You are on page 1of 30

AIMUN 2011

RULES OF PROCEDURE

Rules of Procedure

AIMUN 2011

AIMUN 2011

RULES OF PROCEDURE

Table of Contents
Contents
I. GENERAL REMARKS.................................................................................................................................... 3 II. AGENDA .................................................................................................................................................... 6 III. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS ........................................................................................................................... 7 IV. POINTS ..................................................................................................................................................... 9 V. MOTIONS ................................................................................................................................................ 11 VI. RESOLUTIONS ........................................................................................................................................ 14 VII. VOTING ................................................................................................................................................. 20 APPENDIX A: PRECEDENCE OF MOTIONS ................................................................................................... 24 APPENDIX B: FLOW OF DEBATE .................................................................................................................. 25 APPENDIX C: FLOW OF RESOLUTION FORMATION..................................................................................... 26 APPENDIX D: MOTION/POINT REFERENCE TABLES .................................................................................... 27 APPENDIX E: OPERATIVE/PREAMBULATORY CLAUSES LIST........................................................................ 29 APPENDIX F: DRAFT RESOLUTION SAMPLE................................................................................................. 30

AIMUN 2011

AIMUN 2011

RULES OF PROCEDURE

I. GENERAL REMARKS
Rule 1: Scope The rules included in this guide are applicable to the following committees: Security Council (SC) General Assembly (GA) World Trade Organization (WTO) Human Rights Council (HRC) International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) If the Secretariat deems that certain modifications are required, the pertinent changes shall be conveyed to the delegates prior to the conference. The committee Executive Board reserves the right to use its discretion to alter the Rules of Procedure for the purposes or facilitating constructive debate and/or addressing certain unanticipated situations. Rule 2: Language English shall be the official and working language of the conference at all times, both in formal and informal sessions. Delegates are strongly discouraged from using their respective native dialects during committee sessions, as it may hinder effective communication. Rule 3: Decorum Delegates are to conduct themselves as diplomats at all times and shall show courtesy to other Delegates, the Secretariat, Executive Board and Conference Staff of the venue and shall at all times present themselves in formal business attire or the national dress of their representing country in the conference. The Executive Board will immediately call to order any delegate who fails to comply with this rule and may issue penalties as seen fit. The Secretary-General may expel any delegate for failing to adhere to this rule.

AIMUN 2011

AIMUN 2011

RULES OF PROCEDURE

Rule 4: Representation Each member state will be represented by only one delegate as given in the country matrix and will have one vote in each Committee. Rule 5: Participation of Non-Members Representatives of Accredited Observers will have the same rights as those of full members, except that they may not vote on substantive matters i.e. draft resolutions and amendments. These representatives reserve the right to vote only on procedural matters. Rule 6: Attendance At the beginning of the opening session and other sessions, the Rapporteur will call on Member States and Accredited Observers in English alphabetical order to state their attendance. Members will reply present or present and voting, where present and voting means that the Member State cannot abstain on the substantive vote. Observers may only reply present. Rule 7: Quorum Quorum denotes the minimum number of delegates who need to be present in order to open debate. A majority of the expected members (one half of the total plus one) of a committee shall be present for committee session to be opened. A quorum is required to have a substantive vote, i.e. to vote on a resolution and/or amendment. Rule 8: Statements by the Secretariat The Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary General, or any member of the Secretariat may at any time reserve the right to make either written or oral statements to any of the committees. Rule 9: General Powers of the Executive Board The Executive Board generally consists of the Chairperson, Director, Assistant Director (in a select few committees) and Rapporteur. These positions may be re-designated in certain committees.

AIMUN 2011

AIMUN 2011

RULES OF PROCEDURE

The Executive Board has certain powers and functions, including, but not limited to: Ensuring that all debate is governed by the Rules of Procedure Maintaining the decorum of the committee Advising delegates on substantive and procedural matters Each member of the Executive Board possesses a certain degree of authority and responsibility, as per guidelines issued by the Secretariat. However, the Executive Board members may, if required, transfer their respective powers to other fellow members. In the exercise of these functions, the Executive Board will be at all times subject to these rules and responsible to the Secretary-General.

