Model UN

DELEGATE HANDBOOK

Table of Contents

The UN and its bodies 3-5

Delegate Basics 6

What to Expect 7

How to Be Your Best 8

Useful Sources 9

How to Write a Position Paper 9-12

Sample Position Paper 11-12

How to Research/Write a Resolution 13-16

Sample Resolution 15-16

Important Documents 17-24

Rules of Parliamentary Procedure 25-29

Resolution Introductory Phrases 30

Points and Motions 31-32

The United Nations

The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 after WWII by 51 countries

committed to maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among

nations, and promoting social progress, better living standards, and human rights.

In short, the UN has 4 main purposes:

To maintain peace throughout the world

To develop friendly relations among nations

To help nations work together to improve the lives of those living in poverty, to conquer

hunger, disease, and illiteracy, and to encourage respect for each other’s rights and

freedom

To be a center for harmonizing the actions of nations to achieve these goals.

Due to its unique international character, and the powers vested in its founding Charter, the

Organization can take action on a wide range of issues and provide a forum for its 193 Member

States to express their views, through the many UN bodies and committees. Although best

known for peacekeeping, peacebuilding, conflict prevention and humanitarian assistance, there

are many other ways the United Nations and its System (specialized agencies, funds and

programs) affect our lives and make the world a better place. The Organization works on a broad

range of fundamental issues, from sustainable development, environment and refugee protection,

disaster rights, gender equality and the advancement of women, governance, economic and

social development and international health, expanding food production, and so much more.

The United Nations officially came into existence on 24 October 1945, when the Charter had

been ratified by China, France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, the United States and by

a majority of other signatories. United Nations Day is celebrated on 24 October each year.

The Significant Bodies of the UN

The General Assembly (GA): The GA discusses broad topics that involve almost every country (climate change, for instance).

A few of the more specific committees may have to answer to it (providing their approved

resolutions for final approval by the GA). In these cases the GA is the final decision-maker of

those resolutions.

The Security Council The Security Council aims to maintain international peace and security. It is comprised of fifteen

members, including five permanent members(the p5) with veto power (China, France, the

Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States). If a permanent Member votes

against a resolution before the Council, the resolution is vetoed.

Disarmament (Disarm/Disec): Disarm is the committee that discusses the disarmament of all types of weapons across the

globe, from nuclear weapons to small arms. This committee works to incorporate

SALT(Strategic Arms Limitations Treaty) into new legislation which will further limit arms and

promote peace.

Special Political (SpecPol): This committee deals with land and border disputes within regions all over the world. Areas such

as Africa, Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe are often in dispute by ethnic, religious and

political rivalries. SpecPol works to resolve the political situation in the disputed nation while

maintaining the UN’s commitment to international sovereignty.

World Health Organization (WHO): This committee deals with all health-related issues and their international implications. Topics

surrounding AIDS, drugs, food safety, waterborne diseases, and vaccines are frequent topics of

WHO discussion. In the UN, this committee often works in cooperation with Non-Government

Organizations (NGOs), such as the International Red Cross.

Economic and Social (EcoSoc): In EcoSoc, economic and social issues about standards of living coupled with human rights and

fundamental freedoms for all are topics of debate within this committee. Like GA, it has specific

committees that answer to it and must get their resolutions passed through EcoSoc.

Legal Political (LegPol): This committee discusses issues of political law and rights of countries.Within this committee, it

would be likely that the discussion would center on international law, discussing topics such as

torture, the death penalty, and the Geneva Convention.

Social, Humanitarian and Cultural (SHC): The General Assembly assigns SHC agenda items relating to a range of social/ humanitarian

affairs and human rights issues that affect people all over the world. This committee discusses

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.

United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP): UNEP is the UN's environmental committee, which works to resolve, promote, and develop a

healthy lifestyle for everyone. Alternative energy, limiting deforestation, and reducing pollution

to rivers, streams, and air are all topics discussed in this committee.

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO): An NGO is an organization that is neither part of the government nor for a for-profit

business. NGOs have observer status in the UN and can be used for supplies, volunteers, and

programs. Examples of NGOs include the American Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders

Delegate Basics

What to Expect: When we arrive at a conference, our delegation will sit together for the Opening Ceremonies.

Afterwards, you will quickly make your way to the room where your committee will take place.

