Model United Nations Project Model United Nations Packet Rubric Must be in a folder or binder or -10 points Name: ______________________________________ Nation: _____________________________________ Committee Topic: _____________________________ (All information must be in the correct order – 5) Section Model United Nations Introduction questions Point value Points 15 _____ Parliamentary Procedure Guide 10 _____ Nation Guide (Ciaworldfactbook.org stuff) 20 _____ Resolution Writing Guide 10 _____ UN Committee Guide 20 _____ Copy of Your Group’s Resolution 20 _____ 5 _____ 100 _____ Placard of nation Total 1 Model United Nations Project Model United Nations Introduction Directions: use the website, un.org and answer the following: 1) When was the UN established? Name___________________ 2) Why was the United Nations created? 3) What are its four main purposes? 4) What are its 6 main bodies? 5) What are the official languages? 6) In what legal document do we find information about how the United Nations is organized? 7) How many nations are members of the United Nations? 8) Who are the five permanent members of the UN Security Council? 9) Who is the current Secretary General? 10) Where are the five main organs of the UN based or meet? (location) 11) Where is the International court of Justice based or convenes? (location) 12) What are non-member states and entities? 13) Who are the non-member states and entities? 14) The General Assembly is divided into six main committees, what are these committee names? 15) According to the UN Charter chapter 4, how does voting work in the GA? 16) What is the session number of this year’s General Assembly? 17) From which country is the current president of the Security Council? 18) Explain the symbolism of the UN emblem. 19) When is Human Rights day celebrated? 20)When was the Declaration of Human Rights adopted and what was its resolution number? 2 Model United Nations Project United Nations Project Name _____________________ Web links: http://www.un.org/en/ https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-worldfactbook/index.html Committee Topic Assigned _____________________________ Nation Assigned __________________ Create a word document with United Nations Project and your name as the header Go to the un website and look at your nations site under member states get your nations date of admission; _________________ For your nation you will go to the CIA website and get the following information on your nation. The information must be number and listed in the correct order 1. Copy and paste your nations flag 2. Copy and paste the map on the right to show your geographical location 3. Copy and paste background 4. Natural resources 5. Environmental issues 6. Population 7. Ethnic groups 8. Religion 9. Languages 10. Government type 11. Capital 12. Independence 13. Branches of government 14. Chief of state or president 15. Currency 16. Economy description 17. Export commodities 18. Import Commodities 19. Military Branches 20. Transnational issues (briefly describe) 3 Model United Nations Project Resolution Writing Guide Sample Resolution General Assembly Third Committee Sponsors: United States, Austria and Italy Signatories: Greece, Tajikistan, Japan, Canada, Mali, the Netherlands and Gabon Topic: “Strengthening UN coordination of humanitarian assistance in complex emergencies” The General Assembly, Reminding all nations of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which recognizes the inherent dignity, equality and inalienable rights of all global citizens, [use commas to separate preambulatory clauses] Reaffirming its Resolution 33/1996 of 25 July 1996, which encourages Governments to work with UN bodies aimed at improving the coordination and effectiveness of humanitarian assistance, Noting with satisfaction the past efforts of various relevant UN bodies and nongovernmental organizations, Stressing the fact that the United Nations faces significant financial obstacles and is in need of reform, particularly in the humanitarian realm, 1. Encourages all relevant agencies of the United Nations to collaborate more closely with countries at the grassroots level to enhance the carrying out of relief efforts; [use semicolons to separate operative clauses] 2. Urges member states to comply with the goals of the UN Department of Humanitarian Affairs to streamline efforts of humanitarian aid; 3. Requests that all nations develop rapid deployment forces to better enhance the coordination of relief efforts of humanitarian assistance in complex emergencies; 4. Calls for the development of a United Nations Trust Fund that encourages voluntary donations from the private transnational sector to aid in funding the implementation of rapid deployment forces; 5. Stresses the continuing need for impartial and objective information on the political, economic and