AIMUN 2011

AIMUN 2011

RULES OF PROCEDURE

II. AGENDA
Rule 10: Agenda The Secretariat shall communicate the agenda to the delegates before the conference. Rule 11: Revision of the Agenda Additional items of important and urgent nature may be placed on the agenda during any regular session by the Secretary General, who may do so at his/her discretion. Rule 12: Motion for Establishment of Agenda A Motion for Establishment of Agenda is in order as the first motion during the opening session. The delegate making the motion will state the topic area to be debated first. This motion requires a second. Once the motion has been made, a provisional speakers list shall be established with three delegates speaking for and three delegates speaking against the motion. After the provisional speakers list is exhausted the committee shall move into an immediate vote: a simple majority is required for the motion to pass. A motion to proceed to the second topic area is in order only after the committee has adopted or rejected a resolution on the first topic area or debate has been adjourned. In the event of a crisis, the Secretary-General may call upon a committee to table debate on the current topic area so that the more urgent matter may be addressed. After the crisis has been addressed, the committee will return to debate the tabled topic.

AIMUN 2011

AIMUN 2011

RULES OF PROCEDURE

III. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS


Rule 13: Motion to Open/Reopen the Speakers List After the Agenda has been determined, one continuously open Speakers List will be established for the purpose of general debate using this motion. This motion shall be accepted automatically by the Chair. Speakers may speak generally on the agenda being considered and may address any draft resolution currently on the floor. By default, debate automatically closes when the Speakers List is exhausted. Delegates wishing to be added to the Speakers List may do so by raising their respective placards. The Chair shall select a number of delegates to be added to the Speakers List by his/her discretion. After a sufficient number of speakers are chosen, the Chair shall deem the Speakers List closed. The Speakers List may be reopened at any later time during the conference. To do so, a delegate must raise a Motion to Reopen the Speakers List. This motion shall be accepted by the Chair by his/her discretion. Rule 14: Speeches A delegate may only address the committee with the prior permission of the Executive Board. The Chair may call a speaker to order if his/her remarks are not relevant to the subject under discussion, or are offensive to Committee members or Executive Board. Rule 15: Motion to Set Speaker's Time By default, the Speaking Time is 90 seconds. However, delegates can raise a Motion to Set Speaker's Time to alter the same. This motion requires a second to be put to vote. This motion may be raised prior or during the course of the Speakers List and shall be put to immediate vote. A simple majority is required for this motion to come into effect. When a delegate exceeds the allotted time, the Chair may call the delegate to order. The Chair may allow a delegate to utilize extra time, but within reason.

AIMUN 2011

AIMUN 2011 Rule 16: Yields

RULES OF PROCEDURE

A delegate granted the right to speak in general debate may yield after his/her speech in one of three ways: Yield to another delegate. His or her remaining time will be given to that delegate, who may not make any further yields. Yield to points of information/questions. The delegate may be subjected to points of information posed by fellow delegates. The Chair shall select questioners as per his/her discretion. Yield to the Chair. Such a yield should be made if the delegate does not wish to yield to points of information or another delegate. The Chair will then move to the next speaker on the speakers list. Delegates must declare any yield by the conclusion of his or her speech. If the delegate exceeded the time limit, the Chair may deny that delegate the right to yield. Also, yields are not in order during moderated caucus. Rule 17: Right of Reply A delegate whose personal or national integrity has been impugned by another delegate may submit a Right of Reply only in writing to the Executive Board. The Chair will grant the Right of Reply at his/her discretion. A Right of Reply may only be used to express a delegates grievances regarding the pertinent statements/comments. It may not be used to censure another delegate or to address the agenda. A Right of Reply to a Right of Reply is out of order Rule 18: Appeal to the Chairs decision If a delegate feels that the Chair has made an incorrect ruling, he/she may raise an Appeal to the Chairs Decision. The delegate can only appeal a ruling immediately after it has been pronounced. Once the motion is acknowledged, the Chair will step back and the Director will take charge and send for the Secretary General. The Secretary General will hear from both the delegate and the Chair before making a decision. An Appeal should only be raised when the delegate believes that the ruling is a crucial one and merits reconsideration. An Appeal may refer to a procedural error, a substantive mistake, a derogatory action or a combination of the above.
8 AIMUN 2011

