WELCOME TO CHIREC MUN 2014

Speak. Hear. Resolve. July 18 19 and 20

th th

th

CHIREC, Kondapur Campus

The United Nations and Model UN

What is the United Nations?
The United Nations Organization (UNO) or simply United Nations (UN) is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and the achieving of world peace. The UN was founded in 1945 after World War II to replace the League of Nations, to stop wars between countries, and to provide a platform for dialogue. It contains multiple subsidiary organizations to carry out its missions.

How and when was it formed?

The United Nations was established in 1945 to maintain international peace and promote cooperation in solving international economic, social and humanitarian problems. The earliest concrete plan for a new world organization was begun under the aegis of the U.S. State Department in 1939. Franklin D. Roosevelt first coined the term 'United Nations' as a term to describe the Allied countries. The term was first officially used on 1 January 1942 when 26 governments signed the Atlantic Charter, pledging to continue the war effort. UN officially came into existence on 24 October 1945 upon ratification of the Charter by the five permanent members of the Security Council France, the Republic of China, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom and the United Statesand by a majority of the other 46 signatories.

Who are the members of the United Nations?

There are currently 193 United Nations member states. The United Nations Charter outlines the rules for membership: 1. Membership in the United Nations is open to all other peace-loving states which accept the obligations contained in the present Charter and, in the judgment of the Organization, are able and willing to carry out these obligations. 2. The admission of any such state to membership in the United Nations will be effected by a decision of the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council.

What does the UN do?

The primary aim of the UN is to promote and maintain international peace and security through peaceful means and through the consensus of the international community. This job description as you can imagine will include quite a bit. In reality the UN is responsible for deliberating and solving all of the ills and issues that plague the world. It discusses, formulates policies and recommendations to member states and carries out various programmes for the fulfilment of its primary goal. The spectrum of agendas discussed at the UN vary from Global Warming and Human Trafficking to existing security situations across the world such as the situation in Libya, Cote de Iviore and Money laundering and tax evasion. Concept development is also done by the UN when agendas such as Universal Jurisdiction, Responsibility to Protect and Gender Mainstreaming are discussed. Discussions aside, implementation of the UN decisions is not only done by member states but also by various UN bodies such as the UNIODC, WHO, UNICEF etc. The UN family of organs in itself is very large covering every known field of contention and interest in the world. The broad functions of the UN can be summarised in the following: 1. Peacekeeping and security 2. Human rights and humanitarian assistance 3. Social and Economic development 4. Mandates (ensuring that organs of the UN stick to their mandates)

What are the primary and other organs of the UN?

The UN has 5 principles organs:

1. General Assembly:

The General Assembly is the main deliberative assembly of the United Nations. Composed of all United Nations member states, the assembly meets in regular yearly sessions under a president elected from among the member states. Over a two-week period at the start of each session, all members have the opportunity to address the assembly. When the General Assembly votes on important questions, a twothirds majority of those present and voting is required. Examples of important questions include: recommendations on peace and security; election of members to organs; admission, suspension, and

2. Security Council:

expulsion of members; and, budgetary matters. All other questions are decided by majority vote. The Security Council is charged with maintaining peace and security among countries. While other organs of the United Nations can only make 'recommendations' to member governments, the Security Council has the power to make binding decisions that member governments have agreed to carry out. 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. The five permanent members hold veto power over substantive but not procedural resolutions allowing a permanent member to block adoption but not to block the debate of a resolution unacceptable to it. The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) assists the General Assembly in promoting international economic and social cooperation and development. ECOSOC has 54 members, all of which are elected by the General Assembly for a three-year term. The ECOSOC serves as the central forum for discussing international economic and social issues, and for formulating policy recommendations addressed to Member States and the United Nations system. Its main tasks include the promotion of higher standards of living, full employment, and economic and social progress; the identification of solutions to international economic, social and health problems; the facilitation of international cultural and educational cooperation; and the advancement of universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The United Nations Secretariat is headed by the Secretary-General, assisted by a staff of international civil servants worldwide. It provides studies, information, and facilities needed by United Nations bodies for their meetings. It also carries out tasks as directed by the UN Security Council, the UN General Assembly, the UN Economic and Social Council, and other UN bodies. The Secretary-General's duties include helping resolve international disputes, administering peacekeeping operations, organizing international conferences, gathering information on the

3. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC):

4. Secretariat:

5. International Court of Justice:

implementation of Security Council decisions, and consulting with member governments regarding various initiatives. The International Court of Justice (ICJ), located in The Hague, Netherlands, is the primary judicial organ of the United Nations. Its main functions are to settle legal disputes submitted to it by states and to give advisory opinions on legal questions submitted to it by duly authorized international organs, agencies, and the UN General Assembly. Food and Agriculture Organization FAO International Atomic Energy Agency IAEE International Civil Aviation Organization ICAO International Fund for Agricultural Development IFAD International Labour Organization ILO International Maritime Organization IMO International Monetary Fund IMF International Telecommunications Union ITO International Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation UNESCO United Nations International Development Organisation UNIDO Universal Postal Union UPO World Bank WB World Food Programme WFP World Health Organization WHO World Intellectual Property Organization WIPO World Meteorological Organization WMO World Tourism Organization UNWTO

6. Other specialized agencies:

Useful links to understand the United Nations system

United Nations website: www.un.org United Nations Bibliographic Information system: http://unbisnet.un.org/

What is a Model United Nations Conference?

Model United Nations (also Model UN or MUN) is an academic simulation of the United Nations that aims to educate participants about civics, current events, effective communication, globalization and multilateral diplomacy. In standard Model UN, students take on roles as diplomats and participate in a simulated session of an intergovernmental organization (IGO).

How did the concept of MUNs develop?

Model and civic simulation education are older than the United Nations. Records indicate that as early as the 1920s students in the United States of America were participating in collegiate simulations of the League of Nations, the predecessor to the United Nations. The modern day National Model United Nations in New York City and Harvard Model United Nations both began as simulations of the League of Nations in the 1920s. Harvard Model United Nations is the world's oldest continuous College Model UN conference, founded in 1955. Berkeley Model United Nations is the world's oldest continuous High School Model UN conference, founded in 1952. The National Model United Nations is one of the world's largest conferences with over 5,000 participants and is most unique with a part of the conference held at the United Nations in New York City. As the League of Nations was dismantled and the United Nations was born in 1945, simulations of the League of Nations were transformed into Model United Nations. Some conferences still perform historical simulations, however, including League of Nations crisis situations. These simulations now have grown to over 3000 and 2000 annual participants.

What do you do at an MUN?

In a MUN, participants research a country, take on roles as diplomats, investigate international issues, debate, deliberate, consult, and then develop solutions to world problems. More recently, simulation of other deliberative bodies, such as the United States National Security Council, has been included in Model United Nations, even if they are completely unrelated to the UN or international affairs as a whole. During a conference, participants must employ a variety of communication and critical thinking skills in order to represent the policies of their country. These skills include public speaking, group communication, research, policy analysis, active listening, negotiating, conflict resolution, note taking, and technical writing.

General Conference Rules

1. Dress Code: Formal Business Attire

Men: Suit or a jacket and a dress pant (No jeans or cargo pants), dress shirt, tie, socks and dress shoes. Ladies: Suit or dress slacks, formal skirts, blouses or sweaters, dress shoes. Delegates may also wear the traditional outfits of countries being represented.

2. Behaviour:
A delegate has to behave cordially at all times in or out of committee. Delegates have to be respectful to their fellow delegate, the executive board and the secretariat. Any delegate caught exhibiting unparliamentarily or unruly behaviour will be suspended from the conference. Smoking is prohibited in all conference buildings at all times. Alcohol and illegal drugs are prohibited at all times. Any delegate caught in possession of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs will be barred from the conference.

