colombo model united nations · 2012-01-25 · colombo model united nations page 3 1. the united...

COLOMBO MODEL UNITED NATIONS

THE COLOMBO OPERATED MODEL UNITED NATIONS:

delegate manual


CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION: THE UNITED NATIONS

1.1. ORIGINS ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………3

1.2. MISSION ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………3

1.3. THE UN SYSTEM……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………4

1.4. THE SECRETARY GENERAL AND THE SECRETARIAT……………………………………………………………………….6

1.5. ACHIEVEMENTS…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...7

1.6. THE 21ST CENTURY………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..8

2. INTRODUCTION: THE COLOMBO MODEL UNITED NATIONS

2.1. ORIGINS……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….9

2.2. PARTICIPATION AND PARTICIPANT IDENTIFICATION……………………………………………………………………9

2.3. BENEFITS………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………10

2.4. CONFERENCE FORMAT…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………11

2.5. EXPECTATIONS……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..11

3. KEY SKILLS

3.1. RESEARCH…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….12

3.2. FOREIGN POLICY STATEMENT……………………………………………………………………………………………………….14

3.3. NEGOTIATING……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….19

3.4. ROLE PLAYING……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….21

3.5. RESOLUTION WRITING…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..22

3.6. FORMAL DEBATING………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………30

4. RULES AND PROCEDURE

4.1. INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….31

4.2. GENERAL INFORMATION………………………………………………………………………………………………………………32

4.3. RESOLUTION (MAIN MOTIONS)……………………………………………………………………………………………………35

4.4. SUBSIDIARY MOTIONS………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….38

4.5. PRIVILEGED AND INCIDENTAL MOTIONS………………………………………………………………………………………41

4.6. ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL………………………………………………………………………………………………..43

4.7. SECURITY COUNCIL………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..44


1. THE UNITED NATIONS

1.1 ORIGINS

On October 24th 1945, the United Nations came into force as an official organization. The UN charter was signed by fifty nations in June of that year, in the closing stages of history's most destructive war, with the hope that it would prevent such an atrocity from ever occurring again.

This idea was not new. Prior to World War II, the League of Nations was created as the peace keeping body and assigned with the task of maintaining world peace. Although it died an undignified death, the principles behind it did not. In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt of the USA and Prime Minister Winston Churchill of Great Britain signed the Atlantic Charter calling for the creation of a new organization, and for a more serious commitment to it by the nations of the world. That call has been answered by 192 countries so far.

1.2. MISSION

The mission of the UN is first and foremost the safeguarding and promotion of peace. It also works towards social progress, better living standards, and strengthening human rights. It achieves this primarily through the provision of a global forum where all member nations are treated equally, no matter what their standing, both in the world and in the issues discussed. Just as importantly, the UN takes a direct role in alleviating the problems of the world. It does this via contributions from member nations. Each member of the UN is obligated to bettering humanity to the best of its ability, whether through contributing troops as peacekeepers, providing medical assistance, food supplies, and/or other helpful measures.

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1.3. THE UN SYSTEM The United Nations is divided into six major organs:

General Assembly (GA) Security Council (SC) Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Trusteeship Council (TC) International Court of Justice (ICJ) Secretariat

The Colombo Model United Nations simulates the first three committees of the General Assembly, the Security Council, and ECOSOC. The UN also consists of different programs and funds, through which various initiatives are managed. These include the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the UN Development Program (UNDP). There are also specialized, semi-autonomous agencies set up by the UN such as the World Bank, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labor Organization (ILO).1.3.1. General Assembly (GA)

The GA is the largest body, with all 192 members represented by one vote each (except for Palestine). It is divided into several committees, which study a wide range of issues. These

committees try to reach a consensus on the seriousness of a particular problem, ranging from global

warming to arms smuggling, and produce resolutions. Resolutions are recommendations made to the SC, a particular nation, or the world in general as to what should be done.

GA resolutions are not legally binding, but it is the most accurate and influential barometer of world

opinion. Therefore its resolutions can give or deny the diplomatic force of world approval on the

actions of even the most powerful nations.

As aforementioned, CO-MUN simulates the first three committees of the GA, each of which deals

with a unique range of discussion subjects:

First Committee - Security and Disarmament

Second Committee - Economic and Environmental Issues

Third Committee - Social, Cultural and Humanitarian Issues


1.3.2. Security Council (SC)

The Security Council is mainly responsible for maintaining peace and security, and under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, it is the only UN organ with the ability to enforce its decisions, utilizing all means from economic sanctions to military intervention.

The SC consists of fifteen members, five of whom are permanent:

China France Russia United Kingdom United States of America

These five countries have the power of 'veto': one vote against a resolution by these countries results in its failure. This power was granted to these countries in order to assure their support for the UN Charter, and has been the subject of much controversy in recent times. The other ten members are elected by the GA, and hold membership for two years each. Each year, the membership of five SC members expires, and the GA elects five new countries.

1.3.3. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

ECOSOC is the central UN forum for economic and social issues such as living tandards,malnourishment, disease, and cultural cooperation. It consists of 54 members, each elected by the GA.

Today, ECOSOC's primary concern is the developing countries of the world. Typical problems dealt with by ECOSOC over the years include human rights, the status of women, the narcotics trade, and international extradition laws. It works through several UN agencies to accomplish its resolutions, including the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).


1.3.4. Trusteeship Council (TC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ)

These are the final two main organs of the UN. They are not simulated by CO-MUN.

The TC was set up to oversee all post-second world war colonies, and was charged with helping them attain independence and/or responsible governments. It was so successful that all of its original eleven trust territories have been dissolved, either becoming part of another country, or becoming ndependent UN member states. In 1994, the Palau islands gained independence and thus rendered the Council obsolete, even though it still exists today.

The International Court of Justice, sometimes called the World Court, is the main judicial arm of the United Nations, responsible for settling legal disputes between countries, and ruling on important issues of international law. The court is made up of fifteen judges, elected by the SC and the GA. All rulings of the court are legal and binding, and may be enforced by the SC if the Council sees fit to do so. The most recent work of the ICJ includes the mid-2004 inquiry by the Court which resulted in the ruling against Israel's construction of the Security Barrier in the West Bank. Interestingly, ICJ Judge Stephen M. Schwebel participated in Model UN.

1.4. THE SECRETARY GENERAL AND THE SECRETARIAT

The Secretariat is the name for the bureaucracy of the UN - all the administrators and volunteer staff who run the functions of UN operations all over the world. These employees are selected from the world's many governments and organizations, and are chosen to bring a multiethnic, and extremely talented and dedicated mixture of the world's civil servants and NGO volunteers under the cause of the UN. By official mandate, UN employees are generally obliged to be legally loyal to the UN only, and not any government or institution.

The Secretary General is the highest official of the Secretariat and of the United Nations itself. The Secretary General is therefore a person of immense international prestige and diplomatic power. The job requires constant communication with influential world leaders, and maintaining personal relationships with them - thus giving the UN Secretary General the position of arguably, the world's most important diplomat.