AIMUN 2011

RULES OF PROCEDURE

IV. POINTS
Rule 19: Point of Personal Privilege During the discussion of any matter, whenever a delegate experiences any personal discomfort, the delegate may raise a Point of Personal Privilege, and the Chair shall immediately address the point. A Point of Personal Privilege must refer to a matter of physical discomfort, safety and/or well being of the members of the committee only. The Chair may refuse to recognize a Point of Personal Privilege if the delegate has not shown proper restraint and decorum, or if the point is dilatory in nature. While a Point of Personal Privilege in extreme case may interrupt a speaker at any time, delegates should use this power with the utmost discretion. Rule 20: Point of Order During the discussion of any matter, a delegate may rise to a Point of Order to indicate an instance of improper parliamentary procedure OR a factual error. The Point of Order will be immediately decided by the Chair in accordance with these rules of procedure. The Chair may rule out those points that are improper or irrelevant. While a Point of Order may interrupt a speaker, delegates should use this power most selectively. Rule 21: Point Of Information After a delegate gives a speech, and if the delegate yields their time to Points of Information, a Point of Information can be raised by delegates from the floor. Points of Information are directed to the speaker and allow other delegates to ask questions in relation to speeches and resolutions. The Chair may use his/her discretion to register a Point of Information as valid or not. If the point is valid, it shall be directed to the speaker, who may choose to answer the question orally or in written. A delegate may rise for a Plea to Follow-up if his/her question has not been answered properly and a follow up is required for clarification. A plea to follow up is subject to the discretion of the Chair.

AIMUN 2011

AIMUN 2011

RULES OF PROCEDURE

The Chair may pose a question to the speaker, if the chair believes that the question is of utmost importance. Rule 22: Point of Inquiry When the floor is open, a delegate may rise to a Point of Inquiry to ask the Chair a question regarding the rules of procedure. A Point of Inquiry may never interrupt a speaker and may not be used to address the agenda. Delegates with substantive questions should not rise to this Point, but should rather approach the executive board during un-moderated caucus or send a note to the dais.

10

AIMUN 2011

AIMUN 2011

RULES OF PROCEDURE

V. MOTIONS
Rule 23: Motion to Suspend Debate (Motion to Caucus) Upon the recommendation of the Chair or any delegate, the committee may consider a Motion to Suspend Debate for the purpose of a moderated or unmoderated caucus. This motion shall be put to vote immediately after its proposal and requires simple majority to pass. This motion requires a second and the consent of the Chair. In the event of multiple Motions to Suspend Debate, the Chair shall rank the motions in decreasing order of precedence and the committee shall vote upon the motion accordingly. By default, an un-moderated caucus is given higher priority over a moderated caucus and a motion with a longer time limit is given higher priority. Moderated Caucus: The purpose of a moderated caucus is to facilitate substantive debate on particular important aspects of the agenda or resolution. The delegate making the motion must briefly explain its purpose and specify a time limit for the caucus, not to exceed twenty minutes, and a time limit for the individual speeches. During a moderated caucus, the Chair shall select delegates as per his/her discretion to speak in the caucus. By default, the delegate who proposes this motion is the first-speaker. Delegates are generally not permitted to speak multiple times in a moderated caucus. During moderated caucus, yields shall be out of order. A moderated caucus may be extended only once. Un-moderated Caucus: Un-moderated caucuses allow delegates to have informal discussions, usually for the purpose of lobbying or formation of draft resolutions. The delegate making the motion must explain the purpose for the unmoderated caucus and specify a time limit for the caucus, not to exceed twenty minutes.

11

AIMUN 2011

AIMUN 2011

RULES OF PROCEDURE
During this period, delegates are permitted to freely move about the committee hall and may personally interact with each other. They may also approach the Executive Board members to seek clarifications or leave the committee hall. However, they must do so in a manner that is dignified and proper. An un-moderated caucus may be extended only twice.