social situations and events of all countries; 6. Calls upon states to respond quickly and generously to consolidated appeals for humanitarian assistance; and 7. Requests the expansion of preventive actions and assurance of post-conflict assistance through reconstruction and development. [end resolutions with a period] 4 Model United Nations Project Sponsors and Signatories | Resolutions Overview Model UN Preparation Guide Sponsors of a draft resolution are the principal authors of the document and agree with its substance. Although it is possible to have only one sponsor, this rarely occurs at the UN, since countries must work together to create widely agreeable language in order for the draft resolution to pass. Sponsors control a draft resolution and only the sponsors can approve immediate changes. Signatories are countries that may or may not agree with the substance of the draft resolution but still wish to see it debated so that they can propose amendments. A certain percentage of the committee must be either sponsors or signatories to a draft resolution in order for it to be accepted. 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 can 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. Sample Preambulatory Phrases 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 5 Model United Nations Project 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. Sample Operative Phrases Accepts Affirms Approves Authorizes Calls Calls upon Condemns Confirms Congratulates Considers Declares accordingly Deplores Designates Draws the attention Emphasizes Encourages Endorses Expresses its appreciation Expresses its hope Further invites 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 Friendly and Unfriendly Amendments Resolution Overview | Model UN Preparation Guide Approved draft resolutions are modified through amendments. An amendment is a written statement that adds, deletes or revises an operative clause in a draft resolution. The amendment process is used to strengthen consensus on a resolution by allowing delegates to change certain sections. There are two types of amendments: 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 director or president, 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. The author(s) of the amendment will need to obtain a required number of signatories in order to introduce it (usually 20 percent of the committee). Prior to voting on the draft resolution, the committee votes on all unfriendly amendments. Ultimately, resolutions passed by a committee represent a great deal of debate and compromise. They are the tangible results of hours if not days of Model UN debate. As a result, it is important to become familiar with the resolution process and practice drafting resolutions using the proper structure and wording. 6 Model United Nations Project Parliamentary Procedure Guide MOTION INTERRUPT SECOND DEBATABLE AMENDABLE VOTE REQUIRED No No No Chair Yes No No No Chair No Yes No Yes majority Limit debate No Yes 2 pro/2con Yes Majority Limit speaker’s time No Yes 2 pro/2 con Yes majority Reconsider No Yes 2 pro/ 2 con No Two thirds Previous question No Yes 2 pro/ 2 con No Two thirds Divide the question No No 1 pro/ 1 con No majority Table the question No Yes 2 pro/ 2 con Yes majority Propose Amendment No Yes 2 pro/ 2 con No Majority Important question No Yes 2 pro/ 2 con No Two thirds Call a caucus No Yes 1 pro/ 1 con Yes Majority Adjourn the meeting No Yes No No Majority Roll call vote No Yes 1 pro/ 1 con No Majority Refer matter to another committee No Yes 1pro/ 1 con No majority SPEAKER REQUIRED Point of order No Right of reply Suspend meeting 7 Model United Nations Project RULES OF PROCEDURE Point of Order: This motion is used for procedural matters. A point of order does not legally exist unless it is accepted by the Chair. If the Chair rules that a point of order is in order, the request may then be made. All points of order are made when the floor is open for motions and not during a speaker’s time. Ample opportunity will be given to question the speaker at the speaker’s approval. All points of order motions are declared only after the Chair has recognized the delegate. Right of Reply: This point is used by the delegate to formally reply to any slanderous remarks directed towards the delegate or his/her nation in the course of discussion. If granted by the Chair, the delegate will be given a specified amount of time to rebut the remarks. Suspension of the Meeting: This motion is used to call for adjournment of the meeting until a designated time. All debate on the topic will be postponed until the designated time when the Assembly will reconvene. Table the Question: This motion is used to stop all debate on the topic until a certain time or indefinitely. All discussion of at the topic in question will end until a specified time. The Assembly will