Find a seat at a desk that is close to the front of the room. There should be a desk at the front

where the chairs will sit, as well as a podium, where delegates will go when speaking. Once you

put your binder, jacket, etc. down on your desk, move around the room and introduce yourself to

the other delegates. This is a good time to ask people what topics they’re most interested in and

what their country’s policies are. You should start to get an idea of who you’d like to work with

and who the key players will be.

Position Paper vs. Resolution: A position paper is a one page (per topic) essay on the background of your nation’s

policy on, and possible solutions to, the topic. Position papers should contain all of the research

you’ve done, and you should be able to reference them in committee. You bring two copies of

each position paper to a conference. For example, if a committee has two topics, you should

write two papers. Bring a pair for your chairs, and bring a pair for yourself to reference.

A resolution, or “reso,” is a specially formatted document that contains all of your

possible solutions. You can only pre-write resolutions for Resolution style conferences. You

need to bring a copy of your resolution for every delegate, so email your chair before hand

asking how many people will be in committee. For how to write a resolution, visit the “How to

Write a Reso” section.

Harvard style vs. Resolution Style All MUN conferences are either run Harvard style or Resolution style. Harvard style

means that delegates write position papers based on their research, and write resolutions IN

committee. At Harvard style conferences, you can be disqualified for writing a resolution before

the conference. At Resolution style conferences, delegates write both position papers and

resolutions beforehand.

Expectations

For the Novice Delegate:

Good Research Quality vs. Quantity - a thorough understanding of basic issues involved in the topics is

better than memorizing statistics (these should be in resos or position papers).

Country- Research the history of the country. Social and cultural background is important

to help understand a country's policy.

Topic – Research how your topic is currently being addressed(what are people doing to

solve it, what is making it worse?). Be sure to look at articles from medical/scientific

journals, other scholarly articles, and news magazines.

Policy – policy are the reasons nations take certain actions. Policy is determined by

previous actions of a nation and governmental briefs on the topic.

The UN – Know what the UN has done in the past and is planning on doing to solve the

issue.

Speaking Skills

Basics – Use eye contact, as well as proper inflection, rate and tone. Address the

committee using formal diction, as well as with MUN vocab.

Procedure

Rules – Good delegates follow rules; great delegates use the rules to their advantage.

Don't be afraid to use complex procedures, or to question chairs or delegates about a

misuse of procedure.

Respect All delegates must have respect for the other delegates in the committee, the chairs, and

the Secretariat staff. Being overzealous or disrespectful of others won’t help you win

awards, and it won’t help you make friends in committee. Being disrespectful reflects on

you, your peers, and your school.

Dress

Western Business Attire – boys are expected to wear at least a button-up, dress pants and

dress shoes, but wearing a suit is always the best route. Girls can wear suits, dress pants

and a nice blouse or sweater, a skirt, or a dress. Clothing should be tasteful and

appropriate. You can be disqualified for wearing sneakers or flip-flops to a conference.

How to be Your Best (Delegate)

-When you arrive at your committee, introduce yourself to as many people as possible. Walk

around the room, ask what people’s preferred topics are, what their policies are, and what country

they’re representing. When committee begins, motion to open the General Speakers list, and have

your name added. Encourage the committee to begin debate on the issue you are most familiar

with.

-Start an opening speech with “Good Morning Delegates,” and end with “Thank you honorable

chairs”. When deciding a topic, speak about how relevant the topic is currently, what people are

doing (or not doing) to solve it, and why it’s of importance.

-Once your committee has decided on its topic, pull out your position paper (or reso), research

notes, and printed articles on the topic. You should have key points highlighted so you can

quickly reference them.

-If the conference is Harvard style, you should speak about how your nation feels on the subject

and some possible solutions. Listen to what the general sentiment is on the topic for a short

while, and then once you have an idea of what the group is leaning towards, start drafting a

resolution.

-If debate is Resolution style, you should speak very frequently about your own resolution. Begin

speeches with “If I could draw your attention to my resolution,” and describe the solutions

outlined in your resolution. Explain why they are unique and why they would be successful.

Send notes to other delegates and ask whether they would support your resolution as a base

resolution, and have a supporter motion to set your reso as a base resolution, but make sure you

have significant support.

-After you’ve submitted a working paper/set a base resolution, you should start revising it and

incorporating new ideas. During unmoderated caucuses, you should walk around the room and

try to get some feedback from other delegates, asking for suggestions and new ideas.

