A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO THE KENYA MODEL UNITED

NATIONS

THE UNITED NATIONS

The United Nations is an organization whose stated aims are to facilitate cooperation in

international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human

rights and achieving world peace. The UN was founded in 1945 after the Second World

War to replace the League of Nations, to stop wars between countries and to provide a

platform for dialogue.

There are currently 192 member nations including nearly all the recognized nations of the

world. From its headquarters on international territory in New York City, the UN and its

specialized agencies decide on substantive and administrative issues in regular meeting

held throughout the year. The organization is divided into administrative bodies

primarily:

• The general Assembly (the main deliberative assembly);

• The security council (decides certain resolutions for peace and security);

• The economic and social council (assist in promoting international and economic

and social cooperation’s and development);

• The secretariat (provides studies, information and facilities needed by the UN);

• The International Court of Justice (the primary judicial organ)

Additional bodies deal with the governance of all other UN System agencies such as the

World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The UN’s most visible public figure is the Secretary Genera, currently Ban Ki-Moon of

South Korea who attained the post in 2007. The organization is financed from the

assessed and voluntary contributions from the member states and has six official

languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.

Functions

Peacekeeping and security

Human rights and humanitarian assistance

Social and economic development

MODEL UNITED NATIONS

A Model United Nations (MUN) conference is exactly what its name states: it is “an

authentic simulation of the UN General Assembly and other multilateral bodies”. This

simulation dates back to the League of Nations, the UN’s predecessor, when students

held Model League of Nations conferences in the 1920’s. Today, more than 200,000 high

school, college and university students participate in MUN around the world annually.

Although each MUN Simulation is independent from the others, they all have common

goals, which include increasing international understanding and developing the art of

peaceful negotiation among potential national and international leaders. It is for his

reason that participants are assigned a country which they have to represent throughout

the MUN conference, thus in the simulated General Assembly sessions, Committees etc.

Therefore, the opinions given by delegates are never their own or a reflection of the

opinions or policies of their home country, but that of the country which they were

assigned to represent.

KENYA MODEL UNITED NATIONS

The Kenya Model United Nations (KMUN) is a student led and student run non-profit

organization. KMUN is affiliated to the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC),

Gigiri (Nairobi). Our organization has close to 900 members from 18 Kenyan

Universities and college (Chapters / Agencies), a number which is increasing annually.

The Model United Nations was initiated in Kenya by Mr. Ronald Osumba of Moi

University in 2001 with the organization then being referred to as Kenya Model United

Nations. Various chapters were then opened in other Universities and there are now 15

chapters in 11 Universities namely: Moi University, Kenyatta University, University of

Nairobi, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Africa Nazarene University, Daystar

University, Maseno University, Egerton University, Kabarak University, United States

International University - Africa (USIU-A), Strathmore University and Methodist

University.

Kenya Model UN (KMUN) held its first conference in the year 2002 and has since held

this event annually in the month of February at the UN offices, Gigiri.

The first secretariat of KMUN was headed by the founder, Mr. Ronald Osumba who held

the position of Secretary General. He was then succeeded by Mr. Bosco Gicheo also of

Moi University the following year. Miss Nyakiaro Njuguna of Daystar University came

on board in 2003 as the third Secretary General and became the first female to hold the

position in KMUN. Mr. Allan Rutambo Ngari, a student at University of Nairobi, was

then appointed after serving as deputy secretary general in the previous year. The position

was then taken up by Mr. Charles Kyalo Munyao of Kenyatta University in 2006. In the

KMUN year 2007-2008, Mr. Brian Makokha was the Secretary General. He was then

followed by Miss. Brenda Malowa who then in 2009/2010 gave the seat to the 9th

Secretary General Mr. Paul Gathara. Now the seat is held currently by Miss. Ivy

Mwambingu of Strathmore University.

KMUN strives to ensure that the committees we offer provide an educational and

comprehensive look at a diverse range of pressing issues. Our Director General’s work

throughout the conference to make debate as realistic as possible, so that our delegates

get a sense of the complexities of real-world international negotiation, and, as with the

real United Nations, place an unequalled emphasis on cooperation and compromise rather

than on the supremacy of any one country’s position. In this way, delegates get a chance

not only to learn about current international affairs and to discover and represent one

country’s position, but also how to stick to that position while working with hundreds of

other delegates.

The committees are;

1. The First Committee on Disarmament and International Security

This committee deals with issues regarding disarmament and international security by

taking into account, but not restricted to, the issue areas of nuclear weapons, space

security, and small arms in the world.

2. The Second Committee on Economic and Financial Issues

This committee shall discuss economic and financial issues affecting member states of

the U.N. It shall deal with issues relating to, but not restricted to, economic growth and

development such as macroeconomic policy questions (including international trade,

international financial system, debt and commodities), financing for development,

sustainable development, human settlements, poverty eradication, globalization and

interdependence, operational activities for development, and information and

communication technologies for development.

3. The Third Committee on Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Issues

This committee discusses issues relating to a range of social, humanitarian affairs and

human rights issues that affect peoples all over the world. It shall also discuss, but will

not be restricted to, issues on the advancement of women, the protection of children,

indigenous issues, the treatment of refugees, the promotion of fundamental freedoms

through the elimination of racism and racial discrimination, and the promotion of the

right to self- determination. The Committee also addresses important social development

questions such as issues related to youth, family, ageing, and persons with disabilities,

crime prevention, criminal justice, and drug control.

