The Delegate Handbook

8/8/2019 The Delegate Handbook

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MODEL UN SUMMIT MANIPAL

DELEGATE HANDBOOK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction ......................................................................................................................2

Rules of Conduct ................................................................................................................3Dress Code ..........................................................................................................................5

Model UN Skills..................................................................................................................6

Resolutions..........................................................................................................................12Submission process..............................................................................................................17

Sample Resolution...............................................................................................................19

Points and Motions...............................................................................................................22

Rules of Procedure: Short Form ..........................................................................................24Rules of Procedure: Long Form...........................................................................................27

Other Model UN Resources ..............................................................................................36

INTRODUCTION



Welcome to the Model United Nations Summit Manipal, 2008! After the

resounding success of Summit 2007, we have come back again with a bigger and

better conference this year. MUN Summit Manipal will be a three day long event

with deliberations being conducted in five committees: The Security Council, The

General Assembly, Office on Drugs and Crime, The Economic and Social Council(ECOSOC) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural

Organization (UNESCO).

This handbook has been written with the hope that it shall act as a tool that shall

help you through the conference. It will likely answer any questions you have

about the conference – where to begin, what to do and how to do it. Please read it

carefully.

For further information and questions, please feel free to contact any of thefollowing:

Prateek N. Kumar +91-9901727544

Neel Kamal +91-9901727236

RULES OF CONDUCT



The Manipal MUN Secretariat reserves the right to dismiss any participant from

the conference due to violation of any regulation. The Manipal Model UN Summit

will enforce the following rules of conduct:

Alcohol, Illegal Drugs, and Smoking

Alcohol is prohibited at all times and in all places, including the residence and

conference buildings. Any delegate caught in possession of alcoholic beverages

will be barred from the conference and sent home immediately. Illegal drugs are

prohibited. Any delegate caught in possession of illegal drugs will be barred from

the conference and sent home immediately. Smoking is prohibited in all residence

and conference buildings at all times.

Sexual Harassment

In accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, we must remind all

participants that sexual harassment is prohibited. The conference defines sexual

harassment as:

(1) Unwanted sexual advances that may take the form of inappropriate sexual or suggestive comments,

sounds or jokes; unsolicited touching or fondling; unwanted intercourse or

assault; (2) unwelcome requests for sexual favors; and (3) such conduct that [has] the purpose or effect of

unreasonably interfering with an

individual's academic or work performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostileor offensive educational

social, living or working environment.

Incidents of sexual harassment should be immediately reported to a conference

staff member.

Delegation of Authority

Delegates must obey instructions from any advisor or conference staff member,

both inside and outside of



committee sessions.

Laptop/Cell Phone Policy

Delegates are permitted to use laptops and PDAs during the Manipal Model UN

Summit. Cell phones must be turned off at all times. Wireless Internet may be

available in some or all of the conference facilities. Committee chairs may set

restrictions on delegate use of wireless Internet access; regardless, use of

the Internet should not at any time disrupt the work of the committees. The

organizers shall not be held responsible for the loss or theft personal items and

electronic gadgets.

Name Badges

Delegates, advisors, and staff are recommended to keep Name Badges visible at all

times during the conference as the colour bands act as marks of identification.

DRESS CODE



All delegates at the Manipal Model UN Summit must adhere to the dress code.

Delegates must be attired in Western business dress. Delegates who are not dressed

appropriately will be sent back.

Below are some guidelines:

(for females and males)

Suits

A suit always looks professional and is the best option. Be sure to keep suits clean

and wrinkle-free.

Tops No t-shirts. A blouse, sweater or button-down shirt of any

kind is appropriate. Dresses are also appropriate as long as

they are not revealing and adequate in length (follow therules set for skirt length). Males must wear a collared/button-down shirt.

Bottoms

No jeans or shorts. Slacks and suit-pants are acceptable.

Skirts must be worn with pantyhose/stockings. Skirts

should not be more than 2 inches above the knee. Bottoms

should have a subtle pattern; avoid loud designs. Slacks,

preferably in dark colors, are appropriate.

Shoes

No sneakers. Think before you act!

High-heeled shoes may look pretty, but they are also very

painful and can make your MUN experience uncomfortable. When deciding on

heels, use your discretion and tailor them to your pain tolerance. Loafers or other

types of dress shoes are preferred.

Hair

Keep hair clean and tied back for a professional look. Mohawks may be

fashionable and cool, but it is best to forgo the spikes and hair spray.

MODEL UN SKILLS



This section is, by far, the most important section for delegates-to-be! Read this

section very carefully. Also, remember that the techniques for action in a

committee/council given here are only suggestive – they are not binding. Every

delegate has his/her own style of interpreting and enacting them. Stick to the basics, but after that, as far as is possible, be the kind of delegate you want to be.

