SOPHIA MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2009

DELEGATE HANDBOOK.

Please note that:

1.The Secretary General shall have final authority on all procedural and substantive matters during the conference.
2.Each committee chair will have authority over all procedural matters within their committee; decisions of the chair may be challenged in writing through the Secretary General.
3.SMUN will be run under the specific rules* set forth in the delegate handbook.
4.The dress code for the conference will be business formal. Please note that denim, sneakers and hats are not allowed.


Rules of Procedure

General considerations

Scope
The following rules apply to all the committees at Sophia Model United Nations. In case of conflict of interpretation, the Secretary General is the final authority for determining
the applicability of the rules of procedure.

Language
English will be the official language for this conference. A delegate who wishes to speak in any other language will be required to provide translation.

Diplomatic Courtesy
During committee session, Delegates are expected to exercise diplomatic courtesy when addressing members of the committee and the dais.
1.All remarks to the committee must be made to the chair.
2.Delegates will rise to address the committee
3.All delegates must be recognized by the chair before speaking.
4.All remarks must remain relevant to the topic discussed.
5.All delegates will use diplomatic and respectful language when addressing the committee.
6.Any Delegate wishing to make a motion must raise his or her placard and wait until being recognized by the chair before speaking.

Staff

Dais
The daises of the committees shall be composed of a Chair, a Vice Chair
and a Rapporteur.

Competence of the Dais
The competence of the dais may not be questioned by Delegates.

Dais composition: Chair
Authority of the Chair/Director
The Chair shall exercise ultimate authority over his/her respective committee proceedings in an equitable and objective manner.

Vice Chair
Authority of the Vice chair
The Vice Chair shall have authority over all committee support staff and ensure that
Delegates are accurately representing the position of their countries, with respect to substantive issues and topics.


Rapporteur
Responsibilities of the Rapporteur
The Rapporteur shall be responsible for all administrative matters pertaining to the committee including, but not limited to, the maintenance of an attendance roster, a
Speaker’s List and the recording of voting results.

Support staff/ Logistics
Under the authority of the Vice Chair, the support Staff shall assist the Dais in all committee functions as needed.


Parliamentary procedure


Quorum
Committee activities and debate shall start when at least one quarter (1/4) of the Delegates are present.

Attendance
Attendance shall be conducted by a Roll Call at the beginning of every committee session. Delegates shall establish their presence in the committee in either of the two following manners:
Present and Voting
A Delegate that is declared Present and Voting must vote in favor or against all substantive matters. The delegate cannot abstain from voting after having declared Present and Voting.
Present A Delegate that is declared "Present" shall vote in favor, against or may abstain on any substantive matter.

Procedural matters
Procedural matters are defined as those matters relating to the structure of the committee session. All Delegates must vote on procedural matters and no Delegate may abstain. Roll Call vote is not in order for procedural matters.
Example: Vote on break for tea or suspension of a Delegate from the house.

Substantive matters
Substantive matters are defined as those matters relating to the specific topic at hand (the agenda). Delegates that have established their presence at the initial role call (by voting either present or present and voting) shall act accordingly.

Agenda
The Agenda reflects the order in which topics will be addressed by the committee. This is the primary order of business to be considered by the committee in the first session

Only topics relevant to the set agendae provided by SMUN shall be considered and deliberated by a committee at all times except when expressly stated and approved by the Secretary General or during a Motion to Entertain.

Motion to set the Agenda
Following the Motions put on the floor by Delegates suggesting the order of topics for
the Agenda the committee will vote. If the Motion is accepted by simple majority, the Agenda will be set in the manner suggested by the Motion.

AGENDAS FOR SMUN 09


General Assembly:

1) Maintenance of international peace and security with special reference to the middle east.
2) Prevention and combat of corrupt practices; in specific transfer of assets of illicit origin.

IAEA:

1)Multi-lateralization of the nuclear fuel cycle: Creation of an International Nuclear Fuel Bank.
2)The use of Nuclear Technology in the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

ECOSOC:

1)Situation of Democracy and Human rights in developing countries with special reference to Latin American nations.
2)Impact of resource scarcity in developing countries with the onset of global recession.


Speakers List
A Speaker’s list is opened following a Motion from a Delegate and the subsequent approval of the Chair. The Speakers List identifies the Delegates who will have the floor of the house for a few moments to state their countries stand on the given agenda.
Delegates may be added to the speakers list by
a) Motioning the chair
b) Sending a note to the chair, requesting to be added
c) By the request of the chair
Delegations may only be on the speakers’ list twice at any given time, and may not be listed back to back.