4. The Fourth Committee on Special Political Issues and Decolonization

The Fourth Committee handles special political matters not dealt with by the First

Committee, as well as decolonization issues, affirming resolutions on the freedom and

self-determination of States. The Special Political and Decolonization Committee deals

with a variety of subjects which include those related to decolonization, refugees human

rights, peacekeeping, and mine action.

RULES OF PROCEDURE

The following rules govern and facilitate debate at a conference.

1. General considerations

1.1. Scope

These rules apply to the Kenya Model United Nations Conference (herein referred to as

KMUN). Please note that Committee Chairs for committees are responsible for

determining rules that are in order to facilitate debate and discussion. In case of conflict

of interpretation, a Committee Chair is the final authority for determining the rules of

procedure applicability and appropriateness.

1.2. Interpretation

In case of conflict of interpretation Director General in consultation with the Secretariat

have the final say.

1.3. Language

English is the official language of KMUN. Delegates may express themselves in the

language of their choice wherever simultaneous interpretation is available. Spanish can

be used where trilingual simultaneous interpretation is available. A Delegate wishing to

speak in an official language where simultaneous interpretation is not provided will be

required to provide his or her own translation. Please note that time spent in translation

will be counted towards total time allotted for a given speech.

2. KMUN staff

2.1. Dais

The Daises of the General Assembly and committees shall be composed of a Director

General, an Assistant Director General and a Rapporteur. The General Assembly Plenary

Dais shall be composed of the President, the Secretary General, and any other secretariat

members and a Rapporteur. Committee Dais members have been carefully chosen by

KMUN National Secretariat Staff members following a formal and mandatory

application process. Support Staff has been selected based on a nomination process and

via a network of already existing KMUN volunteers. The National Secretariat has

delegated authority over Daises that fall under their responsibility.

2.1.1. Competence of the Dais

The competence of the Dais may not be questioned by Delegates. However, if necessary,

a member of a Dais may be removed by KMUN Secretariat.

2.1.2. Dais composition: Chair

2.1.2.1. Authority of the Chair

The Chair shall exercise ultimate authority over his or her respective committee

proceeding in an equitable and objective manner.

2.1.2.2. Responsibilities of the Chair

The Chair is responsible for all procedural matters pertaining to the committee such as,

but not limited to, moderating debate, ruling on the applicability of rules and proposing

the adoption of new rules without approval from the committee should a situation require

it. The Chairman shall declare the opening and closing of each meeting of the committee,

direct its discussions, ensure observance of these rules, accord the right to speak, put

questions and announce decisions. He shall rule on points of order and, subject to these

rules, shall have complete control of the proceedings at any meeting and over the

maintenance of order thereat. The Chairperson may, in the course of the discussion of an

item, stipulate to the committee the limitation of the time to be allowed to speakers, the

limitation of the number of times each representative may speak, the closure of the list of

speakers or the closure of the debate. The chair may also propose the suspension or the

adjournment of the meeting or the adjournment of the debate on the item under

discussion.

2.1.2.3. Appeals

With the exceptions of rules that cannot be appealed, any decision of the Chair can be

appealed. Should a Motion of Appeal be made, the Chair will have the right to defend

his/her ruling. The Motion will then be put to a vote at the committee in question. A

Chair can be overruled by a two-thirds (2/3) majority resulting from this vote.

2.1.3. Dais composition: Rapporteur

2.1.3.1. Responsibilities of the Rapporteur

The Rapporteur shall be responsible for all administrative matters pertaining to the

committee such as, but not limited to, the maintenance of an attendance roster, a Speaker

List and the recording of voting results.

2.1.4. Support Staff

Under the authority of the Director General, the support Staff shall assist the Dais in all

committee functions as needed.

3. Delegations Rights

A country Delegation shall be represented by one voting Delegate per committee. A

university Delegation may be comprised of many country Delegations. All Delegates

shall have speaking and voting rights on all matters; however, Delegates representing UN

Observers shall not have voting rights on substantive issues.

4. Quorum

Committee activities and debate shall start when at least one quarter (¼) of the

Delegates are present. If quorum is not met thirty (30) minutes after the set time to start

the committee session, the committee shall be dismissed until the next scheduled time

unless otherwise instructed by a member of the Secretariat. In cases of the General

assembly quorum is one third of the members of the General Assembly are present. The

presence of a majority of the members shall be required for any decision to be taken.

4.1. Verification of Quorum

Quorum shall be assumed when committee activity begins. However, Delegates can

request quorum verification through a Motion, where the Rapporteur will proceed with

quorum confirmation by initiating a Roll Call. The Chair can rule the Motion dilatory

without option for appeal.

5. Speaker's List

A Delegate can add his/her name on the List pending that his/her name is not already on

the List either by raising his/her placard when the Chair calls for Delegates to do so or by

sending a note afterwards to the Rapporteur. Debate is automatically closed when the

Speaker's List is exhausted.

5.1. General Speaker's List

A General Speaker's List shall be opened at the beginning of every session be it a

committee session or general assembly. Delegates may issue policy statements or make

remarks on issues relevant to the theme of the conference to discuss the order in which

the Agenda will be set. The General Speaker's List remains open at all times.

5.2. Secondary/Special Speaker's List

A Secondary/Special Speaker's List shall be opened after a Draft resolution has been

introduced for discussion. Whenever deemed necessary, the Chair can decide to open

additional Speaker's Lists for other substantive issues.