Develop your own style – trust us, nothing works as well as originality and

innovation in a Model UN. The executive board would prefer to see something

creative and new than watch everyone enact the run-of-the-mill perfect delegate

role. However, make sure this doesn’t cross limits. Respect everyone around and

you and don’t offend anyone on purpose. Remember- profanity won’t get you

anywhere.

This section includes the basic necessities such as Background Guide Information,Guidelines for MUN research, Rules of Procedure (long form and short form),

Public speaking skills, Committee Proceedings Chart and lastly, a Special Tips for

First Timers page.

BACKGROUND GUIDESBackground guides are created to serve as a starting point for research. They

provide delegates with information about the topics from an international

perspective and explain the UN’s work in addressing the issues. Below

are some suggestions to help you use background guides more effectively.

PreparationMake sure that you have a hard copy of the background guide for your assigned

committee. The Background Guides for each of the committees shall be put up on

the site. (www.manipalmun.org).

A three-ring binder or a specific Model UN folder will help you keep all

information, including this Delegate Handbook and research information

organized. Background guides will help you understand what you will be expected

to discuss at the conference.

Sources for Research



The topics and sub-topics mentioned in the background are the basic building

blocks for research. The information given in the Guide is, however, just a

summary. Delegates should locate the source of the paragraphs written and should

research on the relevance of these to your own country. Some questions shall

always be left unanswered, and some inferences won’t be drawn. It’s up to the

delegates to figure these out. The purpose of the background guide is to allow you

the kind of mindset that is required to work on the correct country stance.

RESEARCHING THE RIGHT WAY

After you read your background guide, you should gather information in order to

answer the guide’s questions and understand your country’s position. Most

delegates use the Internet for about 80 percent of their research.However, you

should not overlook the

resources available in newspapers, journals and your local library.While

conducting your research, try to keep in mind that a delegate’s primary goal is torepresent his or her

country as realistically as possible. To do so, you will need to conduct research in

three different areas:

1) your country and its positions,

2) the issues to be debated at the conference, and

3) the UN system, or as is the case here, your committee’s working.

Component One: Collecting Country Information

First, delegates need to learn about their country so they may address the issues

raised at the conference just as a real delegate from that country would at the

United Nations. To represent your country accurately, start by

answering the following questions:

1. What sort of government does your country have?

2. What types of ideologies influence your country’s government?

3. Which domestic issues might influence your country’s foreign policy?

4. What are some major events in your country’s history?

5. Which ethnicities, religions and languages can be found in your country?

6. Where is your country located and how does its geography affect its politicalrelationships?

7. Which countries share a border with your country?

8. Which countries are considered allies of your country?

9. Which countries are considered enemies of your country?

10. What are the characteristics of your country’s economy?

11. What is your country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)?



12. When did your country become a member of the UN?

13. Does your country belong to any intergovernmental organizations outside the

UN system (e.g.North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Organization of the

Petroleum Exporting Countries(OPEC), etc.)?

14. Does your country belong to any regional organizations (e.g. European Union

(EU), African Union(AU), Organization of American States (OAS), etc.)?

15. Does your country belong to any trade organizations or agreements (e.g. North

American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA))?

Finding information on your country• Look up the website of your country’ permanent mission to the UN (visit

www.un.int). You can also call the mission directly to ask questions or request a

position statement on an issue.

• Find your country’s voting records and read speeches on the United Nationswebsite.

• Look at the CIA World Factbook for a general overview on your country as well

as relevant statistics (www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html). The CIA

World Factbook is produced by the United States Central Intelligence Agency

(CIA). Would your country’s government agree with the way your country is

characterized in the CIA World Factbook ?

• Check out news and media sources for recent developments in your country.

• Read the US State Department report on your country (www.state.gov/countries).

• Discuss your country with others who have represented it. This is very helpful as

the other person would be able to tell you what kind of questions were asked to

them, and what were the

Component Two: Researching Conference Topics

Your next task is to develop an understanding of the issues that will be debated at

the conference. Again, you should review your background guide. You may want

to look at the sources cited in it for more in-depth information. In addition to the

“Questions to Consider” in the guide, here are some additional questions to help

guide your issue research:1. What is the problem? How does it affect your country?

2. What has your country done to combat the problem?

3. What are the various “sides” in the debate?

4. Which aspects of the issue are most important to your country?

5. If your country is not active in addressing the issue, in what other aspects can it

be involved?



6. How will your country shape the debate at the conference?

7. What arguments will other countries make?

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

9. Is there evidence or are there statistics that might back-up your country’s

position?

10. What, according to your country, is (are) the most globally viable solution(s)?

Question 10 is probably the most important question out of all of these. As a

delegate, you need to come prepared with a certain set of idea that your country

believes can solve the problem, or at least steps that can be taken to control it. The

basic aim that a committee has is to reach a consensus, and as an active delegate, it

becomes essential for you to come up with relevant solutions.

