee shall then vote on the resolution as a whole.

14. Voting: 14.1. Each member state of the General Assembly or Committee shall have one vote. 14.2. Voting on all matters other than resolutions shall be by placard.

14.3. Voting by placard involves the Chair calling for speakers voting For, Against and Abstentions to raise their placards in turn.

14.4. Abstentions are not allowed when voting on procedural matters. 14.5. Voting on resolutions may be by roll call or placard.

14.6. Voting by roll call involves the Chair calling the name of each member state and recording their vote For, Against or their Abstention.

14.7. A resolution shall be voted on at the conclusion of debate on that resolution. 14.8. The Chair shall announce the result of the vote and then proceed according to the

agenda.14.9. All decisions of the General Assembly or Committee except decisions on important questions shall be made by a simple majority of members present and voting.14.10. Decisions on important questions shall be made by a two thirds majority of members present and voting.14.11. Pursuant to Article 18(2) of the Charter of the United Nations, decisions on important questions include:

a) Recommendations with respect to the maintenance of international peace and security;

b) Decisions relating to membership of the United Nations; and c) Budgetary questions.

14.12. The Chair will rule as to the importance of the question.14.13, Any resolution passed in a committee of the General Assembly will not constitute a ‘binding’ resolution but will be communicated as a recommended resolution to be considered by the Plenary session in accordance with United Nations General Assembly Committee procedure.

15. Communication:15.1. Delegates shall communicate with an officer of the General Assembly or Committee or another delegate by note only.15.2. A delegate wishing to pass a note shall raise his/her hand and a note-passer will collect the note.

15.3. Notes shall indicate which member states the note is to and from.15.4 . Any complaints made regarding either the Chair or any delegate present must be passed to the Secretary in writing and signed by the aggrieved delegate(s). This complaint will be forwarded to the Welfare Officer, National Vice-President for Governance and Vice-President for Education in confidence and any determination will occur accordingly. The National President may substitute any and/or all members of the above collective should one or more be unavailable or constitute a party of the complaint.

AAbstention (to abstain) – During a vote on a substantive matter (see “substantive”), delegates may abstain rather than vote for or against. An abstention generally means that the state does not support the resolution being voted on but does not oppose it enough to vote no.

Abuse – The speaking delegate may make comments that are so offensive as to amount to abuse to another member state. In this situation, the delegate who feels offended should raise his or her placard. Do not interrupt the speaking delegate; the Chair will recognise the offended delegate at the conclusion of the speech. The Chair will ask the delegate to explain why he or she feels offended and the Chair will decide whether to accept this claim. If the Chair accepts this claim, he or she may ask the speaking delegate to moderate his or her comments or even to retract his or her comments.

Adjournment (to adjourn) – Suspension of debate.

Agenda – The order in which the resolutions or issues before a committee will be discussed. Usually this will be one of the first things the committee does.

Amendment – A change to the resolution being discussed. Amendments can alter a resolution by striking out a clause, adding a clause or re-wording an existing clause. Amendments cannot substantially change the “spirit” of the resolution. B Binding – Having legal force on UN member states. Security Council resolutions are binding but resolutions of the General Assembly and the Specialised Agencies generally are not. Bloc – A group of countries in a similar geographical location or with a similar opinion on a particular issue. C Caucus – A break in formal debate in which delegates can informally discuss a topic. Caucuses are moderated or unmoderated.

Moderated caucus - Moderated caucus is not always available at High School Model UN events. The key difference between moderated caucus and formal debate is that it is much faster. Moderated caucus focuses on a very specific issue and there is a specified time limit. Delegates do not need to approach the floor to speak but instead are recognised by the Chair by raising their placard and they speak, standing, from their seat. Speeches are usually limited to about 30 seconds. The advantage of moderated caucus is that it speeds up the debate and can focus on a narrow issue.