6. Debate

6.1. Formal Debate

A committee shall be by default in Formal Debate unless otherwise instructed by the

Chair. Delegates should refer to the Secondary/special Speaker’s List for speaking order.

Method of formal debate is what is commonly referred to as for or against method/style

of debate. The committee or the chair, exercising his or her discretion, may set the

number of speakers speaking for or against, speakers’ time and overall time of debate.

6.2. Moderated Caucus

A Delegate wishing to enter Moderated Caucus must move for Moderated Caucus with

reference to specific length of the Caucus and the speaking time for each speech. The

Chair can recommend at his/her discretion a more appropriate caucus length and speaking

time. The Chair may rule the Moderated Caucus out of order at his/her discretion. The

Moderated Caucus shall be adopted by simple majority vote. On adoption, the Chair

shall open a special speakers list to facilitate debate and once exhausted, the debate on the

draft resolution is automatically closed.

6.3. Unmoderated Caucus

A Delegate wishing to enter Unmoderated Caucus must move for Unmoderated Caucus

with reference to specific length of the Caucus and the speaking time for each speech.

The Chair can recommend at his/her discretion a more appropriate caucus length and

speaking time. The Chair may rule the Unmoderated Caucus out of order at his/her

discretion. The Unmoderated Caucus shall be adopted by simple majority vote.

6.4. Recognition

A Delegate may only address the committee if he/she has received permission from the

Chair.

6.5. Interruptions

A Speaker may not be interrupted by another Delegate unless the Delegate has risen to a

Point of Personal Privilege or Point of Order.

7. Speeches

No representative may address the committee without having previously obtained the

permission of the Chairperson. The Chairperson shall call upon speakers in the order in

which they signify their desire to speak. The Secretary-General, or a member of the

Secretariat designated by them as their representative, may at any time make either oral

or written statements to any committee or subcommittee concerning any question under

consideration by it

7.1. Relevance of speech

A Chair may call to order a Speaker if his/her remarks are not relevant to the subject

matter being discussed.

7.2. Motion to Set Speaking Time

A Delegate may Motion to set a time limit on speeches. This Motion may not interrupt a

Speaker. The Chair may rule the Motion dilatory at his/her discretion. The chair

exercising his or her discretion may limit the time to be allowed to each speaker and the

number of times each representative may speak on any question. Before a decision is

taken by the committee, two representatives may speak in favour of, and two against, a

proposal to set such limits. When the debate is limited and a representative exceeds his

allotted time, the chair shall call him to order without delay.

7.3. Closing of speakers list

During the course of a debate, the chair may announce the list of speakers and, with or

without the approval of the committee, declare the list closed. He or she may, however,

accord the right of reply to any member if a speech delivered after he has declared the list

closed makes this desirable.

8. Yields

A Speaker may yield the remaining time allotted for his/her speech at the end of his/her

speech in the following manner:

8.1. To Questions

The Chair will take questions for the Speaker for the remaining duration of that Speaker's

speaking time. Delegates wishing to ask questions shall raise their placards and wait to be

recognized by the Chair. The Chair shall rule questions that are rhetorical, leading or not

relevant to the Speaker's speech out of order. Only the Speaker's answer shall count

towards the remaining speaking time.

8.2. To the Chair

The Floor will automatically be given to the next speaker on the Speaker list.

8.3. To another Delegate

A Speaker wishing to give the remaining time allotted to his speech to another Delegate

can do so by inviting the other Delegate to the Floor. The second Speaker shall not

exceed the time that remains for the overall speech. A Speaker that has been yielded to

cannot yield his or her time again.

8.4. If a specific yield has not been established by the Speaker, the floor will

automatically return to the Chair.

8.5. Yields shall only be in order during substantive debate.

9. Comments

9.1. Motion for Set Comments

Delegates of the Committee can choose to set two thirty (30) seconds comments at the

end of every speech during formal debate by moving to set comments. The chair may

exercise his or her discretion to accept or reject these motions.

9.2. Delegates wishing to comment may request permission from the Chair by raising

their placards at the end of the Speaker's speech after the Chair has called for comments.

9.3. The Chair shall call to order any comment that is not relevant to the speech made by

the Speaker.

9.4. Comments shall only be in order during substantive debate.

10. Parliamentary procedure

10.1. Roll Call Attendance shall be maintained by the Rapporteur by Roll Call at the

beginning of every committee session or by the Director General for committees without

Rapporteurs. Delegates shall establish their presence in the committee in the following

manner:

10.1.1. Present and Voting

A Delegate that is declared "Present and voting" shall vote in favour or against any

substantive matter without the possibility of abstention.

10.1.2. Present

A Delegate that is declared "Present" shall vote in favour, against or abstain on any

substantive matter.

10.2. Procedural matters

All Delegates are allowed to vote on procedural matters. All Delegates must vote and no

Delegate may abstain. Roll Call vote is not in order for procedural matters.

10.3. Substantive matters

Delegates representing observer parties are not allowed to vote. Delegates that have

established their presence at the initial Roll Call as "Present and Voting" shall not abstain.

Delegates having established their presence at the initial Roll Call as "Present" shall vote

in favour, against or abstain on a substantive issue. Roll Call vote on substantive matters

is in order following voting procedure as set in these rules of procedure.