begin discussion of the next topic on the Agenda. The topic may be brought back to at the floor prior to the specified time by an affirmative vote of reconsideration. Amending: This motion is used to propose an addition, delegation, or change in a specified proposal before the Body. A simple majority must agree on accepting debate on the amendment. If so, a new list of speakers is started. All speakers on this new list must direct their comments to the proposed amendment. Voting on the amendment will take place at the exhaustion of the speaker’s list or after a motion for previous question has passed. Adoption of the amendment requires a majority vote. Motion for Previous Question: This motion is used to end all substantive debate on a given item and brings that item to an immediate vote. If passed, the Assembly would move into voting procedures on the particular issues. Voting Procedure: During voting procedure, all talking, note passing, and questioning must stop. The chamber doors will be closed, and no one will be allowed to enter or leave the chamber until voting has finished. 8 Model United Nations Project Limit Speaker’s Time: This motion is used to limit the time a delegate has to speak each time he/she is in possession of the floor. The speaker’s time will be strictly followed by all committees. Limiting Debate: This motion is used to limit the total amount of time allowed for discussion on a topic. The Chair will announce the time at which all discussion on the topic will stop. At the appointed time, the Assembly will proceed immediately into voting procedures. Motion for Caucus: This motion is used to propose a set time for delegates in the Assembly to caucus and begin open discussion on an issue. Caucuses will take place in the committee chamber; however, delegates are allowed to leave the chamber for personal reasons. At the end of each caucus, roll will be taken by the committee secretary. If a delegate is late returning of the meeting, they will be held responsible for informing the secretary of their presence. Roll Call Motion: The purpose of this motion is to have all nations’ votes given orally when their name is called alphabetically. This motion only applies to resolutions and amendments, not procedural motions. If the motion fails, it cannot be reconsidered, and voting will be done by a show of placard. Making a Resolution an Important Question: The purpose of this motion is to give the resolution more importance when it is brought before the General Assembly. To pass an important question, the resolution must have a two-thirds majority. The resolution will then be introduced to the General Assembly as an Important Question. Each committee must pass Important Question on at least two resolutions. Dividing the Question: This motion is used to separate certain operative clauses from the resolution for separate voting procedures. Once passed, voting will proceed on the separate clause s first. Refer to Another Committee: This motion is used to send a matter to a particular committee, which will further investigate the matter. All debate on the issue or proposal will stop and the proposal will be sent to the appointed party will vote on the matter. Adjourn the Meeting: The purpose of the motion is to end all Assembly functions. The Assembly ceases to meet for the duration of the conference. This motion is subject to the express approval of the Chair and /or Secretary-General. 9 Model United Nations Project Additional information on Short Rules: 1) The following motions may only be made at the end of Speaker’s Time; a) Move to Limit Speaker’s Time b) Move to Limit Debate c) Move to Previous Question d) Move to Table the Question e) Move to Propose Amendment f) Move to Refer Matter to another Committee 2) Motion to Reconsider: may only be made on an amendment or a resolution 3) There are no abstentions from votes on procedural matters. 4) There are no rights with placard votes. 5) Friendly amendments may be made provided that: a) all sponsors of the resolution agree to the amendment b) the amendment is written on the transparency provided and sent to the chair c) the chair will inform the body of the change upon receipt of the amendment 6) Roll call votes will be considered out of order on all procedural matters 7) Motions cannot be made on yielded time. Basic Committee Schedule 1) Call to order 2) Announcements and explanations of rules, if required 3) Roll call 4) Determination of agenda 5) Recess for caucus, if the committee wishes 6) Opening of speaker’s list 7) Speeches and motions 8) Caucuses, as necessary 9) Voting 10) Adjournment of recess 10 Model United Nations Project Committee Guide Overview Name _____________________ Answer the following for your committee topic assignment by using your handouts, research on topic and resolution writing guide: (Think Affirmative Plan Stock Issues) Harm 1. What problem or harm is occurring related to your topic? 