Rule 24: Motion to Table Debate/Resume Debate During the discussion of any matter, the committee may consider a Motion to Table Debate on the item under discussion at the recommendation of the Chair or any delegate. This motion requires a second and the consent of the Chair. This motion is debatable to the extent of one speaker in favor and one speaker opposed. After discussion on the motion, it shall be immediately put to vote and requires two-thirds majority to pass. If a motion to table debate is passed, the topic is considered tabled and no further actions or votes will be taken on it. To reintroduce a tabled topic, a Motion to Resume Debate must be proposed a passed. This motion also requires a second and requires a two-thirds majority for passage. Rule 25: Motion for Closure of Debate A delegate may at any time propose a Motion for Closure of Debate on the item under discussion, after which debate will end and all draft resolutions and amendments will be put to an immediate vote. This motion requires a second and the consent of the Chair. Permission to speak on the closure of debate shall be accorded only to two speakers opposing the closure, after which the motion shall be immediately put to a vote. This motion requires a two-thirds majority decision. Upon passage of this motion the Chair shall declare the closure of debate and immediately move into voting procedure on the substantive proposals introduced and pending before the committee. The committee shall also close debate and move into voting procedure when the speakers list has been exhausted.

12

AIMUN 2011

AIMUN 2011

RULES OF PROCEDURE

Rule 26: Motion for Suspension or Adjournment of Meeting During the discussion of any matter, a delegate may move for the Suspension or Adjournment of Meeting. This motion requires a second and the consent of the Chair. When in order, such a motion shall not be debated but shall be immediately put to a vote and requires simple majority to pass. The Suspension of the Meeting means the postponement of all Committee functions until the next meeting. This motion is most commonly made to end committee session for purpose of lunch or any break. The Adjournment of the Meeting means the postponement of all Committee functions for the conference. This motion is most commonly made to end the final meeting of the conference.

13

AIMUN 2011

AIMUN 2011

RULES OF PROCEDURE

VI. RESOLUTIONS
Rule 27: Working Papers Delegates may propose working papers for Committee consideration. Working papers are intended to aid the Committee in its discussion and formulation of draft resolutions and need not be written in resolution format. Working papers are not official documents and may be presented in any format approved by the Director, but do require the signature of the Director to be copied and distributed. Once distributed, delegates may consider that working paper introduced and begin to refer to that working paper by its designated number. Working papers do not require signatories or votes of approval. Rule 28: Draft Resolutions A Draft Resolution is a preliminary version or template of a formal Resolution. The content of a Draft Resolution can be freely modified by delegates in committee In order for a Draft Resolution to be officially accepted and distributed by the Executive Board among the committee members, it should contain the following details: Topic Name List of Sponsors List of Signatories Preambulatory Clauses Operative Clauses Delegates will be provided with special sheets to compose their Draft Resolutions. Rule 29: Operative and Preambulatory Clauses There are two types of clauses that constitute a Draft Resolution. A Draft Resolution must have both Preambulatory and Operative Clauses for it to be accepted by the Executive Board: Preambulatory Clauses are used to state the reasons why the committee is addressing the issue and to refer to past international action adopted on the matter.

14

AIMUN 2011

AIMUN 2011

RULES OF PROCEDURE
The Preambulatory Clauses may cite the UN Charter, past UN Resolutions and Conventions, statements made by the Secretary General or UN agencies and well-known facts and opinions pertaining to the agenda. Preambulatory Clauses started with special underlined phrases (known as preambulatory phrases) and are separated by commas. Operative Clauses are used to highlight the actions or recommendations made in the Resolution. Operative Clauses start with special underlined phrases (known as operative phrases) and are separated by semi-colons.

For a list of common Preambulatory and Operative Phrases, please refer to Appendix E. Rule 30: Sponsors and Signatories Delegates may sign a resolution either as a sponsor or as a signatory. Sponsors of a draft resolution are the principal authors of the document and agree with its substance. Sponsors in effect control a draft resolution and only they can approve immediate changes. The upper limit on the number of sponsors is on the discretion of the Chair. Signatories are countries that may or may not agree with the substance of the draft resolution but still wish to see it debated so that they can propose amendments. Rule 31: Amendments An amendment is a proposal that adds to, deletes from or revises part of a draft resolution. All delegates may amend any draft resolution that has been introduced. In order for an Amendment to be officially accepted by the Executive Board and discussed among the committee members, it should contain the following details: Amendment Type List of Sponsors List of Signatories Altered Content There are two types of amendments:
15 AIMUN 2011

AIMUN 2011

RULES OF PROCEDURE
Friendly Amendments are amendments have the unanimous support of the sponsors of the draft resolution. Such amendments may marginally change the content of the resolution, remove any grammatical or spelling errors or alter the sentence structure for the purpose of clarity. These amendments shall be adopted immediately, without vote. Unfriendly Amendments are amendments do not have the unanimous support of the sponsors of the draft resolution. Such amendments generally change the content of the resolution substantially and in a manner contrary to the wishes of the co-sponsors. These amendments shall be put to immediate vote, following general debate on the amendment in question.