Currently, this position is held by the South-Korean diplomatic, Ban Ki-moon who was elected by the General Assembly and succeeded Kofi Annan on the 1st of January, 2007. Ban Ki-moon was previously the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea. He is the eighth Secretary General of the United Nations.


1.5. ACHIEVEMENTS

The United Nations has several notable achievements, some spectacular, and some which havesimply passed unnoticed, yet vital parts of our lives. For example, each time we make an international phone call, travel abroad, and send overseas mail, we are unknowingly using long established UN protocols for efficient handling.

The UN has several milestones in its history. Among the best known is the WHO'S eradication of smallpox between 1967 and 1979, after which the disease ceased to claim a single victim.The UN has also claimed many victories in stabilizing countries. For example, when it was discovered that an ethnic cleansing campaign was under way in Kosovo, the SC gave its tacit approval to the North Atlantic Treaty Alliance (NATO) air-strikes in 1999. It authorized the NATO peacekeeping mission and set up a UN administration to provide for basic civil services. War criminals from the Kosovo crisis, including Former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic, are currently being tried in the War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague, and free elections were held in November 2004. In Indonesia, UN intervention has yielded successful results. Continued violence towards the province of East Timor by Indonesian forces threatened to become a humanitarian disaster towards the late 1990s. The province came under the administration of the United Nations, and despite attacks on UN staff, in May 2002, East Timor swore in a stable, democratic government, and became the world's newest country.

After the US led invasion of Afghanistan in late 2001, the country remained in a state of questionable stability, with years of Taliban rule leaving a country that many believed was not yet fit for democracy. Despite this uncertainty, in late October 2004 the country held UN administered elections.

This success gave increased legitimacy to the government of President Hamid Karzai, and helped to take Afghanistan one step closer to joining the ranks of free and secure nations.


1.6. THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY

The United Nations continues to face new challenges in the new century, not all of which regularly

make headlines. For example, one in six people in the world is still illiterate. 15,000 people are infected with HIV each day. Every 22 minutes a person is injured or killed by a landmine. Solving these and other issues will require a concerted international effort.

The most spectacular problems of the 21st century seem likely to come in the form of terrorism and war. The terrorist attacks on the United States in 2001, and the ensuing war on terrorism provide by far the most compelling reminder that, although many things have changed, war is still a part of our world, and that no place is safe from turning into a battleground.

Even the neutrality of the United Nations has not removed it from the crosshairs. To date, 1700 UN Peacekeepers have been killed while assisting in humanitarian crises. One of the most recent and graphic demonstrations of UN vulnerability was the destruction of the UN building in Iraq, in April 2004, which killed dozens.

In 2004, the UN played a crucial role in the development of a new Constitution in Afghanistan and carrying out elections in the country, with His Excellency Kamid Harzai becoming the nation's first ever elected president. Similar achievements were witnessed in Iraq where elections, overseen by the UN, were successful.

In 2005, the Kyoto treaty against global warming was put into action, a significant step forward in saving humanity from the dangers of climate change. The UN also led Timor-Leste into becoming an independent country, helping the nation continue its journey towards self-sufficiency and self reliability. A tsunami early warning system for the Indian Ocean was formally launched in June 2005, becoming fully operational in July 2006 to provide the region with protection against the ocean related hazards.

With the appointment of the new Secretary General, Mr Ban Ki-moon in January 2007, the United Nations has entered yet another era of its universal work for the betterment of mankind. The creed of our species remains the hope for a better tomorrow, and thus, the responsibility of the current generation of diplomats is to adapt to this changing world, and to continue to serve the principles of the UN, which despite all the challenges it has faced, still represents humanity's best hope for lasting peace.


2. THE COLOMBO MODEL UNITED NATIONS

2.1. ORIGINS

Simulation programs of the UN have existed for over 80 years, with the creation of the Model League of Nations in 1923. Its successor, the Model United Nations, was created immediately following the signing of the UN Charter in 1945. They were meant to provide students with experience in the world of diplomacy via a simulation of the functioning of the UN.

In 1994, Sri Lanka joined the rapidly growing number of countries with an MUN program, with the creation of the Colombo Model United Nations program. This was the brainchild of Sandra Fernando, an educator at the Overseas School of Colombo. Her idea started off with a conference of four schools including OSC. In 2007, the thirteenth CO-MUN conference was held. Over five hundred students from schools located not only in Sri Lanka, but also South-east Asia participated. This very firmly maintained CO-MUN's position as the fifth largest student-run MUN conference in the world.

2.2. PARTICIPATION AND PARTICIPANT IDENTIFICATION

CO-MUN is open to all students between the ages of 13 and 19 from schools anywhere in the world.

These students must be motivated to understand the challenges facing the world, and have strong opinions and desires with relation to facing them.

Most students at CO-MUN will be participating as delegates, each representing one country's stance within their committee. They will need to practice diplomacy towards all of the other delegates to achieve an outcome that is favorable to their country as well as the international community.

The Organizing Committee is also run by students. Fifteen of these will be chair people. These individuals will be responsible for presiding over caucuses and debates, creating a cordial atmosphere while encouraging productive competition, and helping every single delegate achieve his or her full potential.

The rest of the organizing committee is made up of Administrative Staff, or admin, as they more commonly known. These students provide the backbone of every CO-MUN conference. They are responsible for such tasks as organizing IT resources, reserving and setting up of venues, printing and distributing resolutions and other tasks, without which the conference would not run.


2.3. BENEFITS

CO-MUN tests several aspects of a student's personality and skills. In caucusing, students will need to be patient with views contrary to their own, and be prepared to make small concessions while identifying and striving for the greater goal. They must also be prepared to draw other delegates together, and mediate disputes.

After caucusing, they will produce a resolution. This process tests their knowledge of current affairs, how they fit that knowledge into a particular viewpoint, and the way they think in coming up with a solution.

When debating these resolutions, delegates will be tested on their skills of public speaking, intelligent use of questions to gain advantages in their positions, and their pace of thinking in responding to these questions.

These tests, once faced, greatly benefit an individual’s aspirations towards becoming a diplomat. However, CO-MUN also prepares students for all walks of life by giving them greater confidence in themselves, and a broader outlook of the world they live in.


2.4. CONFERENCE FORMAT

CO-MUN takes place over three days, usually between late February and early March. The first two days are held at the Overseas School of Colombo, and the final day takes place at an outside conference center. Here is a brief outline the timeline:

o Day 1: Caucusing and resolution writing. Delegates will spend the day forming alliances and debating issues in an informal setting. Chairs will be evaluating their performance at these times to judge the crowd dynamics. Resolutions will be written and submitted to the chairs for approval. Debate will begin for SC, and may also do for ECOSOC, depending on the chair people's decision.

o Day 2: Debating. The resolutions written on Day 1 will be debated upon within the committees in which they were drafted. These debates are run by the Chairs of the committees.

The first resolution to pass on each issue in a GA Committee is put to voting in the entire GA on Day 3.

o Day 3: Debating. In the GA, resolutions passed in their respective committees are debated upon and voted for/against. Debates will be presided over by the respective chair people of each committee and the President of the GA. These resolutions are regarded as being submitted to the GA by a particular committee, rather than a single nation.