-Often, chairs will advise that you merge resolutions. When doing so, try to merge with a

resolution that has little overlap. For example, if my resolution focuses on political solutions and

yours on economic ones, a merger would work well. Chairs look very favorably upon delegates

who can collaborate with others, working together to create the most effective resolutions.

Useful Sources

For information on a specific country:

CIA World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/

Times Topics: search nytimes.com with the name of your country

BBC: search bbc.com with the name of your country

go to the country’s foreign ministry website

For information on a topic:

Search nytimes.com for your topic

Search bbc.com for your topic

Search Aljazeera.com for your topic

Google search your topic, but click on the “scholarly articles” option

On using/not using Wikipedia:

We understand Wikipedia is an easy way to quickly grab some information. However, we

suggest that you don’t use Wikipedia as a primary source of information.

Writing a Position Paper You Can Be Proud of:

Think of your position paper as your sacred text throughout the conference.

This paper is where you write out your country’s viewpoints in paragraph form. Most

conferences want position papers must be submitted before the conference and will be evaluated

by your chair. Therefore, you need your position paper to be exceptional. This way, you have a

leg up and the chairs will be looking out for you.

One of the most important things to keep in mind is that your paper must be written from your

country’s perspective. This forces you into the mindset of the nation you will be representing and

prepares you for debate.

Position papers are meant to help you to organize research into a cohesive policy statement.

Before You Begin

Before you start writing, it’s important to look at the questions that were outlined in the chair

letter (the documents sent to you by the committee chair). Creating a comprehensive course of

action that answers these questions is the ultimate goal of your write-up. A good position paper

should make clear reference to those guidelines and demonstrates a solid understanding of the

problem and some good ideas for addressing it.

1. Outline the Topic in General The first section (labelled ‘A’) outlines the topic and provides insight into the underlying factors

of the issue.

First, state the areas of concern, discussing some of the positive and negative aspects of the topic

and emphasizing the controversial nature of the topic at hand. Your opening paragraph should

state the problem and express why it is significant.

2. Identify and Describe Your Country – How Has Your State Been Affected?

The second section (labelled ‘B’) is where your background research on your country pays off.

Firstly, you should identify and describe your country. Be sure to state how your nation relates to

the topic for discussion, specifically citing how your state has been affected (B1). It is imperative

to emphasize the extent to which change has taken place. Hold off any normative judgments in

this section, the purpose of this paragraph is not to evaluate the institution or development in

reference to your country, but rather, to merely discuss how it has altered domestic dynamics.

3. Your Country’s Policies and Proposed Solutions

The third section (labelled ‘C’) is where you outline your country’s policies and what factors

contributed to those policies being established in the first place.

At this point, you are to address the relative benefits (if any) and detriments of the development,

specifically relating to your nation and the actions you have taken to maximize or minimize these

effects. You are to explain why your country has acted in a certain fashion historically (C1), and

why it will continue to follow this course of action.

Outline your state’s particular interest in the issue being discussed, and begin to discuss what

needs to be changed about the current interpretation of the situation. Cite the areas needing

reform (C2) and provide suggestions as to how this revision process should be accomplished.

Following this, you may want to focus on one area of particular concern for your country (C3).

Depending on your topic area, this could be anything from the affect of a war on a nation’s health

care infrastructure to how creating new national boundaries may affect resource deposits running

along the potential borders.

In this particular paper, attention is brought to Regional Trade Alliances (C4) and their

associated problems, something that, as noted, holds special significance to Oman.

By approaching a problematic scenario in greater detail, you are demonstrating to the chair and

to fellow delegates that you have the capacity to think critically and can identify the issues with

which your country has the greatest concern. This being said, choose this area carefully: given

the issue’s prominence in your position paper (and correspondingly the problem’s significance to

your country as a whole), you will have to stress its importance during committee session. Be

sure to select an area of concern that could potentially form the basis of a resolution, or at least

one that can stimulate prolonged debate.

4. Tie Together Loose Ends

Finally, a conclusion should be written to restate your country’s position and sum up what you

hope to achieve throughout the duration of the conference (D).

The position paper leaves the committee chair with a first impression of your delegation.

Naturally, it’s important to make that impression as strong as possible. The staff looks for

original and critical thinking, a true understanding of the nature of your nation and both a

function and applied knowledge of your topic.

Be sure to demonstrate this through presenting a concise yet effective paper. As expressed

before, be sure to dedicate equivalent energy to position papers for both topic areas. They are

equally important in the eyes of the committee and the directors (the people who will be

evaluating your write-ups).