Both friendly and unfriendly amendments require the approval of the Chair before they can be proposed. Amendments to amendments are out of order, if they change the content of the resolution. However, amendments that merely address syntactical flaws may be further amended. The Chair shall rule whether the amendment constitutes a substantive matter or a grammatical one. Rule 32: Submission of Draft Resolutions and Amendments Draft resolutions and amendments shall be submitted to the Director on the draft resolution forms and amendment sheets given to delegates in committee. All submissions must have the proper number of signatures (20 percent of countries present in committee) and should be properly formatted. In the Security Council, only two Draft Resolutions may be submitted, whereas in all other committees, a maximum of three Draft Resolutions may be submitted. The Director may reject a Draft Resolution or Amendment for the following reasons: It lacks the requisite number of signatories. It is submitted well after the deadline stipulated by the Executive Board. It contains numerous severe formatting errors. It contains content that severely breaches the mandate or principles of the United Nations.
16 AIMUN 2011

AIMUN 2011

RULES OF PROCEDURE
It contains content that is irrelevant to the agenda or is deemed to be poorly conceived and explained.

The Director has the authority to judge which draft resolution/amendment shall be discussed first. The criteria for this decision are in the following order or priority: Number of Signatories Quality and Quantity of Content Time of Submission The draft resolutions shall be referred to by the position in the order they are introduced. The first draft resolution introduced shall be designated as Draft Resolution 1.0, the second as Draft Resolution 2.0 and so on. The Chair may permit discussion and consideration of proposals once approved, even if the documents have not been circulated through the committee. Rule 33: Motion to Introduce Draft Resolution. Once the Director has approved a draft resolution and it has been copied and distributed, a delegate may raise a Motion to Introduce Draft Resolution. The motion is automatically approved and does not require a vote. The sponsors of the draft resolution shall read out only the operative clauses of the draft resolution. They may not be subjected to Points of Information. Following the Introduction of the Draft Resolution, the sponsors shall yield to the Chair. The Chair may introduce a draft resolution on the floor by discretion due to paucity of time. In this case, the sponsors shall not read out the operative clauses, but debate will immediately begin. Rule 34: Motion to Introduce an Amendment Once the Director has approved the amendment, a delegate may raise a Motion to Introduce an Amendment. The motion is automatically approved and does not require a vote. The sponsors of the amendment shall read out only the operative clauses of the draft resolution. They may not be subjected to Points of Information. Following the Introduction of the Amendment, the sponsors shall yield to the Chair.

17

AIMUN 2011

AIMUN 2011

RULES OF PROCEDURE

Rule 35: Debate on Draft Resolutions Debate on draft resolutions proceeds according to the General Speakers List for that topic area. Alternatively, a Provisional Speakers List may be introduced on the discretion of the Chair. Debate on the draft resolution shall follow given process: First, the draft resolution shall be discussed as a whole. Delegates may speak on any aspects regarding the draft resolution. After general debate, the operative clauses shall be discussed separately, one by one. Delegates shall now limit their speeches and questions to pertain to the particular operative clause being discussed. During general debate on an operative clause, amendments on the given clause may be composed and sent to the Executive Board for approval. Amendments may either propose to alter the content of the operative clause or delete the clause altogether. The Executive Board shall peruse any amendments submitted to the dais and shall prioritize to decide which amendments shall be introduced first. After general debate on the operative clause, the Executive Board shall entertain amendments on the operative clause in question. Delegates shall introduce their respective amendments as per the order decided by the Executive Board. They shall be deemed as friendly or unfriendly amendments by the sponsors. If the amendment is deemed to be unfriendly, then general debate on the introduced amendment shall commence. Delegates may speak only on the content and nature of the amendment introduced. After general debate on the amendment is exhausted, it shall be put to an immediate vote. If it passes, then debate on the pertinent operative clause is exhausted (if the amendment is substantive) and the next operative clause shall be discussed in the same manner. If it fails, the next amendment shall be introduced. After discussion on all operative clauses is exhausted, the Executive Board shall then accept amendments that introduce operative clauses. A similar procedure shall be adopted for this stage.
18 AIMUN 2011

AIMUN 2011

RULES OF PROCEDURE
Finally, after the resolution and all its clauses have been discussed in entirety, the Executive Board shall entertain general debate on the amended draft resolution. Following the conclusion of discussion on the draft resolution, the committee shall move on to debate the next draft resolution (if any are on the floor).