Finding information on issues

• Check out news and media sources for up-to-date developments on an issue. Ask at your community or university library.

• Check out the UN Economic and Social Development page (www.un.org/esa),

which has an index to some major issues as well as a list of UN agencies that

address them. Also, through the United Nations Documentation Center

(www.un.org/documents) you can find resolutions and voting

records from the current and previous years.

•Visit the websites of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). NGOs are

important players in the UN system, in part due to the valuable research and

information they provide. Look for NGOs that address your topic.

•Google it! Use your favorite search engine as extensively as possible. Read up on

your topic as much as you can, for you never know which random fact or figure

will give you the edge over your contemporaries. You can also log on to sites such

as Wikipedia.com.

Component Three: Information about your committee and the proceedings of the

UN

A good delegate must always be aware of the basic facts related to the

committee/council he/she is in. Each committee has its own special characteristics.

You must know the answers to following questions:•What is the strength of your committee/council/commission?

•Is your committee a main organ of the UN? If not, which main organ is it a

subsidiary organ of? (For e.g. The UNHRC or the UN Human Rights Council is a

subsidiary organ of the UN General Assembly.)

•Which other countries have a representation in your committee? (For reference,

see the country matrix that has already been uploaded on this website)



•Does your country have the same voting rights as all other countries? (For e.g.

China, USA, UK, France and Russia have veto powers in the Security Council.)

•Are there any special rules or procedures that apply to your committee?

You must know the answers to all these questions before stepping into the council

halls. If you cannot locate the answers anywhere, contact us at Manipal University

on the numbers provided.

PUBLIC SPEAKINGWriting and delivering speeches is an important aspect of the Model UN

simulation. Speeches help delegates convey the positions of their countries, build

consensus and create resolutions. Usually, the committee sets the speaking time (a

delegate makes a motion to set the duration and if the motion has been seconded,

the committee votes upon the suggestion. Motions are explained in detail in Rules

of Procedure. ).Although speechmaking is integral to the simulation, many delegates’ biggest fear

is public speaking. It is essential that delegates come to the conference well

prepared. They should complete prior research, know their country’s position and

even have objectives for a resolution.

Delegates should always consider the audience when making a speech. They

should be aware of the listeners and their diversity. As there are no set guidelines

for how to make speeches, delegates should decide how they feel most comfortable

addressing the committee. Some delegates use their position papers as their opening speeches; others just write out some key points. Many speak without any

aides at all. Since public speaking is a skill, it is important to practice, practice, and

practice.

A good opening speech should:

1. Open with: "Thank you Mr./ Madame/ Honorable-Chair/President etc."

2. And include:

• A brief introduction of your county's history on the topic;

• The current situation of the topic;

• The country's overall position on the topic/reason for position (e.g. religiousideologies);

• The country's position in relation to its bloc, major powers, etc.;

• Past actions taken by the UN and Member States to combat the problem;

• Possible ideas or objectives for a resolution;

• The Role of NGOs in combating the issue (if applicable); and

• Whether there is room for negotiation.



The details of the problems relevant your country are, however, limited to be a

part of your first Speakers List speech, or your first day speeches. It being a

dynamic form of debate, the discussion in council evolves from hour-to-hour. As

the debate evolves, so do the speeches of the delegate. Depending upon what is

going on the committee at a particular time, a good delegate would always use

his/her speaking time to comment on the same.

Another point to keep in mind is that you must use your speaking time judiciously.

You must know when to stop. Crossing your time limit is not appreciated by your

co-delegates or by your executive board.

Lastly, do not be afraid of making mistakes. Everyone fumbles once in a while. If

you think you’re forgetting something, take a moment to remember. Think about

what you’re going to say before starting. If you make an error, just apologize andrepeat the line correctly. Regardless of the number of mistakes you make, if what

you have to say is substantial, people ARE going to listen to you. Be calm. Be

confident.

RESOLUTIONS



The final results of discussion, writing and negotiation are resolutions—a

committee’s written suggestions for addressing a specific problem or issue.

Resolutions, which are drafted by delegates and voted upon by the committee,

normally require a simple majority to pass (except in the Security Council). Only

Security Council resolutions can compel nations to take action. All other UN

bodies use resolutions to make recommendations or suggestions for future action.

Draft Resolutions

Draft resolutions are all resolutions that have not yet been voted on. Delegates

write draft resolutions alone or with others, but must always gain the support of a

certain number of countries in the committee before submitting them to the dais (or

committee staff). The Global Classrooms Model UN Conference requires

signatures from 20 percent of the countries present in order to submit a draft

resolution (this number will be announced at the beginning of each session). Onlywhen the Director formally accepts the document and assigns it a number can it be

referred to in formal debate. There are three main parts to a draft resolution: the

heading, the preamble and the operative section. The heading shows the committee

and topic along with the resolution number. It also lists the draft resolution’s

sponsors and signatories (see below). Each draft resolution is one long sentence

with sections separated by commas and semicolons. The subject of the sentence is

the body making the statement (e.g. the General Assembly, Economic and Social

Council or Security Council). The preamble and operative sections then describe

the current situation and actions that the committee will take.