See more at: http://vmun.com/writing-position-paper-model-united-nations/#sthash.tiZYxhND.dpuf

How To: Research/Write a Resolution

1.Topic Synopsis:

This was prepared for you by the chair to give an overview of the topic(s). The chair may even

choose to include controversial issues about the topics and what bloc positions are.

2. The Committee:

Especially in specialized committees, learn how the committee is supposed to be run. The best

way to do this is to visit the committee’s website or by asking a fellow delegate who has been in

the committee before.

3. Your country.

Learn a bit about your country, specifically, the type of government and it’s policy on your

debate topic. A good resource for this is the CIA World Factbook.

4. The topics.

This is the most important part of your research. Study the topic’s history and current issues.

Read articles from newspapers and magazines. When researching on the internet, be sure it is

from a reputable source, usually groups with .org or .edu in their URLs.

5. Policy and Solutions.

Develop the policy you want to present and possible solutions. Be sure to consider whether or

not the plan is feasible and past UN actions

6. Writing the Resolution

Once you think you know what the country you’re representing wants to do about the issue at

hand, go to docs.google.com, and create a doc with the title “Committee, Nation, Topic”

(example: “UNEP, Brazil, Deforestation”), and share it with your mentors--you should have their

email addresses. A resolution is divided into three sections: Header, Preambulatory Clauses, and

Operative Clauses.

Header: include the name of the committee you’re in

Topic: write the name of the topic you’re addressing as written in the chair letter

Sponsors: write the name of your nation.

Committee: the abbreviation of your committee

Preambulatory Clauses:

The point of the Preambulatory clauses is to reflect your knowledge of the topic

Include 5-6 facts about the topic you’re addressing--these can be general facts, as

well as mentions of past actions on the issue

Begin each statement with a word listed under Preamble Clauses on page 30,

putting each of these words in italics.

Operative Clauses:

This is the most important part of your resolution

The point of this section is to explain to your committee your ideas for addressing

the issue and how you would plan to carry them out.

Operative clauses are numbered. Try to put your strongest ideas at the beginning

Specifics about your idea are “sub-clauses” and should be indented and labeled

with lower-case letters

You must include semi-original ideas that are in agreement with your nation’s

policy (if you’re representing North Korea, for example, you wouldn’t want to

suggest increasing UN humanitarian aid because N. Korea does not want the UN

involved in other countries).

Begin each idea with a word in the Operative Clauses list on page 30 and

underline it

Try to include a clause on how you will fund your initiatives, referencing NGOs

that operate on issues similar to your topic, as well as international funding bodies

like the World Bank.

Your ideas must be current, so make sure you know what has already been done

re: the topic

End the Operative section by using the operative clause, “Resolves to remain

actively seized of the matter.”

A friendly amendment is a change to the draft resolution that all sponsors agree with. After the

amendment is signed by all of the draft resolution’s sponsors and approved by the committee

chair, it will be automatically incorporated into the resolution.

An unfriendly amendment is a change that some or all of the draft resolution’s sponsors do not

support and must be voted upon by the committee. This also refers to delegates who did not write

this resolution at all but see potential in it as long as several changes are made to it. The sponsors

of the amendment will need to obtain a required number of signatories in order to introduce it.

Prior to voting on the draft resolution, the committee votes on all unfriendly amendments

Sample Resolution

Committee: ECOSOC Topic: Renewable Energy in the Developing World Sponsor: Republic of France [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.] Reminding all nations that one in five people on earth lack access to modern electricity, Further reminding that three billion people rely on coal, charcoal, wood, or animal waste for cooking and heating, [use commas to separate preambulatory clauses] Noting that the European Commission has pledged to provide sustainable energy to 500 million people by 2030, Stressing that world oil reserves will be exhausted within the next forty years, Recognizing that replacing outdated cookstoves and fires will save 800,000 children killed annually because of exposure to indoor smoke,

