Rato Bangala Model United Nations 2012 Parliamentary Procedure Guide

By: Nirabh Koirala, Shrena Nangia and Tanisha Rayamajhi

Table of contents
1.Introduction 2.Preconference preparation i. Position papers 3.Dress code 4.Committee flow i. Roll call ii. Setting the agenda iii. General speakers list iv. Moderated caucuses v. Unmoderated caucuses 5.Voting procedure 6.Points 7.Resolutions and Amendments

Introduction
This procedure guide has been written with regard to the various situations that arise during an MUN conference, and attempts to guide delegates through the different options available to them in the course of debate. That being said, however, theory can only help a delegate so much. Thus, it would be highly productive if delegates could observe (whilst taking note of the procedures set forth in this guide) committee proceedings in order to enhance their own understanding of the workings of the MUN. These very workings, delegates must understand, have a procedural framework, but delegates are free to do anything within this framework. Chairs are in committee to make sure that this procedural framework is adhered to, but it is highly recommended that delegates seek assistance from their chairs; indeed, all chairs at Rato Bangala Model United Nations will be highly accessible, and they will respond to questions with due alacrity. In asking for help, delegates exhibit a degree of initiative, and the same initiative is require of the delegates in committee: it is the delegates that move committee; the dais merely give direction.

Pre-Conference Preparation
Before the start of the RBSMUN 2012 conference, it is advised that delegates read through the procedure booklet, for a sound understanding of the rules that govern interaction in an MUN; indeed, a comprehensive knowledge of the procedure in MUN conferences is an advantage in itself over other delegates. For a delegate to have a meaningful conference experience, however, it is imperative that they read through the study guide of their committee, and engage in research for a perspective that transcends the basics that the study guide will facilitate. Lastly, delegates must conduct research attempting to garner knowledge about their own committee: knowing their committee will allow them to understand the committees place and purpose in world matters. As part of pre-conference participation, delegates are required to submit position papers to the executive board of their committee.

Position Papers
It is essential for delegates to submit a position paper on the topics being discussed in the committees before the main conference session begins. A position paper entails the representative countrys policies regarding the selected topics. An effective position paper begins with a brief introduction of the delegates representative country, its socioeconomic and political status, along with its history concerning the topic. Next, policies, actions and resolutions that your country has made with regard to the issues should be taken into consideration. Statistics about your nations stands further augment the quality of your position paper. Any actions of the United Nations that the delegates country has supported or opposed should be included. Finally, it should conclude with proposed solutions to the issues. A position paper should present an eloquent argument about the issue, citing information from legitimate sources. It is advisable for delegates to employ simple vocabulary, rather than flowery words for a strong and effective communication. Position papers can be viewed as a condensation of important information, that particularly helpful in making proposals for while drafting resolutions. Comprehensive research should simplify and quicken the process of formulating a paper.

The precise format of a position paper in RBSMUN should be as follows: i) ii) iii) Introduction- Background on the issue being discussed. Current Situation- The social and political circumstances surrounding the topic area that cause global concern Current Policy- The policy of the nation the delegation represents pertaining to the topic area Proposed Solutions- Approaches proposed by the delegation in bringing a conclusion to the issue Proposed Solutions- Approaches proposed by the delegation in bringing a conclusion to the issue Conclusion- A comprehensive overview of the four previous components and a statement of the overall approach the delegation is expected to take

iv) v)

Dress Code
At RBS MUN, it is vital that delegates are dressed professionally. Western business attire is preferred. The delegates also have the option of wearing the national dress; however, this is not mandatory. Delegates of the Constituent Assembly are particularly encouraged to dress in national wear for all three days of the conference. Casual apparel (which includes t-shirts, jeans, sneakers and shorts) is unacceptable.

Male Business suits Dress shirts Sweaters Slacks Khakis Dress shoes/ loafers

Female Business suits Formal dresses Blouses Sweaters/Blazers Business skirts Dress shoes

Committee Flow
Committee is normally initiated by an introduction of the dais members, and the chair is normally expected to explicate to the committee in brief where the conflict in the topic arises (although delegates should be well aware of this) and how the chair expects the committee to move, substantively. After this, formal session commences.

