other delegates and participants of

SONU; act according to the United

Nations

Charter, to the

Universal

Declaration on Human Rights and to

the principles of the International Law.

Article 4

RULES OF PROCEDURE

Official language
English is the official language used

UNITED NATIONS

during

SECURITY COUNCIL

all

UNSCs

activities.

Documents must be written in English.

SONU 2013
Article 5
Article 1

Credentials

Efficacy

Credentials shall be delivered to the

These rules only have efficacy on the

delegates during

ambit of SONU 2013.

ceremony.

Article 2

Article 6

Participants

Position papers

Each

country

represented by

is

Each delegation must write a position

delegates, in

paper, showing the countrys position

to

about the topic to be discussed at the

conformity to UNSCs country list.

committee (one
topics).

Article 3

This

document for both

document

session of the UNSC.

delegate

must

shall

be

presented to the Chair until the first

Delegates attributions
Each

opening

be

going

two

SONUs

respect

directors decisions; wait

the

until its

his/her turn of speech; defend the

interests of his/her nation; act with
courtesy and respect regarding the

Article 7
Directors Duties

The directors of the committee must:

Article 9

declare

Quorum

the beginning and

the

adjournment of each session; direct

the flow of the debates; allow the
deliverance of speeches on the order it
is required; decide upon points or
motions introduced by the delegates;
during the discussion of any

item,

propose the limitation of the time

available to the delegates, the closure

Only

after verifying

the

minimum

quorum through a roll call, it shall be

possible to open the session. It shall
be necessary the presence of both 2/3
of

the

delegations

and

all

the

permanent members for the debates to

get started.

and the reopening of the speakers list

Sole

or the closure of the debates and also

must be represented, at least, by one

the suspension of the debates or

delegate, to count towards the quorum.

Paragraph.

Each

delegation

adjournment of the session; assure the

order

on

the

parliamentary

deliberations; and, in general, follow

Article 10
Agenda adoption

the norms of the rules of procedure.

The agenda shall follow the previously
Sole paragraph. The directors shall

established schedule published by the

decide upon all the omissions and shall

Secretariat. The members of the Dias

have control over the procedures used

are allowed to discretionarily alter the

during the sessions, having discretion

agenda aiming the

to suspend rules in order to maintain

debates.

good flow of

the good functioning of the organ.

Article 11
Article 8

Crisis or emergency situations

Appeals
In cases of crisis or emergencies, in
The directors decisions are final and

conformity to the UNs Charter, the

must

Secretary-General

be always floored lined with

or

one

reasonability. The delegates are not

representative designated by him shall

granted the right to appeal from the

require

decisions taken.

interruption of the debate about the

to

the

committee

the

topic in discussion, so as to allow the

Right after the beginning of the first

discussion of the more urgent matter.

session, it shall proceeded to the

Paragraph first. After one resolution

being

adopted

about

the

crisis

situation, the debates shall be retaken

from the point it was left when of the

discussion of the first topic of the

agenda, being immediately open the
general speakers list, in which each
country shall have the right to be
inscribed in order to discuss on the

interruption.

plenary.
Paragraph second. If the committee
does not approve one resolution about
the crisis, the debate shall only return
to the interrupted topic after the

Paragraph first. To inscribe on the list,

the

delegate

must

raise

his/her

placard. Such act defines the order of

the countries able to deliver speeches.

decision of the Secretary-General.

This
Paragraph Third. While the crisis last,

sequence

shall

be

always

displayed by the Chair.

the room door must remain closed and

shall not be permitted to any delegate

Paragraph

second.

After

ones

speech, ones name must be crossed

to enter or leave the room.

off of the speakers list.

Article 12

Paragraph third. It is not allowed for

Introductory speeches

one delegation to be inscribed on the

speakers list more than once.

It shall be permitted to the delegations

to briefly deliver an initial speech,

Paragraph fourth. The speakers list

about the themes on the floor, before

is the basis of the entire debate. It shall

the opening of the general speakers

only be overcome in case there is the

list,

the

introduction of a draft resolution or if

fundamental directives which his/her

the opening of separate speakers list

acts at the committee shall be based

for

on.

procedural matters is needed.

Article 13

Article 14

Opening of the general speakers list

Speeches

in

order

to

highlight

discussing

amendments

and

No delegate can deliver a speech

other delegate can ask it a direct

before the permission of the Chair.

question about the topic in discussion.

Sole Paragraph. The Chair shall be

Paragraph

allowed to call the attention of the

questions shall not be allowed, that is

delegates in case their speeches are

to say, there is a limit of one question

not relevant to the object of discussion.

per delegation at each time.

first.

