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WISCONSIN HIGH SCHOOL MODEL UNITED NATIONS

March 22-23, 2012

Delegate Handbook
SPONSORS
Institute of World Affairs Center for International Education University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

SECRETARIAT
University of Wisconsin Madison and Milwaukee Students

COOPERATING ORGANIZATIONS
UNA-USA Wisconsin Division Wisconsin Governors Commission on the UN

UWM Institute of World Affairs


P.O. Box 413 Milwaukee, WI 53201 www.ModelUN.uwm.edu

December 7, 2011 Dear Delegates and Faculty Advisors:

The 2012 Wisconsin High School Model United Nations (WHSMUN) Secretariat is proud to offer this handbook to assist in your preparations for the upcoming conference. This handbook contains detailed background guides for each subcommittee topic; research and procedural information; primers on the United Nations (UN), European Union (EU), Human Rights Council (HRC) and International Court of Justice (ICJ); as well as other important conference information. Background guides for the Security Council (SC), Historical Security Council (HSC), Council of the European Union (CEU), Human Rights Council (HRC), International Court of Justice (ICJ), and Joint Crisis Committee (JCC) simulations will be sent to participating schools in January 2012. We are pleased to announce that in addition to comprehensive awards, we will continue to give awards for the outstanding position papers. The criteria for these awards can be found in this handbook. If you have any questions about the handbook or need any assistance with conference preparation, please contact Secretary-General Sami Ghani by e-mailing him at wisconsinhighschoolmun@gmail.com. We hope that you will find this handbook helpful in your preparations and look forward to seeing you in March!
Sami Ghani
Secretary-General

Roshni Nedungadi
Director-General

Adriana Viswanatha
Under Secretary-General of Conference Administration

Roger Diehl
Under Secretary-General of Crisis Administration

Grant Bodner
Under Secretary-General of Human Rights Council

Maris Janssen
Under Secretary-General of Legal Council

Joon Hwang and Kimi Lillig


Under Secretary-Generals of Delegate Preparation

Table of Contents
Table of Contents ...................................................................................................................................... 3 WHSMUN Information ............................................................................................................................ 4 ARE YOU READY? ............................................................................................................................. 5 Preparation.......................................................................................................................................... 5 Responsibilities .................................................................................................................................. 5 Knowledge of the UN......................................................................................................................... 6 Conference Procedures and Rules ...................................................................................................... 6 Understanding Your Nation ................................................................................................................ 6 Special Simulation Member States ........................................................................................................ 6 Security Council ................................................................................................................................. 6 Historical Security Council 1956 ....................................................................................................... 7 Human Rights Council ....................................................................................................................... 7 Council of the European Union .......................................................................................................... 7 Tentative Schedule of Events................................................................................................................. 7 Explanation of Events ............................................................................................................................ 8 Conference Information .......................................................................................................................... 10 General Conference Information ......................................................................................................... 10 Number of Delegates ........................................................................................................................ 10 Dress Code ....................................................................................................................................... 10 WHSMUN 2012 Delegate Code of Conduct ....................................................................................11 Conference Staff ............................................................................................................................... 12 Delegate Services ............................................................................................................................. 12 Awards .............................................................................................................................................. 13 Opening Ceremony .............................................................................................................................. 13 Blocs .................................................................................................................................................... 14 Subcommittees ..................................................................................................................................... 14 Main Committees................................................................................................................................. 14 General Assembly Plenary Session ..................................................................................................... 15 Security Council / Historical Security Council ................................................................................... 15 International Court of Justice............................................................................................................... 16 Joint Crisis Committee: Central Intelligence Agency and the (KGB) .......................................................................................................................... 16 Conference Preparation and Research .................................................................................................... 17 Role-Playing ........................................................................................................................................ 17 The Head Delegate .............................................................................................................................. 17 Researching Your Topic ....................................................................................................................... 17 Resources.......................................................................................................................................... 18 Review of the United Nations .......................................................................................................... 20 Review of the International Court of Justice .................................................................................... 23 Human Rights Council ..................................................................................................................... 23 WHSMUN 2012 Topics and Subcommittee Guides ............................................................................... 24 1.1 Prevention of Small Arms and Light Weapons Trafficking ........................................................... 25 1.2 Piracy in Somalia and its Effect on Regional Security .................................................................. 26 1.3 Outer Space Arms Race ................................................................................................................. 27 1.4 Establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the region of the Middle East ........................... 28 1. 5 Cyber Warfare ............................................................................................................................... 29
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2.1 Promoting the Proliferation of Green Technologies ...................................................................... 29 2.2 Improving Fairness on the International Market to Facilitate Growth .......................................... 30 2.3 The International Debt Crisis......................................................................................................... 31 2.4 Improving the International Monetary Fund (IMF)....................................................................... 32 2.5 Micro Financing and the Developing World ................................................................................. 33 3.1 Protection of Human Rights in a War Zone ................................................................................... 34 3.2 Rights to Clean Drinking Water .................................................................................................... 35 3.3 Humanitarian Crisis in Darfur and Sudan and the Violation of International Law ....................... 37 3.4 Ethnic Tensions in China ............................................................................................................... 38 3.5 Displacement of Refugees ............................................................................................................. 39 Position Papers..................................................................................................................................... 40 Resolutions .......................................................................................................................................... 41 Preambulatory Phrases ..................................................................................................................... 41 Operative Clauses ............................................................................................................................. 42 Example of Draft Resolution: The Economics of Global Warming ................................................. 42 Rules and Procedures .............................................................................................................................. 43 Administration and General Conference Rules ................................................................................... 43 Section 1: Administration ................................................................................................................. 43 Section 2: General Rules .................................................................................................................. 44 Section 3: General Assembly (GA) .................................................................................................. 45 Section 4: General Assembly Rules (Points & Motions in Order of Precedence) ........................... 47 Section 5: Main Committees ............................................................................................................ 50 Section 6: Subcommittees ................................................................................................................ 50 Section 7: Security Council (SC) and Historical Security Council (HSC) ...................................... 51 Section 8: Security Council Rules (Points of Procedure and Motions in Order of Precedence) ..... 52 Section 9: Council of the European Union ....................................................................................... 54 Section 10: Council of the European Union Rules........................................................................... 55 Appendices .............................................................................................................................................. 58 Appendix 1: WHSMUN GA Parliamentary Procedure Short Form .................................................... 58 Appendix 2: WHSMUN SC/HSC Parliamentary Procedure Short Form............................................ 59 Appendix 3: WHSMUN CEU Parliamentary Procedure Short Form ................................................. 60 Appendix 4: Qualified Majority Voting (QMV) .................................................................................. 61