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

addressing the topic and highlights relevant past international actions. 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.



Operative ClausesOperative 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.

R ESOLUTIONS

Resolution PhrasesPreambulatory Phrases

Affirming

Alarmed by

Approving

Aware of

Bearing in mind

Believing

Confident

ContemplatingConvinced

Declaring

Deeply concerned

Deeply conscious

Deeply convinced

Deeply disturbed

Deeply regretting

Desiring

Emphasizing

ExpectingExpressing 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 deep concern

Noting with regret

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

Operative Phrases

Accepts

Affirms

Approves

AuthorizesCalls

Calls upon

Condemns

Confirms

Congratulates

Considers



Declares accordingly

Deplores

Designates

Draws the attention

Emphasizes

Encourages

Endorses

Expresses its appreciation

Expresses its hope

Further invites

Further proclaims

Further reminds

Further recommends

Further requests

Further resolvesHas resolved

Notes

Proclaims

Reaffirms

Recommends

Regrets

Reminds

Requests

Solemnly affirms

Strongly condemns

Supports

Takes note of

Transmits

Trusts

A sample resolution can be found on p. 19.

Sponsors and Signatories

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 in effect control a draft

resolution and only they 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.20

percent of the committee must be either sponsors or signatories to a draft resolution

in order for it to be accepted.

Amendments

Draft resolutions can be modified after they have already been written 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.

Resolution Submission Process

Step 1

One or more delegates write a draft resolution. The authors of a draft, also known

as the sponsor(s), then get a required number of signatures, which equals 20



percent of the delegations present in the committee. After roll call for each

meeting, the Chair will notify the delegates of the exact number of signatures

needed

Step 2

The sponsor(s) take the draft resolution to the Director, who approves the draft

resolution only if:

a. It is in the proper format, does not contain a substantial number of mistakes, and

is legible if handwritten (delegates may not go to Conference Services for typing—

they must use the draft resolution forms provided by the conference secretariat);

b. It carries the required number of signatures;

c. It is in character for the sponsor(s);

d. Its subject matter and proposed actions are within the power of the respective

committee; and

e. There are no other draft resolutions circulating which are similar in substance.If any of those conditions are not met, the Director returns the draft resolution to

the sponsor(s) explaining his or her reasons.

Step 3

If the conditions outlined under step two are met, and the Director approves the

document, he/she then assigns it a number and a priority and declares it as

“tabled”. At this point, the document can now be referred to in speeches as a draft

resolution.

Step 4

The draft resolutions are put on display on the screen. Sponsor(s) are given the

floor to introduce the document as a draft resolution. After the sponsors introduce

the draft resolution, the Chair will entertain two points of information.

Sponsors may also get on the speakers list and/or have time yielded to them in

order to answer questions about the draft resolution.

The discussion of the resolutions can also be done through moderated caucuses, by

the Chair’s discretion.

Final refinement of the draft resolution in regular debate occurs through friendly

amendments, which are submitted by the sponsor(s) and automaticallyincorporated into the text. Should there be significant changes at this time; the

Director may decide to proceed again from Step 1.

Voting



After closure of debate, draft resolutions are voted upon in the order that they were

received. At the MUN Summit Manipal 2008, more than one draft resolution can

be passed by a committee.

SAMPLE RESOLUTION

Resolution GA/3/1.1



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, this encourages Governments

to work with U.N. 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]

FLOW OF DEBATE



Role Call

The Chairperson will announce each country’s name. After delegates hear their

country, they should answer “present” or “present and voting”.

Please remember that if you answer roll call with a “present and voting”, then you

cannot abstain during voting on draft resolutions.

Setting the Agenda

When Model UN committees have more than one topic they can discuss, the body

must set the agenda to begin working on one of these issues first. At this time, a

delegate typically makes a motion, stating “The country of [country name] would

like to raise a motion to place [topic area A] first on the agenda.” Some

conferences will simply take a vote on this measure, but others will request

delegates to speak in favor of and against the motion. The list of these speakers is

called a “provisional speakers list.” Once all delegates on this list have addressed

the committee, a vote is taken. Setting the agenda usually requires a simplymajority vote.

Debate

Formal Debate

Formal debate revolves around the speakers list. The Chair begins by asking all

delegates who would like to speak to raise their placards. The Chair then chooses

delegates to be placed on the speakers list. A country can only be on the speakers

list once, but delegates may add their country again after they have addressed the

committee.1a. When the session begins, speeches focus on stating country positions and

offering recommendations for action.

2a. After blocs have met, speeches focus on describing bloc positions to the entire

body.

3a. Delegates now make statements describing their ideas to the committee.