Speeches
Motion to Set Speaking Time
A delegate may Motion to set a time limit on speeches (At Model UN sessions the time limit is usually two minutes.) The Chair may either rule the Motion dilatory at his/her discretion or put it to vote. A Delegate exceeding the allotted time for a speech may be called to order by the Chair.

Relevance of speech
A Chair may call a Delegate to order if his/her speech is not relevant to the subject matter being discussed.

Yields
Only during substantive debate, a Delegate may yield any remaining time at the end of his/her speech in one of the following manners:

1.To Questions
The Chair will use the remaining time to entertain questions for the Speaker from the committee. Delegates wishing to ask questions shall raise their placards and wait to be recognized by the Chair. The Chair shall rule questions that are rhetorical, leading or not relevant to the Speaker's speech out of order. Only the Speaker's answer shall be subtracted from the remaining speaking time.

2.To Comments
The Speaker can yield to comments from other Delegates. The Speaker cannot respond to these comments.

3.To another Delegate
A Speaker wishing to give the remaining time allotted to his/her speech to another Delegate can do so by inviting the other Delegate to the floor.


Caucusing
Moderated Caucus: A moderated caucus is a form of debate where the speakers list is set aside and speakers will be called upon by the chair. This less formal style of debate allows for a more free flow of ideas and exchange between Delegates. A motion for a moderated caucus may be made by any delegate, and a motion must include a time limit for the caucus, a speaking time for the caucus and the purpose for the caucus. A moderated caucus is entered by the vote of a simple majority of the committee.
Un-moderated Caucus: An un-moderated caucus is a suspension of the rules allowing Delegates to converse freely. Just as in a moderated caucus, a motion must include a time limit and purpose for caucusing. The caucus requires a simple majority to pass.
All caucuses are at the discretion of the chair and may be ruled out of order.
Resolutions:
The passing of resolutions is the main point of a MUN session. All debates are geared towards the final resolution which is a document showing the consensus reached through parliamentary debate. All resolutions require a simple majority to be passed in the house.

Points

Point of Personal Privilege
A Delegate may raise a Point of Personal Privilege if a matter impairs him/her from participating fully in committee activities. The Dais shall try to effectively address the source of impairment. This point may interrupt a Speaker.
For example: If the Delegate cannot hear or understand the Speaker or needs to be excused from the House.

Point of Order
A Delegate may rise to a Point of Order if a rule of procedure is not properly observed by a Delegate or by a member of the Dais. The Chair will rule on the validity of the point. A Point of Order ruled dilatory by the Chair may not be appealed. This point may interrupt a Speaker.

Point of Parliamentary Inquiry
A Delegate may rise to a Point of Parliamentary Inquiry to request an explanation from the Chair on rules of procedure. This point may not interrupt a Speaker and is out of order during a Moderated Caucus.

Right of Reply
A Delegate who feels that his/her country or person has been insulted by another Delegate may rise to a Right of Reply. Disagreement with the content of a Delegate's speech is not grounds for a Right of Reply. The Chair will recognize the Right of Reply at his/her discretion. Should the Chair rule the Right of Reply out of order, his/her decision cannot be appealed. The Chair may also request that the Delegate submit his/her Right of Reply in writing for further consideration before granting it. The Chair might choose to set a time limit for a Right of Reply. No delegate may call for a Right of Reply
on a Right of Reply.


Motions


Motion for a Moderated Caucus
A Delegate may Motion for a Moderated Caucus thereby suggesting a change from formal debate to moderated informal debate. A Delegate who moves for Moderated Caucus must suggest a time length of the caucus, speaking time and justification for the Motion. The Chair may suggest a more appropriate caucus length or speaking time or may rule the Moderated Caucus out of order without possibility of appeal. If the Motion passes, the committee will enter informal debate whereby the
Chair will recognize Delegates who raise their placards to speak about the issue at hand.

Example: “Motion for a Moderated Caucus on the topic ‘the effects of poverty in oil producing nations’ for 30 minutes setting 30 seconds for each speaker.”

Motion to Extend the Moderated Caucus
A Delegate may Motion to Extend the Moderated Caucus if he/she feels that additional time would benefit committee work. The Delegate moving for an Extension of the Moderated Caucus must suggest a length for the extension. The Chair may suggest a more appropriate caucus length or speaking time and put it to vote or may rule the Motion out of order without possibility of appeal.

Motion for an Unmoderated Caucus
A Delegate may Motion for an Unmoderated Caucus thereby suggesting a change from Formal to Informal debate. The Delegate who makes this motion must suggest a length and justification for the Unmoderated Caucus. The Chair may suggest a more appropriate caucus length and put it to vote or may rule the Unmoderated Caucus out of order without possibility of appeal. Once the Motion has passed, the committee will depart from the Speaker's List and Delegates will carry an informal
discussion on the topic specified in the Motion.

