2010 Delegate Handbook1

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Maryville College Model

United Nations XXV

Delegate Handbook



Schedule of Deadlines for MCMUN 2010

Deadlines

- November 16th, 2009 –

Application and Registration Fee ($55.00) due

- January 9th, 2010 –

Delegate fees ($37.00 per student) duePosition Papers dueResolutions dueCountry and committee assignments dueMeal Fees due

- January 21, 22, and 23rd 2010 – MCMUN Conference



Background Information

Model United Nations is an educational tool. Its primary purpose is to inform its delegates aboutthe United Nations (UN) and the problems of international relations. Hopefully, as you read

through this booklet, you will begin to understand the dynamics of the conference and the basicoperation of the United Nations. The Maryville College Model United Nations (MCMUN) isdesigned to furnish a structure and forum for students to work with the most pressing internationalissues from a perspective different from their own, and thus broaden their awareness of world

politics. By representing the role of another nation's delegation to the United Nations, studentsfurther realize the difficulties and complexities of international relations.

What is the United Nations?

The United Nations is the international organization of States founded after the Second World War

that is designed to maintain international peace and security, promote social progress and better standards of life, develop friendly relations among nations, and facilitate international cooperation.

In an increasingly volatile age, the United Nations provides a mechanism for instant consultation onemergencies, as well as for discussion of long-term problems. In cases where internationalnegotiations are deadlocked, the United Nations is able to put, at the disposal of States concerned,the Offices of the Secretary-General to act as an impartial third party. In localized conflicts, theUnited Nations can provide non-partisan, on-site military assistance to observe adherence to cease-fire agreements or to act as a buffer between belligerents.

Today UN agencies care for and protect refugees, combat illiteracy, and respond to natural disasters.They have helped to wipe out many diseases and to expand food production. Finally, in anincreasingly interdependent world, UN agencies have furthered the orderly trade of materials andcommodities through agreed and coordinated international arrangements.

General Assembly

The General Assembly (GA) is the first and largest body of the United Nations. All members of the UN are represented and have a voice in debate. Each member nation has one vote. The GA wascreated in the United Nations Charter in Chapter IV. It has the power to "discuss any question or any matters within the scope of the present charter [...]" (Article 10 of the UN Charter). TheGeneral Assemble debates issues confronted around the world and makes recommendations basedupon committee resolutions concerning those issues.

The General Assembly has no power to compel any Government to take any action. Its influence isexercised through the weight of its recommendations as an expression of world opinion.



Committees

The main committees correspond to the major fields of responsibility of the General Assembly(GA). Committees consider agenda items referred to them by the General Assembly and preparerecommendations by drafting resolutions for submission to the GA. All UN members have the rightto be represented on each of these committees, with the exception of the Security Council, which hasonly fifteen members. Five of these (China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom,and the United States) are permanent. The other ten are elected by the Assembly for two-year terms.The five permanent members of the Security Council have veto power and can block any resolutionwith a "no" vote.

The main committees of the Maryville College Model United Nations are as follows:

Security Council, Economics and Finance, Disarmament/Terrorism, Social and Humanitarian,Environmental, and Special Political

What to Expect at the MCMUN Conference

The actual conference will last three days and will closely follow the procedures of the United Nations. The first two days will be focused on committee sessions. Delegates will debate theresolutions and will decide which ones will be passed on to the General Assembly. On the last day,all members will be present at the GA. Here, the resolutions that passed in the committees will bedebated once more. Resolutions passed in GA will become official actions of the United Nations.

The conference is very formal. The utmost diplomatic decorum is expected at all times. Dress is to be either Western business or formal native attire appropriate to one's country.



Conference Preparation

Just like in operations of the United Na tions, the only way that the simulation can function smoothly is for everyowork together. An integral part of our partnership is your preparation as a delegate. Each delegate should feel a of responsibility for the success of MCM UN. N o ma tter how skillfully the Secretariat has set the stage and drawthe agenda, only the delegates can insure that constructive and informed discussion of the issues concerned w ill t place.

In order for you to be fully prepared to function as a delegate you should:

• Learn the general rules of procedure and how to use them in a positive manner. Rules used improperly aa non-diplomatic fashion will only detract from your performance and the committee's.