Consecutives

Paragraph second. Only the time

Article 15

taken to answer the question shall be

Yield of time

considered as used time.

If the delegate does not use his/her

speech time completely, he/she may

Article 17

yield the remaining time to the Chair,

Point of order

which shall call the next delegation

inscribed on the speakers list. The
delegation shall also be able to yield its
time to another delegation or designate
it to questions.

The delegations may raise a point of

order, which shall be immediately
appreciated by the directors. It is used
in case of inobservance of the rules of
procedure by the Chair.

Paragraph First. The delegations not

included in the discussion general

Sole Paragraph. A point of order may

not interrupt a speech.

speakers list, special speakers list or

parallel speakers list may receive
the yielded time by another delegation,
once

the

yielding

delegation

is

inscribed on the list.

Paragraph Third. There is no yield of
already yielded time.

Article 18
Point of information
The delegates may raise a point of
information when it is necessary an
urgent demand about a substantive
matter in discussion.

Article 16

Sole Paragraph. A point of information

Questions

may not interrupt a speech.

Once the delegation had designated

his time of speech to questions, any

Article 19

Point of parliamentary inquiry

the delegations so that they decide

The delegations may raise this point

upon the subject.

when there is doubt about the rules of

Sole Paragraph. If a speech exceeds

procedure.

its designated time, the Chair has the

Sole Paragraph. A point of inquiry

power to interrupt it.

may not interrupt a speech.

Article 22
Motions in general

Article 20
Point of personal privilege

Any motion proposed by the delegation

The delegations may raise this point

when feeling uncomfortable with the
physical environment or when disabled
to follow properly the

discussions

(when the delegation cannot hear a

must be motivated, with the exception

of motion for introduction of draft
resolution or amendment, adjournment
of the session, roll call voting and
voting for division of the questions.

speech or when bothered by the

Sole Paragraph. The

temperature of the room, for instance).

evaluate the exposed reason and if it is

Paragraph first. A point of personal

privilege shall be judged by the Chair,
and may be rise to at all times, being

Chair shall

plausible or not in order for the motion

to be accepted and therefore voted by
delegations.

barred its use at cases of personal

Article 23

offense.

Precedence
Paragraph

second.

point

of

personal privilege may interrupt a

speech.

Between one speech and other with

the exception of those delivered during
moderated caucus , the Chair shall

Article 21
Limitation of speech time
The Chair shall determine the time
allowed for each speech, taking on
account the convenience, or consulting

ask only once if there is a point or a

motion in precedence. Therefore, it is
necessary that it has been previously
proposed some kind of motion.
Paragraph First. In case more than
one delegation manifests, the Chair

shall take note of all of them and shall

to add their names on the speakers

ask the type of question or motion

list.

each delegation proposes.

Paragraph second. It is necessary a

Paragraph Second. The precedence

simple majority (1/2 + 1

shall be the same according to the list

delegations present) for this motion to

which follows attached to these rules.

pass.

Paragraph

the

Paragraph Third. With the exception

precedence of two or more motions is

of the general speakers list, any other

the same, it shall be voted the one

type of list can be closed.

Third.

When

of the

which was first proposed.

Paragraph

Fourth.

It

is

at

the

discretion of the board to define the

Article 25
Reopening of the speakers list

level of precedence of motions which

If, after the closure of the speakers list,

were not included on the list mentioned

a new question is risen and countries

at the paragraph second of this article.

would still like to pronounce speeches

Paragraph Fifth. Once defined the

about the subject, there may be the

level of precedence, it cannot be

introduction of a motion for reopening

altered and must remain the same until

the speakers list.

the end of the Conference.

Sole Paragraph. It is necessary an

explanation of reasons and a qualified

Article 24

majority (2/3 of the delegations in the

Closure of the speakers list

room) for this motion to pass.

During

the

debates,

when

the

delegations feel that every country has

had the chance to contribute, it may be

Article 26
Unmoderated caucus

risen a motion for closureofthe

The

speakers

caucus purpose is to allow a more fluid

list about

the

topic in

purpose

of

an

unmoderated

discussion, as long as it is followed by

discussion,

an explanation of reasons.

interchange of information between

Paragraph first. If this motion passes,

delegations.

delegations shall not be further allowed

allowing

direct

Paragraph first. The delegation that

Paragraph second. It is necessary a

requires it shall explain its reasons and

simple majority (1/2 + 1

suggest a time limit for the caucus.

delegations present) for this motion to

Paragraph

second.