WHSMUN Information ARE YOU READY? Preparation


The Wisconsin High School Model United Nations should not be a passive educational experience. If you come to the conference prepared and are actively involved, you learn more and simulations will be more rewarding. Those who are well-prepared will have more influence and will emerge as the conference leaders. All participants will come away with a deeper understanding of world events and international negotiations, but for some WHSMUN can be a life-changing experience. There are many ways to become involved at WHSMUN. If you are a public speaker, or are willing to try, you will have the opportunity to exercise your skills at WHSMUN. If you prefer to work behind the scenes, one on one or with small groups, hammering out a compromise, you will have a place in the resolution-writing process. If you are an organizer, able to bring disparate groups together into a coalition for a single cause; if you are a technician, capable of quickly comprehending meanings of complicated statements; if you are a writeralmost every skill is useful and needed for a successful WHSMUN conference. Please try new things, especially speaking on your issue, however briefly. Newcomers are often surprised by how well they can handle things that they never had the opportunity to try before!

Responsibilities
At WHSMUN, students assume the identities and world-views of diplomats from UN member states. Accurate role-playing and representation is critical to being a successful WHSMUN delegate. Shed your American worldview (except for those representing the US!) and adopt the perspectives of the nation you represent. In all your preparation before the conference and all your activity at the conference, you must think and act like a politician from the nation you represent. Consider the economic and political background of people in your nation. What ideologies do they adhere to? Look at their cultures and religions. What do they value? How does their government reflect this? What does it consider important? Consider, for example, whether a repressive government that consistently denies its citizens basic human rights would actually vote for a resolution supporting womens rights to equal access to education. The more you submerge yourself in the identity of a UN representative from your assigned nation, the more fun you will have participating at WHSMUN. Role-playing is play after all, but it also broadens your understanding of others, an important ingredient of the kind of international cooperation promoted by the real United Nations. Once you have received your country and subcommittee assignments, the first step is to decide who will represent the nation in each subcommittee. Only one delegate may be assigned to each of the delegations subcommittees. Schools assigned to the Security Council and other special simulations will require extra delegates, as those simulations will be running at the same time as subcommittees, main committees, and the General Assembly Plenary session. Set up a time schedule for collecting and reading material that should include the following: general information about the United Nations, background information on your country including social, cultural, economic, and political data; bloc ideologies as derived by other organizations your country may belong to; developing and sharpening communication skills needed for effective participation including writing of resolutions, rules of procedure, and public speaking. Do not rely solely on the information presented in this handbook, as it is not intended to be comprehensive. The most effective diplomats are often generalists. Certainly divide the workload and specialize, but do not go so far that you completely ignore topics in other subcommittees. The Plenary session of the General Assembly involves all members of each delegation, and a broad understanding of all topics will come in handy.
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Knowledge of the UN
Participation in the Model United Nations conference requires background knowledge of how the UN operates, even for those not in a UN body at this conference. The following topics are useful to understand: what powers the UN has, the history of the UNs work, and the purposes and functions of the various organs and related agencies of the UN. Begin this part of your research by reading the primer on the UN in this book. Several publications from the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) are available to delegations as a Model UN Kit and will help you in learning more about the UN. Some helpful publications from this organization include: UN at a Glance, Everyones United Nations, Reference Guide to the United Nations, and A Global Agenda: Issues before the United Nations 2010-2011. To order these publications, write to the Publications Department at UNA-USA, 485 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10017-6104 or call (866) 335-4001. Basic Facts About the United Nations, published by the UN itself, is also a good resource. Although not all delegates are a part of special simulations, we encourage all students to independently understand the purpose, format, powers, and history of these bodies. This handbook has a primer on the ICJ and HRC that contain basic information, but you should also consider doing some additional searching for facts, history, policy, statements and structure of these bodies.

Conference Procedures and Rules


Students preparing for WHSMUN must also understand the program and specific rules of the conference. The WHSMUN handbook is the exclusive source of information to guide you through the procedures of the conference. It has been updated with some minor rule changes and clarifications, as well as new topics. Information from other conferences or from previous WHSMUN experiences may not apply to the current conference. Detailed information about conference rules and parliamentary procedure is found later in this handbook.

Understanding Your Nation


The most important part of your research involves developing a complete and thorough understanding about the nation you represent. Although it is sometimes difficult to obtain policy statements or voting records on some issues, do not despair! After completing the background research on your country, you will already have a fairly good idea of many of its positions. Membership in international organizations, possession or lack of certain resources, and political, social, economic, and cultural data all provide excellent information from which to infer policy stances. After reflecting upon these materials, you will find that it is relatively easy to discern a countrys international political views. Become an Expert on Your Subcommittee Topic or Special Committee Areas of Concern Finally, you must become familiar with the topic of your selected subcommittee, because this is the subject that you will spend the most time discussing at the conference. In addition to research on your subcommittee topic, you will also have to draw upon all the other areas that you prepared, such as the structure and operation of the UN and your nations foreign policy goals and objectives. Dont forget to familiarize yourself with the other topics in your Main Committee so that you can fruitfully debate all other resolutions (in addition to your Subcommittees) once in session.