The final day judges the level which the committee was able to compromise so as to take every nation's interests into account. Debates continue for SC and ECOSOC.

Note: SC and ECOSOC may be faced at any time with an emergency world crisis, and be asked to

caucus, write a resolution, and debate the issue immediately.

2.5. EXPECTATIONS

All delegates at CO-MUN are expected to be well-versed in current affairs, be good public speakers,

excellent negotiators, display exemplary concern for others, and above all, be enthusiastic in their

participation.

Over the course of the next few pages, you will find essential information and advice that, if taken to heart, will help give you the best opportunity to perform at the highest possible level in your capacity at CO-MUN.


3. KEY SKILLS

3.1. Research

3.1Importance

The importance of research stems from the fact that it provides delegates with their source of information for a particular committee topic, let it be the situation in the Korean Peninsula or the role of sustainable development. Research is a fundamental key in writing a brilliant Foreign Policy Statement and assists delegates when creating resolutions.

3.1.1. What to research

Primarily delegates should gather information based on their given country, therefore there is a wide range of topics delegates should consider when doing research, this includes:

Geography: size, location, natural resources, region, and neighboring states

Statistics: population, population density, growth rates

Society: Ethnicities and their representation, religious groups and influences, languages, customs and traditions

Economy: Type and size of economy (planned, mixed or free market economy), imports/exports, trading partners and views on trade.

Government: Type of government (religious, secular, monarchy, etc.), leaders’ stance on important issues

History: Significant historical events, disputes and conflicts, whether external or internal

International relations: Historical allies and enemies, membership of international organizations (e.g. WTO, EU, etc.)

Delegates will have to prepare and build a keen intellect on the topics being discussed. They should also infer how influential or neighboring states ought to react to a particular or sudden situation, as this will be a prominent factor when forming alliances during resolution writing .

3.1.2.Useful sources of information

The internet is not the only domain for information. There are other numerous sources of information which provide a valuable amount of knowledge to the delegate for his/her research. This includes:

Books: libraries can house useful information relating to the delegates country. The United Nations information centre library in Colombo contains copies of past UN resolutions.

Foreign newspapers: These can often be accessed online if you cannot find hard copies. These are excellent sources of information, and the bias towards a certain side of an issue can give a delegate an insight into the national “mood” of the delegate’s country.

Embassies: Foreign Embassies can be extremely useful in providing information about their countries’ position on the issues you are researching and discussing about. The executive committee recommends delegates to visit these embassies as a delegation. In the past,


delegations have had very productive meetings with embassy officials and have received valuable information from them.

News broadcasts: It should be recommended that delegates should watch at least a few minutes of international news everyday to keep levels of general knowledge up to mark. Media sources such as BBC and CNN have excellent reputations in providing an in depth coverage of daily events.

Web sites: Certain web sites should be approached with caution as they may or may not be credible. It is advisable to visit official websites; examples of these are: -UN Home page http://www.un.org/en/ -World wide news agencies such as http://www.reuters.com/ Regional Organizations, e.g. EU http://europa.eu/index_en.htm -Government Websites These can make excellent sources of information. E.g. http://www.priu.gov.lk/ (government site for Sri Lanka) - http://www.reuters.com/ Business and Financial News

Websites should often be compared with each other for more accurate information. It is also important to remember that not all websites are 100% reliable in their information (general information maybe biased) therefore it is advised that delegates should be quite cautious when researching about a particular issue or topic. Websites such as Wikipedia aren’t always reliable

http://www.reuters.com/


3.2. FOREIGN POLICY STATEMENT (FPS)

3.2.1.INTRODUCTION The FOREIGN POLICY STATEMENT (FPS) is a document prepared by all delegates of COMUN to present her/his country’s stance on the topic at hand and the actions that have been taken and are going to be taken by the delegate’s country. The FPS is extremely important as the stance stated on the document should be adopted by the delegate throughout the conference. The FPS does not show the delegate’s personal opinion on the topic but rather the stance of the central governing body of the delegate’s country. In the course of the conference the chairs often check if a delegate’s stance on the topic corresponds to the stance presented in the FPS. The FPS follows a specific format and must be submitted to the chairs before the conference on the specified deadline. The chairs grade the FPS based on certain criteria and decide the best FPS for that committee. The FPS also plays an important role in deciding the best delegate for a committee.


3.2.2. GUIDELINES FOR FPS PREPERATION The FPS focuses on three key areas in relation to a topic:

The country’s stance on the stated topic

The actions already taken by the country in relation to the topic

The future actions the country is taking or contemplating taking in relation to the topic Delegates’, an excellent FPS is not one full of facts, details and history. Instead it is one that addresses the three areas mentioned in a concise, logical and reader-friendly manner but still maintains a high quality of research. Listed below are a few factors that make a bad FPS better:

1. EXCELLENT RESEARCH- The key to a good FPS is simple- GOOD RESEARCH! It is important that the information in the FPS is accurate. Thus, delegates should spend time researching in depth on the topic using the library, internet or other means to acquire the complete picture possible on a country’s stance on a topic. Furthermore, the information collected must directly relate to the topic at hand. Often chairs find that the FPS submitted is simply a large chunk of information copied off the internet or other source. Delegates should realize that this represents an inability to organize research and does not impress the chairs.

2. CONCISE, LOGICAL PRESENTATION- The FPS should not simply be a bunch of facts jammed together. The information must be organized in a logical sequence making it easy to read and thus, understand. In addition, the FPS should contain sufficient information to answer the three main questions in an accurate yet concise manner. This is probably one of the most important qualities of a good FPS and requires a sound ability to organize facts logically.

3. GOOD LANGUAGE SKILLS –. Chairs often find that a statement lacking solid facts is often full of

complex language and terms. This does not impress the chairs in the slightest or create a good impression. Good language refers to the ability to present details and facts in an accurate, simple and logical manner but maintaining a formal and engaging tone. The FPS is not poetic nor is it intended at emotionally stirring the reader. Instead, it should express all the information in a formal, clear and grammatically accurate manner in order to impress the chairs.

In the next page you will find a sample FPS.


FOREIGN POLICY STATEMENT

Committee: General Assembly 2 Delegation: Pakistan

Name of delegate: xxx Date: xxth February 2010

School: xxx

Questions

1. External debt sustainability and development

2. Permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory, including

East-Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural

resources.

1 a) Does my country support question one?

Yes

b) What has my country done to support or condemn question one?

Debt sustainability is generally defined by IMF and World Bank as the ability of a country to meet its

current and future debt provision obligations without resorting to debt deferment or accumulation of

debts and without compromising growth. Consequently Pakistan is barely able to meet the said

conditions of debt sustainability. It has been concluded that the primary fiscal and current account

imbalances were the main causes of public debt sustainability issues. Both the public and external debt

ratios have remained far from the sustainable levels during 1970s to 2000s. The steadily rising growth

rate in the early 2000s i.e. the year 2000 to the year 2007 from 3.1% to 6.6% indicated that the external

debt sustainability conditions had been met to a certain extent with a reasonable growth rate, however

these conditions did not hold for long and growth rates fell to 2.7% in the year 2009, nevertheless as of

recent growth rates are gaining and currently stand at a 4.8%. Regardless of the constantly fluctuating

growth rates which may be considered a cause of concern it should be noted that the GDP growth rate

in Pakistan never fell to below 0% indicating that Pakistan was not affected adversely by the credit

crunch or the global recession and that there always has been a certain degree of growth and

development.