Roll Call
Each committee session begins with a roll call. A roll call ensures that each delegate is present for the committee sessions, determining the number of delegates required for passing motions, resolutions, and amendments. The procedure begins by the countries names being called in alphabetical order. Each delegate should respond with a present or a present and voting, by raising their placards. Present implies that the delegate is free to vote, whereas a delegate that calls present and voting may not abstain on the substantive votes. Voting will be addressed later on in the guide.

Setting the Agenda

Committees are required to set the agenda during the first committee session to commence debating on the topics. Here, a delegate is required to raise a motion that lists the issues up for discussion, in order. For the motion to pass, a simple majority of 50% of total votes is required, and delegates may also include in their motion one speaker for or one speaker against the order of discussion of topics has been proposed. For committees with one topic only, however, such a motion is only perfunctory, but is still required.

General Speakers List

After the Agenda has been set, delegates are expected to move to raise a motion to open the General Speakers list. This motion must include the amount of time each speaker will get: The General Speakers list, in this regard, entails delegates making opening statements involving the topic, and is expected to reflect to a certain degree the bloc position the delegation will place itself in. Here, since the motion to open the General Speakers list is always passed, the chair will then proceed to ask for the delegations wishing to speak in the General Speakers List. Delegates can place themselves on the General Speakers list initially when the chair asks delegates to raise their placards, or they can do it at any point in time in committee, if they havent done so already. If the set time period for a speaker is not overrun, delegates may yield the floor to either questions (after which the delegate will be asked questions) or they may yield the floor to the committee (which will allow the other delegates in committee to make a comment

about the speech the delegate gave). It is important that delegates refrain from moving into specific sub topics, for the appropriate period of time for this will be a Moderated Caucus.

Moderated Caucus
A moderated caucus is a period in time where there takes place formal debate in the committee- similar to the General Speakers List, but without a preset order for speakers or the ability to yield ones time. Moderated caucuses are to be raised by delegates when it would be conducive to the committees prospects of producing a comprehensive resolution, and are to address specific subtopics in the larger topic area. When motioning for a moderated caucus, delegates must specify the time period each speaker will have, as well as the time for the moderated caucus itself. When it is realized that a moderated caucus has lead to productive discussion, the committee may move into an unmoderated caucus.

Unmoderated Caucus
Committee should move into an unmoderated caucus for the writing of a resolution after sufficient discussion of either a subtopic, or the wider topic area. In an unmoderated caucus, delegates are allowed to move freely; discussion and interaction with other delegates is also permitted. In fact, an unmoderated caucus would be the most effective time in committee to exchange ideas among delegates. In raising an unmoderated caucus, delegates must state a purpose for the unmoderated caucus, as well as specify the duration for which the unmoderated caucus will take place.

Voting
A vote is regarded as fundamental when referring to amendments, resolutions or clauses, and is also intrinsic for the purposes of procedure. After the moderator has announced the beginning of voting, no delegate has the right to interrupt the voting except on a Point of Personal Privilege or on a Point of Order directly related to the actual conduct of the voting.

Procedural Voting
During procedural votes, delegates do not have the option to abstain and in this situation, the right to vote is extended to both full members and observers. For instance, if the committee was voting upon a motion for a moderated caucus, it would be deemed to be a procedural vote, and delegates will either have to say Yes to the motion by raising their placards when the chair asks for All those in favour of the motion or say No to the motion by raising their placards when the chair asks for All those against the motion.

Resolution Voting
Once the committee is in voting procedure and every relevant motion has been entertained, the committee will vote on any of the resolutions on the floor. Voting occurs in succession on each resolution; however, once a resolution has been passed, no further resolutions will be voted upon. All Press delegates, observer delegates and those other than the full members of the committee are required to leave the room during voting. Each country will have one vote, either a Yes, a No, or an Abstain. Delegates who, during the initial roll call, had declared themselves as present and voting may not abstain during substantive votes. A simple majority requires more Yes votes than No votes. A 2/3 majority vote requires at least twice as many Yes votes as No votes. Abstentions are not counted toward either total. In all committees except for the Security Council, a simple majority is required for a resolution to be passed.