Special Simulation Member States Security Council


Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, China, Colombia, France, Gabon, Germany, India, Lebanon, Nigeria, Portugal, Russian Federation, South Africa, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America,

Historical Security Council 1956


Australia, Belgium, China, Cuba, France, Islamic Republic of Iran, Peru, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Yugoslavia

Human Rights Council


Angola, Argentina, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chile, China, Cuba, Djibouti, Ecuador, France, Gabon, Ghana, Guatemala, Hungary, Japan, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Slovakia, Spain, South Korea (Republic of Korea), Switzerland, Thailand, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Zambia

Council of the European Union


Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom

Tentative Schedule of Events ThursdayMarch 22, 2012


8:30 AM 9:00 10:15 1:30 PM 2:30 5:00 5:15 7:00 8:15 10:00 10:30 Registration begins Opening Ceremonies Subcommittee Meetings Commence, Special Committees Commence Lunch Main Committees Commence, Special Committees Resume Break Main Committees Resume, Special Committees Resume Dinner Delegates Dance Dance EndsAssemble to Board Buses Buses Depart for Doubletree Hotel (with staff supervision)

FridayMarch 23, 2012


7:00 AM 7:45 Assemble to Board Buses Buses Begin to Depart from the Doubletree Hotel
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8:30 11:30

General Assembly Convenes, Special Committees Resume Lunch Faculty Evaluation Session General Assembly Reconvenes, Special Committees Resume SC, HSC, CEU, ICJ, HRC, and JCC Meetings Adjourn (report to GA Chambers) SC, HSC, CEU, ICJ, HRC, and JCC Reports Closing Ceremonies

1:00 PM 2:30 2:40 3:00

Explanation of Events ThursdayMarch 22, 2012 8:30 AM Registration


As schools arrive at the UW-Milwaukee (UWM) Student Union, advisors will register their delegations. Delegates will receive information packets and will take their seats in the General Assembly.

9:00 AM

Opening Ceremonies

Representatives of UW-Madison, UWM, and the Institute of World Affairs will give opening remarks followed by the keynote speaker. Up to three delegates, representing different world regions, will then be given the opportunity to make opening statements. Statements will be limited to five minutes and should express the viewpoint of the country represented. Lastly, the Secretary-General will address the General Assembly.

10:15 AM Subcommittee Meetings, Special Committee Meetings


All delegates not in the special simulations (SC, HSC, CEU, ICJ, HRC and JCC) should report to their assigned subcommittee meetings. Each delegation will be assigned to 6 of 15 subcommittees. Accordingly, each delegate will have a subcommittee to attend and a subcommittee topic on which to prepare a position paper. Delegations are allowed to send only one delegate to each subcommittee. To ensure a successful simulation of the United Nations processes, delegates must accurately represent their nations and attempt to work out problems diplomatically. Delegations must submit one position paper for each of their assigned subcommittees. Papers must be received by March 2, 2012. At WHSMUN, each subcommittee will write one draft resolution on its topic. The SecretaryGeneral will determine specific procedures for subcommittees, each to be conducted by an assigned staff member.

Crisis Committee Sessions: SC, HSC, and CEU


The Security Council (SC), the Historical Security Council (HSC), and the Council of the European Union (CEU) will meet to address their agenda as well as any developing international crises. Delegations will receive crisis information throughout the simulation via the Secretariat.
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The SC and HSC may request the presence of non-SC/HSC delegations, which will be role-played by the Secretariat.

International Court of Justice Meeting


The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will begin session at this time. The first meeting will include an overview of rules and important information before cases are presented. Students will then assume the roles of justices. Members of the Secretariat will be presenting the case(s) and will facilitate deliberations.

Human Rights Council


The Human Rights Council (HRC) will also begin session at this time. Joint Crisis Committee The Joint Crisis Committee (JCC) will also begin session at this time.

1:30 PM

Lunch Break

Delegates should take advantage of this valuable opportunity to caucus with fellow delegates while enjoying lunch in the UWM Student Union or at a nearby restaurant. At the United Nations, diplomacy is often conducted best in the Delegate Lounge between official meetings. WHSMUN delegates may even want to plan meetings over lunch with members of their committees.

2:30 PM

Main Committee Meetings Commence, Special Committee Meetings Resume

The Main Committees will consider the resolutions drafted in their respective subcommittees. Each Main Committee will debate, amend, and either pass or reject each subcommittees resolution. Those draft resolutions that are passed will be placed on the General Assemblys agenda as amended. SC, HSC, CEU, ICJ, HRC, and JCC Meetings resume as well.

5:00 PM 5:15 PM 7:00 PM 8:15 PM

Break Main Committees, Special Committees Resume Dinner and Diplomacy Evening Activities

During this break, delegates may wish to caucus once again.

Enjoy a night of activities with your fellow delegates hosted by the Secretariat. Optional activities include a delegate dance and recreational activities within the UWM Student Union.

10:30 PM

Buses Depart from UWM

Buses will leave the UWM Student Union, bound for the Doubletree Hotel, under Secretariat supervision. Delegates should assemble in lines for their designated bus by 10:15 PM.

FridayMarch 23, 2012 7:15 AM Buses Begin to Depart from Doubletree Hotel
Buses will leave the Doubletree Hotel, bound for the UWM Student Union, under Secretariat supervision. Delegates should assemble in lines for their designated bus by 7:00 AM.

8:30 AM

General Assembly Plenary Convenes, Special Committees Resume


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Resolutions passed in the Main Committees will be discussed, possibly amended, and put to a vote in the General Assembly Plenary. All delegates who were assigned to a subcommittee must be in attendance. The SC, HSC, CEU, ICJ, HRC and JCC will continue their sessions until lunch. .

11:30 AM Lunch, Faculty Evaluation Session


All faculty advisors are invited to meet in the UWM Student Union (room to be announced at conference) for lunch and a discussion of the conference.

1:00 PM 2:40 PM

General Assembly Plenary, Special Committees Resume Special Committees to General Assembly

This is the final session for each of the special committees.

All delegates from the SC, HSC, CEU, ICJ, HRC, and JCC should report to the General Assembly. Representatives of each body will present a progress report on their work to the General Assembly.

3:00 PM

Closing Ceremonies

The Secretary-General will offer closing remarks and distribute awards. The General Assembly will then end its session for the year.

Conference Information General Conference Information Number of Delegates


WHSMUN provides an engaging and educational experience for as many delegations as possible. In an effort to increase and diversify the conference, we have to limit the number of delegations per school and delegation sizes. The minimum size of any delegation is three students. The maximum size shall be six delegates for delegations not assigned to a special simulation. Additional delegates will be required for delegations assigned to the Security Council (2), Historical Security Council (2), Council of the European Union (1-2), International Court of Justice (1), Human Rights Council (1), and Joint Crisis Committee (1). Delegations cannot exceed the maximum number. The guidelines are important both due to the desire to maintain optimal diversity of delegations and due to space limitations at the UWM conference facilities.