Example: “Motion for an Unmoderated caucus for 30 minutes.”

Motion to Extend the Unmoderated Caucus
A Delegate may Motion to Extend the Unmoderated Caucus if he/she feels that additional time would benefit the work of the committee. The Delegate who moves for an Extension of Unmoderated Caucus must suggest a length for the extension. The Chair may suggest a more appropriate caucus length and put it to vote or may rule the Extension of the Unmoderated Caucus out of order without the possibility of appeal.

Motion to Table Debate
A Delegate may motion to Table Debate in order to end debate on a substantive issue without voting on any Draft Resolutions that may be on the floor. If the Chair rules the Motion in order, two Delegates shall speak in favor and two Delegates shall speak against before proceeding with a vote. If the Motion passes, substantive debate will stop and the committee will return to the Primary Speakers List.

Motion to Return to a Dismissed Topic
While in the Primary Speaker's List, the Chair may entertain a Motion to go back to a dismissed topic. In that event, the Chair will entertain one Speaker for and one Speaker against. A two-thirds majority (2/3) vote is required for the Motion to pass. If the Motion carries, debate on the dismissed topic resumes and the committee automatically returns to the existing Secondary Speakers List.


Motion for Censure
If a Delegate is clearly misrepresenting either deliberately or by lack of preparation his/her country, or is disruptive, Delegates may Motion for Censure of the Delegate in question. The Chair may rule the Motion out of order. If the Motion is in order, the Delegate in question will have two minutes to explain his/her conduct. A delegate that is censured will be prohibited from speaking during a given committee session. The Secretary General has the final say on all matters concerning the censure of delegates. This motion may interrupt a speaker.

Motion for the Adjournment of the Meeting
A Delegate may motion for the Adjournment of the meeting to suspend all committee activities until the next scheduled meeting time. The Chair may rule the Motion out of order without possibility of appeal or put it to vote.

Motion for the Adjournment of the Session
A Delegate may Motion for the Adjournment of the Session to suspend all committee activities for the duration of the conference. The Chair may rule the Motion out of order without possibility of appeal or put it to vote.

Motion to Entertain
A motion to entertain may only be initiated by a delegate with the prior consent of the Secretary General and/or the Chair. During such a motion delegates are required to adhere to the parliamentary procedure and protocol as stated in this handbook. During a Motion to entertain, delegates may discuss trivial issues not related to the set agendae.

Majority
Unless otherwise specified, no motions are debatable and all require a simple majority vote to pass.
Simple majority
A procedural or substantive matter requiring a simple majority to pass implies that fifty percent plus one vote (50% + 1) of the committee must vote in favour of the matter to pass. If the vote is a tie, the matter will be considered to have failed.
Two-thirds (2/3) Majority
A procedural or substantive matter requiring a two-thirds (2/3) majority to pass implies that two thirds (2/3) of the committee must vote in favour for a matter to pass.


Precedence
Points and Motions shall be considered in the following decreasing order.
Point of Order
Point of Personal Privilege
Motion for Censure
Right of Reply
Point of Parliamentary Inquiry
Motion to Adjourn Session
Motion to Adjourn Meeting
Motion for Unmoderated Caucus
Motion for Moderated Caucus
Motion to Table Debate
Motion to Entertain



Drafting a resolution

Working Paper
A Working Paper is an informal document used by committee Delegates to work on building a Draft Resolution. A Working Paper should be written under Resolution format and will be distributed at the Chair's discretion if requested by a Delegate. Delegates should refer to a document as a Working Paper in a speech until the document has been submitted and approved by the Director at which point it will be referred to as a Draft Resolution

A resolution consists of two parts the Preambulatory Clauses and the Operative Clauses.

Format of a Resolution
HEADING
Committee: i.e. the committee or organ in which the resolution is introduced
Topic: the topic of the resolution
Sponsors: list of sponsoring countries
Signatories: list of countries that have signed the draft
PREAMBLE

The purpose of the preamble is to show that there is a problem that needs to be solved. However, the preamble of a resolution does not propose action or make any substantive statement in the topic at hand. The preamble begins with the name of one of the three major organs (e.g. "The Commission on Human Rights,"). The preambulatory clauses can include:
References to the U.N. Charter;
Citations of past U.N. resolutions or treaties that have been ratified under the topic of discussion;
Statements made by the Secretary-General or a relevant U.N. body or agency;
Recognition of the work or efforts of regional organizations in dealing with the issue; and
General statements on the topic, its significance, and its effects.
OPERATIVE
Operative clauses are set out to achieve the committee's main policy goals on the topic. Each operative clause begins with a number and ends with a semicolon. the final clause ends with a period. Operative clauses should be organized in a logical progression, and each clause should contain a single idea or policy proposal.
Keep in mind that all resolutions except those passed by the Security Council are non-binding.
Sponsors
Sponsors are recognized as the writers of the Draft Resolution. The required number of
Sponsors for each resolution will be set by the Chair according to the size of the committee.

