MCC MUN Research
Workshop
Conference Details
• Make sure you go to the conference
website: www.mesacc.edu/~bdille/un/hs
• This has the agenda, country availability
list, and delegate guidebook.
• You will want to practice using the P-rules
so you can be effective at conference.
Conference Details
• Unlike many High School conferences,
this is not a fundraiser for MCC. Your
delegate fee is mainly used to cover the
food expense for the meals I will feed you.
• The focus of this conference is on creating
the best academic environment possible.
We are not trying to get as many
delegates as possible, we are trying to
have the best conference possible.
Conference Details
• For this reason, you cannot attend as a
delegate unless you submit a policy
statement for both topics and a resolution
for one of the topics.
• This guarantees a minimal level of
competence for everyone in the room,
which raises the level of discourse.
Judging Procedures
• When you send in your policy statement,
MCC copies it and distributes it to a panel
of college student judges.
Judging Procedures
• The judges evaluate the policy statement on its
technical English, proper formatting, countryspecific information, and UN issue-specific
information.
• Each statement is assigned up to 50 points.
There are two turned in for a total of 100 written
points.
• The resolution is not scored, but must be
submitted for a delegate to be credentialed.
Judging Procedures
• At conference, judges in each committee
fill out a similar sheet for performance in
committee.
• Delegates are judged on quality of
speeches, effective use of caucus,
diplomatic demeanor, and effectiveness in
promoting both consensus and promoting
their national interest.
• The performance score is up to 100 points
Conference Awards
• Best Policy Statement
– Given to the delegate with the highest scoring policy statement in each
committee.
• Best Diplomat
– Given to the delegate with the highest performance score in each
committee.
• Best Novice Delegate
– Given to the novice delegate with the best combined written and
performance score in each committee.
• Best Overall Delegate
– Given to the delegate with the best combined written and performance
score in each committee.
• Best Delegation
– Given to the country team with the highest average delegate score.
• Best School
– Given to the school with the highest average delegate score.
Resolution Structure
• The resolution is not
scored, we ask that you
submit one so we know that
you know how to make on
at committee.
• It is basically one long, runon sentence: The General
Assembly, for these
reasons, does these things.
• The formatting for the
heading is found in the
Delegate Guide.
• The specific first word or
phrase comes from a list of
acceptable clause initiators,
also found in the Delegate
Guide.
A/51/1/Res. 1
Third Committee
LI MUNFW
Israel
CHILDREN AND ARMED CONFLICT
The General Assembly,
Recalling its resolutions 53/98, 52/105, 52/106, 52/107 of 12 December 1997,
53/128, 53/127, 53/117, 53/111, 53/116, 53/122 of 9 December 1998, and Security
Council resolution1265,
Reaffirming resolution 44/25 by which it adopted the Convention on the Rights
of its child, and resolution33 18, by which it proclaimed the Declaration on the
Protection of Women and Children in Emergency and Armed Conflict,
Further Recalling resolution 53/25 which established 2001-2010 the
International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the
World,
Encouraged by the continuing efforts of its member states aimed at minimizing
the effects of armed conflict on children and the valuable work of United Nations
bodies and organizations and other relevant intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations,
Deeply disturbed by some states’ and non-state actors’ flagrant disregard for
international law in allowing and encouraging children to participate in armed conflict,
Reiterating its conviction that member states and other organizations must
respect and adhere to international laws regarding the situation of children and
armed conflict,
Mindful that the cessation of armed conflict and aggression is principal to the
efforts to eliminate the harmful effects of armed conflict on children,
1. Reiterates its support for the efforts of member states and other bodies and
organizations to minimize and eliminate the use of children in armed conflict;
2. Urges all member states to continue seeking comprehensive improvement of
the situation of children affected by armed conflicts with appropriate and concrete
measures;
3. Denounces the use and abuse of children in any forth of armed conflict,
especially the placing of children in dangerous situations for propaganda or 6ther
purposes;
4. Calls upon all Member States in all regions, and all other appropriate bodies
and organizations, to immediately cease the use and abuse of children in any form of
armed conflict and to immediately seek bilateral or multilateral means to end such
armed conflict.
Resolution Structure
• The Preambular Clauses
give the legal, ethical,
rational, or moral
justification for UN action on
this issue.
• As dependent clauses, they
are ended with commas.
A/51/1/Res. 1
Third Committee
LI MUNFW
Israel
CHILDREN AND ARMED CONFLICT
The General Assembly,
Recalling its resolutions 53/98, 52/105, 52/106, 52/107 of 12 December 1997,
53/128, 53/127, 53/117, 53/111, 53/116, 53/122 of 9 December 1998, and Security
Council resolution1265,
Reaffirming resolution 44/25 by which it adopted the Convention on the Rights
of its child, and resolution33 18, by which it proclaimed the Declaration on the
Protection of Women and Children in Emergency and Armed Conflict,
Further Recalling resolution 53/25 which established 2001-2010 the
International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the
World,
Encouraged by the continuing efforts of its member states aimed at minimizing
the effects of armed conflict on children and the valuable work of United Nations
bodies and organizations and other relevant intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations,
Deeply disturbed by some states’ and non-state actors’ flagrant disregard for
international law in allowing and encouraging children to participate in armed conflict,
• The Preambular Clauses
cannot be renegotiated
once the debate moves to
substantive debate, so be
careful with your wording in
committee!
Reiterating its conviction that member states and other organizations must
respect and adhere to international laws regarding the situation of children and
armed conflict,
Mindful that the cessation of armed conflict and aggression is principal to the
efforts to eliminate the harmful effects of armed conflict on children,
1. Reiterates its support for the efforts of member states and other bodies and
organizations to minimize and eliminate the use of children in armed conflict;
2. Urges all member states to continue seeking comprehensive improvement of
the situation of children affected by armed conflicts with appropriate and concrete
measures;
3. Denounces the use and abuse of children in any forth of armed conflict,
especially the placing of children in dangerous situations for propaganda or 6ther
purposes;
4. Calls upon all Member States in all regions, and all other appropriate bodies
and organizations, to immediately cease the use and abuse of children in any form of
armed conflict and to immediately seek bilateral or multilateral means to end such
armed conflict.