Unmoderated caucus – Same as lobbying time. During this time delegates are free to discuss any aspect of the resolution inside and outside the debating chamber. There is usually a time limit on the duration of unmoderated caucus

DEBATE GLOSSARY

Chairperson – The person who sits at the front of the room, guiding the debate according to the Rules of Procedure. (Also see “Director”). Also referred to as “Chair”.

Cross-floor debate – Used to refer to a situation where a delegate in the committee tries to respond to an answer given to a Point of Information (see “Point of Information”). “Cross-floor” comes from the idea of a conversation between the delegate speaking from the floor and a delegate in the committee. This is not allowed because cross-floor debate is not permitted after a Point of Information has been answered. Best to leave conversation during lobbying time!

D Delegate – A person acting as the representative of a member state or observer in a Mdel UN committee. When referring to other Delegates, it is usually polite to address them as “Honourable Delegates” for a particular country.

Delegation – The entire group of people representing a member state or observer in a Model UN committee. Delegations are required to vote collectively, with one vote only (At NZ Model UN Security Council delegates only)

Director – The person who sits at the front of the room, guiding the debate according to the Rules of Procedure. Usually “Director” is used at university level events. (Also see “Chairperson”.)

E-L Floor – The front of the room from which delegates speak to the committee. Usually there will be a podium of some sort. An open floor is when no delegate is speaking. Formal debate – The “standard” type of debate, in which delegates speak for a certain time, according to the Speakers’ List (see “Speakers’ List”). Formal rules apply so delegates must use formal language. Lobbying (time) – this is when delegates are free to negotiate with other delegates outside of the formal debate structure. (See “unmoderated caucus”.)

M-N Member state – A country that has ratified the UN Charter and whose application to join has been accepted by the General Assembly and Security Council. Currently there are 192 member states. The only internationally recognised state that is not a member state is the Holy See.

Members present and voting - This entails all members casting an affirmative or negative vote. Motion – A request made by a delegate that the committee as a whole do something. Some motions may adjourn debate, close debate, introduce a draft resolution or move to a vote. Motions are more commonly used at university events.

O Observer (state) – A state, international organisation, regional organisation or non-

governmental organisation that is not a UN member state but participates in debate. Observers cannot vote. Operative clause – The part of the resolution that describes how the UN will address a problem. It begins with an action verb such as “urges” or “encourages”. (Find more information about Resolutions here.)

P P5 – The permanent five members of the UN Security Council who have the right to veto a draft resolution. They are USA, UK, China, Russia and France. Placard – A piece of cardstock that has the member states’ country names on it, which delegates raise to signal to the Chair that they wish to speak and which may be used for voting purposes. Point of Information – Questions that delegates in the committee may pose to the speaking delegate at the conclusion of that delegate’s speech. (Also see “Cross floor debate”). Point of Order – A request raised by a delegate. There are three categories of Points of Order – Personal Privilege, Relevance and Procedure. Point of Order (Personal Privilege) - Used when the speaking delegate is speaking too softly or too loudly, or if the room conditions are not satisfactory, or some other personal discomfort. Point of Order (Relevance) – Used when the speaking delegate is not speaking on the topic but has diverted significantly from the main subject. Point of Order (Procedure) – Used when the Rules of Procedure have not been accurately applied. Position Paper – Only at university events. Details the position of a country on the issues debated by the committee and is usually written before a Model UN conference. Preambulatory clause – The part of the resolution that describes previous actions taken on the topic and reasons why the resolution is necessary. It begins with a verb, often a present participle, such as “regretting” or “recalling”. Procedural – Having to do with the way the committee is run, as opposed to the topic being discussed. All delegates must vote on procedural matters and cannot abstain. (See “substantive”). Proposer – The delegate who has written the draft resolution or the delegate who is chosen by the Chair to deliver the first speech in support of the resolution. The proposer has to read out the operative clauses of the resolution before proceeding to make his or her speech. The proposer also has the Right of Reply before voting on the resolution as a whole. The right to make this speech may be waived and another delegate may be selected to make the speech.