10.4 Voting rights

Each member of the General Assembly shall have one vote.

11. Points

11.1. Point of Personal Privilege

A Delegate may rise to a Point of Personal Privilege if a matter impairs him/her from

participating in committee activities. The Dais shall try to effectively address the source

of impairment. This point may interrupt a Speaker.

11.2. Point of Order

A Delegate may rise to a Point of Order if a rule of procedure is not properly observed by

a Delegate or by a member of the Dais. The Chair will rule on the validity of the point. A

Delegate rising to a Point of Order may not comment on the topic of discussion. A Point

of Order ruled dilatory by the Chair may not be appealed. This point may interrupt a

Speaker.

11.3. Point of Information

A Delegate may raise this point when they wish to inquire on a substantive issue only

through asking a question, making a suggestion or comment. This point may not interrupt

speech.

11.4. Point of Parliamentary Inquiry

A Delegate may rise to a Point of Parliamentary Inquiry to request an explanation from

the Chair on rules of procedure. This point may not interrupt a Speaker and is out of order

during moderated debate.

11.5. Right of Reply

A Delegate who feels that his country or his person has been insulted by another Delegate

may rise to a Right of Reply. Disagreement with the content of a Delegate's speech is not

grounds for a Right of Reply. The Chair will recognize the Right of Reply at his/her

discretion. Should the Chair rule the Right of Reply dilatory, his/her decision cannot be

appealed. The Chair may also request that the Delegate submit his/her Right of Reply in

writing for further consideration before granting it. The Chair might choose to set a time

limit for a Right of Reply. No Delegate may call for a Right of Reply on a Right of

Reply.

12. Motions

12.1. Motion for the Adjournment of the Meeting

A Delegate may motion for the Adjournment of the meeting to suspend all committee

activities until the next scheduled meeting time. The Motion is not debatable and requires

a simple majority vote to pass. The Chair may rule the Motion out of order without

possibility of appeal.

12.2. Motion for the Adjournment of the Session

A Delegate may motion for the adjournment of the Session to suspend all committee

activities for the duration of the conference. The Motion is not debatable and requires a

simple majority vote to pass. The Chair may rule the Motion out of order without

possibility of appeal.

12.3. Motion for a Moderated Caucus

A Delegate may motion for a Moderated Caucus thereby suggesting a change from

formal debate to moderated informal debate. This Motion requires a simple majority to

pass and is not debatable. A Delegate instigating a move for Moderated Caucus must

mention the recommended length of the caucus as well as speaking time in his/her

Motion. The Chair may suggest a more appropriate caucus length or speaking time or

may rule the Moderated Caucus out of order without possibility of appeal. Once the

Motion has passed, the committee will depart from the Speaker's List and the Chair will

proceed to recognize Delegates who raise their placards to address the committee in an

equitable and objective manner. This Motion is not in order after closing of debate.

12.4. Motion to Extend Moderated Caucus

A Delegate may motion for an Extension of the Moderated Caucus if he/she feels that

additional time would benefit committee work. This Motion requires a simple majority

to pass and is not debatable. The Delegate moving for an Extension of the Moderated

Caucus must suggest a length for the extension. The Chair may suggest a more

appropriate caucus length or speaking time or may rule the Extension of the Moderated

Caucus out of order without possibility of appeal. If the Motion passes, the Moderated

Caucus will be extended.

12.5. Motion for an Un-Moderated Caucus

A Delegate may motion for an Un-Moderated Caucus thereby suggesting a change from

formal debate to informal debate. This Motion requires a simple majority to pass and is

not debatable. The Delegate instigating a move for Un-Moderated Caucus must mention

the recommended length of the caucus as well as the justification for an Un-Moderated

caucus. The Chair may suggest a more appropriate caucus length or may rule the Un-

Moderated Caucus out of order without possibility of appeal. Once the Motion has

passed, the committee will depart from the Speaker's List and Delegates will be free to

carry an informal discussion on the topic specified in the Motion. This Motion is not in

order after closing of debate.

12.6. Motion to Extend the Un-Moderated Caucus

A Delegate may motion for an Extension of the Un-Moderated Caucus if he/she feels that

additional time would benefit the work of the committee. This Motion requires a simple

majority to pass and is not debatable. The Delegate instigating a move for an Extension

of Un-Moderated Caucus must suggest a length for the extension. The Chair may suggest

a more appropriate caucus length or may rule the Extension of the Un-Moderated Caucus

out of order without the possibility of appeal. If the Motion passes, the Un-Moderated

Caucus will be extended.

12.7. Motion to Table Debate

A Delegate may motion for a Tabling of Debate to end debate on a substantive issue

without having gone through voting process on the Draft Resolution on the floor. If the

Chair rules the Motion in order, there will be two (2) Delegates speaking in favour of the

Motion and two (2) Delegates speaking against. The Motion will be put to immediate

vote. A simple majority is required to pass the Motion. If the Motion passes, all debate

on the issue will stop without any vote or further action. The committee will return to the

Primary Speaker's List. While in the Primary Speaker's List, the Chair may entertain a

Motion to go back to the dismissed topic. In that event, the Chair will entertain one (1)

Speaker for and one (1) Speaker against. A two-third majority (2/3) vote is required

for the Motion to be carried. If the Motion carries, debate on the dismissed topic

resumes and the committee automatically returns to the original Speaker's List.