Resolution Structure
• The Operative Clauses
state what the Committee is
asking the Secretary
General, UN agency, or
Member States to actually
do.
• They are always numbered.
A/51/1/Res. 1
Third Committee
LI MUNFW
Israel
CHILDREN AND ARMED CONFLICT
The General Assembly,
Recalling its resolutions 53/98, 52/105, 52/106, 52/107 of 12 December 1997,
53/128, 53/127, 53/117, 53/111, 53/116, 53/122 of 9 December 1998, and Security
Council resolution1265,
Reaffirming resolution 44/25 by which it adopted the Convention on the Rights
of its child, and resolution33 18, by which it proclaimed the Declaration on the
Protection of Women and Children in Emergency and Armed Conflict,
Further Recalling resolution 53/25 which established 2001-2010 the
International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the
World,
Encouraged by the continuing efforts of its member states aimed at minimizing
the effects of armed conflict on children and the valuable work of United Nations
bodies and organizations and other relevant intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations,
Deeply disturbed by some states’ and non-state actors’ flagrant disregard for
international law in allowing and encouraging children to participate in armed conflict,
• As Independent clauses,
they end with semicolons.
The last operative clause
closes the sentence with a
period
Reiterating its conviction that member states and other organizations must
respect and adhere to international laws regarding the situation of children and
armed conflict,
Mindful that the cessation of armed conflict and aggression is principal to the
efforts to eliminate the harmful effects of armed conflict on children,
1. Reiterates its support for the efforts of member states and other bodies and
organizations to minimize and eliminate the use of children in armed conflict;
2. Urges all member states to continue seeking comprehensive improvement of
the situation of children affected by armed conflicts with appropriate and concrete
measures;
3. Denounces the use and abuse of children in any forth of armed conflict,
especially the placing of children in dangerous situations for propaganda or 6ther
purposes;
4. Calls upon all Member States in all regions, and all other appropriate bodies
and organizations, to immediately cease the use and abuse of children in any form of
armed conflict and to immediately seek bilateral or multilateral means to end such
armed conflict.
Policy Statement Structure
• The policy statement is a
one-page, three-paragraph,
single-spaced statement of
your country’s position on a
particular topic.
• To write this, you must
understand the issue, your
country’s national interest,
and the history of both the
UN and your country’s
involvement in this issue.
• It is harder to do than it
looks!
THE FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
PALESTINIAN REFUGEES
Under General Assembly Resolution 181(1947) the United Nations called for the
withdrawal of the mandatory power of the United Kingdom, mandatory power given
to Palestine. The Palestinian government was asked to withdraw from parts of
Palestine, including Jerusalem to create an area for a “Jewish State”. The creation of
Israel and the ensuing Arab-Israeli war resulting in over 750,000 Palestinians fleeing
or being forcefully removed from their land, and years of occupation of the West
Bank, including eastern Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. Security Counsel Resolution
242 (1967) stated that Israel should formally withdraw from the Gaza Strip, the West
Bank and the Golan Heights. Today, 70 percent of the Palestinian people are either
refugees and/or internally displaced persons; the largest and longest unresolved
refugee case in the world. There are approximately 6.8 million Palestinian refugees
and 400,000 internally displaced persons, including around 2.7 million refugee
children. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the
Near East (UNRWA) was established following the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict by
United Nations General Assembly resolution 302 (IV) of 1949 to carry out direct relief
and works programs for Palestine refugees.
Ethiopia has supported numerous resolutions, and actions to support the betterment
of the lives of Palestinian refugees. Ethiopia fully supports the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights which sets out a guideline for the rights of peoples within sovereign
nations, and has worked very hard to continue ensuring that all peoples are granted
this universally accepted idea of human rights. Ethiopia supports Security Counsel
Resolution 242 and similar resolutions that followed, attempting to create a peaceful
place for Palestinians and Israelis. Ethiopia has continuously supported the UNRWA
throughout its 58 years of working with Palestinian refugees. Ethiopia has supported
all resolutions that attempt to solve the problems within Israel and the surrounding
nation states regarding Palestinian refugees as a region. This region would include
Israel, and surrounding nations that contain UNRWA camps and other settlements of
Palestinian refugees as well as those member states who feel threatened by the
problems with the refugees.
Ethiopia is in full support of the efforts of the UNRWA and would like to see the
continuation of the betterment of the lives of the Palestinian refugees. Ethiopia would
like to see the continued support of Palestinian refugees by the member states that
support these UNRWA camps. Ethiopia would like to show concern for the violence
towards Palestinian refugees living in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and the Golan
Heights. Ethiopia is gravely concerned with clear conflictions of human rights
violations and the Universal Declaration of Human rights which is universally
accepted. Ethiopia reaffirms their strong commitment to continue supporting the
Palestinian people and their leadership to bring an end to the conflict and occupation
that began in 1967, in accordance with the rules and principles of international law
and relevant United Nations resolutions, and by accordingly reaffirming their
commitment to a just and peaceful solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to
the right of the Palestinian people to exercise self-determination and sovereignty in
their independent State of Palestine, on the basis of the pre-1967 borders, with East
Jerusalem as its capital
Policy Statement Structure
• The heading is in all-caps.
• It lists the country,
committee, and agenda
topic.