During

the

of the

pass.

unmoderated caucus, the delegates

Paragraph third. There shall be no

may leave the room, articulate with the

yielding of time during a moderated

other

caucus.

delegations

and

work

on

proposals.
Paragraph third. It is necessary a
simple majority (1/2

+ 1

of

the

Article 28
Adjournment of the session

delegations present) for this motion to

During the discussion of any matter, a

pass.

delegation may propose a motion for

Paragraph fourth. The

time limit

cannot exceed 15 (fifteen) minutes.

adjournment of the session.

Paragraph first. If this motion is
approved,

the

committee

shall

Article 27

reconvene

Moderated caucus

session time.

The purpose of a moderated caucus is

Paragraph second. It is necessary a

to allow a discussion outside the rules

qualified

of debate. The moderation is made by

delegations in the room) for this motion

the Chair, but does not follow the order

to pass.

of the speakers list, given that the

Chair may concede a speech to any
delegation which wants to speak.

at the

majority

next

(2/3

scheduled

of

Paragraph third. The Chair

the

may

refuse to acknowledge this motion, if it

feels there are still matters to discuss

Paragraph first. When introducing this

at that session. It is not possible to

motion, the delegate shall explain its

appeal from this decision.

reasons, delimitate the total time of

speeches, as well as the time that shall

Article 29

be given to each delegation that wants

Closure of debate

to speak.

This motion shall only be in order after

wants

However, it has to approve at least 1

resolution

or

amendment

is

introduced within the committee.

Paragraph first.

To

propose

per

topic

of

the

agenda.

(one) resolution per topic.

this

Paragraph third. A draft resolution

motion, a delegation shall explain the

shall remain on the floor until a motion

reasons for closure of the debate. The

to closure of debate for that specific

Chair shall concede speeches to two

draft resolution approved.

delegations that are against it.

Paragraph fourth. After the approval

Paragraph second. If the motion

of a resolution, the debate returns to

passes, the Chair shall declare the

the general speakers list. If it so

debate closed and shall immediately

happens, the topic can be closed,

proceed to the voting of the resolutions

changing the debate to the next topic

or amendments on the floor.

of the agenda, or it can receive more

Paragraph third. It is necessary a

qualified

majority

(2/3

of

the

draft resolutions.
Paragraph

fifth.

The

Chair

may

choose

not

to

delegations in the room) for this motion

discretionarily

to pass.

automatically end the debates, thinking

of the good functioning of the body.

Article 30
Form of debate
During the formal debate about a topic,

Article 29
Working papers

one or more draft resolutions can be

During the debate, the delegations

on the floor at any point.

may present working papers, which are

Paragraph first. Any draft resolution

can be discussed at any moment after

informal documents that serve to help

the discussion of substantial matters.

its proposal and the delegations have

Paragraph first. The working papers

the freedom to refer to as many draft

do not necessarily need to be in the

resolutions they want during their

format of a resolution, but they need

speeches.

the previous approval of the Chair for it

Paragraph second. The committee

can approve as many resolutions it

to be distributed to the delegations of

the committee.

Paragraph second. There are no

formalities to introduce a

working

approval. There are no sponsors of

draft resolutions.

paper, but a delegation can only refer

Paragraph third.

to it after every delegation has a copy

delegations

of it.

signatories of a draft resolution in case

Paragraph third. There is no need of

a

minimum

number

of

signatory

The

can

observatory

only

become

the pre-requisite in paragraph first is

attended.

countries or supporters for submitting a

Paragraph fourth. Once signatories of

working paper to the Chair.

draft

resolution,

observatory

delegations shall not have the right to

Article 32

accept or deny friendly amendments,

Introduction of a draft resolution

since this consists of a substantive

matter.

motion

for

introduce

draft

resolution can only be proposed after

Paragraph

the draft resolution in case is approved

motion shall be done by one of the

by the Chair and distributed to all

signatory

delegations.

resolution, which shall then read the

It

is

permitted

the

introducing of one draft resolution at a

time,

following

the

order

of

submissions to the Chair.

fifth.

The

countries

introducing

of

the

draft

content of only the operative clauses.

Paragraph sixth. After the introduction
of a draft resolution, the Chair shall

Paragraph first. There must be at

open space to the considerations of

least 5 (five) delegations subscribing a

the other delegations, which shall limit

draft resolution for it to be introduced.

themselves

to

resolve

doubts

of

technical and grammatical order. There

Paragraph second. The signatory
countries

only

demonstrate

their

interest in seeing the draft resolution

being

discussed.

The

act

shall not be allowed, at this point,

questions about the substantial matters
of the draft resolution.

of

subscribing to a draft resolution does

Paragraph

not, in any manner, bind the vote of a

considerations

subscriber in favour or against its

grammatical
speakers list

seventh.
of
order,

After

the

technical

and

the

general

shall be temporarily

suspended, and a new list shall be

roll call voting and voting for division of

open,

the questions.

denominated

the

special

speakers list.