Note: To expedite the process, the Chair may limit the number of speakers that may discuss a particular clause/amendment and/or the number of amendments that may be introduced. More than one draft resolution may be on the floor at any one time, but no more than one draft resolution may be passed per topic area.

19

AIMUN 2011

AIMUN 2011

RULES OF PROCEDURE

VII. VOTING
Rule 36: Procedural Voting Voting on any matter other than draft resolutions and amendments is considered procedural. Each and every member of the committee, including Observers must vote on all procedural motions, no abstentions will be allowed. For a motion to pass, a majority must be attained. There are two types: A simple majority shall be considered achieved when there more than half Yes votes. A two-thirds majority will require at least twice as many Yes votes than No votes. If there is not the required number of speakers for or against a motion, the motion will automatically fail or pass. Rule 37: Substantive Voting The only substantive voting will be voting on draft resolutions and amendments. After debate has been closed on the general topic area, the committee will move into substantive voting procedures and the chambers are then sealed. At that point, only the following points and motions will be entertained: Division of the Question Reordering Draft Resolutions Motion for a Roll Call Vote, Point of Personal Privilege Point of Inquiry Point of Order. If there are no such motions, the committee will vote on all draft resolutions. For substantive voting, each member state will have one vote. Each vote may be a Yes, No, or Abstain. Members who abstain from voting are considered as not voting. All matters will be voted upon using placards by default, except if a Motion for Roll Call Vote is accepted.

20

AIMUN 2011

AIMUN 2011

RULES OF PROCEDURE

For an amendment or draft resolution to pass, a simple majority must be attained. Note: In the Security Council, nine affirmative votes are required for the passage of draft resolution and amendments including an affirmative vote or an abstention on the part of the permanent members. The five permanent members have the power to veto any substantive vote. Once any resolution has been passed, the voting procedure is closed, as only one resolution may be passed in a topic area. Rule 38: Motion to Reorder Draft Resolutions By default, Draft Resolutions shall be voted upon in the order that they were discussed. However, if a delegate wishes to change the default order of voting, he/she may propose a Motion to Reorder Draft Resolutions. This motion shall be entertained only immediately after closure of debate and before voting has started on any draft resolutions. The procedure for the adoption of this motion is as follows: First, this motion must be formally proposed by a delegate before the Executive Board can start accepting suggestions to reorder the draft resolutions. It must receive a second. If this motion receives the simple majority required to pass, the Chair will take all motions to reorder draft resolutions and order them as per the time when they came to the dais. Voting will continue until either a motion passes, receiving a simple majority, or all of the motions fail. If all the motions fail, then the committee shall proceed to vote on the draft resolutions as per the original order. Only one Motion to Reorder Draft Resolutions is in order in each round of voting procedures. Rule 39: Motion for Division of the Question If a delegate wishes to separate the operative clauses of a draft resolution into multiple sub-parts to be voted on separately, he/she may introduce a Motion for Division of the Question. Preambulatory clauses and sub-operative clauses may not be removed by Division of the Question.
21 AIMUN 2011

AIMUN 2011

RULES OF PROCEDURE

This motion shall be entertained only immediately after closure of debate and before voting has started on any draft resolutions. The procedure for the adoption of this motion is as follows: First, this motion must be formally proposed by a delegate before the Executive Board can start accepting suggestions to divide the question. It must receive a second. The motion can be debated with at most two speakers for and two against. This discussion is followed by an immediate procedural vote. If this motion receives the simple majority required to pass, the Chair will take all motions to divide the question. They shall be prioritized by the Chair in order of most severe change to least severe. The motions shall be then voted upon. Voting will continue until either a motion passes, receiving a simple majority, or all of the motions fail. If a division is passed, then the resolution will be divided accordingly into its sub-parts. Then, a separate procedural vote shall be taken on each divided part to determine which portions remain in the final draft. If all parts are rejected, then the resolution is considered rejected as a whole and is removed from the floor. The parts that are left shall be reconstituted into a final document, which shall be subjected to a substantive vote immediately after. If all Motions for Division of the Question fail, then the resolution remains intact. Rule 40: Motion for Roll Call Vote After debate is closed on any draft resolution, any delegate may propose a Motion for Roll Call Vote. Such a motion may be made from the floor, seconded by 20 percent of the member states present. A motion for a roll call vote is in order only for substantive votes. In a roll call vote, the Rapporteur will call countries in alphabetical order.