Dress Code
Delegates will be expected to dress in professional (Western) business attire for all WHSMUN meetings. This means jackets and ties for young men and dresses or suits for young women. No jeans, casual wear, or attire traditional to the country they are representing are permitted. Delegates presenting themselves in military attire will not be permitted to participate. If students are dressed inappropriately, the staff will discuss the situation with the student and faculty advisor. Students will be asked to change, or under serious circumstances, will not be permitted to participate. Please also note that in accordance with official UN rules, overt national symbols are not permitted at WHSMUN. This means that delegates may not wear pins of their national flag, bring in flags, or decorate their placards with national symbols.

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WHSMUN 2012 Delegate Code of Conduct General Courtesy


Delegates are expected to conduct themselves in a manner reflective of international diplomats at all times. This means every courtesy, both in speech and in behavior, should be extended to all delegates, faculty members, and conference staff. The importance of both proper attire and behavior befitting of diplomats cannot be stressed enough. Delegates are expected to take their roles seriously.

Badges
All delegates must wear their names badges at all times. This allows other delegates and staff to quickly recognize who you are and which nation you represent. Name badges serve as your credentials as a UN delegate. Badges are color-coded. Certain areas of the conference are off limits to those not wearing a staff badge. Dark Blue: Senior Staff Blue: Staff Yellow: Faculty White: Delegate

Placards
In the General Assembly, a placard with the country name of each delegation will be placed at the delegations group of seats. These are the property of WHSMUN and must not be defaced or damaged. Please be good environmental stewards and leave the placards in reusable condition. Leave placards on their assigned tables throughout the course of the conference. Delegations caught using placards for nations of which they are not assigned will have that placard confiscated and will be dismissed from the conference. Schools will be billed for careless damage to placards.

General Assembly Page Service


Members of the staff will act as pages to circulate notes during the General Assembly session so as to ease communication between delegations. All correspondence must be through the pages. This privilege is not to be abused. Notes that are inappropriate or irrelevant to the agenda of the General Assembly will not be delivered, and disciplinary action may be taken. The Secretary-General reserves the right to discontinue use of the page service.

Prohibited Items
During ALL SESSIONS, no mobile phones, games, drawing, music players, newspapers, magazines, or other diversions (at the discretion of the Secretariat) will be tolerated. The staff will confiscate such items for the remainder of the conference, and the students faculty advisor will be informed. Delegates may be dismissed from any WHSMUN meeting if the rules of conduct are not observed.

Illegal Substances
The consumption, purchase, transport, and possession of illegal drugs or alcohol are strictly prohibited during the conference and conference events, including during evening activities and at the hotel. Delegates who appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol at any time during WHSMUN or any affiliated activity will be removed from the conference and their faculty advisors notified.

Hotel Behavior
Out of respect to fellow delegates and other hotel guests, noise in the halls and rooms of the hotels should be kept to a minimum. Conference staff will work in close contact with hotel security and faculty advisors to ensure the enforcement of quiet hours. At midnight delegates should be in their rooms with doors closed. Conversation and caucusing will be permitted as long as conversation is not audible outside of individual rooms. If the hotel security or conference staff feel the caucusing privilege is being abused in any way, delegates will be asked to return to their own rooms immediately.

Safety
To ensure your safety, please notify your faculty advisor if you leave the hotel premises during evening free
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time. Furthermore, if you decide to leave the hotel, be sure to travel in groups of no fewer than three people. The safety of the delegates is of the utmost importance to WHSMUN staff. Should you ever feel unsafe, please inform your faculty advisor or a staff member immediately.

Promptness
The conference runs on a very tight schedule. Please be considerate to other delegates and be on time to all meetings. Committees will start promptly according to schedule. The presence of each delegation is extremely important to debates and voting. Role call will be taken at the beginning of each session.

Respect
WHSMUN does not tolerate harassment or inappropriate behavior toward other delegates or staff members. Please remember that proper diplomatic decorum is appropriate during the conference and common courtesy is expected during all free time activities. Delegates are asked to remember that they are a representative of WHSMUN, their schools, and themselves. Delegates should ensure that they are in compliance at all times with the rules and regulations of UWM, the hotel, and the WHSMUN conference.

Concerns/Suggestions
Please inform either a member of the Secretariat or your faculty advisor of any problems or suggestions that you have at any time during the conference.

Disciplinary Action
Please understand that should you violate any of the terms of the above code of conduct, you may be subject to disciplinary action including dismissal from WHSMUN and all conference activities without financial compensation and up to a year suspension for your school. Furthermore, in extreme cases, disciplinary or legal action may be taken against any delegate by the conference staff, the hotel, faculty advisors and the Milwaukee Police.

Universality
Please note that all conference participants are bound, through their agreement to partake as a delegation, to uphold in good faith the principles, rules, and regulations of the WHSMUN code of conduct.

Conference Staff
The WHSMUN staff is composed of University of Wisconsin-Madison and Milwaukee students. All have experience in Model United Nations (MUN) and in the areas of international relations and diplomacy, but the degree of experience varies among the staff. Each staff member has been trained by the Senior Staff. The staff serves as the Secretariat, which supervises all activities and simulations at the conference. They work as committee chairs, rapporteurs, delegate services officers, and pages. Any seniors wishing to participate as a staff member in next years WHSMUN should speak to their committee chair for information. We are always seeking new people to help run the conference and make it a success in the future. For more information after the conference, email this years Secretary-General, Charlotte Stein, at wisconsinhighschoolmun@gmail.com.

Delegate Services
The Delegate Services room will be located within the Student Union. WHSMUN staff will be available to answer questions about procedures, like amendments, replace name badges, provide directions to rooms, and assist you with other information about the conference such as research questions.