THE FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
PALESTINIAN REFUGEES
Under General Assembly Resolution 181(1947) the United Nations called for the
withdrawal of the mandatory power of the United Kingdom, mandatory power given
to Palestine. The Palestinian government was asked to withdraw from parts of
Palestine, including Jerusalem to create an area for a “Jewish State”. The creation of
Israel and the ensuing Arab-Israeli war resulting in over 750,000 Palestinians fleeing
or being forcefully removed from their land, and years of occupation of the West
Bank, including eastern Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. Security Counsel Resolution
242 (1967) stated that Israel should formally withdraw from the Gaza Strip, the West
Bank and the Golan Heights. Today, 70 percent of the Palestinian people are either
refugees and/or internally displaced persons; the largest and longest unresolved
refugee case in the world. There are approximately 6.8 million Palestinian refugees
and 400,000 internally displaced persons, including around 2.7 million refugee
children. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the
Near East (UNRWA) was established following the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict by
United Nations General Assembly resolution 302 (IV) of 1949 to carry out direct relief
and works programs for Palestine refugees.
Ethiopia has supported numerous resolutions, and actions to support the betterment
of the lives of Palestinian refugees. Ethiopia fully supports the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights which sets out a guideline for the rights of peoples within sovereign
nations, and has worked very hard to continue ensuring that all peoples are granted
this universally accepted idea of human rights. Ethiopia supports Security Counsel
Resolution 242 and similar resolutions that followed, attempting to create a peaceful
place for Palestinians and Israelis. Ethiopia has continuously supported the UNRWA
throughout its 58 years of working with Palestinian refugees. Ethiopia has supported
all resolutions that attempt to solve the problems within Israel and the surrounding
nation states regarding Palestinian refugees as a region. This region would include
Israel, and surrounding nations that contain UNRWA camps and other settlements of
Palestinian refugees as well as those member states who feel threatened by the
problems with the refugees.
Ethiopia is in full support of the efforts of the UNRWA and would like to see the
continuation of the betterment of the lives of the Palestinian refugees. Ethiopia would
like to see the continued support of Palestinian refugees by the member states that
support these UNRWA camps. Ethiopia would like to show concern for the violence
towards Palestinian refugees living in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and the Golan
Heights. Ethiopia is gravely concerned with clear conflictions of human rights
violations and the Universal Declaration of Human rights which is universally
accepted. Ethiopia reaffirms their strong commitment to continue supporting the
Palestinian people and their leadership to bring an end to the conflict and occupation
that began in 1967, in accordance with the rules and principles of international law
and relevant United Nations resolutions, and by accordingly reaffirming their
commitment to a just and peaceful solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to
the right of the Palestinian people to exercise self-determination and sovereignty in
their independent State of Palestine, on the basis of the pre-1967 borders, with East
Jerusalem as its capital
Policy Statement Structure
• The first paragraph
describes the history of UN
involvement with this issue.
• It lists the foundational
documents, key agencies,
and important initiatives.
• Of course, it is impossible to
actually do this, summarize
in one paragraph the history
of UN involvement on your
issue.
• The focus should be to
emphasize elements of this
history your country would
want to highlight.
THE FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
PALESTINIAN REFUGEES
Under General Assembly Resolution 181(1947) the United Nations called for the
withdrawal of the mandatory power of the United Kingdom, mandatory power given
to Palestine. The Palestinian government was asked to withdraw from parts of
Palestine, including Jerusalem to create an area for a “Jewish State”. The creation of
Israel and the ensuing Arab-Israeli war resulting in over 750,000 Palestinians fleeing
or being forcefully removed from their land, and years of occupation of the West
Bank, including eastern Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. Security Counsel Resolution
242 (1967) stated that Israel should formally withdraw from the Gaza Strip, the West
Bank and the Golan Heights. Today, 70 percent of the Palestinian people are either
refugees and/or internally displaced persons; the largest and longest unresolved
refugee case in the world. There are approximately 6.8 million Palestinian refugees
and 400,000 internally displaced persons, including around 2.7 million refugee
children. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the
Near East (UNRWA) was established following the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict by
United Nations General Assembly resolution 302 (IV) of 1949 to carry out direct relief
and works programs for Palestine refugees.
Ethiopia has supported numerous resolutions, and actions to support the betterment
of the lives of Palestinian refugees. Ethiopia fully supports the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights which sets out a guideline for the rights of peoples within sovereign
nations, and has worked very hard to continue ensuring that all peoples are granted
this universally accepted idea of human rights. Ethiopia supports Security Counsel
Resolution 242 and similar resolutions that followed, attempting to create a peaceful
place for Palestinians and Israelis. Ethiopia has continuously supported the UNRWA
throughout its 58 years of working with Palestinian refugees. Ethiopia has supported
all resolutions that attempt to solve the problems within Israel and the surrounding
nation states regarding Palestinian refugees as a region. This region would include
Israel, and surrounding nations that contain UNRWA camps and other settlements of
Palestinian refugees as well as those member states who feel threatened by the
problems with the refugees.
Ethiopia is in full support of the efforts of the UNRWA and would like to see the
continuation of the betterment of the lives of the Palestinian refugees. Ethiopia would
like to see the continued support of Palestinian refugees by the member states that
support these UNRWA camps. Ethiopia would like to show concern for the violence
towards Palestinian refugees living in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and the Golan
Heights. Ethiopia is gravely concerned with clear conflictions of human rights
violations and the Universal Declaration of Human rights which is universally
accepted. Ethiopia reaffirms their strong commitment to continue supporting the
Palestinian people and their leadership to bring an end to the conflict and occupation
that began in 1967, in accordance with the rules and principles of international law
and relevant United Nations resolutions, and by accordingly reaffirming their
commitment to a just and peaceful solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to
the right of the Palestinian people to exercise self-determination and sovereignty in
their independent State of Palestine, on the basis of the pre-1967 borders, with East
Jerusalem as its capital
Policy Statement Structure
•
•
The second paragraph describes
your country’s involvement with
this issue.