Resolutions and Amendments

Resolutions
To formulate and pass a resolution in committee is the main objective of a committee in Model United Nations. A resolution entails a set of actions the commitments the committee will adhere to in addressing the topic area. The sponsors of a resolution are the delegates that draft the resolution, and they will be responsible for explicating to the committee the intents and purposes of the resolution. The signatories of a resolution are delegates that dont necessarily endorse the resolution, but want to see the resolution discussed in committee. A resolution will only be brought into committee discussion if the number of sponsors and signatories amount to atleast one fourth of the committee size. A resolution will be composed of perambulatory clauses and operative clauses. Each resolution will start with a set of perambulatory clauses (examples of these clauses are listed in the index) which serve to give background into why the committee is taking action by writing a resolution. Operative clauses, on the other hand, are the actions themselves. Note that every perambulatory clause ends with a comma and every operative clause ends with a semicolon.

Amendments
Amendments are changes to a resolutions operative clauses, such that the resolution becomes more effective, or has a better chance of passing in committee. Amendments are sent to the chair when the resolution is being discussed, and the amendment is voted upon substantively. (See voting procedure)

Points
Points can be made during the conference when a delegate is not speaking. However, points of personal privilege and right to reply can interrupt a speaker, if recognized by the chair.

Point of Parliamentary Inquiry

Point of parliamentary inquiry can be used by a delegate to ask questions regarding the procedural status of the committee and is proper parliamentary procedures. Example: How much time is remaining in this moderated caucus?

Point of Order
Point of order is used by a delegate to recognize a mistake made by the chair, or an improper following of proper parliamentary procedure, or a factual inaccuracy on another delegates part, although this usage should be confined to major factual inaccuracies. Example: A vote for the motion was required. Or, for a factual inaccuracy The delegate stated that Iran possesses weapons of mass destruction- there has been no verifiable evidence to conclusively state the same.

Point of Information
Point of information is used by delegates to interrogate about information regarding the issues being discussed. Example: The delegate in his speech mentioned that the United States was pushing forward for diplomatic solutions to the issue. Does this mean the United States will entirely disregard the option of military intervention?

Point of Personal Privilege

Point of personal privilege is used by a delegate to express discomfort pertaining to the situation in the room that impairs the ability of a delegate to participate in debate. Example: Can the delegate restate his argument?

Right of Reply
Right to reply is used, following recognition from the chair, where a delegate is granted a right to respond to a statement that is seen to be offensive or derogatory, or even an Example: The sovereign state of Libya positions peace as one of its utmost priorities, and is in no state to engage in war with other nations.

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Appendix A: Sample Resolution

Here is an example of a real resolution passed in the United Nations Security Council. Note that real resolutions are longer in length, generally.

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Appendix B: Sample Perambulatory and Operative Clauses

Here are some PERAMBULATORY Clauses and initiating phrases:

Acknowledging Affirming Alarmed Anxious Appreciating Approving Aware Bearing in mind Being convinced Cognizant Concerned Confident Conscious Considering Contemplating Convinced Declaring Deeply disturbed Desiring Deploring Determined Emphasizing Encouraged Endorsing Expressing o appreciation o deep appreciation Expecting Fulfilling Fully o aware o believing o bearing in mind Grieved Guided by

Having adopted approved considered decided examined further received regard for reviewed viewed with apprehension Keeping in mind Mindful Noting o further o with approval o with deep concern o with regret o with satisfaction o with grave concern Observing Reaffirming Realizing Recalling Recognizing Referring Regretting Reiterating Seeking Stressing Taking o into account o into consideration o note Welcoming
o o o o o o o o o

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Here are a few OPERATIVE Clauses and initiating phrases:

Accepts Adopts Affirms Appeals Appreciates Approves Authorizes Calls upon Commends Concurs Condemns Confirms Congratulates Considers Decides Declares Deplores Designates Directs Expresses o its appreciation o conviction o its regret o sympathy

o o o

thanks the belief the hope

Further invites proclaims reminds recommends requests resolves Instructs Reaffirms Recognizes Recommends Regrets Reiterates Renews its appeal Repeats Suggests Supports Takes note of Transmits Urges Welcomes
o o o o o o

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Appendix C: Sample Position Paper