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Awards
While awards are an attempt at a formalistic measure of pre-conference preparation and conference performance, there is much more to the MUN experience than winning awards. WHSMUN is not a contest; rather, it is a means of providing participants with an introduction to international issues, foreign policy, consensus building, negotiation, conflict resolution and the United Nations. WHSMUN delegates should not be motivated by the prospects of winning an award alone. Instead, an award should come as a pleasant surprise for an overall wellprepared and well-executed work at the conference. At WHSMUN, there are two types of awards: position paper awards and comprehensive awards. There will be one position paper award for each subcommittee. To be considered for recognition, papers must be received by March 2, 2012. Papers will be judged primarily on the clarity of the information presented and the consistency of the position with the countrys actual policy. Use of proper spelling and grammar and overall quality of writing will be factored into award calculations. The second type of award is the comprehensive award. These awards are designed to take into account the overall performance of delegations throughout the two days of the conference. Actions in subcommittees, main committees, and the General Assembly will count toward this award. Awards are given to an entire delegation based on the performance of its delegates throughout the conference. For example, if the delegate from Nigeria does extremely well in his/her particular subcommittee by actively participating in debate and resolution writing, but the rest of his/her delegation performs at a lower level; it is unlikely that the Nigerian delegation will earn a comprehensive award. Delegations with consistent performance in each subcommittee will have a much better chance. Comprehensive awards are solely based on the voting of fellow delegates, and not of Secretariat members. Ballots will be distributed to delegates in committees, where they will vote on award winners. However, violation of any conference rule may render a delegation ineligible for an award, at the discretion of the Secretary-General. There are a total of three outstanding delegation awards in the General Assembly. For those delegates in the SC, HSC, CEU, ICJ, HRC, and JCC two awards will be given on an individual committee basis, one for most accurate diplomatic portrayal of a country and another for exceptional research and position paper. Performance in these committees will not affect the ability to earn a comprehensive award.

Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony is the first meeting of the conference. At this time, up to three pre-selected delegates will give speeches representing their country. Delegates will be selected from different world regions to make opening remarks. The statements are strictly limited to five minutes in length and generally should represent sentiments of the country and region being represented, emphasizing important issues and expressing their hopes for what will be accomplished at WHSMUN. Delegations wishing to make opening remarks should submit a letter explaining why their nation should be given the opportunity speak at the opening session, and briefly outline what they would like to say. Again, these opening speeches should respect the rules of diplomatic language and conduct. It is important that material contained in a representatives speech accurately reflects the beliefs and views of their home government, as well as sentiments for productive diplomacy and global cooperation. These requests are due by March 2, 2012 addressed to: UWM Institute of World Affairs, Attn: Dina Wolf, WHSMUN Coordinator, Center for International Education, P.O. Box 413, Milwaukee, WI 53201 The Secretariat will announce delegations that have been selected prior to the conference.

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Blocs
In the past, WHSMUN has scheduled bloc meetings as a preparation for subcommittee meetings. Though bloc meetings have been eliminated from WHSMUN, it is extremely useful to know which other countries share your foreign policy goals. In subcommittee and, later, in main committee sessions, it may be useful to find these delegations and compare ideas for resolution writing. Blocs can be defined by geographical proximity, membership in regional organizations like the African Union (AU), European Union (EU) and Arab League, or shared cultural, political, or economic goals.

Subcommittees
The subcommittees are smaller groups of delegates, between 25 and 45 students, who discuss specific topic areas. The meetings are run informally and the discussion is in depth. Due to the small group interaction, delegates find that subcommittees are often the most productive and enjoyable sessions of the conference. Each delegation will be assigned to six subcommittees (two in each main committee) and may only send one delegate to each meeting. Please make sure that students know all of the subcommittees to which your delegation has been assigned. Delegates will not be allowed to change subcommittees once at the conference. Delegates should try to become familiar with all aspects of their subcommittee topics in their pre-conference research. Collect useful facts and statistics, and become an expert on the topic. Determine your nations comprehensive position on the topic. Write a position paper that reflects your nations views and concerns. Background guides for all subcommittee topics as well as position paper guidelines and tips for research are found later in the handbook. Delegates must submit a position paper on their topic by March 2, 2012. A great deal of work goes into distributing the position papers before the conference so please make sure you submit your position papers on time! In each subcommittee, delegates will discuss and debate the topic at length, working towards a resolution. Each subcommittee will report to its Main Committee during the Monday afternoon session. These Main Committees will consider the subcommittee resolutions. Those that are passed in the Main Committee will be reviewed by the secretariat and eventually placed on the General Assembly agenda for Tuesday. In your preparation, do not neglect the other topics that will be considered at the conference. Develop an understanding about the research your fellow delegates are doing. Participate in your delegations discussion and strategy sessions. After the subcommittee meetings are over, you will participate in the Main Committee and the General Assembly sessions, so be prepared to discuss topics other than your own. This general understanding is absolutely essential for a productive session in your Main Committee.

Main Committees
The General Assembly meets on Thursday in the form of Subcommittees and Main Committees. These committees join together to form the General Assembly Plenary Session on Friday. The First Committee (Disarmament and International Security), Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural), and Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) all begin by considering the draft resolutions presented by their subcommittees. Resolutions passed by the Main Committees are submitted to the GA Plenary Session for final consideration. In preparing for the Main Committees, delegates should review the revised edition of parliamentary procedure that is featured at the end of the handbook.

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General Assembly Plenary Session


The final step in the resolution adoption process is the General Assembly (GA). The GA meets for this purpose on Friday. The agenda consists of all the resolutions that are passed by the Main Committees. The GA allows each delegation the opportunity to debate and vote on each resolution. To get through as many resolutions as possible, a time limit is set for all speakers and may be revised with the appropriate motions. The GA also gives delegations one final chance to amend resolutions. To propose an amendment, it must be written neatly on an official WHSMUN amendment form, must bear the signatures of 15 delegations, and must be presented to the Dais of the GA. Once the amendment has been presented to the Dais and approved, it may be brought to the floor. Caucusing and other talking in the GA room can cause disruption and make the efficient operation of the meeting extremely difficult. Delegates are asked to keep their discussion quiet and relocate either to the back of the room or to the outer corridor. The WHSMUN staff also provides caucus rooms for blocs upon request. Delegates may call for a suspension of the meeting, if they feel a break is needed to plan strategies with other nations. Please maintain diplomatic decorum in the General Assembly at all times.