– Your country’s involvement
with relevant UN agencies
– Resolutions supported or
opposed
– Relevant domestic programs
to deal with the issue within
country
– Uni- or multi-lateral efforts to
help other countries on this
issue
If your country has no involvement
at all (unlikely) or has no public
information available to fill an
entire paragraph, it is OK to also
focus this paragraph on describing
the current status of the issue
within the UN (why are we talking
about this now?)
THE FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
PALESTINIAN REFUGEES
Under General Assembly Resolution 181(1947) the United Nations called for the
withdrawal of the mandatory power of the United Kingdom, mandatory power given
to Palestine. The Palestinian government was asked to withdraw from parts of
Palestine, including Jerusalem to create an area for a “Jewish State”. The creation of
Israel and the ensuing Arab-Israeli war resulting in over 750,000 Palestinians fleeing
or being forcefully removed from their land, and years of occupation of the West
Bank, including eastern Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. Security Counsel Resolution
242 (1967) stated that Israel should formally withdraw from the Gaza Strip, the West
Bank and the Golan Heights. Today, 70 percent of the Palestinian people are either
refugees and/or internally displaced persons; the largest and longest unresolved
refugee case in the world. There are approximately 6.8 million Palestinian refugees
and 400,000 internally displaced persons, including around 2.7 million refugee
children. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the
Near East (UNRWA) was established following the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict by
United Nations General Assembly resolution 302 (IV) of 1949 to carry out direct relief
and works programs for Palestine refugees.
Ethiopia has supported numerous resolutions, and actions to support the betterment
of the lives of Palestinian refugees. Ethiopia fully supports the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights which sets out a guideline for the rights of peoples within sovereign
nations, and has worked very hard to continue ensuring that all peoples are granted
this universally accepted idea of human rights. Ethiopia supports Security Counsel
Resolution 242 and similar resolutions that followed, attempting to create a peaceful
place for Palestinians and Israelis. Ethiopia has continuously supported the UNRWA
throughout its 58 years of working with Palestinian refugees. Ethiopia has supported
all resolutions that attempt to solve the problems within Israel and the surrounding
nation states regarding Palestinian refugees as a region. This region would include
Israel, and surrounding nations that contain UNRWA camps and other settlements of
Palestinian refugees as well as those member states who feel threatened by the
problems with the refugees.
Ethiopia is in full support of the efforts of the UNRWA and would like to see the
continuation of the betterment of the lives of the Palestinian refugees. Ethiopia would
like to see the continued support of Palestinian refugees by the member states that
support these UNRWA camps. Ethiopia would like to show concern for the violence
towards Palestinian refugees living in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and the Golan
Heights. Ethiopia is gravely concerned with clear conflictions of human rights
violations and the Universal Declaration of Human rights which is universally
accepted. Ethiopia reaffirms their strong commitment to continue supporting the
Palestinian people and their leadership to bring an end to the conflict and occupation
that began in 1967, in accordance with the rules and principles of international law
and relevant United Nations resolutions, and by accordingly reaffirming their
commitment to a just and peaceful solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to
the right of the Palestinian people to exercise self-determination and sovereignty in
their independent State of Palestine, on the basis of the pre-1967 borders, with East
Jerusalem as its capital
Policy Statement Structure
• The third paragraph
describes what your country
would like the UN or
member states to do about
this topic in the future.
• It is the basis for your
negotiations in committee.
• It should describe the ideal
outcome of the conference
from your country’s point of
view.
THE FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
PALESTINIAN REFUGEES
Under General Assembly Resolution 181(1947) the United Nations called for the
withdrawal of the mandatory power of the United Kingdom, mandatory power given
to Palestine. The Palestinian government was asked to withdraw from parts of
Palestine, including Jerusalem to create an area for a “Jewish State”. The creation of
Israel and the ensuing Arab-Israeli war resulting in over 750,000 Palestinians fleeing
or being forcefully removed from their land, and years of occupation of the West
Bank, including eastern Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. Security Counsel Resolution
242 (1967) stated that Israel should formally withdraw from the Gaza Strip, the West
Bank and the Golan Heights. Today, 70 percent of the Palestinian people are either
refugees and/or internally displaced persons; the largest and longest unresolved
refugee case in the world. There are approximately 6.8 million Palestinian refugees
and 400,000 internally displaced persons, including around 2.7 million refugee
children. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the
Near East (UNRWA) was established following the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict by
United Nations General Assembly resolution 302 (IV) of 1949 to carry out direct relief
and works programs for Palestine refugees.
Ethiopia has supported numerous resolutions, and actions to support the betterment
of the lives of Palestinian refugees. Ethiopia fully supports the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights which sets out a guideline for the rights of peoples within sovereign
nations, and has worked very hard to continue ensuring that all peoples are granted
this universally accepted idea of human rights. Ethiopia supports Security Counsel
Resolution 242 and similar resolutions that followed, attempting to create a peaceful
place for Palestinians and Israelis. Ethiopia has continuously supported the UNRWA
throughout its 58 years of working with Palestinian refugees. Ethiopia has supported
all resolutions that attempt to solve the problems within Israel and the surrounding
nation states regarding Palestinian refugees as a region. This region would include
Israel, and surrounding nations that contain UNRWA camps and other settlements of
Palestinian refugees as well as those member states who feel threatened by the
problems with the refugees.