Paragraph twelfth. After the voting,

Paragraph eighth. A draft resolution

the general speakers list is retaken

may only

from the point it was left when of the

be withdrawn

with the

consent of all signatorycountries,

discussion of the draft resolution.

which shall communicate the fact to

the

Chair,

authorization

submitting
document

written

before the

Article 33
Amendments

beginning of the voting.

Whenever a draft resolution is in
Paragraph ninth. For the debates on

discussion, delegations can propose

a draft resolution to be closed, it is

amendments to add, exclude or modify

necessary at least 1 (one) delegation

its clauses.

to have already spoken against the

Paragraph first. For an amendment to

draft resolution.

be introduced, it is necessary that at

Paragraph

tenth.

When

the

requirements of paragraph seventh are

least 3 (three) delegations subscribe it

and that the Chair approves it.

met, the delegates can call upon a

motion for closure of the special
speakers list or closure of debates.
The letter requires the recognition of 2
(two) delegations against it and it must
be approved by a qualified majority

Paragraph second.
countries

only

The signatory

demonstrate

their

interest of seeing the amendment

being

discussed.

The

act

of

subscribing for an amendment does

not, in any manner, bind the vote of a

(2/3 of the delegations in the room).

subscriber in favour or against its

Paragraph

eleventh.

When

the

approval.

debates on a draft resolution are over,

the committee shall vote it immediately.
For it to be approved, it requires a
simple majority (1/2

+ 1 of

the

Paragraph

third.

Observatory

delegations can be signatories

of

amendments.

delegations in the room). At this point,

Paragraph fourth. It is possible to

the only motion in order is a motion for

present a motion for introduction of an

amendment following a delegations

speech, if the requisites above are

delegations against it and must be

followed.

approved by a qualified majority (2/3 of

Paragraph

fifth.

introduction

of

If

motion

the delegations in the room).

is

Paragraph ninth. After the debate

accepted, the amendment shall be

about the amendment is closed, the

automatically introduced as friendly,

committee enters immediately in voting

that

procedure.

meaning

amendment

of

it

only

needs

the

To

be

approved,

an

approval of all signatory countries of

amendment needs a simple majority

the draft resolution.

(1/2 +1 of the delegations in the room).

Paragraph sixth. If at least one of the

signatory

countries

of

the

draft

resolution is not in accordance with the

Amendment, it shall be introduced as

At this point, the only motions in order

are motion for roll call voting (there is
no Division of the Questions for
amendments).

an unfriendly amendment. With that,

Paragraph tenth. After the voting, the

the special speakers list is suspended,

special speakers list is retaken from

and a parallel list of discussion is

the point it was suspended when of the

opened,

discussion of the amendment.

for

the

delegates

to

pronounce themselves in favour or

against the amendment.

Paragraph eleventh. It shall be not

allowed amendments to amendments

Paragraph seventh. For the debate

and any alteration of the preamble of

about an amendment to be closed, it is

the draft resolution shall only be done

necessary that

after an agreeable judgment by the

delegations

at

least

have

(two)

pronounced

themselves against it and 2 (two) in

favour of it.

Chair.
Paragraph twelfth. It shall not be
allowed

amendments

aiming

to

Paragraph eighth. As soon as the

completely substitute the original draft

previous paragraph

resolution or that does not guard any

requirement is

met, the delegations can

present

precise relation with it.

motions for closure of debates or

closure of the special speakers list
about the amendment. This motion
requires the speeches of 2 (two)

Article 34

Behaviour during the voting

After

the

Chair

favour or against. Abstentions and

announces

beginning of the Voting

of

the
draft

motions for roll call voting are not

allowed.

resolution, there shall not be in order

Paragraph

points of Information, as well as points

matters, each delegation can vote in

of inquiry not strictly related with the

favour,

voting.

vote. Abstains does not count towards

Paragraph first.

No motion can be

proposed, except motions for roll call

voting

or voting for division of

the

questions.

procedure,

the

doors

of

In

substantial

against, abstain or pass its

votes in favour or against, and, as so,

does not count towards the quorum.
Paragraph fourth. In case of a tie, the
amendment

Paragraph second. During the voting

third.

or

draft

resolution

is

considered as not approved.

the

Paragraph fifth. In case of approval of

committees room shall be closed, and

a roll call voting, in the turn of the

it shall not be allowed that anyone

delegation to expose its vote, it can

leave or enter the room.

pass, indicating that it wants to hear

the vote of the other delegations before

Article 35

giving its vote. At the end of first round

Voting

of voting, the Chair shall begin a new

roll call, summoning all the delegations

In

both

procedural

or

substantial

voting, every country shall have the

right to 1 (one) vote, which shall be
given through a raising of placards,

that passed.