There are several indicators as to the fact that the external assistance offered to Pakistan has been used

for the purpose of development, there have been improvements in the literacy rate, life expectancy,

reserves of gold and such, and a reduction in infant mortality, deaths due to HIV and so on. However

pressing problems seem to be the continued and drastic increase in both unemployment and inflation.

Although the problem of inflation could be attributed to the rising prices of oil and the rise in global food

prices and therefore having a direct effect on the rates of unemployment due to the falling levels of

demand for both goods and labour due to higher prices, the Pakistani government are making an effort

to address this problem through subsidisation of local industries and encouragement of Foreign Direct

Investment with incentives for Multinational Companies to relocate in Pakistan.


c) What does my country plan to do in the future to condemn or support question one?

Pakistan being a rather small but open economy has always borrowed externally to finance its savings

and foreign exchange gap. Pakistan further recognises the importance of using aid to fund the savings

gap which would directly result in increased levels of investment and fund the foreign exchange gap

which would mean that now capital goods can be purchased from abroad to increase the amount of

consumer goods in the long run. However the expected level of growth and development are harder to

achieve with Pakistan’s rising debt servicing costs. 67% of the net revenue receipts of the federal

government are allocated to foreign debt repayment and debt servicing costs. According to the a

statement released by the government recently the danger of debt default continues to increase as

foreign exchange reserves fell by over 70% due to rising oil prices. Nevertheless the government of

Pakistan is doing all it can to prevent defaulting from the debt owed by trying to increase its sources of

revenue by promoting exports and encouraging Foreign Direct Investment. Pakistan further only calls for

debt relief in dire and drastic circumstances and stresses that it does not recommend debt relief as a

primary option.

Pakistan has been in the past struggling with the issue of debt sustainability and will do all within its

power to continue to pay its debts however also calls upon for emergency debt relief in the face of a

natural disaster as with the floods of 2010.

2 a) Does my country support question two?

Yes

b) What has my country done to support or condemn question two?

The Israeli – Palestinian conflict and the Israeli- Arab war has been one of great concern to the

government of Pakistan over a long period of time and as per a statement made by the President of

Pakistan, Pakistan will not recognize the state of Israel until an independent Palestinian state has been

established. The Pakistani government has always strongly believed that the Palestinians be given

permanent sovereignty of the currently occupied Palestinian territory. Although many have attributed

this support rendered to Palestine to the lack of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Israel, the

Pakistani government like the rest of the Arab world have far more profound reasons for this support.

The government of Pakistan deems it unfair that the Israelis have been exploiting, damaging and

depleting the natural resources of Palestine namely oil, causing the country to fall into stark levels of

poverty with extremely low levels of growth. Moreover Pakistan believes that as a nation the

Palestinians have the constitutional right to the resources and wealth of the state therefore proving that

by harming the environment, including dumping of waste materials in the occupied Palestinian and

Syrian territories, and by destroying vital infrastructure, including water pipelines and sewage networks

and by constructing a wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in and around East

Jerusalem, Israel has violated international law and critically deprived the Palestinian people of their

natural resources.


The Pakistani government in the past has always shown its support for Palestine concerning the issue,

adding to the refusal of Pakistan to recognize the state of Israel, Pakistan also sent in pilots to aid the

Arab forces in the Arab-Israeli war. Although many negotiations have been attempted over the years in

between Pakistan and Israel, Pakistan has always stood its ground and continues to support Palestine in

the situation. Pakistan further approves the advancement of the negotiations of the peace process in

the Middle East as endorsed by the Security Council in the past. Pakistan further believes that the

Israelis should withdraw from the Gaza Strip and dismantles all strongholds and settlements within the

aforementioned territory. This continued territorial dispute will only lead to the further exploitation of

Palestine for its oil, especially given the rising prices of oil and therefore Pakistan believes that the

Palestinians have the right to claim restitution due to the illegal measures taken upon by the occupying

Power which has not only caused damage and depletion to the natural resources of Palestine but the

acts of terror and prolonged battles have left its mark upon the citizens of both countries.

c) What does my country plan to do in the future to support to condemn question two?

Pakistan believes that if Palestine is given control of its resources and sovereignty the nation could

flourish provided that it is given sufficient aid as it would be emerging from dire circumstances. This

would be in the best interests of Pakistan and other nations as now diplomatic relations can be

established with Israel and peace in Palestine would mean an increase in the level of trade having a

sound impact on Pakistan’s economy. This would increase exports for Pakistan which means that the

Balance of Payments will improve and increase our stocks of foreign exchange. Pakistan believes that a

settling of this conflict and providing the Palestinian people the constitutional right to their wealth and

resources will encourage growth in the Middle East, as a growing nation always has positive spillover

effects on its neighbours and trade partners. The settling of this war could also mend ties between other

nations which have taken opposite sides on this issue. The end to the conflict also means that now

money used in the past for defense could be funneled into more productive channels such as health and

education causing growth and development and therefore the government of Pakistan believes that

they are justified in their support of Palestine


3.3. NEGOTIATING

3.3.1. OVERVIEW

The art of negotiation is one aspect which COMUN aims to promote in all its delegates. Debating on political issues at an international scale, delegates must understand that each country cannot get what they want. A give or take relationship must be established amongst countries which will be facilitated through negotiation.

3.3.2. OBJECTIVES, STRATEGIES and TACTICS

Comprehending your country’s stance will allow you to easily understand its objectives too. Delegates must question what their country’s stance is on an issue, what action they would like taken and how it is to be executed. Understanding and asking these questions on every issue will help you understand your country better.

There are certain strategies and tactic delegates may employ during caucusing and debating to strengthen their position.

Aggression: This can be done by pin pointing out errors in other delegates speeches. This may be done if a country goes against its foreign policy or falsely condemns another country.

Surrendering: This may seem as a weak approach but do not undermine its capability of setting your reputation. If a fellow delegate points out a mistake in your argument accept it and move on, it’s a more dignified way of dealing with the situation. However, since they have pointed out an error in your argument they may try to further point out alternative fallacies in your points raised.

Tactics that can be used are as follows:

Dividing the issue: Sometimes countries are more divided on a matter than you actually think they are. It would be beneficial to find points of agreements with other delegates and work towards those. You should try to negotiate on disagreements.

Horse-trading: When delegates disagree on more than one issue it is advisable that one delegate gets to have his or her way on one issue and the other on another issue. This will be considered a win-win situation.

3.3.3. NEGOTIATING IN COMUN: Caucusing

Caucusing is the phase of negotiation during conference. This is an informal debate between delegates and during this time delegates will form a consensus on one side of the argument. Normally delegates will form two or more group centered behind one side of the argument. These groups may decide to either produce resolutions supporting their views or launch a series of attacks on other resolutions during debates. Alongside this, delegates may form voting blocs where they agree to vote on the same resolution.