4a. Delegates try to garner more support through formal speeches and invite others

to offer their ideas.

5a. Delegates make statements supporting or disagreeing with specific draft

resolutions.

6a. Delegates state any amendments they have created.Informal Debate

Informal debate is divided into moderated and unmoderated caucuses. During

moderated caucuses, the Chair calls on delegates one-by-one so that each can

address the committee in short speeches. During unmoderated caucuses, the

committee breaks for a temporary recess so that delegates can meet with each other

and discuss ideas.



1b. After several countries state their positions, the committee breaks for caucuses

(often in blocs for now) to develop regional or group positions.

2b. Writing begins as countries work together to compose

Draft resolutions.

3b. Countries and groups meet to gather support for specific ideas.

4b. Delegates finalize draft resolutions.

5b. Draft-resolution sponsors build greater support for their resolution and look to

incorporate others’ ideas through friendly amendments.

Close of Debate

Once the speakers list is exhausted, the committee automatically moves to voting.

Also, once a delegate feels that his or her country’s position is clear to others and

that there are enough draft resolutions on the floor, he or she may make a motion to

proceed into voting procedure by moving for the closure of debate.

Voting Procedures

Once a motion to close debate has been approved, the committee moves into

voting procedure. Amendments are voted on first, then resolutions. Once all of the

resolutions are voted on, the committee moves to the next topic on the agenda.

POINTS AND MOTIONS

Motion or Point Description Vote to Pass



Motion to suspend the meeting

Suspending the meeting means calling for a moderated or unmoderated caucus.

When moving to suspend the meeting, delegates should specify the purpose for and

length of the suspension. This motion requires an immediate vote.

Motion to adjourn meeting

Adjourning the meeting ends the committee session until the next session, which

may be held the following year. The motion is most commonly made to end a

committee session for the purpose of lunch or dinner. It requires an immediate

vote.

Motion to table debate

This motion must not be confused with the motion to adjourn the meeting.

Tabling debate ends debate on the topic. Delegates can table debate, move on to

another topic and return to the first topic at a later time. Two delegates must speak in favor of tabling debate and two speak against it.

(Two-thirds majority required).

Motion to close debate

Closing debate allows the committee to move into voting procedure. Once a

delegate feels that his or her country’s position has been made clear, that there are

enough draft resolutions on the floor and that all other delegates are ready, he or

she can move for the closure of debate.


Appeal to the chair’s decision

This motion is made when a delegate feels that the chairperson has made an

incorrect decision. The appeal must first be made in writing.


Point of order

Points of order are used either when delegates believe the chair has made an error

in the running of the committee, or when they believe a factual error has been

made .The clarification of these shall be done by the executive board(No vote required).

Point of Inquiry (also known as Point of Parliamentary

Procedure)



When the floor is open (i.e. no other delegate is speaking), a delegate may rise to a

point of inquiry in order to ask the chairperson a question regarding the rules of

procedure.

(No vote required).

Point of Personal Privilege

Points of personal privilege are used to inform the chairperson of a physical

discomfort a delegate is experiencing, such as the inability to hear another

delegate’s speech.

(No vote required)

Point of Information

After a delegate has given a speech in formal debate, he or she may yield time to

points of information, or questions from other delegates concerning the speech or

any other significant issue pertaining to that nation’s stand on the agenda at hand.(No vote required).



RULES OF PROCEDURE: SHORT FORM

* Note: All procedural matters in committee are subject to the discretion of the

Chairperson. The Chair may undertake any action that is not covered in the Rules

of Procedure in order to facilitate the flow of debate at the conference.

MOTION SECONDREQUIRED

DEBATABLE INTERRUPTSPEAKER

VOTE TOPASS

SPECIALNOTES

Adoption of agenda

Yes 3 For3 Against(based ondiscretion)

No SimpleMajority

Used to setorder of agenda

Point of PersonalPrivilege

No No Yes N.A. Used whena delegateexperiencespersonaldiscomfort

Point of Order No No Yes(Subject tochangebased ondiscretion)

N.A. Used whendelegatewishes topoint outproceduralor factualerrors.

Point of (Parliamentary) Inquiry

No No No N.A. Used whendelegatewishes toaddress aquestion

regardingproceduralmatters

Point of Information

No No No N.A. Directed tootherdelegatesfor thepurpose of askingquestionsrelated tospeeches

and draftresolutions

Yields No No No N.A. Raised aftera delegatespeaks.