12.8. Motion to Close Debate

A Delegate may motion for a Closure of Debate to end debate on a substantive issue and

move to vote on all amendments and Draft Resolutions presented to the floor. If the Chair

rules the Motion in order, there will be two (2) Delegates speaking against the Motion,

none taken to speak in favour of the Motion. A 2/3 majority is required to pass the

Motion to close debate. If the Motion passes, all debate on the issue will stop and the

committee will move into voting procedure. Debate will automatically be closed if the

Speaker's List is exhausted; any amendments or Draft Resolutions will be put to a vote.

12.9. Motion to Close the Speaker's List

A Delegate may motion for a closure of the Speaker's List to prevent any additional

names to be added to the end of the List. If the Chair rules the Motion in order, there will

be a two-third (2/3) majority vote required to pass. If the Motion passes, no additional

Speakers will be placed on the List. Once the Speaker's List is exhausted, the committee

will move to vote on the amendments and Draft Resolutions on the floor.

12.10. Motion to Re-Open the Speaker's List

A Delegate may motion to re-open the Speaker's List to allow for additional names to be

placed on the List if a previous Motion has been made to close the Speaker's List. If the

Chair rules the Motion in order, there will be a two-third majority (2/3) vote required to

pass the motion. If the Motion passes, additional Speakers will be allowed on the

Speaker's List.

12.11. Motion for Censure

If a Delegate is clearly misrepresenting either deliberately or by lack of preparation

his/her country, or is disruptive, Delegates may motion for a censure of the Delegate in

question. A member of the Secretariat must approve the motion. The Chair may rule the

Motion out of order. If the Motion is in order, the Delegate will have two (2) minutes to

explain his/her conduct. A delegate that is censured will be prohibited from speaking

during a given committee session. A second censure will mean that the delegate is

prohibited from speaking for the remainder of the conference. This requires a 2/3

majority vote to pass.

12.12. Motion for Adjournment of debate

During the discussion of any matter, a delegate may move the adjournment of the debate

on the item under discussion. In addition to the proposer of the motion, two

representatives may speak in favour of, and two against, the motion, after which the

motion shall be immediately put to the vote. The Chair may limit the time to be allowed

to speakers under this rule. It requires simple majority to pass. A delegate may move a

motion to revert back to an issue whose debate has been adjourned.

The chair may under his or her discretion rule this motion out of order. This only requires

a simple majority to pass. Delegate may apply for appeal of a decision under this rule.

12.13. Reconsideration of proposals

When a proposal/draft resolution has been adopted or rejected, it may not be reconsidered

at the same session unless the General Assembly/committee, by a two-thirds majority of

the members present and voting, so decides. Permission to speak on a motion to

reconsider shall be accorded only to two speakers opposing the motion, after which it

shall be immediately put to the vote. It shall require 2/3 majority to pass.

12.14. Withdrawal of motions

A motion may be withdrawn by its proposer at any time before voting on it has

commenced, provided that the motion has not been amended. A motion thus withdrawn

may be reintroduced by any member at the discretion.

12.15. Motion to Divide the Question/Amendments

A representative may move that parts of a draft resolution or of an amendment should be

voted on separately. If objection is made to the request for division, the motion for

division shall be voted upon. Permission to speak on the motion for division shall be

given only to two speakers in favour and two speakers against. If the motion for division

is carried, those parts of the Draft resolution or of the amendment which are approved

shall then be put to the vote as a whole. If all operative parts of the proposal or of the

amendment have been rejected, the proposal or the amendment shall be considered to

have been rejected as a whole.

13. Resolution and Amendments

13.1. Motion to Question Competence

A Motion to Question the Competence is a motion calling for a decision on the

competence of the General Assembly/committee to adopt a proposal submitted to it shall

be put to the vote before a vote is taken on the proposal in question.

The Chair will recognize one (1) Speaker in favour and one (1) Speaker against the

Motion. There will be a two-third (2/3) majority vote required to pass. If the Motion is

approved, the document will be retracted and will not be allowed to be re-introduced.

13.2. Working Paper

A Working Paper is an informal document used by committee Delegates to work on

building a Draft Resolution. A Working Paper does not need to be written under

Resolution format and will be distributed at the Chair's discretion if requested by a

Delegate. Delegates should refer to a document as a Working Paper in a speech until the

document has been submitted and approved by the Director.

13.3. Resolutions

13.3.1. Draft Resolutions

Documents submitted to the Director under proper Resolution format will be referred to

as a Draft Resolution. Delegates may refer to a document as a "Draft Resolution" in a

speech only once it has been accepted as a Draft by the Director with a number assigned

by the Dais.

13.3.2. Resolution denomination

A Draft Resolution that has been put to a vote by the committee and passes may be

referred to as a "Resolution".

13.3.3. Format

Draft Resolutions must be properly formatted as per the guidelines provided by the

National Secretariat.

13.3.4. Sponsors

Sponsors are recognized as the writers of the Draft Resolution. The required number of

Sponsors will be set by the Chair according to committee size. The respective number of

Sponsors must be present on a Working Paper to be introduced to the floor as a Draft

Resolution (in addition to the required number of Signatories). Any amendments to a

Draft Resolution must be accepted by the Sponsors to be considered "friendly". Sponsors

must agree to support a Resolution unless major changes have been introduced through

the amendment process.