3.3.4. THE PRESENCE OF CHAIRS

Chairs are present to keep order of the debate that takes place, ensuring that things do not go out of hand and the formal register is maintained. In addition to this, they monitor the quality of debate amongst delegates. Also, they are there to help delegates out so if any problems arise, do not hesitate to ask them!


3.4. ROLE PLAY

3.4.1. OVERVIEW

When present in the committee room, delegates must keep in mind that they are representatives of countries and not school going children. Due to this mentality that COMUN aims to promote, delegates must be wary and respectful when handling situations so as not to insult or condemn their own or other countries. Diplomacy is a policy which cannot be overlooked and any comments made by delegates which are considered demeaning or condescending will be taken up by the heads of the committee.

3.4.2. ROLE PLAY AT COMUN

As mentioned previously, role play is an issue which is not lightly handled and the executive committee expects the utmost care to be taken by delegates when in the committee room. The general register which delegates are expected to maintain through the conference is a formal one.

Learning your country’s stance will help you in acting as a representative of your country successfully. Governments rarely take action without a reason and understanding this will help you succeed as a delegate. In addition to this, delegates must learn to take several points of view into account on any issue.

It must be kept in mind that all arguments that take place are not personal, only business. Disagreements will arise between countries whose foreign policies do not agree with each other. They are not personal!


3.5. Resolution Writing

3.5.1. POINTS TO REMEMBER

Resolutions refer to the documents that the delegates write during unmoderated caucusing. A resolution essentially states the problem being discussed and solutions to the problem which the delegates have come up with. To be able to write a good resolution several key concepts need to be understood:

Submitting Nation: This position would usually be assumed by the nation who has contributed the most to writing the resolution during caucusing and by default becomes the leader of the group submitting the resolution. The submitting nation also has to vote for the resolution and make opening and closing speeches for the resolution.

Co-Submitting Nations: The co-submitting nations would be every other nation that supports any given resolution and would like to affix their countries’ name on the resolution. Every resolution in the GA must have 8 or more co-submitters, resolutions from the ECOSOC should have 6 or more co-submitters; however, resolutions in the Security Council do not need any co-submitters. Co-submitting nations may not vote against their resolution and delegates may only co-submit one resolution each.

Pre-ambulatory clauses: Every resolution begins with these clauses which state the problem and provide a background to the problem.

Operative clauses: These state the solutions to the problems, and in the GA and the ECOSOC they take the form of recommendations and whereas the delegates in the Security Council can order and demand actions to take place.

Amendments: Amendments are the changes that can be made to clauses in the resolutions and can take the form of additions and removals of clauses or adjustments to parts of the clause. Amendments will be voted upon before being made, and submitting nations have the choice of failing friendly amendments.


3.5.2. Points to consider when writing a resolution Pre-ambulatory clauses

1. Describe the recent history of the issue. 2. Reference past UN actions and UN resolutions passed concerning the topic where relevant.

Operative Clauses

1. Include solutions to the problem rather than restating the problem. 2. Given that every committee functions to reach a consensus on an issue, do not be blatantly

political. 3. Ensure that co-submitting nations are not going against their foreign policy statement by

supporting your resolution. 4. Write a resolution with an international point of view as opposed to a single country’s wishes. 5. Refer issues which need further discussion to appropriate existing bodies. 6. Do not create new commissions, committees or bodies without considering the funding

available for these entities. 7. Ensure that the resolution caters to the requirements of the committee you are in. 8. Always reference previous UN resolutions if clauses are being adopted from them, if not it will

be considered plagiarism. 9. If there are two opposing sides to an issue, always include clauses in your resolution with maybe

a more neutral stance.


LIST OF PRE-AMS & OPERATIVES

Sample Pre-ambulatory Phrases

Acknowledging Affirming Alarmed by

Appreciating Approving Aware of

Bearing in mind Believing Concerned

Condemning Confident Conscious

Considering Contemplating Convinced

Declaring Desiring Determined

Distressed Disturbed Emphasizing

Encouraged Endorsing Examining

Expressing its appreciation Expressing its satisfaction Expressing serious concern

Expecting Fulfilling Fully alarmed

Fully aware Fully believing Further deploring

Further recalling Grieved Guided by

Having adopted Having considered Having considered further

Having devoted attention Having examined Having heard

Having received Having studied Keeping in mind

Mindful Noting with regret Noting with deep concern

Noting with satisfaction Noting further Noting with approval

Observing Reaffirming Realizing

Recalling Recognizing Referring

Regretting Retaining Seeking


Stressing Supporting Taking into account

Taking into consideration Taking note Viewing with appreciation

Welcoming Deeply …


Sample Operative Phrases

Accepts Adopts Affirms

Appeals Appreciates Approves

Authorizes Calls Calls upon

Concurs Commends Condemns

Confirms Congratulates Considers

Decides Declares accordingly Demands

Deplores Designates Directs

Draws the attention Emphasizes Encourages

Endorses Expresses its appreciation Expresses its hope

Has resolved Instructs Invites

Notes Proclaims Reaffirms

Recognizes Recommends Regrets

Reminds Renews Repeats

Requests Resolves Rejects

Solemnly affirms Stresses Suggests

Supports Takes note of Takes note with appreciation

Transmits Trusts Welcomes

Underlines Urges

Further … Strongly …


3.5.3. VOTING!

The success or failure of a resolution is determined by a vote in many cases, unless there is no

opposition to the resolution being passed through general consensus, in which case the chair will ask the

committee if the resolution should be passed through general consensus and either the committee

agrees or opposes it.

Conditions for a resolution to pass in the different committees

General Assembly 1 : Two-thirds majority for the resolution

General Assembly 2 & 3 and ECOSOC: A simple majority for the resolution

Security Council: Nine members for the resolution and no permanent members against it.


3.5.4. SAMPLE RESOLUTION

Question of: Combating the illicit trafficking of human beings caught in armed conflict

Committee: 1st Committee

Submitted by: USA

Co-Submitted by: Luxembourg, France, Romania, UK, Netherlands, Croatia, Chad, Benin, Liechtenstein,

Ireland, ROK, Albania, UAE, Slovakia, Uruguay, Peru, Austria, Poland, Tunisia, Philippines, Estonia,

Ecuador, Guinea, Slovenia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Nauru, Morocco, Moldova, Sweden, Egypt,

Norway, Israel, Palestine, Vietnam, St. Lucia, Honduras, Ukraine, Laos, Belgium, Canada, Jordon

Pre-Ambulatory Clauses:

1. Acknowledging the work of the UNGIFT (United Nations Global Initiative in Fighting Trafficking) in

combating the illicit trafficking of human beings caught in armed conflict.

2. Alarmed by the fact that there are an estimated 300,000 child soldiers on active duty.

3. Bearing in mind that the Palermo Protocol has much potential to combat the illicit trafficking of

human beings caught in armed conflict.