Ethiopia is in full support of the efforts of the UNRWA and would like to see the
continuation of the betterment of the lives of the Palestinian refugees. Ethiopia would
like to see the continued support of Palestinian refugees by the member states that
support these UNRWA camps. Ethiopia would like to show concern for the violence
towards Palestinian refugees living in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and the Golan
Heights. Ethiopia is gravely concerned with clear conflictions of human rights
violations and the Universal Declaration of Human rights which is universally
accepted. Ethiopia reaffirms their strong commitment to continue supporting the
Palestinian people and their leadership to bring an end to the conflict and occupation
that began in 1967, in accordance with the rules and principles of international law
and relevant United Nations resolutions, and by accordingly reaffirming their
commitment to a just and peaceful solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to
the right of the Palestinian people to exercise self-determination and sovereignty in
their independent State of Palestine, on the basis of the pre-1967 borders, with East
Jerusalem as its capital
Policy Statement Structure
• Two rules of thumb will help
you get the right information
in the right paragraph (para)
• Temporal focus
– Para 1 → Past
– Para 2 → Present
– Para 3 → Future
• Scope Focus
– Para 1 → Global
– Para 2 → Local
– Para 3 → Global
THE FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
PALESTINIAN REFUGEES
Under General Assembly Resolution 181(1947) the United Nations called for the
withdrawal of the mandatory power of the United Kingdom, mandatory power given
to Palestine. The Palestinian government was asked to withdraw from parts of
Palestine, including Jerusalem to create an area for a “Jewish State”. The creation of
Israel and the ensuing Arab-Israeli war resulting in over 750,000 Palestinians fleeing
or being forcefully removed from their land, and years of occupation of the West
Bank, including eastern Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. Security Counsel Resolution
242 (1967) stated that Israel should formally withdraw from the Gaza Strip, the West
Bank and the Golan Heights. Today, 70 percent of the Palestinian people are either
refugees and/or internally displaced persons; the largest and longest unresolved
refugee case in the world. There are approximately 6.8 million Palestinian refugees
and 400,000 internally displaced persons, including around 2.7 million refugee
children. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the
Near East (UNRWA) was established following the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict by
United Nations General Assembly resolution 302 (IV) of 1949 to carry out direct relief
and works programs for Palestine refugees.
Ethiopia has supported numerous resolutions, and actions to support the betterment
of the lives of Palestinian refugees. Ethiopia fully supports the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights which sets out a guideline for the rights of peoples within sovereign
nations, and has worked very hard to continue ensuring that all peoples are granted
this universally accepted idea of human rights. Ethiopia supports Security Counsel
Resolution 242 and similar resolutions that followed, attempting to create a peaceful
place for Palestinians and Israelis. Ethiopia has continuously supported the UNRWA
throughout its 58 years of working with Palestinian refugees. Ethiopia has supported
all resolutions that attempt to solve the problems within Israel and the surrounding
nation states regarding Palestinian refugees as a region. This region would include
Israel, and surrounding nations that contain UNRWA camps and other settlements of
Palestinian refugees as well as those member states who feel threatened by the
problems with the refugees.
Ethiopia is in full support of the efforts of the UNRWA and would like to see the
continuation of the betterment of the lives of the Palestinian refugees. Ethiopia would
like to see the continued support of Palestinian refugees by the member states that
support these UNRWA camps. Ethiopia would like to show concern for the violence
towards Palestinian refugees living in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and the Golan
Heights. Ethiopia is gravely concerned with clear conflictions of human rights
violations and the Universal Declaration of Human rights which is universally
accepted. Ethiopia reaffirms their strong commitment to continue supporting the
Palestinian people and their leadership to bring an end to the conflict and occupation
that began in 1967, in accordance with the rules and principles of international law
and relevant United Nations resolutions, and by accordingly reaffirming their
commitment to a just and peaceful solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to
the right of the Palestinian people to exercise self-determination and sovereignty in
their independent State of Palestine, on the basis of the pre-1967 borders, with East
Jerusalem as its capital
Overall Research Tips
• Remember that you need to find your
country’s official position.
• Find statements from official sources
– National Leader
– Foreign Minister
– UN Ambassador
• There are other sources, but anything
these people say is official policy.
Issue Specific Research
• Start your issue research by reading the
issue brief at Model UN Far West.
– This is the collegiate conference that the MCC
delegation attends
– The issue brief frames the issue and provides
a 5 – 6 page research paper describing the
history of UN involvement with the topic.
– It also gives research links, a great start!
– It is published on Nov. 1 each year
• http://www.munfw.org/session/issues/issues.htm
Issue Specific Research
• Also, check out the UN’s issue portal.
http://www.un.org/en/globalissues/
• This will direct you to the lead agency, key
conferences and documents, and relevant
speeches.
• There is no need to dig all this up on your own
when the UN has compiled it all for you.
Issue Specific Research
• The point of this research is twofold
– Find content for Para 1
– Develop an understanding of the UN and
what it is capable of and not capable of
regarding this issue.
• At conference, you will see less-prepared
delegates proposing unrealistic solutions,
or asking the UN to do things which violate
its Charter. Know enough about the UN
and the specific issue to be effective.
Country Specific Research
• Go to your country’s UN ambassador’s website
first. This is found at
http://www.un.org/en/members/
• Use this for statements, plenary speeches, and
links to the foreign ministry site.
• If that fails, go to your country’s main
governmental web page. With luck it will have
an English version and links to domestic
agencies that deal with your topic.
• Remember to stick to official sources. Be wary
of editorializing from media or opposition groups.
Country Specific Research
• The point of this research is twofold:
– Find content for Para 2
– Get a feeling for your country’s general
approach to global issues.
• At conference, topics will come up you
have not prepared for. Good delegates
will have such an understanding of their
country that they will make a correct
educated guess at these times.
Policy Research Tips
• The third paragraph is the hardest to find
specific information for.
• With luck, you will have found your
country’s position when researching
paragraph 2. Examine the statements on
the UN ambassador’s page.
• If not, search for speeches given by the
three leaders mentioned earlier on your
topic.
Policy Research Tips
• Use the UN search engine. Search by
topic and the name of the leader to find
specific speeches.