Rules of Procedure
Points
1. Point of Personal Privilege: A point of personal privilege is raised when a delegate is feeling any physical discomfort. If the delegate wants water, or a change in temperature etc., a point of personal privilege is raised. This point can interrupt a speaker and can be raised at any point throughout the flow of debate. 2. Point of Order: A point of order is raised by a delegate when a procedural error has been made by the executive board or a factual or procedural error has been made by another delegate. The point of order can interrupt a speaker but is only applicable during formal

debate and the discussion of the resolution. It is not valid in moderated caucuses. 3. Point of Inquiry: It is raised by a delegate to ask a procedural inquiry. It cannot interrupt a speaker and is not valid in a moderated caucus. 4. Point of Information: The point of information is a tool used to question another delegate during formal debate.

Yields

The usage of yields is restricted to formal debate. Once a delegate has finished speaking on the general speakers list or a provisional speakers list, and still has some time remaining, he/she can yield to the following: 1. To the chair: Delegates have the option to yield their remaining time to chair. Once this is done, the delegate can simply go back to his/her seat. 2. To another delegate: This yield is usually made when the resolution is being discussed through a provisional speakers list. In this yield, the speaker can yield their remaining time to another delegate. 3. To comments: The speaker yields their remaining time to comments

Motions
1. Motion to set the agenda: This is the first motion raised in an MUN conference. It is used to change the default order of the agenda. This is a debatable motion and once it is raised 2 delegates are selected to speak for it and 2 delegates are selected to speak against it. Once all the speakers have spoken simple placard voting is conducted. The motion passes with simple majority (50%+1).

2. Motion to open General Speakers List: This motion is raised once the agenda has been set. It requires simple majority 3. Motion to set Speakers time: This motion allows delegates to set the speakers time in the. The time limit can be increased or decreased to any extent. This motion is debatable, 2 delegates speak for and against. It passes by simple majority. 4. Motion to move into a moderated caucus: A motion to move into moderated caucus is used to begin a moderated caucus. It is passed with simple majority. 5. Motion to move into an unmoderated caucus: A motion to move into unmoderated caucus is used when any paperwork is needed. All Rules of Procedure are lifted at this time. 6. Motion to suspend meeting: This motion is raised by the delegates so that the committee can break for lunch, tea. It is also used to end the last session on day 1 and 2. It passes with a simple majority 7. Motion to adjourn meeting: This motion is used to signify the end of a MUN conference and is used at the end of the last session on the last day. It passes by simple majority. 8. Motion to table debate: A motion to table debate is used to move to another agenda or a topic. The committee may or may not come back to the original agenda. The motion is debatable with 2 delegates speaking for and against. The motion passes with a 2/3rd special majority. 9. Motion to close debate: This motion is used to close debate and move into voting. It passes with simple majority. 10. Motion to appeal to the chairs decision: This motion is made by a delegate when he/she feels that the chair has made an incorrect decision. The motion has to be made immediately after the decision has been taken by the chair. Once the motion is made, the chair steps down. The Assistant Director takes over the committee proceedings

and a member of the secretariat is called. The Secretariat Member then presides over the ruling for the motion. 2 delegates speak for and 2 delegates speak against the validity of the motion. The chair then gives his/her version and arguments. After which the Secretary General conducts a vote. The motion requires 2/3rd majority to pass. If it receives that majority then the chairs decision is retracted. 11. Motion to divide the question: question: Once debate on a topic has been closed a delegate can raise a motion to divide the draft resolution into part A and part B (the number of parts can be more than 2) and that voting on each part should take place separately. This is a debatable motion where 2 speakers will speak for and 2 speakers will speak against the motion. After this the chair will take a vote. The motion passes with simple majority. Each part is taken as separate resolution and is subject to a substantive vote.

Plea to follow up

A plea to follow up is used when a delegate feels that another delegate hasnt answered his/her question/point of information satisfactorily. It can only be asked by the delegate whose point of information was recognized. In essence it is a tool used to cross question.

Right to Reply
If a member of the committee makes a personal attack on another delegate, then the offended delegate is permitted to reply to the delegate. It is not applicable is an attack is made on the delegates stance. The chair makes the ultimate ruling to whether the delegate in question deserves a right of reply. All rights of reply must be submitted in writing to the chair.

Flow of Debate
Roll Call
The roll call is the first order of business in any MUN conference. The Assistant Director begins with reading aloud the names of all member states. A delegate can respond to their roll call either as present or

present and voting. A present and voting respo nse to the roll call prevents a delegate from abstaining on a substantive vote.