4. Concerned by the fact that there is a lack of transparency in NGOs.

5. Dismayed by the fact that human trafficking occurs due to the lack of border security.

Operative Clauses:

1. Urges all nations who haven’t signed and ratified these conventions and protocols to do so

immediately in order to combat human trafficking: by signing,

a) The Palermo Protocol

b) Slavery Convention 1929

c) C29 Forced Labor Convention

2. Requests nations to work in coordination with the UNGIFT as a multilateral framework to combat

human trafficking through:

a) Sharing information, relating human traffickers and trafficking networks and transit points.

b) Sharing technology and resources to empower all nations to combat human trafficking.

c) Submitting reports once in six months on unilateral and regional efforts in combating

trafficking.

3. Urges all member nations to raise awareness through the use of media with posters, awareness

campaigns, speeches from victims etc. with the aid from willing and able nations and NGOs who

will provide financial aid and information necessary.

4. Further requests implementation of comprehensive national and international strategies to

address human trafficking and provide comprehensive victim assistance with regards to

victimization as well as re-victimization.

5. Recommends willing and able nations to come forward and help countries which serve as a

source, transit and/or destination for human trafficking, to provide assistance and guidance to

immigration officers to monitor illegal trafficking of humans, through enhanced technology at

airports and harbors.


6. Urges multilateral co-operation in combating human trafficking in armed conflict by increasing

transparency:

a) In borders for monitoring purposes with the aid of Transparency International.

b) In activities of the foreign military forces in a specific country to report that they comply

with the regulatory laws of that country and maintain the dignity of both nations.

c) In peace keeping forces and NGOs who come into post-conflict areas with the intention of

helping victims.

7. Further recommends increase in opportunities in the country by increasing –

a) Use of labor forces and human capital that is under unemployed.

b) Increase education standards so that literacy rates rise and thus create better

opportunities.

8. Calls upon all willing and able nations to enhance protection and monitoring of people within

refugee and IDP camps by:

a) Helping improve the standard of living and facilities within refugee and IDP camps, in order

to keep them within camps.

b) Preventing human trafficking groups gaining access and exploiting people in the refugee

camps.

c) Placing officers for fair distribution of resources and counselors who the victims of

trafficking can seek assistance with.

d) Funding employment programs such as construction which in the long term can enhance

the development of the region.


3.6. Formal Debating

3.6.1. Speeches

Formal debating takes place when the resolutions are being debated; delegates have the option of

expressing their views on the resolution formally. This can be done in 2 ways:

• Prepared Speeches: These are speeches written in advance and can be used to formally introduce a

country’s stance on the issue at hand or resolution.

• Spontaneous Speeches: Majority of the speeches made at COMUN will be spontaneous and on-the-

spot. They can be in a response to another speech, a point or question made by another delegate and

even on a resolution.

Regardless of what type of speech you make, speeches must be clear, concise and cannot deviate from

the current topic. Try to present speeches in a confident and well versed manner; it will make you look

like a seasoned debater.

3.6.2. Prepared Speeches

Prepared speeches are quite rare in conference. So delegates will have to work on their impromptu

skills. Prepared speeches are generally given in the first day during the speakers list, a good speech

during the first day will make you recognizable to the chairs. A good prepared speech contains:

• An introduction explaining your country’s interest in solving the problem

• Specific suggestions on how to solve the problem

• Supporting arguments

• A conclusion

3.6.3. Spontaneous Speeches

Making an Impromptu speech might seem like a daunting task but doesn’t have to be. Here are some

guidelines to help you prepare a good one.

• Make quick notes to remind you of your points and the flow of your speech.

• Pay attention to the speeches made by other delegates, it can help you avoid repeating topics, and can

add more content to your own speech.

• Address specific clauses from resolutions and explain why you support or oppose it.

3.6.4. Speech Presentation

Good public speaking skills are essential in MUN, it is how the chairs and other delegates will take

notice of you. Here are some tips to help with speech presentation:

• Plan out what you are going to say

• Project and articulate

• Make eye contact with the audience

• Add interesting facts in your speech (relevant to the debate)

• Maintain a mature and professional tone; speak as if you would when addressing equals.

DO NOT GET PERSONAL IN YOUR DEBATING!! You should always remember that you are representing

a country and so are the other participants, therefore whilst debating all personal prejudices should be

kept aside and debating should take place in the most diplomatic manner.


4. RULES AND PROCEDURE

4.1. INTRODUCTION

This section of the manual contains information that should be understood thoroughly by

delegates, chairs, and admin. The major part of this section contains rules that apply to all delegates at

CO-MUN. Since the SC and ECOSOC share most of these rules, the parts of this section pertaining to

those councils shall only contain information on rules and procedures that are unique to them. The

councils also share many rules with each other, and delegates of SC are advised to read the page on

ECOSOC, and vice versa.

This section contains several hypothetical quotes of dialogue between chairs and delegates. While

these quotes are based on established patterns of procedure, the exact wording used by delegates and

chairs may be slightly different. What is important is that the style and general patterns of these

dialogues are understood.

The enumeration of certain rules and procedures within this manual shall not be taken to suggest

that delegates should only adhere to those rules stated here. At all times, delegates are expected to

follow accepted norms of etiquette, be diplomatic and courteous to all, and maintain high personal

standards of behavior, whether or not they are addressed in this manual.


4.2. GENERAL INFORMATION

4.2.1. Patterns of Formality

Delegates should:

Address the chair as "Mister/Madam Chairman".

Address the chairpersons as a whole as "The Chair," or "The Head Table".

Address a person with a title of office if present in the room, e.g. "Mister/Madam/President.

Address the chair before speaking.

Speak through the chair when addressing another delegate.

Do not speak without first obtaining the floor.

Do not use the pronoun "you" when addressing the chair or other delegates.

Chairs should:

Address them as 'The Chair'. E.g. “The Chair believes……….”

Address the delegate in an impersonal manner. E.g. "The chair asks the delegate of X"

4.2.2. Call to Order

This procedure is carried out by the chairpersons at the opening of any meeting or debate. The

chair opens a meeting by standing, waiting or signaling for silence, and then announcing: "The

meeting shall now come to order". The admin by order of the Chair will then take a roll call if

necessary.

4.2.3. Agenda The agenda is the order of the collection of issues debated by each committee. The agenda is

proposed by the President, and should first be approved by the committee before commencing its

business.


4.2.4. Voting

For resolutions and amendments:

Voting is normally carried out via a show of placards.

The three choices are to "be in favor," "be opposed to," and "abstain."

If voting results are very close and the outcome is in doubt, a delegate may request a division of assembly, a recount of the votes via a roll call, in which members are called in alphabetical order to state what their decision is. The chair may deny such a request if he or she feels that it is unnecessary.

For procedural matters:

Always carried out via a show of placards.

In SC:

Voting on resolutions is always via a roll call.

Voting on amendments and procedural matters is always via a show of placards.

4.2.5. Obtaining, Yielding, and Being Assigned the Floor

Obtaining the floor:

The floor can be obtained by a member of the assembly who wishes to make a motion or

speech. The floor is obtained by being recognized by the chair through the following ways:

The delegate who wishes to be recognized raises his or her placard when no one is speaking.