22

AIMUN 2011

AIMUN 2011

RULES OF PROCEDURE
In the first sequence, delegates may vote Yes, Yes with Rights, No, No with Rights, Abstain, or Pass. Delegates who vote either Yes with Rights or No with Rights reserve the right to explain his/her vote. A delegate who passes during the first sequence of the roll call must vote during the second sequence. The same delegate may not request the right to explain his/her vote. All delegates who had requested the right of explanation will be granted time to explain their votes. The speaking time will be set at the discretion of the Chair.

23

AIMUN 2011

AIMUN 2011

RULES OF PROCEDURE

APPENDIX A: PRECEDENCE OF MOTIONS


Motions will be considered in the following order of preference. In the case of moderated and un-moderated caucusing, motions for longer caucuses shall be given higher priority: 1. Point of Personal Privilege 2. Point of Order 3. Point of Parliamentary Inquiry 4. Adjournment of the Meeting 5. Suspension of the Meeting 6. Un-moderated Caucusing 7. Moderated Caucusing 8. Introduction of Draft Resolution 9. Introduction of an Amendment 10. Tabling of Debate 12. Closure of Debate At the start of voting procedure, the following points and motions are in order, in the following order of precedence: 1. Point of Personal Privilege 2. Point of Order 3. Point of Parliamentary Inquiry 4. Reordering Draft Resolutions 5. Division of the Question 6. Motion for a Roll Call Vote

24

AIMUN 2011

AIMUN 2011

RULES OF PROCEDURE

APPENDIX B: FLOW OF DEBATE

25

AIMUN 2011

AIMUN 2011

RULES OF PROCEDURE

APPENDIX C: FLOW OF RESOLUTION FORMATION

26

AIMUN 2011

AIMUN 2011

RULES OF PROCEDURE

APPENDIX D: MOTION/POINT REFERENCE TABLES


Name of Motion Establishment of Agenda Open/Reopen the Speakers List Description Used to change the order of discussion of agenda items Used to add delegates to the Speakers List Second? Yes Time of Applicability Beginning of conference Beginning of conference (open), throughout debate (reopen Throughout debate Throughout debate Debatable Yes (3 favor, 3 against) No Majority Required Simple

No

N/A

Set Speaker's Time Suspend Debate

Used to change the time limit of speeches made on the speaker's list Used to temporarily depart from the speaker's list and enter a moderated or un-moderated caucus Used to halt debate on the agenda item currently being discussed (Table). Tabled agenda item can be reintroduced (Resume) Used to end all debate on agenda item and enter voting procedures on all draft resolutions and amendments on floor Used to temporarily suspend the meeting for the purpose of lunch, tea of unofficial breaks Used to end the committee session for the next conference Used to introduce a draft resolution / Amendment

Yes Yes

No No

Simple Simple

Table/Resume Debate

Yes

Closure of Debate

Yes

Suspension of Meeting Adjournment of Meeting Introduce Draft Resolution / Amendment Reorder Draft Resolutions Division of the Question

Yes

When crisis is introduced, when next topic is to be discussed When voting procedures on agenda proposals must begin At designated tea/lunch breaks End of conference Immediately prior to formal discussion on draft resolutions / amendments After closure of debate After closure of debate

Yes (2 favor, 2 against) Yes (2 against)

Two-Thirds

Two-Thirds

No

Simple

Yes No

No No

Simple N/A

Used to change the order in which draft resolutions are voted upon Used to divide the operative clauses in a resolution and vote upon the parts separately to form a new, final document Used to change the voting procedures on substantive matters from placard voting (default) to roll call voting

Yes Yes

No No

Simple Simple

Roll Call Vote

Yes

After closure of debate

No

20% seconds (no formal voting)

27

AIMUN 2011

AIMUN 2011

RULES OF PROCEDURE

Name of Point Point of Personal Privilege Point of Order Point of Parliamentary Inquiry Point of Information