• The UN library has a way to narrow the
search to speeches.
http://unbisnet.un.org:8080/ipac20/ipac.jsp?profile=bib&menu=search&submenu=power#focus
Policy Research Tips
• If you are unable to find information, look for
ministerial statements on this topic from
Intergovernmental Organizations your country
belongs to
– (G-8, G-77, Non-Aligned Movement).
• These statements are typically consensus
documents, so you can assume it reflects your
country’s position.
• If you do this, ensure that your country did not
issue a dissenting clarification on the statement.
A Bad Example
• This was submitted by a
debater with an inflated sense
of his own ability.
• It is my favorite bad example.
BAHRAIN
SECURITY COUNCIL
THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Tensions are high in the middle east as peace talks are beggining to break down.
The Six Days War c. 1967 can be to blame for this Arab Isreali conflict. The results of
this war was tre capturing of the Sinai penninsula, Gaza strip, and the Golen Heights
by Isreal. Since then The Sinai penninsula has been returned and talks continue to
return the Gaza Strip. The Golen Heights are unlikely to be returned any time soon.
In southern Lebanon Security Cooncil resolution 1288(2000) was passed, extending
the U.N. Interium Force,s stay another six months in Lebanon.
Peace Talks must contine. Although negotiations regarding West Bank land have hit
small bumps in the road tword peace in the Middle East the talks must continue. No
matter how small progess must continue to keep armed conflict at bay. Hope to the
Isreali releasing of the Golen heights cannot be even examened until a resolution of
the West Bank land is reached. The continuation of peacekeeping forces in southern
Lebanon for at least the next six months is key to strong support for the territorial
integrity, sovereinty, and political independance of Lebanon within its internationally
recognized boundaries.
All progress in looking prospectively twords peace. The Interium force must remain in
Lebanon for the time being to keep the Lebanese border intact. Peace talks in
Jordans west bank are starting to break down, but as long as efforts are intensified
the talks will be sucessful.
A Bad Example
• Notice the spelling,
capitalization, punctuation, and
grammar errors.
• This is just sloppy work that
was clearly written 10 minutes
before it was due.
• Notice the awkward sentence
structure in para 2. Ouch!
• This sentence does not have a
subject, verb, or object. That
is hard to do! Kudos for being
consistent with the typos
though.
BAHRAIN
SECURITY COUNCIL
THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Tensions are high in the middle east as peace talks are beggining to break down.
The Six Days War c. 1967 can be to blame for this Arab Isreali conflict. The results of
this war was tre capturing of the Sinai penninsula, Gaza strip, and the Golen Heights
by Isreal. Since then The Sinai penninsula has been returned and talks continue to
return the Gaza Strip. The Golen Heights are unlikely to be returned any time soon.
In southern Lebanon Security Cooncil resolution 1288(2000) was passed, extending
the U.N. Interium Force,s stay another six months in Lebanon.
Peace Talks must contine. Although negotiations regarding West Bank land have hit
small bumps in the road tword peace in the Middle East the talks must continue. No
matter how small progess must continue to keep armed conflict at bay. Hope to the
Isreali releasing of the Golen heights cannot be even examened until a resolution of
the West Bank land is reached. The continuation of peacekeeping forces in southern
Lebanon for at least the next six months is key to strong support for the territorial
integrity, sovereinty, and political independance of Lebanon within its internationally
recognized boundaries.
All progress in looking prospectively twords peace. The Interium force must remain in
Lebanon for the time being to keep the Lebanese border intact. Peace talks in
Jordans west bank are starting to break down, but as long as efforts are intensified
the talks will be sucessful.
A Bad Example
• Moving to content, Para 1 is
focused on one small aspect of
the larger issue. It fails to
mention foundational
documents or UN agencies.
• Looking at Para 2 and 3, it
appears the author has no idea
where Bahrain is or what its
position on the Middle East is.
BAHRAIN
SECURITY COUNCIL
THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Tensions are high in the middle east as peace talks are beggining to break down.
The Six Days War c. 1967 can be to blame for this Arab Isreali conflict. The results of
this war was tre capturing of the Sinai penninsula, Gaza strip, and the Golen Heights
by Isreal. Since then The Sinai penninsula has been returned and talks continue to
return the Gaza Strip. The Golen Heights are unlikely to be returned any time soon.
In southern Lebanon Security Cooncil resolution 1288(2000) was passed, extending
the U.N. Interium Force,s stay another six months in Lebanon.
Peace Talks must contine. Although negotiations regarding West Bank land have hit
small bumps in the road tword peace in the Middle East the talks must continue. No
matter how small progess must continue to keep armed conflict at bay. Hope to the
Isreali releasing of the Golen heights cannot be even examened until a resolution of
the West Bank land is reached. The continuation of peacekeeping forces in southern
Lebanon for at least the next six months is key to strong support for the territorial
integrity, sovereinty, and political independance of Lebanon within its internationally
recognized boundaries.
All progress in looking prospectively twords peace. The Interium force must remain in
Lebanon for the time being to keep the Lebanese border intact. Peace talks in
Jordans west bank are starting to break down, but as long as efforts are intensified
the talks will be sucessful.
A Good Example
MALAYSIA
SECURITY COUNCIL
SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST
• This is the same topic from a
competent delegate.
• Notice the wealth of UNspecific information in para 1
• This sentence summarizes
Malaysia’s position clearly and
concisely.
• The policy preference is clear
and accurate
The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force was established after the 1973
Middle East war to maintain the ceasefire between Israel and Syria, to supervise the
disengagement of Israeli and Syrian forces, and to supervise the areas of separation
and limitation, as provided in the Agreement on Disengagement of May 31, 1974.