Yields canbe made topoints of information,



anotherdelegate orthe Chair

Right of reply

No No No N.A. Used whendelegatefeels that

someonehas made aderogatorycomment orremark.Must besubmitted inwriting tothe Chair

Appeal toChair’sDecision

No No No N.A. Made whendelegatefeels thatthe Chairhas madean incorrectdecision.Must besubmitted inwriting tothe Chair

Motion tosuspenddebate(caucus)

Yes No No SimpleMajority

Used inorder tosuspenddebate forthe purposeof moderatedorunmoderated caucus of specifiedtimeduration

Motion totable

debate

Yes 2 For2 Against

No 2/3 rdmajority

Tables thecurrent

topic andmove tonext agendaitem

Closure of debate

Yes 2 Against No 2/3 rdmajority

Ends debateand movesinto votingprocedure

Motion to Yes No No Simple Ends the



adjourndebate

majority meeting/council forthe day.Adjournment of the finalmeeting

shalladjourn thesession



RULES OF PROCEDURE: LONG FORM

I. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS

Rule 1. Official and Working Language

English shall be the official and working language of all committees during formal

and informal debate.

Rule 2. DecorumDelegates are to obey instructions given by the MUN Summit Manipal Conference

Staff . Those who do not obey directions will be dismissed from the conference.

II. SECRETARIAT

Rule 3. Statements by the Secretariat

The Secretary-General or his/her representative may make oral as well as written

statements to any committee concerning any issue.

Rule 4. General Functions of the Secretariat

The Chairperson shall declare the opening and closing of each meeting and may

propose the adoption of any procedural motions to which there is no significant

objection. The Chair, subject to these rules, shall have complete control of the

proceedings at any meeting and shall moderate discussion, announce decisions,

rule on points or motions, and ensure and enforce the observance of these rules.

The Chair may temporarily transfer his or her duties to another member of the

committee staff. All procedural matters in committee are subject to the discretion

of the Chair . The Chair may undertake any action that is not covered in the Rules

of Procedure in order to facilitate the flow of debate at the conference.

III. AGENDA

Rule 5. Agenda

The Secretary-General or his/her representative shall communicate the agenda to

the delegates before the conference.



Rule 6. Revision of the Agenda

Additional items of an important and urgent nature may be placed on the agenda

during a regular session by the Secretary-General, who may do so at his/her

discretion. This is most common in the Security Council.

Rule 7. Adoption of the Agenda

The first order of business for the committee shall be to adopt the agenda. The only

motion in order at this time will be in the form of “The nation of [country name]

moves that [topic area x] be placed first on the agenda.”

i. The motion requires a second and is debatable.

ii. A provisional speakers list shall be established with three people speaking for

and three people speaking against the motion (speaking time for these remarksshall be one minute).

iii. After the provisional speakers list is exhausted, the committee shall move into

an immediate vote—a simple majority is required for the motion to pass.

iv. A motion to proceed to the second topic area is in order only after the

committee has adopted or rejected a resolution on the first topic area or debate has

been tabled.

v. In the event of a “crisis” or emergency, the Secretary-General or Deputy

Secretary-General may call upon a committee to table debate on the current topic

area so that the more urgent matter can be addressed. After a resolution has been

addressed and voted upon, the committee will return to debate the tabled topic. If a

resolution on the crisis topic fails, the committee may return to debate the tabled

topic area only at the discretion of the Secretary-General or Deputy Secretary-

General.

IV. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS

Rule 8. Speakers List

The Chair shall open the speakers list for each topic to be discussed at the request

of a delegate. Any delegate wishing to be added to the speakers list shall indicate

so when asked by the Chair or shall submit a request in writing to the dais.



Rule 9. Limitation of Speaking Time

The Chair may limit the time allotted to each speaker. However, delegates can

move to increase or decrease the speaking time, which will be voted upon by the

committee or council. When a delegate exceeds his or her allotted time, the Chair

may call the speaker to order without delay.

Rule 10. Speeches

No delegate may address the body without permission from the Chair. The Chair

may call a speaker to order if his/her remarks are not relevant to the subject under

discussion. The Chair shall enforce the time limit as described by Rule 9.

Rule 11. Yielding Time

The delegate, who has been recognized by the Chair to address the body on a

substantive issue, may yield any time after his or her speech. Yields may be madein three ways: to another delegate, to points of information (questions) or to the

Chair.

i. Yield to another delegate. His/her remaining time shall be given to another

delegate.

ii. Yield to points of information. Delegates shall be selected by the Chair to ask

one question per speech. The Chair has the right to call order to any delegate

whose question is, in the opinion of the Chair, not designed to elicit information.

Answers to questions are limited to the time remaining in a delegate’s speech.

iii. Yield to the Chair. Such a yield should be made if the delegate does not wish to

yield his/her time to questions or to another delegate. The Chair shall then move on

to the next speaker.

iv. Once a delegate yields his/her time, the second delegate (the one who has been

yielded to) may not yield any remaining time.

Rule 12. Right of Reply

The Chair may recognize a Right of Reply only in instances of a grave personal

insult. Rights of Reply must be submitted in writing to the Chair and may only be

granted after a speech is finished. The Chair shall inform the Secretary-General of

the circumstances surrounding the Right of Reply. No ruling on this matter is

subject to appeal.