The chair announces, "The chair recognizes the delegate of X"

The delegate requests, "I wish I obtain the floor."

Yielding the floor:

When a delegate finishes speaking, the chair asks, "Does the delegate wish to yield the floor back to the

chair, or to another delegate?" The delegate may reply, "The delegate yields the floor to the chair," or

"The delegate yields the floor to the delegate of X"

The floor may only be yielded once consecutively, and never to a member of the same

delegation.

A delegate must speak if yielded the floor.


4.2.6. Types of Motions

A motion is a call by a delegate, or the chairs, to perform a certain action. Chairs generally have

the power to deny most motions, including the motion to appeal (explained later).

There are four different types of motions:

1) Resolutions (Main Motions)

2) Subsidiary Motions

3) Privileged Motions

4) Incidental Motions


4.3. RESOLUTION (MAIN MOTIONS)

4.3.1. Definition

Resolutions are known as main motions, as they bring issues to the attention of the conference. When it is stated that a main motion has been adopted, it means that the resolution on the issue has been passed.

4.3.2. Rules on Drafting a Resolution

General procedure:

Resolutions are written on the first day of conference during caucusing time.

The drafts are typed out by the administrative staff.

The pre-ambulatory clauses state the background to and the reason for the resolution while the operative clauses indicate the course of action to be taken on the issue.

The pre-ambs should be considered after the operatives. They are amended last since the amendment of an operative would require changes in the pre-ambs.

Specific, underlined vocabulary is used at the start of each clause in order to ensure a general understanding of the word's implications in the cause.

Co-submitting requirements:

GA: At least 8 countries

ECOSOC: At least 6 countries

SC: None


4.3.3. Debates on Resolutions

Opening debates:

The chair calls the house to order.

The chair introduces the issue and asks the submitting nation to obtain the floor.

The submitter is asked to read out the operative clauses.

The chair asks for any objections to the consideration of the issue and opens the issue for submission by stating, for example, "It is moved that the First Committee adopt the resolution just read."

Debate time is set separately for speeches for and against the resolution by the chair.

In certain situations especially due to time constraints, if the chair senses general agreement, he or she may even set time for open debate, where the floor is open to speeches either for or against the resolution.

The submitter is then given the floor to make a speech.

Speeches:

Delegates may only speak for 2 minutes.

Each delegate has the right to speak twice on the same issue. The second speech may only be made if no delegate who has not yet spoken desires the floor. After the second speech, the delegate has exhausted his or her right to debate on the issue.

Speakers must address their remarks to the chair and maintain a courteous tone.

Speakers should never attack or refer to the motives of another delegate, e.g. they should not make reference to the action of a country as an example in their speech.

Speakers should avoid mentioning other delegates solely by their countries' names, and never by their actual names.

Chairs may not interrupt a speaker unless any rules are being violated, or there is disorder or other overriding concerns.

Move to the question:

This is when the chair puts the resolution to vote. This is done when debate time ends, or

when no delegates desire the floor, whichever comes first.

A general consent pass is possible in which case there may not be a vote. In such a case,

the chair says, "The chair proposes a pass by general consent. Are there any objections?" If there

are no objections, the resolution passes. This does not necessarily mean that every delegate

agrees with the resolution; it may only mean that the opposition feels it useless to continue.

Voting:

The chair should state, "The debate is now closed, and we are moving into voting."

Admin may be asked to take their counting positions.

The chair restates the question: "The question is on the adoption of resolution number Y, submitted by X. Those in favor please raise your placards. Those opposing the adoption please raise your placards. Are there any abstentions?"


Pass/Fail Requirements:

In general, a simple majority, with more in favor than opposed, passes a resolution.

Resolutions on peace and security (The First Committee of GA) require a two- thirds majority to pass.

In SC, a resolution passes if nine members vote in favor and there are no vetoes.

Results of Voting:

If the chair is in doubt of the results, he or she may conduct a division of the assembly (refer 4.2.4.)

When the outcome is clear, the chair will declare the adoption or failure of the motion, and, where applicable, announce the next agenda item.


4.4. SUBSIDIARY MOTIONS

4.4.1. Definition

These are motions which support the assembly in handling a resolution. Subsidiary motions are put forth while a resolution is being debated. 4.4.2. Postpone Indefinitely

The motion to Postpone Indefinitely can be used to cancel the main motion for the rest of the

session given that a majority of delegates have debated on it and adopted it after it has been seconded.

Rules:

The motion may only be brought forward when the floor is not occupied.

It can only be used once for any resolution. Dialogue:

(Country X raises placard.) Chair: “Delegate of X, you have been recognized. To what point do you rise?” Country X: “The delegate of X moves that the resolution be postponed indefinitely." Chair: “Are there any seconds to this motion?” (Country Y raises placard.) Chair: It is moved and seconded that the resolution be postponed indefinitely. Country X,

you now have the floor.

Debate and voting:

Two speakers will speak, one in favor of the motion and one against it. Each speaker will be given one minute to explain their case. After the speeches the motion will instantly be put to vote with the chair stating, “The question is on the motion to postpone indefinitely resolution number X.” If the motion passes the conference can proceed to the next item on the agenda, if it fails the debate on the current resolution will continue.


4.4.3. Amendment

A delegate may wish to modify a resolution during a debate. This motion is known as an amendment. It can be done so by submitting a note to the chair or by raising a placard and saying “This delegate wishes to submit an amendment to clause X…”

A delegate may make an amendment if she/he wishes to either:

• Insert or add a word or clause • Strike out a word or clause • Strike out and insert a word • Substitute a clause by replacing with a new one

A) Primary Amendments – these are modifications to a resolution B) Secondary Amendments – these are modifications to the Primary Amendment (This must be dealt with before the initial amendment has been concluded)

Amendments MUST be:

• Germane – related to the subject of the resolution – no NEW topics • NOT on pre-ambulatory clauses – which are not open for amendments until the operative

clauses have been completely amended. • An amendment cannot be proposed to a secondary amendment

4.4.4. Postpone to a Certain Time

This motion can postpone a resolution that is pending to a specific hour, but within the time limits of

the session. When resumed, the resolution is in the exact same state as it was before it was postponed,

including any subsidiaries.

Rules:

Example Situation: Motion X • Motion X can only be debated on unless seconded and voted on by at least 2/3rd of the

house • Motion X requires one speaker who will speak for the motion and one against the motion • Each speaker is only allowed a duration of one minute • When a speaker has the floor it is out of order • This Motion is then amendable • The Motion can then be applied to the main motion of the house or any subsidiary

motion

4.4.5. Limit or Extend Debate Time

Usually, main motions will be given between 10-20minutes for and against. Amendments will either receive 10 minutes of open debate or 5 minutes for and against. The head-table may propose to limit or extend the debate time for each motion if felt necessary. When the time for debate has elapsed, the chair will either propose to extend debate time or propose to end the debate and move directly into voting.


Maximum debate times:

GA: 90 minutes (Day 1 and 2) ; 50 minutes including interruptions (Day 3)

ECOSOC: 2 hours

SC: 2 hours Other points:

Based on their judgment, Chairs may choose and want certain delegates to speak.