2. Who are involved and suffering from this issue? Inherency 3. What if any laws, regulations or agencies are in place to deal with this issue? 4. What actions have been taken by the United Nations in the past on this issue? 5. What if any result has come from these actions? Plan 6. What diplomatic action should be taken by the international community to assist with this problem? 7. What are the benefits of this action? 11 Model United Nations Project 8. What economic action can be taken be taken by the international community to assist with this problem? 9. What are the benefits of this action? 10. What social changes can be taken by the international community to assist with this problem? 11. What are the benefits of this action? 12. What military action can be taken by the international community to assist with this problem? 13. What are the benefits of this action? Disadvantages 14. What if any problems or limitations will occur from each the actions taken above? 15. Why should the United Nations follow theses recommendations? 12 Model United Nations Project Glossary of Key Terms Abstain - During a vote on a substantive matter, delegates may abstain rather than vote yes or no. This generally signals that a state does not support the resolution being voted on, but does not oppose it enough to vote no. Adjourn - All UN or Model UN sessions end with a vote to adjourn. This means that the debate is suspended until the next meeting. This can be a short time (e.g. overnight) or a long time (until next year's conference). Agenda - The order in which the issues before a committee will be discussed. The first duty of a committee following the roll call is usually to set the agenda. Amendment - A change to a draft resolution on the floor. Can be of two types: a "friendly amendment" is supported by the original draft resolution's sponsors, and is passed automatically, while an "unfriendly amendment" is not supported by the original sponsors and must be voted on by the committee as a whole. Background guide - A guide to a topic being discussed in a Model UN committee usually written by conference organizers and distributed to delegates before the conference. The starting point for any research before a Model UN conference. Binding - Having legal force in UN member states. Security Council resolutions are binding, as are decisions of the International Court of Justice; resolutions of the General Assembly and Economic and Social Council are not. Bloc - A group of countries in a similar geographical region or with a similar opinion on a particular topic. Caucus - A break in formal debate in which countries can more easily and informally discuss a topic. There are two types: moderated caucus and unmoderated caucus. Chair - A member of the dais that moderates debate, keeps time, rules on points and motions, and enforces the rules of procedure. Also known as a Moderator. Dais - The group of people, usually high school or college students, in charge of a Model UN committee. It generally consists of a Chair, a Director, and a Rapporteur. Decorum - The order and respect for others that all delegates at a Model UN conference must exhibit. The Chair will call for decorum when he or she feels that the committee is not being respectful of a speaker, of the dais, or of their roles as ambassadors. Delegate - A student acting as a representative of a member state or observer in a Model UN committee for a weekend. 24 | P a g e Delegation - The entire group of people representing a member state or observer in all committees at a particular Model UN conference. Director - A member of the dais that oversees the creation of working papers and draft resolutions, acts as an expert on the topic, makes sure delegates accurately reflect the policy of their countries, and ensures that decorum is maintained during caucuses. Division of the Question - During voting bloc, delegates may motion to vote on certain clauses of a resolution separately, so that only the clauses that are passed become part of the final resolution. This is known as division of the question. Draft resolution - A document that seeks to fix the problems addressed by a Model UN committee. If passed by the committee, the draft resolution will become into a resolution. Flow of debate - The order in which events proceed during a Model UN conference. See Flow of Debate chart. 