Security Council / Historical Security Council


Please read this section even if you are not assigned a Security Council/Historical Security Council nation. It concerns all delegations. During the opening ceremony on Thursday morning, the Secretary-General (SG) will announce an international crisis. The SG calls the crisis to the attention of the Security Council (SC) /Historical Security Council (HSC), which will meet separately in emergency sessions to address the issues. As the SC and HSC simulations run the full length of the conference, delegates participating in this simulation will not be assigned to a Subcommittee, Main Committee, or to the Plenary Session of the General Assembly. In January, the Secretariat will inform the delegations of several possible threats to international peace and security for the SC and HSC in the background guides for these simulations. The WHSMUN crisis evolves from one or more of these possible threats. Prepare by determining what your reaction might be to a crisis in each of the areas identified and consider what the UN could do to resolve the crisis. The Security Councils will meet for the full duration of the conference. SC and HSC nations should prepare position papers on the possible crisis areas, no more than one paragraph in length per topic.

Council of the European Union


After the opening ceremony is completed Thursday morning, the Council of the European Union (CEU) will meet to discuss the issues on the agenda. This unique simulation is a way to understand both the growing importance of regional organizations and the radically different European Union that has existed since several formerly socialist states joined in 2004. The expansion of the EU, as well as its growing political clout on the world stage has been accompanied by internal divisions within the EU member states. Only through skilled diplomacy will the complex issues of this simulation be dealt with successfully. The CEU simulation will attempt to be not only unique in substance from other parts of the WHSMUN conference, but in the style and format as well. An independent parliamentary procedure will be used to ensure both debate and civility, and the unique format of CEU voting procedure will hopefully provide new challenges to diplomacy. The CEU delegates will meet together for the duration of the conference, and will not participate in subcommittees, main committees, or the plenary session of the General Assembly. CEU delegates should also have a thorough knowledge of the CEU parliamentary procedure to be used in the simulation detailed in the back of this handbook.
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CEU delegations should have position papers of no more than one paragraph per issue submitted to WHSMUN by March 2, 2012.

International Court of Justice


The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will also run for the entire two days, beginning after the opening ceremonies. Students taking part in the simulation will not be representing a country, but will instead be acting as independent justices. These students will not take part in subcommittees, main committees, or the GA Plenary session. In the ICJ, students will hear two to three cases presented by the WHSMUN staff. As justices, they will hear both sides of the case, and then will deliberate. They will work together to write a court opinion. This is a smaller simulation, with between five and fifteen students participating. Each school has the opportunity to select one student to participate in the ICJ. Students chosen to be part of the ICJ simulation will receive background guides for the cases in January. The structure of ICJ is less formal than some of the other committees, particularly when deliberating the case, and is most closely related to subcommittees in this regard. This simulation is relatively new to WHSMUN and it will be a learning experience. More information and a background guide will be available and provided to participating schools on January 31, 2012. We encourage you to read the primer, found on page 26. Students selected to be on the ICJ will be asked to do some research on the cases and prepare a summary and analysis of their research in a preliminary justice report to be submitted to WHSMUN by March 2, 2012.

Joint Crisis Committee: Central Intelligence Agency and the (KGB)


The intention behind this committee is to allow students a fast paced and unique perspective into two of the worlds greatest intelligence gathering organizations. Members will be selected by advisors to participate. Roles will be assigned randomly by WHSMUN staff, and will focus on positions within the intelligence community, such as Directors of Electronic Intelligence, CounterTerrorism, Human Intelligence, Gathering, etc Background guides will contain detailed explanations of each committee to ensure that students will be fully comfortable and prepared for their position. Each committee meets separately, but interacts via a Liaison Position, which will be assigned to one of the students. They will receive many of the same missions/crises, but due to the nature of their relationship they will approach them from different sides. A sample crisis will involve formatting a mission to recover intelligence from a hostile territory. Participants will need to work together to gather intelligence, draft a directive to send operatives to the area, and react to the results. Though there will be competition of sorts between the committees throughout the conference, the final day will see the two groups meet together in an unprecedented joint crisis, putting aside their differences to work together against a common enemy. Multimedia will be an important aspect of this committee, with delegates receiving both in person updates from the crisis room, as well as TV reports of information leaks or important media coverage of their actions. Overall, these committees will involve about 12 delegates each, and will offer a fantastic perspective into a different aspect of international relations. It will allow students who will like a unique challenge to experience something totally new at this years WHSMUN.
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Conference Preparation and Research Role-Playing


WHSMUN is primarily an exercise in role-playing. Students assume the identities of diplomats from member states of the UN. It is important that delegates shed their American bias to the greatest extent possible. Keep in mind that when voting, students should make an effort to vote according to their countrys position on an issue and not their personal beliefs. The more you submerge yourself in the identity of a UN delegate from your assigned nation, the more fun you will have and the more insight you will gain by participating in WHSMUN. At the same time, do not become frustrated that you are unable to exactly duplicate the role of UN delegates or know everything there is to know on certain issues. WHSMUN delegates should remain aware that it is only a simulation, and that not everything that occurs actually replicates the real UN. Delegates in the UN may have days, weeks, or months to prepare for debates on issues, while the time and resources of WHSMUN delegates are limited. Real UN delegates often make lengthy prepared speeches and caucus for several days with others. WHSMUN runs only for two days; quick compromises must be worked out and speeches given with minimal preparation. When actions taken at the conference do not directly mimic those of the actual UN, try to make the best of fastpaced simulations. Their purpose is to enable learning about the UN and to practice skills that will benefit you later. If everyone prepares to represent their country accurately, all will go well.

The Head Delegate


Each delegation at WHSMUN should select one person on the delegation to act as the head delegate. This person acts as the coordinator and in some instances, the final decision-maker. Usually this person is the most experienced delegate representing the nation. The head delegate helps your nation to maintain a coherent policy on similar issues that may arise in the different simulations. Other delegates should keep in close contact with the head delegate throughout the conference. The head delegate has the important task of coordinating and supervising the activity of all delegates from a particular nations delegation. The head delegate should have a good grasp of everything the others in the delegation have done and should know who on the delegation is most familiar with each topic. Other delegates, rather than going to staff or an advisor, will often come to the head delegate when they have a question on an issue or resolution. Head delegates should also be familiar with all aspects of the conference and the special rules of the conference. This facilitates their planning of the delegations strategy on particular issues. The head delegate may sit on any committee at WHSMUN. The head delegate, however, should also be assigned to a subcommittee, Security Council, Council of the European Union, or Historical Security Council.