The

delegation

that

desires to pass its vote in the first

round cannot abstain in the second
round.

except in case a roll call voting is

Paragraph sixth. During the voting of

approved.

draft resolutions, delegations shall be

Paragraph first. If, at the beginning of
the session, a delegation has declared
itself as present and voting, it cannot
abstain, even in substantial matters.

given the opportunity to justify its vote,

when it deems necessary, due to a
changing of its posture during the
debates. For that, coming its turn to

procedural

vote, the delegation must vote in

matters, the delegates can only vote in

favour with rights or against with rights.

Paragraph

second. In

At the closure of the voting procedure,

qualified majority (2/3 of delegations in

the Chair shall open space for those to

the room) for this motion to pass.

provide the necessary explanations.

II - If this motion passes and in case

there comes upon two or more division

Article 36

proposals, the Chair shall divide the

Roll call voting

clauses of the draft resolution.

III Every block must have only one

After the closure of debate in any draft

resolution or amendment, a delegation
can introduce a motion for roll call
voting. It needs a simple majority (1/2
+ 1 of delegations in the room) to be
approved and can only be called upon
for voting substantive matters.
Paragraph first. If the motion for roll
call voting is approved, the delegations
shall be called, in alphabetical order,
and shall declare its vote out loud, as it

operative

clause,

followed

by

its

respective paragraphs and items.

IV - After the division, a separated
voting shall be done to approve or not,
each divided part the draft resolution.
V - If all the divided parts mentioned
above fail, the whole draft resolution
shall be considered not approved.
Sole Paragraph.
preamble

and

Clauses from the

operative

clauses

cannot be divided in that manner.

is established in article 33.

Paragraph second.

There shall be

only one row of voting.

Article 37
Division of the questions
After the closure of the debates, a
delegation can present a motion for the
operative clauses of an amendment or
of a draft resolution to be divided and
voted separately.
I - It is necessary that two delegations
pronounces in favour of the division,
and two against it. It is necessary a

Article 38
Reconsideration of proposals
Reconsiderations of draft resolutions
which have already been voted shall
not be allowed.

ANNEX
LIST OF PRECEDENCE

PRECEDENCE

POINT / MOTION

SPEECHES

VOTE

INFO

Level 1

POINT OF
PERSONAL
PRIVILEGE

Always in order

Level 2

POINT OF ORDER

Level 2

POINT OF
PARLIAMENTARY
INQUIRY

Level 2

POINT OF
INFORMATION

The response
must be written
in a paper

Level 3

ADJOURNMENT OF
THE SESSION

Discretion of the
Dais

Qualified
majority

Simple
majority

There is no yield
of time. It cannot
exceed 15
minutes per
session

Level 4

MODERATED
CAUCUS

Level 4

UNMODERATED
CAUCUS

Simple
majority

There is no
moderation by
the Dais.
It cannot exceed
15 minutes per
session

Level 5

INTRODUCTION OF
A DRAFT
RESOLUTION

Automatically
accepted by
the Dais

INTRODUCTION OF
AN AMENDMENT

It is necessary that
at least one
delegation have
spoken in the
special speakers
list

Automatically
accepted by
the Dais

Only after the

introduction of a
draft resolution

Simple
majority

Only after the

introduction of a
draft resolution
or after the
introduction of an
amendment

Level 5

Level 6

CLOSURE OF THE
SPEAKERS LIST

Discretion of the
Dais

REOPENING OF
THE SPEAKERS
LIST

Discretion of the
Dais

Level 7

Level 8

Level 6

Level 8

Qualified
majority

CLOSURE OF
DEBATE

Two delegations
against this motion
must be heard
before starting the
voting procedure

Qualified
majority

Only after the

introduction of a
draft resolution
or after the
introduction of an
amendment

ROLL CALL VOTING

Simple
majority

DIVISION OF THE
QUESTIONS

Two delegations
against and two in
favour of the
motion must be
heard before
starting the voting
procedure

Qualified
majority

- OBSERVATION #1: The most precedent motions are found on the top of this list.
- OBSERVATION #2: When the precedence of two or more motions is the same, it
shall be voted the one which was first proposed.
- OBSERVATION #3: Motions which were not included on the list mentioned above
shall have its precedence established by the Dais, which cannot be altered and
must remain the same until the end of the Conference.