• Attend all committee sessions and GA sessions and be on time.

• Be respectful of the rights of others. You are reminded that the committee as a branch of the UN must alremain decorum. Caucu sing should be done inside comm ittee chambers.

• Act in character for your nation. This means that before the conference you should prepare by doing yoresearch. At the conference you shou ld act in a mature m anner. Do not disgrace yourself, your school, anation you are representing w ith unbecoming behavior.

• In addition to the resolutions, prepare and submit a required position paper on behalf of your nation goveach of the announced ag enda topics. One typed copy of each should be emailed to our office by the assdate. Please be on time w ith these, they are not ve ry difficult to prepare and we must have time to edit ancopy them before the conference (for more information on prepa ring resolutions or position papers, readappropriate sections found in this handbook).

The primary objective of this preparation should not only be to know what positions on ma jor questions the countaken, but also why it has done so. This will give the delegate the flexibility he o r she needs to react w ithin a dy nconference situation. Please understand that these points are n ot meant to be a complete guide co ncerning prepafor your com mittee. These comm ittees will follow the rules of procedure laid forth by the MCM UN Se cretariat. Premem ber that these rules are sometimes subject to interpretation. The Sec retary General has the final say in anyover the rules. Once the Secretary Gen eral has made a decision, there will be no farther argument of thedecision by thedelegate, faculty advisor, or other party.

DEBATE

Debate, without a doubt, is the most important function of the UN. Through debate, each nation has a chance to express itsviews on international issues, to comment on the positions taken by other nations, and to propose solutions. Indeed, it isargued that the rote of the UN as a forum for international debate has contributed greatly to the easing of world tensions.

CRISIS SITUATIONS

It is important to remember that a crisis situation may occur during the simulation. This is done in an effort to demonstrateto the students how difficult it can become in the United Nations during a world crisis. Delegates are expected to act inaccordance with the Secretary General's requirements concerning the crisis situation. Neither delegates nor countries areallowed to create their own crisis situation. Delegates, for example, cannot come in from a caucus with "breaking news"that a country has declared war.



Guidelines for Writing Resolutions and Position Papers

This year the Maryville College Model United Nations Staff has decided to imposesome regulations concerning the writing of resolutions and position papers. The

regulations are as follows:-We will not accept faxed resolutions or position papers. They must be emailed or sent

!through the mail on a CD in Microsoft Word format. Email is preferred.

-The standard font for resolutions and position papers will be Times NewRoman 12 pt, and they should be single spaced. Resolutions and position

papers that do not meet these criteria will not be accepted.

Guide to Writing ResolutionsUnlike a national legislative body, the United Nations passes resolutions that arenon-binding. Instead of serving to bind the actions of member states, the resolutionsexpress opinion and make recommendations for preferred actions. UN resolutionsare always divided into three sections: the heading, the preamble clauses, and theoperative clauses.

Heading

The heading for all resolutions should read as follows:

Committee: (Organ where the topic is introduced)Subject: (Topic of resolution)Sponsored By: (List of sponsoring nations)

The list of sponsors is the list of those that actually authored the resolutions, notthose that are signatories. Signatories are not necessarily in support of theresolution; they simply agree to put it on the floor for discussion.

Sample Heading:Committee: Security CouncilSubject: Enforcement of Member State PaymentsSponsored by: The Russian Federation

Preambulatory Clauses

The purpose of preambulatory clauses is to outline the history of the problem, toshow that the topic falls within the jurisdiction of the committee, and to show theneed for the United Nations to achieve a solution. Pointing out appropriate sectionsof the UN Charter, citing precedents of UN action, citing previous resolutions or citing international law are also proper uses.Preambulatory clauses must always



begin with passive verbs and are always followed by acomma.