Setting of the Agenda

Every MUN conference usually has 2-3 agendas which are present in predefined default order. In this stage delegates have the opportunity to change the default order of the agenda. The agenda is set through a motion.

Opening of General Speakers List

The next stage in most MUN conferences is the opening of the general speakers list (GSL). The GSL is opened through a motion. Once the motion passes the chair asks for delegates willing to speak and then randomly selects those delegates who wish to be put on the GSL. The delegate raising the motion is by default the first speaker.

Formal Debate
It is the standard debate that occurs at an MUN conference. Delegates speak for a certain amount of time in an order based on the speakers list. Formal debate includes all speeches made in the GSL. Every GSL speech can be subject to questions at the delegate's discretion. Formal debate must end before moving into informal debate.

Informal Debate
As and when the committee deems fit, it can move into informal debate through the use of a motion. Informal debate has 2 components: 1. Moderated Caucus: The moderated caucus is by far one of the most important parts of an MUN. It is simply a discussion on any topic that falls within the ambit of the entire agenda. It facilitates freer exchange of ideas, delegates remain seated and the chair will call on willing delegates to speak one at a time. A moderated caucus can be initiated by raising a motion to suspend formal debate. 2. Unmoderated Caucus: A type of caucus in which delegates leave their seats to mingle and speak freely. Enables the free sharing of ideas to an extent not possible in formal debate or moderated caucuses. Unmoderated Caucuses are used by delegates to divide

themselves into blocs, find support and to write working papers and draft resolutions. An unmoderated caucus can be started through a motion to suspend debate.

Debate usually moves between formal and informal debate. These methods of debating are also used to discuss the resolution or the end document.

Resolution Process
The process involving the introduction of a resolution, its modification and its passing is called the resolution process. The resolution process begins with the introduction of the working paper. 1. Working Paper: A working paper is pre-cursor to the final resolution. A working paper is usually worked on during an Un-moderated caucus and is introduced once the committee feels that the agenda has been sufficiently discussed through debate taking place in both the formal and informal format. It is simply a list of proposed solutions. Once a working paper is prepared sufficiently by a bloc, it is submitted to the executive board. The executive board will only accept the working paper if it has the support of more than 20% of member states present at that time. New points and ideas should be added and when a working paper is comprehensive enough, delegates should formulate it into a draft resolution. If 2 working papers are similar then the executive can ask the authors or the 2 submitting blocs to merge the working papers.

2. Draft Resolution: FormatDRAFT RESOLUTION Committee: ABC Agenda: xyz

Sponsors: USA, UK. (maximum 4-5, sometimes 2) Signatories: India, China, Afghanistan. (no upper limit) Pre-ambulatory Clauses: Clause 1 beginning , Clause 2 beginning , Clause 3 beginning , (pre-ambulatory clauses are not numbered.) Operative Clauses: 1. ; 2. .; 3. .( the last operative clause ends with a full stop) A draft resolution is a document that seeks to fix the problems addressed by a committee. If passed the draft resolution becomes a resolution. Sponsor: A sponsor is a delegate who has played an integral part in the formulation of a draft resolution. A sponsor knows and can defend all the points of the draft resolution. Signatory: A signatory is a delegate who simply wants to see the draft resolution discussed in committee. Pre- ambulatory clauses: They describe the problem being addressed, recall past actions, explain the purpose of the resolution and offer support for the operative clauses that follow. Each clause in the preamble begins with an underlines word that and ends with a comma. The total number of Sponsors and Signatories must constitute at least 20% of the total committee present. Operative clause: They are numbered and state the action to be taken by the body. These clauses all begin with present tense active verbs, which are generally stronger than those used in the preamble. Each operative clause is followed by a semi colon and the last operative clause end with a period. Once the draft resolution has been introduced, it can be discussed either through a moderated caucus or a provisional speakers list. In each case sponsors are expected to defend their draft resolution and answer any questions with regards to it that will be brought up by the delegates of the committee.