Sponsors must agree to support a Resolution unless major changes have been introduced through the amendment process.

Signatories
Signatories are recognized as the supporters of the Draft Resolution. The required number of Signatories will be set by the Chair according to the size of the committee. The appropriate number of Signatories must be present on a Working Paper to be introduced to the floor as a Draft Resolution. Amendments to the Draft Resolution are not required to be approved by
Signatories. Signatories are not required to support the Draft Resolution during voting
procedure; they only agree to put their names as those who are interested in seeing the
Working Paper become a Draft Resolution for further debate.

SAMPLE RESOLUTION:

Committee: General Assembly

Topics: Landmines

Sponsors: Spain, Portugal, France, Mexico, South Africa
Signatories: Burma, Tuvalu, Nepal, Indonesia, Sudan, Malaysia
USE Commas to separate Preambulatory Clauses & Underline the first word or phrase

Affirming that the Ottowa treaty to ban landmines is the most effective
international instrument to combat the use of anti-personnel mines,

Confident that the continued commitment by those Member States that have
signed the treaty will lead to a mine-free world,

Expressing its appreciation for those efforts of non-governmental organisations
such as the International De-mining Centre and the Movement for Peace in Spain,

Confident that the continued destruction of stockpiled anti-personnel mines will
further encourage Member States to sign and ratify the Mine-ban Treaty as well
as begin to eradicate their own stockpiles,

Recalling United Nations resolution 52/38, which calls for general and complete
disarmament and calls upon all states to contribute to mine action, victim
assistance and economic and social assistance to those who have been affected
by landmines,

Further recalling United Nations Resolution A/RES/59/84 which clearly outlines
steps to combat the use of anti-personnel mines in combat,
USE semicolons to separate operative clauses and Number & Underline the first word or phrase
1.Calls upon non-signatory states to sign and ratify the treaty;

2.Encourages Member States who are party to the treaty to continue their de-mining efforts in mine-affected areas;

3. Requests NGO’s remain actively involved in assisting those affected by
Landmines;

4. Reaffirms United Nations Resolution A/52, which outlines supportive
measures for the Mine Ban Treaty;

5. Invites those Member States that have not yet ratified the treaty to work with
Member States bilaterally to resolve their issues with the treaty;

6. Further invites Member States that have not ratified the treaty to a voluntary
round-table discussion on the obstacles to ratification;

7. Further requests that those Member States that have still not signed the
treaty to provide funding and support for Mine-effected persons in their country,
and to support and allow organisations to provide assistance to survivor
assistance programs.

END resolution with a period

Resolution Introductory Phrases
The following phrases/words are a partial list of appropriate introductions in resolutions.
Preambular Phrases
(Single verb in present participle or other introductory phrase):

Affirming
Alarmed by
Approving
Aware of
Believing
Bearing in mind
Confident
Convinced
Declaring
Deeply concerned
Deeply convinced
Deeply disturbed
Deeply regretting
Desiring
Emphasizing
Expecting
Fulfilling
Fully aware
Fully alarmed
Fully believing
Further deploring
Guided by
Having adopted
Having considered
Having examined
Having studied
Having heard
Having received
Keeping in mind
Noting with regret
Noting with
satisfaction
Noting with deep concern
Noting with
approval
Observing
Realizing
Reaffirming
Recalling
Recognizing
Seeking
Taking into consideration
Viewing with apprehension
Welcoming

Operative Phrases
(Verb in third person present indicative tense):

Accepts
Affirms
Approves
Authorizes
Calls
Calls upon
Condemns
Congratulates
Confirms
Considers
Declares accordingly
Deplores
Draws the attention
Designates
Emphasizes
Encourages
Endorses
Expresses its appreciation
Expresses its hope
Further invites
Further proclaims
Further reminds
Further recommends
Further resolves
Further requests
Has resolved
Notes
Proclaims
Reaffirms
Recommends
Reminds
Regrets
Requests
Solemnly affirms
Strongly condemns
Supports
Takes note of
Transmits
Urges
Welcomes


Amendments

Amendments to Pre-Ambulatory Clauses are not in order.