13.3.5. Signatories

Signatories are recognized as the supporters of the Draft Resolution. The required

number of Signatories will be set by the Chair according to committee size. The

appropriate number of Signatories must be present on a Working Paper to be introduced

to the floor as a Draft Resolution (in addition to the required number of Sponsors).

Amendments to the Draft Resolution are not required to be approved by Signatories.

Signatories are not required to support the Draft Resolution during voting procedure; they

only agree to put their names as those who are interested to see the Working Paper

become a Draft Resolution for further debate.

13.3.6. Introduction of a Draft Resolution

A Delegate wishing to introduce a Working Paper as a Draft Resolution may rise to such

an introduction. The introduction of a Draft Resolution is a procedural matter and

remains at the discretion of the Chair. This cannot be done during a speech. It requires a

simple majority vote. Once the Working Paper has been introduced as a Draft Resolution,

the Chair will invite the Sponsors of the Resolution to read out the Draft Resolution to the

committee.

13.4. Amendments

13.4.1. Amendments to Pre-Ambulatory Clauses

Amendments to Pre-Ambulatory Clauses are not in order

13.4.2. Non-Substantive Amendments

Grammatical, spelling or formatting errors on Draft Resolutions will be made without a

vote. The final decisions on corrections will however be made by the Director.

13.4.3. Friendly Amendments

Substantive Amendments approved by all the Sponsors of a Draft Resolution will

automatically be integrated to the Draft Resolution without vote from the committee. A

Friendly Amendment may be further amended through the Un-Friendly Amendment

process.

13.4.4. Un-Friendly Amendments

Substantive Amendments to a Draft Resolution not approved by all the Sponsors of a

Draft Resolution are considered unfriendly and require one fifth (1/5) of the committee's

approval and approval from the Director to be introduced. Un-Friendly Amendments will

be put to a vote prior to the vote on the Draft Resolution as a whole. Amendments to Un-

Friendly Amendments are out of order.

13.5. Withdrawal

13.5.1. Draft Resolutions and Friendly Amendments

The Sponsors of Draft Resolutions and Friendly Amendments may request a withdrawal

of the documents at their discretion.

13.5.2. Un-Friendly Amendments

The Signatories of an Un-Friendly Amendment may request a withdrawal of the

document at their discretion.

13.5.3. Re-Introduction

Withdrawn Resolutions or Amendments may be re-introduced to the committee by

obtaining the support of one fifth (1/5) of the committee. The re-introduced Resolutions

or Amendments will then be voted on during voting procedure.

14. Voting Procedure

14.1. Voting on Draft Resolutions

More than one Resolution may be passed by one committee. However, if the Chair feels

that Draft Resolutions are complementary or fairly identical, or relate to the same

question he/she may use his/her discretion to ask the Sponsors of the Draft Resolutions to

combine both documents prior to the end of the debate and the start of the voting

procedures. In contrast the General Assembly shall, unless it decides otherwise, vote on

the proposals in the order in which they have been submitted. The General Assembly

may, after each vote on a proposal, decide whether to vote on the next proposal.

14.2. Simple majority

A procedural or substantive matter requiring a simple majority to pass implies that fifty

percent plus one vote (50% + 1) of the committee must vote in favour of the matter to

pass. If the vote is a tie, the matter will be considered to have failed.

14.3. Two-Thirds (2/3) Majority

A procedural or substantive matter requiring a two-thirds (2/3) majority to pass implied

that two-thirds (2/3) of the committee must vote in favour of a matter for the matter to

pass.

14.4. Voting procedure

When the Chair announces that the committee is entering voting procedure, no entrance

or exiting from the room will be permitted, unless there is an emergency, until voting

procedure has come to an end. All Motions are out of order except for Motions to Divide

the Question, for an Important Question, Point of Order on voting procedure, Point of

Parliamentary inquiry and Roll Call.

14.5. Method of Voting

Each Delegate of the committee has one vote and must demonstrate his/her voting

intentions by raising his/her placard at the Chair's requests unless there is a Roll Call vote

(see rule 14.5.1). In accordance with rules 10.1.1 and 10.1.2, Delegates must vote in

favour, against or abstain. No Delegate shall vote on behalf of another Delegate

14.5.1. Roll Call

Roll Call Motions may only be in order for substantive matters. This Motion is

automatically accepted unless the Chair rules it out of order; the decision is not subject to

appeal.

14.5.2. Passing

A Delegate may, during Roll Call, choose to pass. The Chair will place the Delegate at

the bottom of the voting List. A Delegate who has passed once during a voting sequence

may not pass again.

14.5.3. Voting with Rights

A Delegate may request a right of explanation after voting. Upon completion of voting,

the Delegate will be permitted to explain the reasons why he/she has chosen to vote a

certain way. The Chair may limit the speaking time at his/her discretion.

15. Voting on Amendments

All Un-Friendly Amendments shall be voted on in the order they were proposed before

the committee moves to vote on the Draft Resolution as a whole. If one Amendment

implies the rejection of a second Amendment, the second Amendment will not be voted

upon. A simple majority is required to pass an Amendment. A passed Amendment shall

be automatically included in the Draft Resolution. Once all the Amendments relating to a

Draft Resolution have been voted on, the committee may move to vote on the Draft

Resolution as a whole.