Sample Preambulatory Clauses:

AffirmingAlarmedHaving consideredAware of BelievingBearing in mindConfidentContemplatingConvincedDeclaringDeeply concernedDeeply consciousDeeply convinced

Taking not Noting Further

Operative Clauses

Deeply disturbedDeeply regrettingObservingEmphasizingExpectingHaving examinedHaving studiedFulfillingFullyawareFully alarmedFully BelievingFurther DeploringFurther recalling

WelcomingSeeking

Guided byHaving adoptedHaving further consideredRealizingHaving devoted attentionRecallingRecognizingHaving heardHaving receivedKeeping in mind

Noting with regret Noting with satisfaction Noting with deep concern

DesiringReferring

The active parts of the resolution are the operative clauses. This section makes recommendations,urges actions, condemns situations, and encourages actions. Each clause calls for a specific action. Itis important to remember, however, that only the Security Council passes binding resolutions.

Operative clauses should begin with an active, present tense verb and be followed by a semicolon,

with a period at the end of the last clause.Sample operative clauses:AcceptsAffirmsApprovesAuthorizesCallsCalls uponEndorsesConfirmsConsidersDeclares accordingly

Draws attentionDesignatesEmphasizesEncourages

NotesExpresses its hopeFurther invitesFurther proclaimsFurther recommendsFurther reminds

Further requestsFurther resolvesHave resolvedSupportsReaffirmsRecommendsRemindsRegretsRequestsResolves

Solemnly affirmsCondemnsProclaimsTakes note of Urges



Amendments

An amendment is a clarification in a resolution that incorporates additional interest after aresolution has been formally introduced. Keep in mind that prior to the formal introduction of a resolution changes can be made at will. In this stage, the resolution is called a working

paper. A resolution is usually drafted from one or more working papers.

Once the resolution has been introduced, if members wish to change the resolution without theconsent of the sponsoring parties this is considered an amendment and must be submitted inaccordance with the rules of procedure. Please consult your director if you have anyquestions.

In the even that the sponsors of the resolution wish to modify the resolution or withdraw it,they may do so immediately without a vote. A resolution will only be withdrawn from thefloor if all sponsors withdraw. Signatories may not withdraw from a resolution.

Guide to Writing Position PapersThe position paper is a concise statement of your country's position on the topics being dis-cussed in the committees. These papers will be on file for any delegate to see at any timeduring the conference. The position paper should be in-depth enough so that any person canread it and know how your country stands on an issue. Papers should be no more than one

page long and should be single-spaced. About one paragraph should be devoted to eachtopic. The positions should be similar to the resolutions but in an easier-to-read format.During the conference, the Chair of each committee will have copies of each delegate’sresolutions and position papers.



Sample Position Paper

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

I. Rights of International Refugees

The United Kingdom is fully aware of and greatly concerned by the large number of peoplewho move been forced to leave their homelands for fear of persecution by warring factions.The U.K. also is deeply disturbed by the many reports of grievous human rights violationsoccurring in refugee camps. While acknowledging that these two problems cannot be ignored,the U.K. believes that host countries cannot be made fully responsible for harboring refugees.The international community must play a strong role in finding a place for refugees to stay,

providing assistance while they are in camps, insuring that rights violators are punished, and

devising ways to return the refugees back to their country. Because some countries arevirtually unable to assist large numbers of refugees, the U.K. emphasizes that countries dohave the right to set limits on the amount of help they can provide to refugees in the name of

protecting their own country. Finally, the U.K. believes that an economic situation, no matter how dire, can never be considered the same thing as persecution from a powerful politicalentity and thus people feeling a country due to economic matters are not refugees, butimmigrants.

II. UN Withdrawal from Bosnia

The United Kingdom is dismayed at how the situation in Bosnia has been handled by theUnited Nations. The UN forces were deployed with very little direction and very few goals.The UN's primary role is humanitarian in nature. The situation in Bosnia has now turned into amilitary police operation, and thus falls out of the "jurisdiction" of the UN. Therefore, theoperations should be turned over to NATO, which has the command structure and trainingneeded to successfully patrol the country. The U.K. strongly urges that all military aspects beturned over to the joint Implementation Force (IFOR).

III. Use and Support of the RU-486 Abortion Pill

The U.K. has been studying the RU-486 pill as a method of abortion for quite some time. The pill has been extensively tested in France for many years. The U.K. believes that the pill is asafe method of abortion. The U.K. does understand the objections on the grounds of ethicalmatters (ex: the pill makes it too easy to get an abortion) but stands by its decision that thosekinds of decisions should be made by the individual. Therefore, the U.K. believes that theRU-486 abortion pill should be recognized as a safe and effective means of terminating andunwanted pregnancy.