[Operative clauses offer solutions to issues addressed earlier in a resolution through the perambulatory section. Clauses should be numbered.] 1) Endorses the development and use of micro and macro algae to:

a. Negate carbon output from fossil fuels, as algae processes vast quantities of CO2, b. Utilize micro and macro algae for biofuel, as well as other industrial products, c. Create jobs for trained professionals as well as laborers; [use semicolons to

separate operative clauses] 2) Requests that ECOSOC and UNEP assist the development of second-generation biofuels, such as leaves, stems, and husks of plants harvested for food, but whose waste can be mixed with fossil fuels for consumption; 3) Draws attention to the Appropriate Infrastructure Development Group, which has created and implemented solar water heaters that can be built and installed for $150, and have already been put in use in rural and urban settings in Guatemala; 4) Supports initiatives such as AuSSI that aim to make schools all over the world run on sustainable energy, as well as maintaining sustainable practices in regard to waste, water, biodiversity and landscape design, and to use the implementation of these technologies as a vehicle for teaching children of the benefits of renewable energy; 5) Encourages the implementation of small-scale sustainable energy programs in impoverished areas that lack access to electricity, and then in regions that rely on unsustainable energy, modeled after programs such as the Global Village Energy Project with the use of programs such as:

a. Solar panels, b. Solar water heaters, c. Small-scale wind, hydro, and geothermal power,

6) Calls upon established banks in developing countries to sponsor rural solar energy implementation in the way that Pragathi Grameen Bank of India has invested in rural solar energy, as these programs have:

a. Provided training and jobs for facilitators of the program, b. Created over 20,000 new investment opportunities for similar banking groups, c. Helped Pragathi Grameen Bank become a leader in global innovation in terms of

microfinance and sustainable energy, d. Raised the living standards of thousands of families in rural India;

7) Recommends further research of tidal energy that is not detrimental to surrounding ecosystems, and is more affordable; 8) Emphasizes the importance of modernization of heating and cooking energy supplies, and encourages the rapid implementation of home-heating solutions that save upwards of a million people from smoke, fire, and accident related injuries resulting from unsafe cooking and home-heating devices; 9) Endorses the institution of large-scale renewable energy projects such as:

a. Solar-thermal systems, in areas with plentiful sunlight, b. Large-scale wind power systems, with ecological effects taken into consideration, c. Large-scale biomass energy projects, minding the environmental impact;

10) Calls for the establishment of infrastructure systems in developing countries to ensure the effectiveness of said large-scale energy projects; 11) Encourages the allocation of funds for the purpose of creating a viable renewable energy plan from the following entities:

a. IMF and World Bank, b. ECOSOC annual budget, c. Carbon Trust and Ceres;

12) Resolves to remain actively seized of the matter. [end resolutions with a period]

Important Documents

Charter of the UN- being able to reference the UN Charter in committee shows in

depth prior knowledge and dedication to the chairs and committee. If someone’s

policies are violating any aspects of the charter, bring that to the committee’s

attention!

Preamble:

WE THE PEOPLES OF THE UNITED NATIONS DETERMINED

to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind, and

to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small, and

to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained, and

to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,

AND FOR THESE ENDS

to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours, and

to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security, and

to ensure, by the acceptance of principles and the institution of methods, that armed force shall not be used, save in the common interest, and

to employ international machinery for the promotion of the economic and social advancement of all peoples,

Look over the other chapters of the UN Charter online! It may become useful during debate!

UN Declaration of Human Rights PREAMBLE Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,

Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,

Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law,

Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations,

Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,

Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in cooperation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms,

Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge,

Now, Therefore THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY proclaims THIS UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.

Article 1. All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

Article 2. Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.

Article 3. Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

Article 4. No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.

Article 5. No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Article 6. Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.

Article 7. All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.

Article 8. Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.

Article 9. No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.

Article 10. Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him.

Article 11. (1) Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his defence.

(2) No one shall be held guilty of any penal offence on account of any act or omission which did not constitute a penal offence, under national or international law, at the time when it was committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable at the time the penal offence was committed.

Article 12. No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.

Article 13. (1) Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state. (2) Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.

Article 14. (1) Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution. (2) This right may not be invoked in the case of prosecutions genuinely arising from non-political crimes or from acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

Article 15. (1) Everyone has the right to a nationality. (2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.

Article 16. (1) Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution. (2) Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses. (3) The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.

Article 17. (1) Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others. (2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.

Article 18. Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.

Article 19. Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

Article 20. (1) Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association. (2) No one may be compelled to belong to an association.

Article 21. (1) Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives. (2) Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his country. (3) The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.

Article 22. Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international cooperation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.

Article 23. (1) Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment. (2) Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work. (3) Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection. (4) Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.

Article 24. Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.

Article 25. (1) Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control. (2) Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.

Article 26. (1) Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher

education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit. (2) Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace. (3) Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.

Article 27. (1) Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits. (2) Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the author.

Article 28. Everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized.