13 Model United Nations Project Formal debate - The "standard" type of debate at a Model UN conference, in which delegates speak for a certain time in an order based on a speakers' list. Head Delegate - The student leader of a Model UN club or team. Member State - A country that has ratified the Charter of the United Nations and whose application to join has been accepted by the General Assembly and Security Council. Currently, there are 191 member states. The only internationally recognized state that is not a member state is the Holy See. Moderated Caucus - A type of caucus in which delegates remain seated and the Chair calls on them one at a time to speak for a short period of time, enabling a freer exchange of opinions than would be possible in formal debate. Moderator - See Chair. Motion - A request made by a delegate that the committee as a whole do something. Some motions might be to go into a caucus, to adjourn, to introduce a draft resolution, or to move into voting bloc. See our Charts of Rules and Motions. Observer - A state, national organization, regional organization, or nongovernmental organization that is not a member of the UN but participates in its debates. Observers can vote on procedural matters but not substantive matters. An example is the Holy See. On the floor - At a Model UN conference, when a working paper or draft resolution is first written, it may not be discussed in debate. After it is approved by the Director and introduced by the committee, it is put "on the floor" and may be discussed. 25 | P a g e Operative clause - The part of a resolution which describes how the UN will address a problem. It begins with an action verb (decides, establishes, recommends, etc.). Page - A delegate in a Model UN committee that has volunteered to pass notes from one delegate to another, or from a delegate to the dais, for a short period of time. Placard - A piece of cardstock with a country's name on it that a delegate raises in the air to signal to the Chair that he or she wishes to speak. Point - A request raised by a delegate for information or for an action relating to that delegate. Examples include a point of order, a point of inquiry, and a point of personal privilege. See our Charts of Rules and Motions. Position paper - A summary of a country's position on a topic, written by a delegate before a Model UN conference. Preambulatory Clause - The part of a resolution that describes previous actions taken on the topic and reasons why the resolution is necessary. It begins with a participle or adjective (noting, concerned, regretting, aware of, recalling, etc.). Procedural - Having to do with the way a committee is run, as opposed to the topic being discussed. All delegates present must vote on procedural matters and may not abstain. Quorum - The minimum number of delegates needed to be present for a committee to meet. In the General Assembly, a quorum consists of one third of the members to begin debate, and a majority of members to pass a resolution. In the Security Council, no quorum exists for the body to debate, but nine members must be present to pass a resolution. Rapporteur - A member of the dais whose duties include keeping the speakers' list and taking the roll call. 14 Model United Nations Project Resolution - A document that has been passed by an organ of the UN that aims to address a particular problem or issue. The UN equivalent of a law. Right of Reply - A right to speak in reply to a previous speaker's comment, invoked when a delegate feels personally insulted by another's speech. Generally requires a written note to the Chair to be invoked. Roll Call - The first order of business in a Model UN committee, during which the Rapporteur reads aloud the names of each member state in the committee. When a delegate's country's name is called, he or she may respond "present" or "present and voting." A delegate responding "present and voting" may not abstain on a substantive vote. Rules of Procedure - The rules by which a Model UN committee is run. See our Charts of Rules and Motions. 26 | P a g e Second - To agree with a motion being proposed. Many motions must be seconded before they can be brought to a vote. Secretariat - The most senior staff of a Model UN conference. Secretary-General - The leader of a Model UN conference. Signatory - A country that wishes a draft resolution to be put on the floor and signs the draft resolution to accomplish this. A signatory need not support a resolution; it only wants it to be discussed. Usually, Model UN conferences require some minimum number of sponsors and signatories for a draft resolution to be approved. Simple majority - 50% plus one of the number of delegates in a committee. The amount needed to pass most votes. Speakers' List - A list that determines the order in which delegates will speak. Whenever a new topic is opened for discussion, the Chair will create a speakers' list by asking all delegates wishing to speak to raise their placards and calling on them one at a time. During debate, a delegate may indicate that he or she wishes to be added to the speakers' list by sending a note to the dais. Sponsor - One of the writers of a draft resolution. A friendly amendment can only be created if all sponsors agree. Substantive - Having to do