Sample Resolution __________________________________

Committee: Security CouncilSubject: International RefugeesSponsored by: The United Kingdom of Great Britain and northern Ireland

Noting with deep concern that there are currently over 23 million refugees world-wide,

Realizing that many countries are unable to handle the huge numbers of refugeesresulting from the many conflicts,

Aware of the fact that there are human rights violations occurring in refugee camps.

1. Calls upon the UN to, in connection with other human rights organizations, diligently observeand report human rights violations in camps;

2._Notes that host countries must not be expected to handle the burden alone and the UN mustassist those countries with their refugee situations;

3. Reaffirms that it is the sovereign right of each country to decide on whether or not to offer asylum;

4. Recommends that there needs to be an emphasis on returning the refuges to their homesand insuring their security there;

5. Confirms that the basic human right of food, shelter, medical provisions, security and a sanitaryenvironment must be protected,

6. Resolves that the host country does have a right to keep refugees in camps, set a quota onincoming refugees and close its borders to refugees, as long as refugees are not being forced back to the place from which they are fleeing when persecution is imminent;

7. Considers that economic condition is not sufficient to achieve the title of a legitimate refugeeand that those people be considered immigrants.



Rules of Procedure

Point of Order: This motion is used for procedural matters. A point of order does notlegally exist unless it is accepted by the Chair. If the Chair rules that a point of order is in

order, the request may then be made. All points of order are made when the floor is open for motions and not during a speaker's time. Ample opportunity will be given to question thespeaker at the speaker's approval. All points of order motions are declared only after theChair has recognized the delegate.

Right of Reply: This point is used by the delegate to formally reply to any slanderousremarks directed towards the delegate or his/her nation in the course of discussion. If granted

by the Chair, the delegate will be given a specified amount of time to rebut the remarks.

Suspension of the Meeting: This motion is used to call for adjournment of the meeting

until a designated time. All debate on the topic will be postponed until the designated timewhen the Assembly will reconvene.

Table the Question: This motion is used to stop all debate on the topic until a certain timeor indefinitely. All discussion of the topic in question will end until a specified time. TheAssembly will begin discussion of the next topic on the Agenda. The topic may be brought

back to the floor prior to the specified time by an affirmative vote of reconsideration.

Amending: This motion is used to propose an addition, deletion, or change in a specified proposal before the Body. A simple majority must agree on accepting debate on theamendment. If so, a new list of speakers is started. All speakers on this new list must directtheir comments to the proposed amendment. Voting on the amendment will take place at theexhaustion of the speaker's list or after a motion for previous question has passed. Adoptionof the amendment requires a majority vote.

Motion for Previous Question: This motion is used to end all substantive debate on agiven item and brings that item to an immediate vote. If passed, the Assembly would moveinto voting procedures on the particular issues.

Voting Procedure: During voting procedure, all talking, note passing, and questioning muststop. The chamber doors will be closed, and no one will be allowed to enter or leave thechamber until voting has finished.

Limiting Speaker's Time: This motion is used to limit the time a delegate has to speak each time he or she is in possession of the floor. The speaker's time will be strictly followed

by all committees.



Limiting Debate: This motion is used to limit the total amount of time allowed for discussion on a topic. The Chair will announce the time at which all discussion on thetopic will stop. At the appointed time, the Assembly will proceed immediately into voting

procedures.

Motion for a Caucus: This motion is used to propose a set time for delegates in theAssembly to caucus and begin open discussion on an issue. Caucuses will take place in thecommittee chamber; however, delegates are allowed to leave the chamber for personalreasons. At the end of each caucus, roll will be taken by the committee secretary. If a delegateis late returning to the meeting, they will be held responsible for informing the secretary of their presence.

Motion for a Moderated Caucus: This motion is used to propose a set time for delegates inthe Assembly to caucus and begin open discussion on an issue. This motion differs from amotion for a caucus in that the Chair serves as the moderator and allots a set amount of

speaking time (usually no more than one minute) to each delegate present in the room.Delegates shall be called upon in alphabetical order and given their time to speak; once timehas elapsed, the Chair shall move to the next delegate. Delegates shall remain seated untilcalled upon.