Article 29. (1) Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full

development of his personality is possible. (2) In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society. (3) These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

Article 30. Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.

Other Documents to know, understand, and reference (just a few examples):

Nuclear Non-Proliferation Agreement Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination Against Women Convention on the Rights Of the Child Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide

Rules of Parliamentary Procedure

A. Basics of Committee

1. Composition of Each Delegation

Each school is assigned a few countries, and there will be one delegate from each country in every committee.

2. Powers of the Dais

The Committee Chair will declare the opening and closing of each meeting and may propose the adoption of any procedural motion to which there is no significant objection. The Chair will have complete control of the proceedings at all meetings. The Chair will also direct discussions, accord to the right to speak, put questions, announce decisions, rule on points of order, and ensure and enforce the observance of these rules. The Chair has the power to impose a time restraint on all motions for moderated and unmoderated caucuses. The Chair can temporarily transfer power to another member of the committee staff. Committee members may also advise delegates about the course of debate. IN the exercise of these functions, the Committee staff will be subject to these rules at all times and responsible to the Secretaries-General. (Delegates are encouraged to get on the Chair’s good side!)

3. Quorum

The Chair may declare a Committee open and permit debate to proceed when at least one-quarter of the members of the committee are present. A member is defined as a representative who is officially registered with the committee. Presence of a majority of the members is required to vote on substantive matters and presence of a quarter of the members is required for substantive matters. A quorum (a fixed minimum number of members of a committee who must be present before any votes can take place) will be assumed unless specifically challenged and proven absent.

4. Competence of the Dais

Delegates are required to show courtesy and respect for all members of the Dais and of the Secretariat. Therefore, delegates may not make remarks against the chairs in the committee room. The Chair will immediately call to order any delegate who fails to comply with this rule. Any specific complaints against any member of the Dais should be directly told to a member of the Secretariat, who will deal with the situation appropriately.

5. Electronic Communication Devices

The use of laptop computers, cell phones, and other electronic communication devices is usually not allowed during committee sessions. This rule is in place to prevent disruption to the committee session, and the use of cell phones in committee is considered unacceptable. However, delegates often find computers useful for typing or researching out of committee sessions, so in the hallway these devices may be used.

B. Speeches

6. Speakers List

A general speakers list will be opened at the beginning of the debate to present, defend, or refute the merits of a proposed topic. Once a topic area has been chosen, a secondary speakers list will be opened to substantively debate the agenda topic under discussion and choose which resolution debate should focus on. (All delegates should get on this Rolling Speaker’s List). Delegates can be added to either speakers list either by raising their placards when directed by the Chair or by sending a note to the Dais. It is important to have your ideas heard in committee, and this should be done by staying on the speakers list.

7. Time Limit

All speakers have a time limit. This can be set or changed by the delegates’ motions. To ensure that speakers do not go over their times, the chair will tap, then bang their gavel. The tap is a warning, after that it is time to finish your sentence.

8. Speeches

No delegate may address the committee without the permission of the Chair or without following the current rules and format of procedure. The Chair may call a speaker to order if his/her remarks are not relevant to the topic being discussed or are offensive to committee members or staff.

9. Yields

A delegate recognized to speak in a substantive way may yield his time in one of four ways. Only one yield may occur per speech. Any person who doesn’t specify a yield will be presumed to be yielding to the Chair. The following yields are considered appropriate.

To Questions Other delegates recognized by the Chair may ask questions of the speaker germane to the speaker’s speech. Time will only be deducted from the speaker’s remaining time during his/her response, not while the speaker is being questioned. No follow-up questions or dialogue shall be permitted.

To Another Delegate The member yielded to may speak for the remainder of the original delegate’s time, and may not yield in any way at the end of his/her speech. During debate from the primary speakers list and during caucuses, yields and comments are out of order.

To The Chair The remainder of the delegate’s time is forfeited and the floor will be open to points and motions, after which the next speaker will be recognized. (We do not advise this yield unless absolutely unavoidable).

10. Right of Reply

A delegate whose personal or nationally identity has been impugned by another delegate may raise his/her placard to have a Right of Reply to give a speech in response to the other delegate. The Chair will grant the Right of Reply at his/her discretion and the delegate granted a Right of Reply will not address the committee, unless given the right to do so by the Chair.

C. Debate

11. Agenda

The first order of business within the committee is deciding which topic will be addressed first.

Motion to open a General Speakers list to decide upon a topic with speaking times of 30 seconds.