Researching Your Topic


In order to ensure proper preparation for the conference, each delegate should find and research the following five items: 1) Brief history of your subcommittee or special committee topic In order to write a comprehensive position paper and prepare yourself for committee, you must reach a broad
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understanding of your issue, especially as it pertains to your country. 2) Brief summary of your countrys foreign policy and history Know the international organizations (especially regional entities like the African Union or the Organization for American States) to which your country is a member. Often, countries in these organizations have shared interests and can serve as great diplomatic allies at the conference. 3) Important documents and organizations related to your topic In order to create purposeful and efficient resolutions, you must find out how the United Nations has acted on your particular topic in the past. Look for organizations, programs, or other UN bodies that could be extended, changed, eliminated, or replaced. Moreover, you do not want to re-write an existing resolution; innovation is essential. 4) Your countrys reaction to existing UN resolutions You should understand your countrys position on previous UN resolutions. It is not necessary to research every vote your country has made; simply apply what you have already learned about your countrys general foreign policy (see step #2) to important resolutions and create an educated and accurate position. 5) Recent Developments on your Topic, both Domestic and International Read the newspaper! Keep up-to-date on substantial occurrences affecting your country and the international community. Foreign policy and international relationships can change very quickly.

Resources
The United Nations Foundation has designed an excellent up-to-date news service about the UN that you will find helpful in preparing your research (www.unfoundation.org). Other good resources to consult include The New York Times (www.nytimes.com), The Wall Street Journal (www.wallstreetjournal.com), The Washington Post (www.washingtonpost.com/), The Christian Science Monitor (www.csmonitor.com/), The Economist (www.economist.com), Foreign Affairs (www.foreignaffairs.org/), the CIA World Fact Book (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html). For more specific information about the UN, you should consult A Global Agenda: Issues before the United Nations 2010-2011, the InterDependent (both by UNA-USA), and the UN Monthly Chronicle. Your school or community librarian should be able to assist you with the UN document searches of subcommittee topics. Current GA resolutions and documents are easiest to locate on-line at http://www.un.org/en/ga/64/agenda/index.shtml. The Public Inquiries Unit of the UN will send upon request a Model UN Kit, which provides general information. You may also request particular information or resolutions on any issue the UN is currently addressing. Mail your request to: Public Inquiries Unit, UN Department of Public Information, United Nations, New York, New York 10017 or call (212) 963-4475. One of the best sources for carrying out Model UN research in recent years is the Internet. Ask your school librarian to help you conduct research on the computer.

United Nations Research:


United Nations Issues on the Agenda http://www.un.org/issues/ United Nations Cyber School Bus (Model UN Discussion Area) http://cyberschoolbus.un.org/modelun/index.asp United Nations Association of the United States http://www.unausa.org
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United Nations Foundation www.unfoundation.org

World Research Information:


CIA World Fact book https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/ US Department of State http://www.state.gov The Electronic Embassy http://www.embassy.org

Regional/Intergovernmental Organizations:
Organization of American States http://www.oas.org African Union http://www.africa-union.org Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) http://www.aseansec.org European Union (EU) http://europa.eu/index_en.htm Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) http://www.osce.org The Commonwealth http://www.thecommonwealth.org/ The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) http://caricom.org/ South African Development Community (SADC) http://www.sadc.int/ South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) http://www.saarc-sec.org/

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Review of the United Nations