List of pre-ambulatory clauses

Affirming

Realizing

Guided by Confident Alarmed by Recognizing Deeply regretting Contemplating Having considered Fulfilling Observing

Having heard Aware of Convinced Emphasizing Keeping in mind Believing Noting with regret Expecting Fully believing

List of operative clauses

Accepts Emphasizes Affirms Encourages Approves Endorses Authorizes Expresses its hope Calls Further invites

Calls upon Has resolved Condemns Proclaims Confirms Reaffirms Considers Recommends Deplores Regrets

3. Amendments

The amendment process begins once the chair says that the draft resolution is open to amendments. It is through amendments that any delegate can make changes to a given resolution. A clause can be amended only once as an amendment to an amendment is not valid. Amendments can also be divided into friendly and unfriendly amendments. Friendly amendments: A friendly amendment is whose inclusion into the resolution is agreed to by all the sponsors of the resolution. A committee vote is not required. Unfriendly amendment: Even if one sponsor opposes an amendment it becomes an unfriendly amendment. In this situation a roll call vote is taken where the delegates can say yes,

no or abstain according to their role call. The amendment is included if it passes with 2/3rd majority. There are 3 kinds of amendmentsAddition Amendment To: Executive Board From: (Country name) Draft Resolution (number of draft resolution to be amended) -------New clause------Deletion Amendment To: Executive Board From: (Country name) Draft resolution (number of draft resolution to be amended) Deletion of clause x Modification Amendment To: Executive Board From: (Country name) Draft resolution(number of draft resolution to be amended) Original clause:---------New clause:----------

Voting

Voting on any draft resolution can be done only when a motion to close debate is passed by the committee. Delegates can vote in 3 different ways- yes, no or abstain. A resolution can only pass if it has 2/3rd majority support of the committee minus the absent members and abstaining members. If a delegate replied present to the roll call then all the 3 options of agreeing, disagreeing and abstaining to a resolution are present. However, if a delegate replied present an d voting to the roll call, then during the voting for a resolution that delegate does not have the choice to abstain from a resolution. Available votes to delegates: 1. Yes- The delegate agrees to a resolution.

No- The delegate disagrees to a resolution. Abstain- The delegate has no opinion of the resolution and it does not matter to the respective country if it passes or fails. 4. No with rights- This is used if a sponsor has to say no to his/her own resolution usually when it has been amended to an extent that it goes against the delegates foreign policy. 5. Pass-When this is used, the delegate vote is not registered, and the delegate shall be recalled after completion of voting to register his/her vote.
2. 3.

Position Paper
Writing a well-researched and substantive position paper is the best way to prepare for any Model United Nations conference. Through the position paper your delegation will express its ideas and policies by defining your nation states perspective on the issues at hand. Moreover, it is the means by which you bring all of your research together in a logical and succinct form. Overview Researching and writing a position paper go hand in hand. While researching will give you an overwhelming amount of information, it is through the position paper that you will be able to narrow in on the mission you have set before yourself. In writing the position paper, you will be able to understand the complexity of the situations and issues, as seen from your countrys vantage point. To say it simply, you will be condensing the vast amounts of books, magazine articles, newspaper clippings, and websites youve collected down to just a few more comprehensible pages. After breaking it down, your position paper should flow smoothly. What you should aim for is quality not quantity. Overall, your position paper should exhibit the following:
comprehensive research into the matter an organized and argumentative structure original thinking that follows with the policy of the represented state. an attitude of seriousness to the issues in question

The position paper, ultimately, is your opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the issues presented in the committee, and thus will go a long way in preparing you for direct interaction and debate with other delegates. Requirements One position paper is due per delegation (country) for each topic on the committee agenda, whether it has been assigned to a single delegate or partnership.
8.5 inch by 11 inch paper (A4 size)

No cover page 1 inch margins on all sides (top, left, right, and bottom) typed in 12 point Times New Roman font 1 page per topic all quotations must be citied All position paper will be extensively cross referenced through various sources, both online and in-print. If there is any evidence of using the work of others without citations, the position paper will not be eligible for an award.

Delegates must also remember to correctly cite sources, and papers without any cited sources will not be accepted. All Position Papers must be emailed by 10 th July, 2014 to their committee chairs email ID.