Description Used to address matter of personal discomfort (eg inability to hear speaker, AC temp, break, etc). Used to address procedural or factual error Used to clarify any procedural matter from the Executive Board Used to ask a question to a delegate after his/her speech concludes

Interrupt Speaker? Yes (inadvisable, only when necessary) Yes (inadvisable, only when error is serious) No

Time of Applicability Throughout the conference Throughout the conference Throughout the conference Only after speeches and when recognized by the Chair

No

Miscellaneous Rules/Rights Right of Reply Plea to Follow-up

Description Used to respond to an unwarranted attack on a delegate's personal or national dignity Used to elicit a more satisfactory answer from the speaker after an answer is given to a point of information Used to protest an unfair ruling made by the Chair on an important procedural, substantive or personal matter

Time of Applicability Throughout the conference After the speaker answers the delegate's question Throughout the conference

Appeal to the Chair's Decision

Name of Caucus Moderated

Description Used for the purpose of discussing specific aspects of the agenda in openhouse manner. Used for the purpose of informal interaction among delegates for lobbying and resolution formation

Maximum Length 20 minutes

Requirements from Delegate Purpose of Caucus, Time of Caucus, Speaker's Time Purpose of Caucus, Time of Caucus

No. Extensions One

Un-moderated

20 minutes

Two

28

AIMUN 2011

AIMUN 2011

RULES OF PROCEDURE

APPENDIX E: OPERATIVE/PREAMBULATORY CLAUSES


PREAMBULATORY PHRASES
Affirming Alarmed by Approving Aware of Bearing in mind Believing Confident Contemplating Convinced Declaring Deeply concerned Deeply conscious Deeply convinced Deeply disturbed Deeply regretting Desiring Emphasizing Expecting Expressing its appreciation Expressing its satisfaction Fulfilling Fully alarmed Fully aware Fully believing Further deploring Further recalling Guided by Having adopted Having considered Having considered further Having devoted attention Having examined Having heard Having received Having studied Keeping in mind Noting with deep concern Noting with regret Noting with satisfaction Noting with approval Observing Reaffirming Realizing Recalling Recognizing Referring Seeking Taking into account Taking into consideration Taking note Viewing with appreciation Welcoming

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

29

AIMUN 2011

AIMUN 2011

RULES OF PROCEDURE

APPENDIX F: DRAFT RESOLUTION SAMPLE


Sponsors: Romania, Serbia, United Kingdom Signatories: Brazil, China, Ethiopia, Greece, India, Iran, Myanmar, Spain, Russian Federation, Rwanda Topic: Children in Armed Conflict The UN Childrens Fund Executive Board (UNA-USA 2004) Guided by the Rome Statute adopted in 2002 to establish the ICC to punish international criminals, Declaring that an international system of justice is a sustainable way to solve the global problem of child soldiers at the source, Noting that Rome statute will be open for amendments in July of 2009,

Operative Clauses
1. Urges all members of the United Nations to ratify the Rome Statute and therefore officially join the ICC; 2. Strongly suggests for the following amendments of the Rome Statute to be submitted to the Secretary General of the United Nations: a) make Article 8 b) IV that deals with the loss of life of civilians more comprehensive by specifically mentioning the loss of life of children b) Change Article 8b) XXVI that deals with the use of children under the age of 18 by national armed forces to state that nochild under the age of 16 can, voluntarily or involuntarily, be recruited by national armed forces to participate in armed conflict in any way; 3. Further requests that the following clauses be added to the Rome Statute to make the ICC better equipped to prosecute criminals using children to their advantage in armed conflict; a) A clause stating that for rebel groups and militias to employ child soldiers under the age of 16, even if they joined voluntarily, is a punishable offence b) A clause stating that any person or organization providing weapons or any other support to a national armed force or rebel group employing child soldiers is punishable; 4. Expresses its hope that the countries who are not a party to the ICC will do their absolute best to establish local tribunals to deal with the criminals employing children in armed conflict; 5. Notes that the intention of this resolution is to provide for countries with unstable legal systems or countries who do not feel capable or unwilling to try the criminals on their own; and 6. Decides to remain actively seized on the matter of children in armed conflict and child soldiers.

30

AIMUN 2011

You might also like