16. Division of the Question

Prior to the start of the voting process on a Draft Resolution, a Delegate may request

through a Motion to Divide the Question to vote on individual or groups of operative

clauses. This Motion is out of order for pre-ambulatory clauses. A Delegate must specify

how he/she wishes to divide the operative clauses during his/her Motion. Should there be

more than one Motion to divide the question on the floor, the committee shall vote on the

Motions from the least to the most destructive manner. The Chair shall take two (2)

Speakers in favour and two (2) Speakers against the first Motion to divide the question

for a speaking time of fifteen (15) seconds each. A simple majority is required to pass the

Motion. If the Motion passes, the subsequent Motions made will be ruled dilatory and the

committee will proceed to vote on the Draft Resolution in the manner suggested in the

Motion. The divided section that fails during voting will be taken out of the final Draft

Resolution; only those sections that have been passed will remain. The committee will

then proceed to vote on the new final Draft Resolution as a whole after all the divisions

have been voted on. Should all operative clauses fail, the Draft Resolution as whole will

be considered failed.

17. Important Question

A Motion to have a Draft Resolution considered an Important Question may be ruled out

of order at the discretion of the Chair. If the Chair rules the Motion in order, one (1)

Speaker shall speak in favour and one (1) Speaker shall speak against the Motion. A

simple majority is required to pass the Motion. If the Motion is passed, the Draft

Resolution will require a two-thirds (2/3) majority to pass.

18. Equally divided votes

If a vote is equally divided on matters other than procedural matter, a second vote shall

be taken. If this vote also results in equality, the proposal shall be regarded as rejected.

19. Voting

19.1. Method of voting

The General Assembly shall normally vote by show of hands or by standing, but any

representative may request a motion for roll-call voting. The name of each member shall

be called in any roll-call, and one of its representatives shall reply "yes", "no" or

"abstention". The result of the voting shall be inserted in the record in the English

alphabetical order of the names of the members.

19.2 Conduct during voting

After the chair has announced the beginning of voting, no representative shall interrupt

the voting except on a point of order in connection with the actual conduct of the voting.

The chair may permit members to explain their votes (right to explain vote), either before

or after the voting, except when the vote is taken by secret ballot. The chair may limit the

time to be allowed for such explanations. The President shall not permit the proposer of a

proposal or of an amendment to explain his vote on his own proposal or amendment.

19.3 Voting on amendments

When an amendment is moved to a draft resolution, the amendment shall be voted on

first. When two or more amendments are moved to a draft resolution, the General

Assembly shall first vote on the amendment furthest removed in substance from the

original proposal and then on the amendment next furthest removed therefrom, and so on

until all the amendments have been put to the vote. Where, however, the adoption of one

amendment necessarily implies the rejection of another amendment, the latter amendment

shall not be put to the vote. If one or more amendments are adopted, the amended

proposal shall then be voted upon. A motion is considered an amendment to a proposal if

it merely adds to, deletes from or revises part of the proposal.

20. Congratulatory Movement

During formal debate (except during voting) delegates will be permitted 30 seconds of

orderly and discreet movement. The movement shall be directed only towards a delegate

who has just immediately spoken. The process may be carried out by only one delegate

from a delegation. The process shall be as follows; the delegate may,

• Rise up

• Head in front of the dais

• Observe protocol as a sign to respect the dais

• Make their way to the delegate who has just spoken

• Shake hands (congratulate)

• Walk towards the dais

• Observe protocol again

• Finally return to their seats.

RESEARCHING AND WRITING

The following guidelines will assist a delegate to research and write in preparation for the

conference.

WRITING

1. Position Papers

A position paper is an essay detailing your country’s policies on the topics being

discussed in your committee. Writing a position paper will help you organize your ideas

so that you can share your country’s position with the rest of the committee. If you

conduct extensive research, a position paper should be easy to write.

How to Write a Position Paper

Writing a position paper might appear to be a daunting task, especially for new delegates.

But with enough research, you will find that writing a position paper will be easy and

useful.

Position papers are usually one to one-and-a-half pages in length. Your position paper

should include a brief introduction followed by a comprehensive breakdown of your

country's position on the topics that are being discussed by the committee. A good

position paper will not only provide facts but also make proposals for resolutions.

A good position paper will include:

A brief introduction to your country and its history concerning the topic and

committee;

How the issue affects your country;

Your country’s policies with respect to the issue and your country’s justification

for these policies;

Quotes from your country’s leaders about the issue;

Statistics to back up your country’s position on the issue;

Actions taken by your government with regard to the issue;

Conventions and resolutions that your country has signed or ratified;

UN actions that your country supported or opposed;

What your country believes should be done to address the issue;

What your country would like to accomplish in the committee’s resolution; and

How the positions of other countries affect your country’s position.

Position Paper Tips

Keep it simple. To communicate strongly and effectively, avoid flowery wording

and stick to uncomplicated language and sentence structure.

Make it official. Try to use the seal of your country or create an “official”

letterhead for your position paper. The more realistic it looks, the more others will

want to read it.

Get organized. Give each separate idea or proposal its own paragraph. Make sure

each paragraph starts with a topic sentence.

Cite your sources. Use footnotes or endnotes to show where you found your facts

and statistics.

Read and reread. Leave time to edit your position paper. Ask yourself if the

organization of the paper makes sense and double-check your spelling and

grammar.

Speech! Speech! Do you plan to make an opening statement at your conference?

A good position paper makes a great introductory speech. During debate, a good

position paper will also help you to stick to your country’s policies.