Rule 13. Appeal to the Chair’s Decision

An appeal is made when a delegate feels that the Chair has made an incorrect

ruling. The delegate must send a note to the dais, moving to appeal the Chair’s

decision. The appeal will be taken to the Deputy Secretary-General who will

decide if the appeal will be considered. Once the motion is acknowledged, the

Deputy Secretary-General will hear from both the delegate and the Chair before

making a decision.

V. POINTS

Rule 14. Point of Personal Privilege

During the discussion of any matter, a delegate may raise a Point of Personal

Privilege and the Chair shall immediately address the point. A Point of Personal

Privilege must refer to a matter of personal comfort or safety and/or the wellbeing

of the members of the committee. The Chair may refuse to recognize a Point of

Personal Privilege if the delegate has not shown proper restraint and decorum, or if

the point is dilatory in nature.

Rule 15. Point of Order

During the discussion of any matter, a delegate may raise a Point of Order and the

Chair shall immediately consider the request. A Point of Order must relate to the

observance of the rules of the committee or to the way the Chair is exercising his

or her power. A delegate raising a Point of Order may not speak on the substance

of the matter under discussion. The Chair may refuse to recognize a Point of Order

if the delegate has not shown proper restraint and decorum governing the use of

such a right, or if the point is dilatory in nature.

Rule 16. Point of Information (Question to Other Delegates)After a delegate gives a speech, and if the delegate yields his or her time to Points

of Information, one Point of Information (a question) can be raised by delegates

from the floor. The speaker will be allotted the remainder of his or her speaking

time to address Points of Information. Points of Information are directed to the

speaker and allow other delegations to ask questions in relation to speeches and

resolutions.



Rule 17. Point of Inquiry

If there is no discussion on the floor, a delegate may raise a Point of Inquiry to

request clarification on procedure. A Point of Inquiry may never interrupt a

speaker.

VI. MOTIONS

Rule 18. Suspend Debate (Motion to Caucus)

Upon the recommendation of the Chair or any delegate, the committee may

consider a motion to Suspend Debate for the purpose of a moderated or

unmoderated caucus. This motion requires a majority vote.

i. Moderated Caucus: The recommendation for a moderated caucus must include a

time limit for delegate remarks and a time limit for the entire caucus (e.g. “The

country of [country name] moves for a five-minute moderated caucus with a 30-

second speaking time.”). During moderated caucuses, the chair shall recognize

delegates for remarks without the use of a speakers list and yields shall be out of

order.

ii. Unmoderated Caucus: The recommendation for an unmoderated caucus requires

a time limit to be made (e.g. “The nation of [country name] moves for a 10-minute

unmoderated caucus.”). Unmoderated caucuses allow delegates to have informal

discussions.

Rule 19. Motion to Table Debate

During the discussion of any matter, the committee may consider a motion to table

debate on the item under discussion at the recommendation of the Chair or any

delegate. If the motion is seconded, two representatives may speak in favor of and

two against the motion. Then, the motion shall immediately be put to a vote. A

two-thirds majority is required for passage. If a motion to table debate is passed,

the topic is considered tabled and no further actions or votes will be taken on it. A

topic may be reintroduced to the committee so that debate can resume through thesame process. The motion to resume debate on a tabled topic shall also require a

two-thirds majority for passage.

Rule 20. Closure of Debate

A delegate may at any time move for the closure of debate on the item under

discussion, after which debate will end and all draft resolutions and amendments



will be put to an immediate vote. Permission to speak on the closure of debate shall

be accorded only to two speakers opposing the closure, after which the motion

shall be immediately put to a vote. This motion requires a two-thirds majority

decision. Upon passage of this motion, the Chair shall declare the closure of debate

and immediately move into voting procedure on the substantive proposals

introduced and pending before the committee. The committee shall also close

debate and move into voting procedure when the speakers list has been exhausted.

Rule 21. Adjournment of the Meeting

During the discussion of any matter, a delegate may move to adjourn the meeting.

Such a motion shall not be debated but shall be immediately put to a vote. After

adjournment, the committee shall reconvene at its next regularly scheduled

meeting time; adjournment of the final meeting shall adjourn the session.

Rule 22. Order of Procedural Motions

The motions below shall have precedence in the following order over all other

proposals or motions before the committee:

a) Point of Personal Privilege

b) Point of Order

c) Point of Inquiry

d) Point of Information

e) Introduction of a Draft Resolution

f) Motion to Suspend Debate

g) Motion to Table Debate

h) Motion for Closure of Debate

i) Motion to Adjourn the Meeting

VII. RESOLUTIONS

Rule 23. Submission of Draft Resolutions and Amendments

Draft resolutions and amendments shall be submitted to the Director on the draft

resolution forms given to delegates in committee. All submissions must have the

proper number of signatures (20 percent of countries present in committee).The Chair may permit discussion and consideration of proposals and amendments

once approved, even if the documents have not been circulated through the

committee.