Committee: ECOSOC Country: Afghanistan School: Delegate: Topic: Energy Crisis Afghanistan recognizes that the world is in dire need of a comprehensive and dynamic plan to restructure its energy consumption, such that environmental and economic concerns are both equally addressed. While such a task may not be completed in one summit, or one year, the bare minimum to ask of the international community would be initiating an framework in which all countries start to work on their domestic energy sector to mitigate the possible effects of a depletion in fossil fuels, and thus explore other avenues, other sustainable avenues of fulfilling their national energy demands. CAUSES: There is a simplistic explanation to the ongoing energy crisis: the world is consuming more than it can produce. To understand the same, it must be comprehended that a colossal 90% of the worlds energy demand is met by fossil fuels, and fossil fuels are non-renewable sources of energy. Thus, bearing in mind the Hubbert peak theory, it is seen that the production of fuel, with the ongoing peak rate of approximately 25 billion barrels a year, and a demand that is set to increase by 50% to 99 million barrels a day, it would seem as though there would be an exponentially increasing discrepancy in the production and consumption of oil. Such a significant increase would be caused by a burgeoning transportation sector, both commercial and personal, that serves to heighten the consumption of oil. Moreover, the augmenting global population and the considerable industrial developments made by developing nations all add on to the mammoth consumption of oil today. Yet, there exist drawbacks to shifting energy consumption from fossil fuels to other sources. POLICIES: Two decades of warfare have left Afghanistans power grid badly damaged, and as of 2011, only 36% of the total population in Afghanistan had access to electricity. Regardless, Afghanistan generated 0.745 kWh in 2011, out of which 25.5% came from fossil fuels, and 74.5% came from other sources. Thus, there are no sources of energy other than hydropower and fossil fuels in generating electricity in Afghanistan, highlighting just how sustainable Afghanistans energy consumption is. Afghanistan does possess notable natural gas reserves, totaling th an estimated 140 billion cubic meters, and also a significant amount of rare earth metals- ranking 6 in the global list of nations in terms of possession of rare earth metals. Afghanistan seeks to draw in foreign investment into the rare earth metal industry to eliminate Chinese monopoly in the same, which would in turn boost the bearish Afghan economy. SOLUTIONS: Afghanistan proposes a multilateral commitment to minimizing high oil-consuming transportation, and increasing general awareness of the health and environmental benefits of cycling. This should include, on both developing and developed nations agenda a short term plan to construct cycling tracks within metropolitan areas, at the very least.

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Afghanistan, itself a minimal user of fossil fuels in transportation, calls upon other nations to promote the usage of fuel efficient vehicles through subsidizing the research and development, and production of fuel efficient, hybrid and bio-fuel vehicles. Afghanistan is open to foreign investment from all foreign and private domestic parties in order to make use of the 400 million tons of Coal (particularly for coal liquefaction) in underground coal mines in within Afghanistans national borders, such that there may be a shift from poppy farming towards mining, which may ultimately reduce the amount of illegal heroin produced from the nation. If an oil embargo on Iran occurs, or if Iran were to cease the export of its oil, Afghanistan would concur with economists in that no action must be taken, for a persistent stoppage in the export of Iranian oil would put political pressure on Iran to agree to international monitors for its nuclear program, and here, the increased price of crude oil (20% to 30%) that results from cutting off 2.5 million barrels a day from the global market will cause some degree of response from the rest of the world in seeking alternative sources of energy. Hydroelectric projects will be continued to be supported by Afghanistan in the international front, for Afghanistan recognizes the massive economic benefits of constructing dams and reservoirs, weighed over the adverse environmental effects of the same. While the construction of dams and reservoirs may displace human habitations and destroy animal habitats, and make the environment more prone to seismic activity, the production of electricity without greenhouse gases as a by-product on a gargantuan scale is far more appealing an option than fossil fuels and the international community is urged by Afghanistan to embrace Hydroelectricity.

CONCLUSION: Afghanistan is, without a question, aware of the problems surrounding energy consumption on a global scale, and will endeavor to seek commitment from various nations towards alternative energy sources in the resolution it will draft. It will bring to light in the committee the inadequacies of fossil fuel, and will bring into discussion other avenues the international community could pursue.

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