Q-R (Special) Rapporteur – The committee expert who answers delegates’ questions relating to the resolution topic. Resolution – Resolutions are the formal recommendations of UN bodies and can take a variety of forms including a statement of policy, directive statements to specific organizations, a condemnation of actions of states or a call for collective actions. They are documents that are produced through a comprehensive process of debate and discussions among member states at the UN.

Right of Reply – The final speech before the committee votes on the resolution as a whole. Usually the proposer of the resolution delivers this speech. The proposer may waive the right to speak and another delegate may be chosen instead. (See “Proposer”). Roll call – This is when the Chair reads out all the names of the member states in the committee. Delegates should respond with “present”. Rules of Procedure – the formal rules that guide the debate. There are different Rules of Procedure for different Model UN committees. S Speakers’ List – The list that determines the order in which the delegates will speak. During debate, delegates may be added to the Speakers’ List by sending a note to the Chair. General Speakers’ List – The list that determines the order in which the delegates will speak on the resolution as a whole. Delegates speak “for” or “against” the resolution. Amendment Speakers’ List – The list that determines the order in which the delegates will speak on each amendment. Seconder – The second speech made in support of a resolution. The seconder speaks after the proposer but does not have a right of reply. Signatory – A country that wishes a draft resolution or amendment to be put on the floor and signs the draft resolution or amendment to accomplish this. A signatory does not have to support the resolution or amendment; it may only want it to be discussed although generally, a signatory should want the resolution or amendment to pass. Simple majority – 50% plus one of the members present and voting. Substantive – Having to do with the topic being discussed. For example, voting on the resolution as a whole is a substantive vote. (See “procedural”).V Voting (to vote) – Method by which the committee makes a decision. Each member state has one vote in the United Nations. Procedural vote – Vote on a matter that is not related to the committee’s overall decisions. E.g. Voting on motions or amendments are procedural votes. Abstentions are not allowed. (See “abstention”.)

Substantive vote – Vote on a matter that is related to the resolution topic. E.g. Voting on whether to pass the resolution as a whole. Delegates may vote for, against or abstain. Veto - The ability held by the P5 (see “P5”) member states to prevent any draft resolution in the Security Council from passing by voting no. X-Z Yielding (to yield) – Yielding allows a speaker to decide who the next speaker should be. Generally, at the conclusion of a speech, the Chair will ask the delegate how he or she wishes to yield

MODEL UN DEBATE FLOWCHARTPHASE ONE: PROPOSITIONProposer: Reads out Operative Clauses of Resolution and speaks for it.Must yield to Seconder.Seconder: Speaks for the Resolution.PHASE TWO: GENERAL DEBATE ONESpeakers: To get on the Speakers List, send a note to the Chair stating if you wish to speak For or Against.PPoints of Information (POIs): Once the Speaker has finished the Chair will ask them if they are open to POIs. This is a chance for the delegates to ask questions to the Speaker.YYielding: Speakers may yield to another speaker who is further down the Speakers List. Only two yields are allowed before the Speaker must yield to the Chair. A Speaker with the opposing view will then be called.PPoints of Order: May be made at any time under one of four categories: Relevance, Abuse, Procedure or Parliamentary Enquiry.Point of Personal Privilege: May be made at any time if the Speaker is inaudiable.Caucus Time: May be called or requested at any time.PHASE THREE: AMENDMENTVote to Debate: A vote by placard will be taken to determine whether the amendment will be debated after the Proposer has read it aloud.DebDebate: This phase follows the format of General Debate in Phases One and Two, Vote on Amendment: A vote by placard will be taken on the amendment to establish if it passes or fails.Note: A clause may not be amended more than once.

PHASE FOUR: GENERAL DEBATE TWOAs per Phase Two.PHASE FIVE: RIGHT OF REPLYRight of Reply: Given by Proposer Vote on Resolution: By roll call on the amended Resolution.