The Security Council, on May 27, 1999, renewed for a further six-month period, until
30 November 1999, the manuate of UNDOF, by adopting resolution 1243 (1999).
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon was established to confirm the
withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, to restore international peace
and security, and to assist the Government of Lebanon in ensuring the return of its
effective authority in the area. UNIFIL has, however, been prevented from fully
implementing its mandate. Since the truce of Palestine, the United Nations Truce
Supervision Organization (UNTSO) has performed various tasks entrusted to it by
the Security Council, including the supervision of the General Armistice Agreements
of 1949 and the observation of the ceasefire in the Suez Canal area and the Golan
Heights following the Arab-Israeli war of June 1967. At present, UNTSO assisted and
cooperated with UNDOF on the Golan Heights in the Israel-Syria sector, and UNIFIL
in the Israel-Lebanon sector. UNTSO was also present in the Egypt-Israel sector in
the Sinai. UNTSO maintained offices in Beirut and Damascus.
Malaysia is committed to the purpose of the United Nations and Security Council to
further, secure, and maintain international peace and security. Malaysia does not
intend to establish diplomatic or informal relations with Israel until and unless a
comprehensive solution to the Middle East problem is achieved. Malaysia’s position
towards Israel remains firm and the question of third party intervention does not
arise. Malaysia has and will provide military personnel and funding for the resolution
of conflict in the Middle East.
Malaysia has been known as a cooperative member in the international
peacekeeping operation and provides the necessary personnel and funds to support
the United Nations peacekeeping effort. Even though the Middle East has been a
source of conflict for many, many years, the United Nations has a responsibility to
promote tolerance and cooperation within regions of notable conflict. Malaysia invites
the institution of a regional representative to coordinate “peace talks” and create
opportunities for the opposing parties within the region to meet and discuss possible
solutions to the existing conflict. Malaysia encourages the use of a committee of UN
personnel to monitor the peace talks and report to the Security Council so that the
body can more accurately assess the progress of the talks and provide for the most
appropriate action to the current status of the region.
Another Bad Example
• This first paragraph looks good
at first blush, as it contains UN
information and is not rife with
typos. But it is all about the
country, not the required global
focus.
• Remember that Para 1 is not
about your country, it is about
the UN’s approach to the issue
generally.
• A general rule of thumb is that
your country’s name should
not appear in the first
paragraph.
CAMBODIA
THIRD COMMITTEE
FAMILY PLANNING
UNFPA has funded activities in Cambodia since 1991, when there was a request by
the then Supreme National Council of Cambodia to conduct a Population Census.
The Country Director in charge of the Cambodia programme until May 1994 resided
in Bangkok. In May 1994, a resident Country Director (Dr. Vincent Fauveau) took this
post in Phnom Penh. with the mission of opening a permanent office and build a
Country Programme. The office is located within the premises of the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP). The Country Director became the UNFPA
Representative on 1 January 1996. The Country Programme for Cambodia for 19972000, in harmonization with that of the UNDP and other UN agencies, consists of
several projects, all having in common a focus on Population issues. These Projects
are centered on three main themes: reproductive health, including birth spacing and
sexual health, with related information education & communication; population
policies, including data collection and demographic analysis; and advocacy, for
population concerns at all levels of society, including population & development,
gender and population & environment.
Cambodia has a population of over 10.8 million people in a landmass the same size
as the state of Missouri. By 2025, the population is expected to be over 17 million, 4
times the amount of people in Missouri. In a country where 44% of the population is
under the age of 14 due to previous civil wars, to population will, without doubt
increase in the future. This, combined with the amazing rise in HI V/AIDS cases.
there is a definite need to strict family planning in Cambodia. Until the country can
develop itself much more, the population should be kept to a minimum if possible.
The UNDP has helped to promote healthy family planning in Cambodia is many
ways. Through its continued education and analysis of the population in Cambodia,
Cambodia can more easily control the population in Cambodia into the future.
It is important to the well being of Cambodia that the UNFPA remain in the country
long into the future. As stated, Cambodia is in no condition to allow the population
get out of hand in such a small country with so little development. Until Cambodia
can manage to come out of it’s recession and develop its industries much more, the
UNFRA is in great need to the Royal Government of Cambodia.
Another Bad Example
• Read the first two sentences of
Para 2.
• Two things about Model UN:
– Try to mimic the tone of the
country and not write like an
American student.
Cambodians would not make
this comparison.
– While there is no such thing as
plagerism in MUN (you are
supposed to be repeating the
real words of diplomats, not
making stuff up), there is really
stupid cutting and pasting.
This was lifted right out of the
CIA factbook and makes the
author look like an idiot.
CAMBODIA
THIRD COMMITTEE
FAMILY PLANNING
UNFPA has funded activities in Cambodia since 1991, when there was a request by
the then Supreme National Council of Cambodia to conduct a Population Census.
The Country Director in charge of the Cambodia programme until May 1994 resided
in Bangkok. In May 1994, a resident Country Director (Dr. Vincent Fauveau) took this
post in Phnom Penh. with the mission of opening a permanent office and build a
Country Programme. The office is located within the premises of the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP). The Country Director became the UNFPA
Representative on 1 January 1996. The Country Programme for Cambodia for 19972000, in harmonization with that of the UNDP and other UN agencies, consists of
several projects, all having in common a focus on Population issues. These Projects
are centered on three main themes: reproductive health, including birth spacing and
sexual health, with related information education & communication; population
policies, including data collection and demographic analysis; and advocacy, for
population concerns at all levels of society, including population & development,
gender and population & environment.
Cambodia has a population of over 10.8 million people in a landmass the same size
as the state of Missouri. By 2025, the population is expected to be over 17 million, 4
times the amount of people in Missouri. In a country where 44% of the population is
under the age of 14 due to previous civil wars, to population will, without doubt
increase in the future. This, combined with the amazing rise in HI V/AIDS cases.
there is a definite need to strict family planning in Cambodia. Until the country can
develop itself much more, the population should be kept to a minimum if possible.