Roll Call Motion: The purpose of this motion is to have all nations' votes given orallywhen their name is called alphabetically. This motion only applies to resolutions andamendments, not procedural motions. If the motion fails, it cannot be reconsidered, andvoting will be done by a show of placards.

Making a Resolution an Important Question: The purpose of this motion is to give theresolution more importance when it is brought before the General Assembly. To pass animportant question, the resolution must have a two-thirds majority. The resolution will then

be introduced to the General Assembly as an Important Question Resolution. Eachcommittee must pass Important Question on at least two resolutions.

Dividing the Question: This motion is used to separate certain operative clausesfrom the resolution for voting procedures. Once passed, voting will proceed on theseparate clauses first.

Refer to Another Committee: This motion is used to send a matter to a particular committee which will further investigate the matter. All debate on the issue or proposal willstop and the proposal will be sent to the appointed party where that party will vote on thematter.

Adjourn the Meeting: The purpose of the motion is to bring all Assembly functions to anend. The Assembly ceases to meet for the duration of the conference. This motion is subjectto the express approval of the Chair and/or Secretary-General.



Parliamentary Procedure for MCMUN 2008

MOTION INTERUPTSPEAKER

SECONDREQUIRED

DEBATABLE AMENDABLEVOTEREQUIRED

Point of Order YES NO NO NO CHAIR

Right of Reply YES NO NO NO CHAIR

Suspend Meeting NO YES NO YES MAJORITY

Limit Debate NO YES 2 PRO/2 CON YES MAJORITY

Limit Speaker's Time NO YES 2 PRO/2 CON YES MAJORITY

Reconsider NO YES 2 PRO/2 CON NO TWO THIRDS

Previous Question NO YES 2 PRO/2 CON NO TWO THIRDS

Divide the Question NO NO 1 PRO/ 1 CON NO MAJORITY

Table the Question NO YES 2 PRO/2 CON YES MAJORITY

Propose Amendment NO YES 2 PRO/2 CON NO MAJORITY

Important Question NO YES 2 PRO/2 CON NO TWO THIRDS

Call a Caucus(Moderated Caucuses alsofollow this procedure)

NO YES 1 PRO/ 1 CON YES MAJORITY

Adjourn the Meeting NO YES NO NO MAJORITY

Roll Call Vote NO YES 1 PRO/ 1 CON NO MAJORITY

Refer Matter to Another

Committee

NO YES 1 PRO/ 1 CON NO MAJORITY



In addition to the short rules provided are the following:

1. The following motions may only be made at the end of Speaker's Time;

Limit DebateLimit Speaker's TimePrevious QuestionTable the QuestionPropose AmendmentRefer Matter to Another Committee

2. Motion to Reconsider: may only be made on an amendment or a resolution

3. There are no abstentions from votes on procedural matters.

4. There are no rights with placard votes.

5. Friendly amendments may be made provided that:-all sponsors of the resolution agree to the amendment-the amendment is written on the transparency provided and sent to the chair - the chair will inform the body of the change upon receipt of the amendment

6. Roll call votes will be considered out of order on all procedural matters.

7. Motions cannot be made on yielded time.

If you have further questions or comments about the procedure please do not hesitate to e-mail or call.



Judges' Criteria

The following is intended to give delegates and directors a general idea of what to work on in preparation for the 2008 MCMUN conference:

Appropriate behavior: poise and maturity in front of an audience of peers. Self controlunder pressure situations.Character ro le consistency:know ing the role and maintaining it at all times.

Know ledge of the subject mutter: behavior and actions that exemplify how w ell the delegatehas prepared him or herself.

Leadership:delegate leadership in the comm ittee, caucus, and General Assemb ly. Studentswill be awarded for formu lating ideas, goals,resolutions, and/or amendments.

Parliamentary procedure:the ability to understand an d utilize the procedure to the delegate's

and the committee'sadvantage.Public speaking ability:clear and intelligent articulation of op inions and facts.

Delegation unity and coordination:the ability to think indepe ndently and, at the sam e time,act in a man ner that isconsistent with the actions of o thers within the same delegation.