1.Non-Substantive Amendments
Grammatical, spelling or formatting errors on Draft Resolutions will be corrected at the discretion of the Vice Chair.

Amendments on Operative Clauses
2.Friendly Amendments
Substantive Amendments approved by all the Sponsors of a Draft Resolution will
automatically be integrated to the Draft Resolution without vote from the committee. A
Friendly Amendment may be further amended through the Unfriendly Amendment process.
3.Unfriendly Amendments
Substantive Amendments to a Draft Resolution not approved by each of the Sponsors of a
Draft Resolution are considered unfriendly and require one fifth (1/5) of the committee's
approval and approval from the Vice Chair to be introduced. Unfriendly Amendments will be put to a vote prior to the vote on the Draft Resolution as a whole. Amendments to Unfriendly Amendments are out of order.

Voting Procedure
When the Chair announces that the committee is entering voting procedure, no entering or exiting from the room will be permitted, unless there is an emergency or until voting procedure has come to an end.

A Delegate may vote:

Yes
Yes with rights
No
No with rights
Pass
Abstain

Voting with Rights
A Delegate may request a right of explanation after voting. Upon completion of voting, the Delegate will be permitted to explain the reasons as to why he/she has chosen to vote a certain way. The Chair may limit the speaking time at his/her discretion.

Method of Voting
Each Delegate of the committee has one vote and must demonstrate his/her voting intentions by raising his/her placard at the Chair's request unless there is a Roll Call vote, Delegates must vote in favour, against or abstain. No Delegate shall vote on behalf of another Delegate.

Passing
During Roll Call, a Delegate may choose to pass. The Chair will place the Delegate at the
bottom of the voting list. Once the entire committee has voted the Delegate will be called on to vote. A Delegate who has passed once during a voting sequence may not pass again but must vote definitively.

Voting on Amendments
All Unfriendly Amendments shall be voted on in the order in which they were proposed before the committee moves to vote on the Draft Resolution as a whole

Lending Emphasis to Resolution Phrasing
When resolutions are constructed, they often contain language which, although apparently harmless, conveys the precise attitudes and intentions of their authors. At SMUN, Representatives are urged to select words carefully when drafting resolutions. The introductory phrases listed also carry significant diplomatic meaning. Accurate use of these introductory terms is of paramount importance at the UN, and at any MUN.

Delegates should then consider the following when formulating draft resolutions:

• Finding ways to encourage good governance in developing
countries so that aid is used effectively
• Encouraging developed countries to provide necessary resources
including food, monetary aid and technical assistance
• Making sure all plans fit in with the idea of sustainable
development (protecting future generations and the environment)
• Taking measures to achieve the Millennium Development Goals
and combating inequality
• Making sure developed and developing nations, and business
work together in partnership in a way that is fair to all

Delegates should consider the following strategies recommended by the World Bank while formulating resolutions:

• Investment in education and health
• Increasing productivity of small farms
• Improving infrastructure (for example, roads)
• Developing an industrial policy to promote manufacturing
• Promoting democracy and human rights
• Ensuring environmental protection


Inter-Delegate Messages
The Delegates are allowed to pass inter-delegate messages during committee session through the chair. The chair reserves the right revoke these privileges if the practice is being abused. Notes are passed on special sheets called Inter delegate message sheets and are passed by the logistics staff. Delegates may not pass these notes to other Delegates themselves.

Key Links:

Basic UN Rules of procedure: http://www.unausa.org/Page.aspx?pid=589

Useful Exercises on Committee Procedure and Rules: http://www.unausa.org/Page.aspx?pid=531Activities 6, 7, &8 are particularly relevant.

Tips for Effective Caucusing: http://www.unausa.org/Page.aspx?pid=589

Tips for Your Opening Speech: http://www.unausa.org/Page.aspx?pid=519

How A Committee Works: The Flow of Debate http://www.unausa.org/Page.aspx?pid=520

Tips on how to win best delegate in your committeehttp://www.bestdelegate.com/

Tips for country profiles: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/country_profiles/default.stm

Difficult but detailed reports from each country on progress towards Millennium Goals: http://www.undg.org/index.cfm?P=87&f=A


Remember:
When at the conference you are a diplomat and the Distinguished Representative of your country - think and act the part and others will treat you that way.
Always keep in mind: A diplomat's job (among others) is to "make allies and influence people "Remember it is not your opinion you are expounding but the country you are representing.
Be willing to continuously improve and refine you capabilities.
Do mock trials with team members and neighboring teams.
Technique matters - so practice it.
Above all else remember to have fun!





*SMUN procedure is similar but not identical to AMUN procedure.