with the topic being discussed. A substantive vote is a vote on a draft resolution or amendment already on the floor during voting bloc. Only member states (not observer states or non-governmental organizations) may vote on substantive issues. Unmoderated Caucus - A type of caucus in which delegates leave their seats to mingle and speak freely. Enables the free sharing of ideas to an extent not possible in formal debate or even a moderated caucus. Frequently used to sort countries into blocs and to write working papers and draft resolutions. Working Paper - A document in which the ideas of some delegates on how to resolve an issue are proposed. Frequently the precursor to a draft resolution. Veto - The ability, held by China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States to prevent any draft resolution in the Security Council from passing by voting no. Vote - A time at which delegates indicate whether they do or do not support a proposed action for the committee. There are two types: procedural and substantive. 27 | P a g e 15 Model United Nations Project Voting bloc - The period at the end of a committee session during which delegates vote on proposed amendments and draft resolutions. Nobody may enter or leave the room during voting bloc. **This glossary has been modified from the United Nations Association of the United States of America web site, on the page titled “Model UN Glossary”, found at http://www.unausa.org/munglossary. 1. Afghanistan 2. Argentina 3. Bahrain 4. Bosnia Herzegovina 5. Burkina Faso 6. Columbia 7. Congo 8. Cuba 9. Czech Republic 10. North Korea 11. Egypt 12. Estonia 13. Gabon 14. Greece 15. Haiti 16. India 17. Iran 18. Iraq 19. Israel 20. Italy 21. Kazakhstan 22. Kyrgyzstan 23. Lebanon 24. Libya 25. Myanmar 26. North Korea 27. Pakistan 28. South Korea 29. Slovakia 16 Model United Nations Project 30.South Africa 31. Syria 32. Turkey 33. Tanzania 34. Venezuela 35. Yemen Tricks of the Trade: Nuances, Tactics and Strategies for Model UN Presented to the 2001 UNA Model UN Summit by Brian Endless Executive Director, American Model United Nations International Part I: Pre-conference Preparation Research - sources include: o Country speeches o Secretary-General's reports o Country web sites o UN Wire o Other "print" sources o Materials from the conference you will be attending o Beware the web!! (know which sources to trust) Set up your preparation files, using folders, a binder, or a similar format o Keep them organized for easy reference o Get a leg up on everyone else - "Your binder is your friend" Print everything you can - you'll need a lot of it at the conference o Learn how to go through what you printed with a critical eye Share research with your group - there's no need to work alone Practice speaking in front of the group - there's no substitute for practice o Both informal briefings and formal speeches are good tools 17 Model United Nations Project Mock sessions are the ultimate practice - and do them with other groups when possible Part II: At-conference Participation Start caucusing early o Introduce yourself to others when you arrive at the conference site, and especially in the time before the meeting is called to order When giving a formal speech, make good use of the time o Time for speeches may be short, and you need to be prepared o Base your speech on the current circumstances o Pre-written speeches versus speaking extemporaneously o A note about speaking styles: don't read your speech! Caucusing is where all the work gets done, and it should be done early and often o Behind the scenes versus "formal" caucusing o After hours caucusing and personal contacts A view of formal caucusing - concentric circles o Stick with the leaders (center of the caucus) o Be active What is your role? o Some possible roles: leader, facilitator, whip, wordsmith, consensus builder, typist, follower The only cardinal sin at the UN - never act alone o Strength in diplomacy often comes through numbers Don't write a resolution that just states the problem, work toward a solution to the problem first o If the answers are simple, why hasn't someone solved it yet? Whenever possible, don't condemn o If you are trying to solve a problem, condemning one party rarely helps Compromise, compromise, compromise o What does your nation really need to see in a solution, and what are you willing to compromise? Credit others whenever possible o Nothing makes friends faster than proving that you were listening, and giving credit to others for their ideas Conclusions Remember: When at the conference you are a diplomat, and the Distinguished Representative of your country - think and act the part and others will treat you that way 18 Model United Nations Project Always keep in mind: A diplomat's job (among others) is to "make friends and influence people" Final advice: Suffer fools gladly 19