The UNDP has helped to promote healthy family planning in Cambodia is many
ways. Through its continued education and analysis of the population in Cambodia,
Cambodia can more easily control the population in Cambodia into the future.
It is important to the well being of Cambodia that the UNFPA remain in the country
long into the future. As stated, Cambodia is in no condition to allow the population
get out of hand in such a small country with so little development. Until Cambodia
can manage to come out of it’s recession and develop its industries much more, the
UNFRA is in great need to the Royal Government of Cambodia.
Another Bad Example
• The tone is all wrong, it is selfdemeaning. Real diplomats
don’t talk like this.
• Key point about MUN: Your
country does not suck!
• Frame issues and facts in a
favorable light.
• Your country is the good guy in
all diplomatic discussions or
disputes.
CAMBODIA
THIRD COMMITTEE
FAMILY PLANNING
UNFPA has funded activities in Cambodia since 1991, when there was a request by
the then Supreme National Council of Cambodia to conduct a Population Census.
The Country Director in charge of the Cambodia programme until May 1994 resided
in Bangkok. In May 1994, a resident Country Director (Dr. Vincent Fauveau) took this
post in Phnom Penh. with the mission of opening a permanent office and build a
Country Programme. The office is located within the premises of the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP). The Country Director became the UNFPA
Representative on 1 January 1996. The Country Programme for Cambodia for 19972000, in harmonization with that of the UNDP and other UN agencies, consists of
several projects, all having in common a focus on Population issues. These Projects
are centered on three main themes: reproductive health, including birth spacing and
sexual health, with related information education & communication; population
policies, including data collection and demographic analysis; and advocacy, for
population concerns at all levels of society, including population & development,
gender and population & environment.
Cambodia has a population of over 10.8 million people in a landmass the same size
as the state of Missouri. By 2025, the population is expected to be over 17 million, 4
times the amount of people in Missouri. In a country where 44% of the population is
under the age of 14 due to previous civil wars, to population will, without doubt
increase in the future. This, combined with the amazing rise in HI V/AIDS cases.
there is a definite need to strict family planning in Cambodia. Until the country can
develop itself much more, the population should be kept to a minimum if possible.
The UNDP has helped to promote healthy family planning in Cambodia is many
ways. Through its continued education and analysis of the population in Cambodia,
Cambodia can more easily control the population in Cambodia into the future.
It is important to the well being of Cambodia that the UNFPA remain in the country
long into the future. As stated, Cambodia is in no condition to allow the population
get out of hand in such a small country with so little development. Until Cambodia
can manage to come out of it’s recession and develop its industries much more, the
UNFRA is in great need to the Royal Government of Cambodia.
Another Good Example
• This is not perfect, as para 1
is longer than it should be,
but it is solid material about
UN programs.
• Notice the admission of
serious problems in para 2.
• Unlike the last one though,
this one takes a positive
approach and tells what the
govt. is doing about their
problems.
FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
3RD COMMITTEE
FAMILY PLANNING
In hopes of furthering equality and justice, the World Health Organization has made access to
quality family planning a key component of the “Health for All” global strategy. Family planning
involves many issues, including maternal health, child mortality, and the spread of sexually
transmitted diseases. Approximately 102 million married women in developing nations lack family
planning information regarding issues, such as reproductive health, contraception, and the
spacing of births. Reproductive issues and sexual autonomy can be very controversial issues, as
they lie at the core of ideological, religious, and cultural beliefs. The 1993 World Conference on
Human Rights declared that it is the duty of states to promote human rights and fundamental
freedoms, despite political, economic, and cultural systems. Article 16 of the Convention on the
Elimination of All Forums of Discrimination Against Women provided that states are to take
appropriate measures that ensure men and women are equal in deciding on the number and
spacing of children, as well as providing both have equal access to the information, education and
means to allow the use of these rights. To avoid abuses of power, the International Conference
on Population and Development has condemned the use of violence, coercion, and discrimination
in family planning. The ICPD also related family planning to the larger issues of health, population,
and development. Many nations have shared ideas at the ICPD, giving the efforts great
momentum.
According to 1996 estimates, each woman in Nigeria will give birth to six children during her
lifetime. Maternal mortality rates for these women range from 800 to 1,500 per 100,000 live births.
Many of these deaths are in young women, old women, pregnancies within short birth intervals,
and for women with more than four children or health problems. Approximately 83 children per
1,000 births will die. To address the need for health care and to strengthen civil society, the
Nigerian government has been working with USAID. IN 1996 the collaboration provided
sustainable integrated health care delivery, including maternal health practices and HJV/AIDS
prevention activities. Another effort towards improved family planning is the work of Pathfinder
International, a Nigerian-founded organization. In 1997, Pathfinder offered a broad range of
health, reproductive, and social service interventions for vulnerable groups in high-risk
environments.
Education and services pertaining to family planning are in great need in many parts of the world,
especially Africa. The demand for family planning and reproductive health services is currently so
strong, that to meet the demand would exceed all nation’s population control plans. To make such
facilities available Nigeria encourages close UN and state cooperation with USAID, to acquire
health care delivery, maternal health practices, and HI V/AIDS prevention activities. The
Association for Reproductive and Family Health partnered with the Centre for Development and
Population Activities is another set of facilities of note. This coalition provides reproductive health
services for youth and families worldwide. A service of need with little recognition is the postabortion services. Another significant international body, the IPAS, has the goal of establishing
mechanisms to promote long-term sustainability of post-abortion care services in states at all
levels within the health system. Nigeria hopes to see high state attendance at future meetings of
the International Conference on Population and Development, so that ideas relating to health and
population may be shared and encouraged.
Summary
• Remember, you are acting as diplomats at
the conference. You speak with authority
(no footnotes, quotes, or references) and
you accurately represent your country in
the negotiations that occur at conference.
• When you do this, you will get into the role
and have lots of fun.
• Good luck!