Rule 24. Introducing Draft Resolutions



Once the Director has approved a draft resolution and the draft resolution has been

copied and distributed, a delegate may raise a motion to introduce the draft

resolution. The motion is automatically approved and does not require a vote.

The content of the introduction shall be limited to summarizing the operative

clauses of the draft resolution. Such an introduction shall be considered procedural

in nature, hence yields and comments are out of order. After the draft resolution is

introduced, the Chair will allow two points of information at his/her discretion.

Additional questions and comments regarding the resolution are encouraged to be

raised through the speakers list and yields.

Rule 25. Amendments

Both friendly and unfriendly amendments require the approval of the Chair. An

amendment is considered friendly if all sponsors of the initial draft resolution are

signatories of the amendment. Such an amendment is adopted automatically.

Unfriendly amendments are a decision of the committee. An unfriendlyamendment must have the approval of the Director and the signatures of 20 percent

of the committee. Amendments to amendments are out of order.

VIII. VOTING

Rule 26. Methods of Decision

All procedural decisions, except for the closure and adjournment of debate, shall

be made by a simple majority of the delegations present. Delegations physically

present in the committee may not abstain on procedural motions. Decisions on

draft resolutions and amendments shall require a simple majority in favor.

However, the passage of all resolutions and amendments in the Security Council

requires nine affirmative votes and an affirmative vote or an abstention on the part

of all permanent members (People’s Republic of China, France, Russian

Federation, United States of America and

United Kingdom).

Rule 27. Voting Rights

Each present delegation shall have one vote. Observing nations and

nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) cannot vote on substantive matters. Each

vote may be a Yes, No or Abstain. On procedural motions, members may notabstain. Members “present and voting” shall be defined as members casting an

affirmative or negative vote (no abstentions) on all substantive votes.

Rule 28. Conduct while in Voting Procedure

After the Chair has announced the beginning of voting, no representative may enter

or leave the room, nor shall any representative interrupt the voting except on a



Point of Personal Privilege, Point of Inquiry or a Point of Order in connection with

the actual conduct of the voting. Communication between delegates is strictly

forbidden. A member of the staff will secure the doors during voting procedure.

Rule 29. Method of Voting

Delegations may vote in favor of or against a proposal or may abstain from voting.

The committee shall normally vote by show of placards, but any delegate may

request a roll-call vote on substantive matters. The roll-call vote shall be taken in

alphabetical order of the English names of the countries present.

During a roll-call vote, delegations may answer with an affirmative vote, a

negative vote or an abstention (when appropriate), or they may pass. Delegations

passing in the first round of voting will be called upon alphabetically in a second

round, at which time they may only answer with an affirmative or negative vote.

They cannot abstain from voting at this time. Delegations that appear to be votingout of policy, while casting an affirmative or negative vote, may reserve the right

to explain their vote by Voting with Rights. Delegations must announce that they

are Voting with Rights at the time they cast their vote. The Chair may permit

delegations Voting with Rights to explain their votes after voting has concluded

but before the decision has been announced.

Rule 30. Order of Draft Resolutions

If two or more draft resolutions relate to the same question, the committee shall

vote on the resolutions in the order in which they have been submitted.

Rule 31. Voting on Unfriendly Amendments

During the voting procedure on a substantive proposal, unfriendly amendments to

a resolution shall be voted on first. When two or more amendments are proposed to

a resolution concurrently, the committee shall first vote on the amendment that

creates the greatest change to the draft resolution, as deemed by the Chair, and then

the amendment that creates the second greatest change to the resolution. This

process continues until all amendments are voted upon.

Where, however, the adoption of the amendment necessarily implies the rejection

of another amendment (as decided by the Chair), the latter amendment shall not be put to a vote. If one or more amendments are adopted, the amended proposal shall

then be voted upon. Amendment voting is a substantive procedure and adoption

requires the simple majority consent of the delegations present.

Rule 32. Passage of Resolutions



If a vote does not result in a simple majority* in favor, the resolution shall be

regarded as rejected. A simple majority requires 50 percent of the members present

during the last roll-call, plus one. Example: 99 members present requires

49.5 (50 percent) + 1 = 50.5 = 51 affirmative votes.

* Exceptions: The Security Council requires nine affirmative votes for the passage

of resolutions and amendments. In addition to the nine affirmative votes, an

affirmative vote or an abstention on the part of all permanent members (People’s

Republic of China, France, Russian Federation,

United States of America and United Kingdom) is required for the passage of all

resolutions and amendments.

IX. SUSPENSION OF THE RULES

Rule 33. Suspension of the Rules

These rules may only be suspended following a majority vote. Any motion tosuspend the rules is subject to the Chair’s discretion.



SOURCES FOR RESEARCH

The Delegate Handbook

Documents

Transcript of The Delegate Handbook