Caucuses cannot be held during this period. In addition, delegates cannot yield time. Either a delegate must make a motion to close debate or the speakers list will terminate

before delegates motion to enter into voting procedure on the matter. This motion should be followed by a motion to set the topic, which requires two speakers for and two speakers against. This motion requires a simple majority to pass. If it fails, you will return to the General Speakers list.

12. Debate

Once a topic is chosen, a Rolling Speakers List will be established to discuss which resolution the committee should focus on. Eventually, once decisions are made regarding a certain resolution the committee moves into a For/Against/To-The-Point debate. It is here that amendments can be made into resolutions. Speeches must be related to the subject being discussed and may only reference draft resolutions which have been introduced to the committee.

13. Moderated Caucus

The Moderated Caucus is used to foster an in-depth debate by temporarily departing from the Speakers List and allowing the chair to call on delegates at their discretion. Whenever a chair asks “Are there any points or motions on the floor?” you can motion for a moderated caucus. The delegate who proposes the motion should briefly describe the topic to be discussed, specify the duration, not to exceed 20 minutes, and the speaking time per delegate. Delegates indicate their desire to speak by raising placards. All delegates shall stay in their seats unless speaking and maintain decorum, as during formal debate. The only points or motions that are in order during a moderated caucus are points of order, point of personal privilege, and rights of reply.

14. Unmoderated Caucus

A motion for an unmoderated caucus, which requires a majority to pass, is in order at any time when the floor is open, prior to the closure of debate. During an unmoderated caucus, formal debating procedure is temporarily suspended. Delegates can move around the room and talk to each other freely. The speaker making the motion must indicate a total length for the proposed caucus, which cannot exceed 20 minutes. The Chair may rule such a motion out of order and this decision may not be appealed.

15. Suspension and Adjournment

At a scheduled time when a committee session terminates, a member may motion to suspend all committee functions until the next debate. At the end of the final committee session, a delegate may pose a motion to adjourn, which suspends all committee functions for the duration of the conference. The Chair may rule such a motion out of order. When in order, these motions are not subject to debate and will immediately be put to vote requiring a simple majority to pass. The Chair’s decision is not subject to appeal.

16. Tabling a Topic

When the floor is open, delegates can motion to table the topic, which means the discussion is prematurely terminated (i.e. before a resolution has been passed), if more pressing issues should present themselves before a committee. The motion to table a topic requires a two-thirds majority and merits one speaker for and one speaker against. IF the motion passes, the active agenda topic will be set to the pressing issue that prompted the tabling. Once debate has closed on the pressing issue, then the

committee will resume the secondary speakers list of the topic that was tabled. The chair has discretion over the motion and this decision is not subject to appeal.

17. Closure of Debate

If the motion passes, debate will cease immediately on the substantive or procedural matter under discussion and the committee will move into voting procedure. Delegates may move to close debate on the general topic, debate on the agenda, or debate on an amendment. The motion is only in order if a resolution is on the floor and the motion may be ruled out of order by the Chair. The motion merits one speaker for and one speaker against and requires a 2/3 majority to pass.

D. Points

18. Point of Personal Privilege

Whenever a delegate experiences personal discomfort which impairs his or her ability to participate in the proceedings, he or she may raise a Point of Personal Privilege to request that the discomfort be corrected. While Points of Personal Privilege in extreme cases may interrupt a speaker, delegates should use this power with utmost discretion.

19. Points of Order

During the discussion of any matter, a delegate may rise to a Point of Order to indicate an instance of improper parliamentary procedure. The Chair may rule these points out of order. The delegate raising the Point of Order may not speak on the substance of the subject under discussion. A Point of Order may only interrupt a speaker if the speech is not following proper parliamentary procedure.

20. Points of Inquiry

When the floor is open, a delegate may raise a Point of Parliamentary Inquiry to ask the Chair a question regarding the rules of procedure. A Point of Parliamentary Inquiry may never interrupt a speaker. Delegates with substantive questions should not rise to this Point, but should rather approach the committee staff during caucus or send a note to the dais.