Let the bullets fly. Try not to let your proposals become lost in a sea of

information. For speechmaking, create a bulleted list of your proposals along with

your most important facts and statistics so that you will not lose time looking for

them during debate.

2. Model UN Resolutions

A resolution is a document that delegates prepare highlighting a certain issue and

provides solutions that the country which the delegates represent would like to be

debated. Before their adoption by the committee, they are referred to as draft resolutions.

Delegates are expected to submit their draft resolutions before the conference or mock

debates for logistical and vetting purposes.

A resolution is composed of two parts, namely the preambulatory clauses and the

operative clauses.

Preambulatory Clauses

The preamble of a draft resolution states the reasons for which the committee is

addressing the topic and highlights past international action on the issue. Each clause

begins with a present participle (called a Preambulatory phrase) and ends with a comma.

Preambulatory clauses should include:

References to the UN Charter;

Citations of past UN resolutions or treaties on the topic under discussion;

Mentions of statements made by the Secretary-General or a relevant UN body or

agency;

Recognition of the efforts of regional or nongovernmental organizations in dealing

with the issue; and

General statements on the topic, its significance and its impact.

The preambulatory clauses should therefore highlight the following:

The facts of the issue

Why the issue requires redress in the UN

Demonstrate that the UN is competent (has the mandate) to address the issue i.e. cite

the UN Charter, past treaties and resolutions on the matter etc.

Some Preambulatory Phrases

Operative Clauses

Operative clauses identify the actions or recommendations made in a resolution. Each

operative clause begins with a verb (called an operative phrase) and ends with a

semicolon. Operative clauses should be organized in a logical progression, with each

containing a single idea or proposal, and are always numbered. If a clause requires further

explanation, bulleted lists set off by letters or roman numerals can also be used. After the

last operative clause, the resolution ends in a period.

Affirming

Alarmed by

Approving

Aware of

Bearing in mind

Believing

Confident

Contemplating

Convinced

Declaring

Deeply

concerned

Deeply

conscious

Deeply

convinced

Deeply disturbed Deeply

regretting Desiring

Emphasizing

Expecting

Expressing its

appreciation

Expressing its

satisfaction Fulfilling

Fully alarmed

Fully aware

Fully believing

Further deploring

Further recalling

Guided by

Having adopted

Having considered

Having considered

further

Having devoted

attention Having

examined

Having heard

Having received

Having studied

Keeping in mind

Noting with regret

Noting with deep

concern Noting with

satisfaction Noting

further

Noting with approval

Observing

Reaffirming

Realizing

Recalling

Recognizing

Referring

Seeking

Taking into account

Taking into consideration

Taking note

Viewing with

appreciation

Welcoming

SEVEN STEP STRATEGY FOR MODEL UNITED NATIONS RESEARCH

Delegates must ensure that they efficiently get to understand their country and their

foreign policies before they can represent them. The following steps are advised to be

followed to facilitate basic preparation for the conference;

1. Familiarize yourself with the country you are representing

The delegates are expected to know all the basic information about their country e.g.

country location, capital city, head of state, head of government, name of currency, allies,

blocs, development status, military capacity, wealth, trade partners.

2. Gather background information on the United Nations Organization

Successful participation at a Model UN session requires a baseline understanding of the

United Nations organization itself, including its structures and rules of procedures. It

would also be beneficial to understand the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of

Accepts

Affirms

Approves Authorizes

Calls upon

Condemns Confirms

Congratulates

Considers

Declares accordingly

Deplores

Designates

Draws the attention

Emphasizes

Encourages

Endorses

Expresses its

appreciation

Expresses its hope

Further invites

Further proclaims

Further reminds

Further

recommends

Further requests

Further resolves

Has resolved

Notes

Proclaims

Reaffirms

Recommends

Regrets

Reminds

Requests

Solemnly

affirms Strongly

condemns

Supports

Takes note of

Transmits

Trusts

Human Rights as well as relevant UN Conventions and UN subsidiary bodies and

programs that facilitate the workings of the United Nations.

3. Gather background information on the agenda items and issue areas

Participants must be fully aware of the foreign policies of their assigned countries. They

must acquaint themselves with the international issue areas, and the status of discussions

at the UN in these areas so as to properly represent them in the Model UN session. The

set agenda items must be intensely researched and thus the delegate must establish

thoroughly their countries stance on the issue.

Delegates must develop an understanding of the issues that will be debated at the Model

UN conference. Many conferences send out background materials or issue briefs, which

can help jumpstart your research.

4. Review the speeches at the UN by the country’s representatives

Speeches and discussions in prior meetings of the principal organs of the United Nations

and their subsidiary bodies and ad-hoc committees are important towards understanding

the foreign policy of the country.

5. Review policy statements from the country’s political leadership

These are useful documents that will be key to understanding the actions of the country in

the international arena. Such information can be obtained from letters written by the head

of state and foreign ministers to the Secretary General on issues in the international

system.

6. Study the texts of resolutions sponsored by the country

Participants must be well aware of the resolutions and the issues that their countries

involve themselves in. This will also enable the participant to be able to know which

resolutions they can support, write, sponsor and be a part of without misrepresenting their

countries.

7. Develop an understanding of the country’s voting pattern

Delegations must be able to understand voting patterns of their countries. This is a critical

element of a successful simulation. Delegates are encouraged to master this pattern so as

to do the same trend in the Model UN session