Professionalism:the ability to exhibit quality behavior toward M CM UN au thority.Dressed in formal attireappropriate for an international conference.

AWARDS:

One Best Overall Delegate.Five Best Delegate from each committee.

Best Delegation Awards - 1st, 2nd and 3rd places.

JUDGES:

Judging will consist of Maryville College faculty, alumni and staff membe rs. The M CM UN stserve-as the finaldecision-mak ing body. Judging w ill be based on the above criteria following a point scale guideline. D elegates willearn extra consideration if their resolutions are chosen for theconference.



Sample Committee Dialog

In the Security Cou ncil, the issueof Rights of International Refugeesis being discussed. The Un itedKingdom's proposal is being considered. France , UK, and USA are on the speaker's list. Debate has been going

on for some time...

Chair: "Delegate from the U K, you are n ext on the speaker's list. You ha ve the floor for twenty minutes."France:(standing) "Thank yo u, Chair. Fellow delegates, we have been debating on this issue for quite sometime. Ithink it is very obvious w hat the two sides are, and it is time to vote on the issue. The UK and U S have been babblingon abou t this, and we are getting nowhere. I believe we should give both sides the chance to voicetheir conclusions and then vote on the issue. I will mo tion for a five minute limit to speaker's time to give them thchance."Chair "Thank yo u, delegate from France. You h ave 19 m inutes left. W ill you yield to questions?"France:"No, I will answer no q uestions."Chair"Do you have any m otions to make or would you like to yield your time?"France:"I make a motion to limit speaker's time to 5 m inutes."Chair"That motion is in order, do I hear a second?"

Germany:"I second that m otion."Chair"I have a second. Do I hear any objection... Seeing no objection, speaker's time is limited to 5 m inutes.UK,you now have the floor for 5 minutes."UK:"Thank you. H onorable delegates, you have heard our points many times. This docum ent is a sound andwidely supported proposal that seeks to protectboth the refugees and the host countries. Why the US does no t believe that countries should have autonom y is a m ystery to me... "USA:(interrupting) "Right of Reply."Chair "That motion is not in order. There were no slanderous remarks made by the delegate from U K. UK , youmaynow continue."UK:"Thank you, C hair. As I was saying, this both handles the issues and protects the host countries, which is pivotal to the many c ountries that have huge problems of their own. The benefits of this proposal are obvious. Iurge allmembers of the Security Council to approve this proposal."Chair:"Delegate from the UK, do you have any m otions to m ake at this time?"UK:"I motion to move for previous question."Chair"That motion is in order, do I hear a second?"Germany:(raises hand)Chair"Seeing a second, do I see any con?"USA:(raises hand)Chair "Seeing a con, we will have 1 pro and 1 con speaker. Speaking pro, UK. Speaking con, USA. UK, youhavethe floor for 15 seconds."UK:"Fellow delegates, you have heard the remarks of the U nited States plenty of times and I am sure that youare asconvinced as I am that they are merely repeating the same thing over and over again. We need to get thisover with andvote on the issue."Chair"Thank you , delegate from U K. Delegate from the USA , you now hav e the floor for 15 seconds."USA: "I find it very odd that the finds it perfectly accep table to give its own conclusions but doesn’t see itnecessary to let its major com petitor have their last word. Co nsidering that there is only one speake r left on thelist, itseems obvious that the UK does not wan t to save time, but wan ts to shut out the major dissenting view."Chair"We will now vote on w hether or not to move to previous question. All those in favor?" (counts votes)"All opposed ?... By a vote of 9-6, that m otion fails, we w ill not move to prev ious question. US A, you now havethe floor for 5 m inutes."USA: "Before we vote on this proposal, I want to remind the delegates that this proposal effectively sets countriefree to dismiss refugees for w hatever reason. W e mu st all work together to handle this situation. By allowingstates to shirk their duties, we are only m aking the problem worse. This proposal has been written by a countrywho does not want to he lp neighboring countries. This proposal goes against the ideal of an internationalcomm unity. This proposal supportsthe old ideals of isolationism. This is a flawed docum ent. . . "

2010 Delegate Handbook1

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