21. Amendments

i. Non-Substantive Amendments to correct grammar, spelling, punctuation or clarify (without changing) the meaning of any part of a draft resolution are deemed non-substantive and will, upon the approval of the Chair, be incorporated into the draft resolution without a vote. Any member of the committee (sponsor, signatory, or neither) may propose such an amendment.

ii. Substantive Amendments that wish to change the meaning/intentions of a particular clause or clauses of the draft resolution are considered to be substantive. An example of a substantive amendment is to change, add or delete one or more clauses. Substantive amendments to perambulatory clauses of draft resolutions, to any part of working papers, and to other amendments are never in order. Any member may make a substantive amendment, of which there are two types:

i. Friendly Amendments that carry the signatures of all the sponsors of the draft resolution and they are automatically incorporated into the draft resolution, upon approval of the Chair, The motion to introduce a friendly amendment must be made by a sponsor of the draft resolution.

ii. Unfriendly Amendments which do not have the signatures of all the sponsors of the draft resolution. In order to be considered by the committee, unfriendly amendments must carry the signatures of one fifth of the committee’s membership. Unlike signatories for draft resolutions, those delegates that sign an unfriendly amendment should only do so if they support it. A draft resolution’s unfriendly amendments will be voted upon before the draft resolution is voted upon. An unfriendly amendment will be considered to be withdrawn from consideration by the committee if all of its sponsors remove their signatures from the amendment.

F. Voting

22. Procedural Voting

All voting is considered procedural with the exception of voting on resolutions and amendments. Delegates must vote on all procedural motions, and no abstentions are allowed. A motion that requires a simple majority to pass requires at least half the member to vote affirmatively. A motion that requires a two-thirds majority to pass requires exactly two-thirds of the delegates to pass.

23. Substantive Voting

Upon the closure of debate, the committee will immediately enter into voting procedure. The only points or motions that are in order are points of order, points of personal privilege, points of parliamentary inquiry, and motions for a roll call vote. The doors to the committee room will be locked, no delegates shall be allowed to enter or exit the room until voting procedures are commenced, and no contact between delegates (i.e. whispering and passing notes) is permitted. Delegates may vote “For” or “Against” the resolution or to “Abstain”. Resolutions require a simple majority to pass. More than one resolution can be passed on each individual subject area.

Resolution Introductory Phrases

Affirming Expressing its appreciation Keeping in mind

Alarmed by Expressing its satisfaction Noting with deep concern

Approving Fulfilling Noting with regret

Aware of Fully alarmed Noting with satisfaction

Bearing in mind Fully believing Noting further

Believing Further deploring Noting with approval

Confident Further recalling Observing

Contemplating Guided by Reaffirming

Convinced Having adopted Realizing

Declaring Having considered Recalling

Deeply concerned Having devoted attention Recognizing

Deeply conscious Having examined Referring

Deeply convinced Having heard Seeking

Deeply disturbed Having Received Taking into account

Deeply regretting Having studied Taking into consideration

Desiring Taking note

Emphasizing Viewing with appreciation

Expecting Welcoming

POINTS AND MOTIONS

(to be used in committee)

Purpose Points and Motions (What you raise your

placard to say)

Speakers Vote (What you

need to make it work)

Complain about noise, room temperature…(don’t use this to ask to use the bathroom, if you have to leave, just get up and leave. Unless you enjoy embarrassing yourself.)

Point of Personal Privilege

None None

Object to a procedure or a Personal affront (You have to know your stuff to use this so new delegates don’t worry about this one.)

Point of Order None None

Request information FROM THE SPEAKER (Standard way of confronting a speaker and don’t forget to throw a question in there somewhere.)

Point of Information None None

Request information FROM THE CHAIR (With this you can ask anything from how a voting procedure works to what time lunch is.)

Point of Inquiry None None

To discuss the matter informally (Anyone who raises their placard may stand and say their opinion on a specific topic usually with a one minute time limit.)

Motion for Moderated Caucus

Explanation Simple Majority

To discuss the matter more informally (Everyone gets up and speaks as if you would in the hallway at school)

Motion for a Caucus Explanation Simple Majority

Temporary end of session Motion for a Recess None Simple Majority

Closure of debate Motion to Close Debate

Two Against Two-Thirds

Stop further consideration of something Postponement of Debate

Two For Two Against

Simple Majority

Take up a matter previously tabled Resumption of Debate

One For One Against

Simple Majority

Altering the order of topic discussion (Allows you to change the subject of the debate)

Change the Agenda One For One Against

Simple Majority

Divide the Operative Clauses Divide the Question One For One Against

Simple Majority

Vote by Voice Roll-Call Vote None None

Change vote on matter to two-thirds Important Question Ten seconds; One For/Against

Simple Majority