The time of individual delegates may be limited at the Chairs’ discretion. 4.4.6. Previous Question

This motion brings an end to the current debating topic and causes the assembly to divert and vote on a current resolution or amendment

This motion cannot commerce unless it is seconded by another delegate (as done so, as seen above) and cannot be adopted unless voted on by a 2/3rds majority of the house.

4.4.7. Lay on the Table

When an urgent situation is brought about this motion allows the assembly to effectively pause debate on the pending issue and will bring all resolutions and subsidiary motions to a stand-still until they are ‘taken from the table’ (4.4.8)

This is commonly seen in the Security Council and ECOSOC

This motion cannot be used for other reasons, and if done so it is then out of order. E.g. if used in order to avoid dealing with a pending issue.

4.4.8. Take from the Table

In relation to 4.4.7 (Lay on the table), by giving the issue that has been placed on the table the letter ‘X’

To ‘Take from the Table’ is the act of resuming issue X which has been previously placed on the table.

A delegate may do so by addressing the head table and saying, “I move to take from the table motion issue X”

Issue X can only be resumed if seconded by another delegate (as seen above) and has been adopted by 2/3rds of the house.

Issue X cannot interrupt any other pending issues on the house, and can only commerce when no other issue is being debated upon.


4.5. PRIVILEGED AND INCIDENTAL MOTIONS

4.5.1. Definition

These do not refer to the main motion, but deal with other urgent matters.

4.5.2. Call for the Orders of the Day

This allows a delegate to require the GA to move to the motion scheduled closest to the time at which this motion is made.

Rules:

It is only in order when another question is not pending.

It must be seconded.

It must be adopted by a two-thirds majority.

Dialogue:

Country X: Madame Chair, I call for the orders of the day.

Chair: Orders of the day are called for. The order of the business states that the question of (question) shall be dealt at (time) today. It is now (time), the question is on (question).

4.5.3. Point of Personal Privilege

This permits a delegate to bring up for immediate consideration an urgent matter relating to his/her rights or privileges. Rule:

This motion may interrupt a speech, but the reason has to be valid (e.g. the delegate cannot hear the speech, or he/she has not been given a copy of the resolution).

4.5.4. Point of Order

If at any time, if a delegate feels that an important rule has been disregarded, whether by another delegate or by the chair, he/she may immediately bring this to the attention of the chair.

4.5.5. Point of Parliamentary Enquiry

If a delegate is unsure of a rule or procedure, he/she may request an explanation from the chair, but this does consume debate time, so it is strongly recommended that such enquiries be made via a note to the chair, or through other means.

4.5.6. Point of Information

At the end of a speech, the chair may ask if a delegate is open to points of information. These are questions from other delegates. The delegate may say that he/she is/is not open to points of information, and/or specify a limit to the amount of questions he will entertain.


4.5.7. Right of Reply/Point of Clarification

If a delegate wishes to clarify a point he/she made which has been misunderstood, he/she may request the right of reply, and make a brief statement to clear up the issue.

4.5.8. Recess

A recess is a short break in the assembly's proceedings after which business is immediately resumed at exactly the place where it was interrupted. Rule:

Only the President, Chair, and Secretary General are empowered to call a recess.

4.5.9. Adjourn

To adjourn is to close a meeting.

Rules:

It is permitted at CO-MUN only in a case of emergency.

Only the President, Chair, and Secretary General are empowered to call this motion.

Whenever a meeting is adjourned whilst there is still outstanding business, a time shall be set for the meeting to resume.

4.5.10. Appeal

Any two delegates have the right to appeal against the decision of the chair. This is the only manner in which a delegate may criticize a decision of the chair, and must be made with the utmost respect. Rules:

It must be seconded.


4.5.11. Suspend the Rules

Should the assembly wish to do something that it cannot do without violating one or more of its regular rules, it can adopt a motion to suspend the rules.

Rules:

When business is pending, the motion may only take precedence if it is for a purpose connected with that motion.

Rules protecting the rights of a minority or individual cannot be suspended.


It can only be authorized by the President, Chair, Secretary General.


4.6. ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL

4.6.1. Agenda

Provisional Agenda:

The provisional agenda shall include the basic list of issues to be considered, submitted to the council by the organizing committee of COMUN.

Supplementary Items:

These are additions to the agenda proposed by the

Secretary General or a member of the Council, and are

accompanied by an explanation as to why he/she feels

it is important to consider the issue.

Adoption of the Agenda: The agenda for each conference should be adopted by

the council at the beginning of the conference.

Revision of the Agenda: During a session, the Council may revise the agenda by adding, deleting, deferring, or amending items. Only important and urgent items shall be added to the agenda during a session. This is usually only proposed by the Secretary General.

4.6.2. President and Vice President

The council shall be presided over by the President and Vice-President of ECOSOC for the duration of the conference. The Vice President assumes all the powers and responsibilities of the President if he/she is absent.

4.6.3. Special Rules and Procedures

Right of Reply:

If a delegate desires to clarify a point he/she made which has been misunderstood, he/she could appeal the right of reply, and compose a concise statement to clear up the matter.

Request for a Vote:

A proposal or motion shall be voted upon if any member/

delegate so wishes. Where no member requests a vote,

proposals may be adopted devoid of a vote.

Majority Required: Verdicts of the assembly are prepared by the conformity

of a majority of the present members.

Explanation of Vote: Members/delegates may make concise speeches/statements consisting solely of explanation of their votes. After voting, the Chair may call upon one speaker from each side to elucidate their votes.


4.7. SECURITY COUNCIL

4.7.1. Agenda

Provisional Agenda:

The provisional agenda shall include the basic list of issues to be considered, submitted to the council by the organizing committee of COMUN.

Supplementary Items:

These are additions to the agenda proposed by the

Secretary General or a member of the Council, and are

accompanied by an explanation as to why he/she feels

it is important to consider the issue.

Adoption of the Agenda: The agenda for each conference should be adopted by

the council at the beginning of the conference.

Revision of the Agenda: During a session, the Council may revise the agenda by adding, deleting, deferring, or amending items. Only important and urgent items shall be added to the agenda during a session. This is usually only proposed by the Secretary General.

4.7.2. Representation of Non-SC Delegates

If the council feels it necessary, any member can request from the President or Vice President

that a member of a non-SC country be present for a certain time to take questions and present

his/her views.

This request must be made well in advance, and careful consideration must be given as to which

delegate(s) are required, and from which Committee they are to be summoned.

Having summoned a delegate to the council, members must conclude their business with the

delegate as expeditiously as possible.

4.7.3. Motions

Unique to the SC, no resolution or motion requires a second request before being put to a vote. Any

delegate invited to participate in the SC may submit proposals and draft resolutions. These may only be

put to a vote at the request of a SC delegate.

4.7.4. Pass/failure of Main Motions

Main motions only pass if at least nine members vote for in the affirmative and no permanent member

votes against (vetoes) it. If a permanent member exercises the veto, he/she must give an explanation as

to why he/she exercised this power.


GOOD Luck

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