The creation of the United Nations in October of 1945 marked, not the first noble effort at saving succeeding generations from the scourge of war, but rather the transcendence and evolution of mans continual struggle for peace throughout history: toils formerly confronted by those few who dreamt of international relations in the form of an organization or association of states. The first such organization, The European Concert, was established following the Napoleonic wars to prevent wars of conquest. Following the First World War, still decades before the founding of the United Nations, a group of victorious generals and statesmen met as delegates of their respective Allied states at the 1919 Paris Peace Conference with a common goal of providing a lasting era of peace, not only for their own people, but for the world. After long days of work at the conference, a committee headed by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson and including delegates from the British Empire, France, Poland, and Greece met to draft the covenant of the League of Nations. The ideals embodied in the covenant, many drawn from Wilsons famous Fourteen Points, included collective security, arbitration, economic and social cooperation, arms reduction, and open diplomacy. Although the United States Senate would not approve the covenant without it being amended, President Wilson refused to negotiate on its terms, provisions, or wording, making the United States, whom originally strove for its implementation, the first to abandon it. Subsequently, the covenant of the League of Nations took effect as an essential component of the Treaty of Versailles on April 28, 1919, without American support. While the League lacked no abundance of bold speakers in favor of peace, arms reduction, and negotiation, it appeared that they were willing to offer little more than lofty speeches. The Leagues existence was marred by a chronic inability to enforce its resolutions. States that disagreed with the Leagues decisions merely withdrew and suffered virtually no consequences. After failing to prevent World War II, its chief objective, the League met for the final time in Geneva on April 18, 1946. The League of Nations, in its final act, formally dissolved itself and resolved to transfer all of its assets to its successor, the United Nations. Well before the dissolution of the League in 1946, the international community resolved to continue its search for an organization that could better insure the implementation of its ideals of peace and the prevention of war. In 1944, following a conference in Tehran, the international community took the most concrete action to-date toward the formation of the United Nations at Dumbarton Oaks in Washington D.C. The conference took place in two phases and included representatives from the USSR, UK, US, and China. The representatives focused primarily on the purposes and principle organization of the body. Their work spanned proposals on membership, the organizations main organs, and arrangements for the maintenance of peace and security, including the establishment of a security council. These issues carried over to the February 1945 conference at Yalta where the delegates settled unresolved issues of the Dumbarton Oaks Conference and set a date for a Conference of United Nations that was to be held in San Francisco on the 25th of April, 1945. In late April, delegates from 50 countries converged in San Francisco to create, based on the deliberations of the Dumbarton Oaks and Yalta conferences, a charter for their new international organization. On October 31st, 1945, ratification of the Charter by the majority of the delegates, including the US, USSR, UK, France, and China, brought into force the United Nations. The United Nations Charter establishes the United Nations with the intentions of practicing toleranceliving together in peace, uniting strength to ensure peace through collective security, ensuring that armed force not be used, save in the common interest, and promoting economic and social advancement of all peoples. Its highreaching goals, as stated in the preamble, incorporate [promoting] social progressestablishing respect for the obligations arising from treaties, reaffirming faith in fundamental human rights and human equality, and chiefly, the prevention of another world war. Chapter one of the Charter outlines several principles imitating the ideals set forth by the League, including, among numerous others, both the notion of collective security and the principle of sovereign equality. Collective security relies on the united action of the many peace-loving states to ensure effective prevention of threats to their peace. Article two states that the Organization is based on the principle of sovereign equality,
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meaning simply that the equality of all states is respected in the UN. Every state, regardless of stature, size, economy, religious affiliation, or political history, shares the same privileges and responsibilities set forth in the charter. Furthermore, as exemplified in the voting procedures of the General Assembly, the voice of each state in all matters of relevance is weighted equally and without bias. Also key is the Charters specification of the UN as a center for harmonizing the actions of nations in the attainment of [their] common ends, a luxury not previously enjoyed by members of the international community. Another important aspect of the Charter, as stated in its second article, is its provision for the respect of state sovereignty in domestic issues. The 13 articles of the 7th chapter of the Charter provide possibly the greatest advancement from the Leagues subjection. These articles deal with actions to be taken by the organization in the case of a situation the Security Council may deem a threat to peace or an act of aggression. Should the SC identify such a situation, the United Nations, under the authority of chapter 7 retains the power to act either with force or through the interruption of economic relations to restore international peace. Much of the UNs peace enforcement success has come through the Security Councils successful implementation of the articles of chapter 7. A complete text version of the United Nations Charter may be viewed online at http://www.un.org/aboutun/charter/index.html. As specified in the charter, the United Nations is composed of six principle organs, the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the Secretariat, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and the Trusteeship Council, which is now defunct. The largest of these organs, the General Assembly, is comprised of representatives of each member nation and is tasked with dialogue and debate on any matters within the scope of the Charter and may make recommendations as to possible resolutions for such matters. Questions considered by the Assembly range from maintenance of international security to promoting cooperation among developing nations to the UNs finances and budget. With the exception of certain important issues, voting procedures in the General Assembly require a simple majority to pass, embodying the principle of sovereign equality and making the GA the UNs most democratic organ. To maintain order and efficiency within the GA, it has organized itself into six main committees, including the GA plenary, the 1st Committee (Political and Security), 2nd Committee (Economic and Financial), 3rd (Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural), 4th (Special Political and Decolonization), 5th (Administrative and Budgetary), and the 6th Committee (Legal). These committees meet to make recommendations to be approved in the General Assembly Plenary sessions. Undoubtedly the most notable organ of the UN is the Security Council, composed of the 5 permanent members (P5) China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, and the United States along with ten, GA-elected, non-permanent members who hold two-year terms. The permanent members of the SC possess a permanent veto over substantive motions, meaning the assent or abstention of all the P5 members is almost always necessary for the adoption of substantive matters. The SC is delegated with the responsibility of insuring the maintenance of international peace and security and is the only organ with the authority to act on what it determines to be a threat to security or act of aggression. Along with its enforcement authority comes several other important functions including making recommendations for the selection of the Secretary General, annual reports to the GA, and electing the judges of the ICJ. ECOSOC, the Economic and Social Council is a 54 member body whose representatives are elected to a rotating 3 year term under which new members replace retiring associate members every year. ECOSOC is accountable for, as its name implies, the economic and social activities of the UN including initiating studies and reports ranging from economic, social, cultural, educational, and health issues. The ECOSOC, much like the GA, works through six subsidiary committees: Statistical, Population, Social Development, Human Rights, and Status of Women, and Narcotic Drugs. The charter also specifies provisions for consultation of ECOSOC with nongovernmental organizations that specialize in specific topics of interest to the council. The Secretariat, led by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, is charged with managing the varied day-today tasks of the organization. From coordinating peacekeeping and enforcement operations along with scheduling international forums and conferences on pertinent issues of international concern to translating documents into the official languages of the UN, the Secretariat comprises an enormous staff of nearly 9,000
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international civil servants and incorporates the broadest range of responsibilities in the UN. The only principle organ to be headquartered in The Hague is the International Court of Justice whose permanent seat is located at the Peace Palace in The Netherlands. The primary judicial organ of the United Nations serves as the chief settlement body of disputes among states. The court can also advise international organizations on questions and legal issues submitted by the former. Consisting of 15 Justices, selected by the GA and Security Council to 9-year terms, the judges act as independent magistrates and are not biased by the government of their home state. As is the case with most UN bodies, states brought before the ICJ may only be subject to its jurisdiction upon their prior submission. The sixth and final primary organ of the UN is the Trusteeship Council. Set up by the Charter and tasked with the administration of trust territories, the primary goal of the Council was to promote the economic and political status and self-sufficiency of trust territory inhabitants so as to prepare them for eventual self-governance and independence. The overwhelming and complete success of the Trusteeship Council in guiding Trust Territories toward self-governance prompted its suspension in 1994, with the independence of the last trust territory. The Trusteeship Council has resolved to no longer meet yearly as originally specified in its rules, but to reconvene only when necessary. Accompanying the six principal organs are the myriad of autonomous international organizations affiliated with the UN. The United Nations deals directly with hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Non-Governmental Organizations through the Non-Governmental Liaison Service (NGLS). The Service is not member-oriented and does not officially register NGOs. Rather, its purposes are to offer advice, expertise, and support for NGOs to advance the initiatives of the UN. As mentioned previously, ECOSOC works closely with a number of NGOs on a consultative status. Non-Governmental Organizations work with the UN on nearly every matter of international concern ranging from Peace and Security, to Health and Human Rights, to Education, to Sustainable Development. Some notable NGOs include the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees (UNHCR). An index and complete list of international organizations and NGOs affiliated with the UN may be accessed on the United Nations web page at http://www.un.org/partners/civil_society/ngo/ngoindex.htm. Today the United Nations has evolved into a versatile and responsive organization with far-reaching influence in the international community, while never abandoning its primary objectives of promoting social progress, reaffirming faith in fundamental human rights, achieving international cooperation, and providing a center for harmonizing the actions of nations. The success of an organization may be judged in many fashions; however, critics of the United Nations must concede that never before has an organization of states attained such prestige or such regard. Nor has any before acted, with such overwhelming success, to fulfill the principles and ideals upon which it was founded. Written by Eric Olson and edited by staff members for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee & Institute of World Affairs' Wisconsin High School Model United Nations Program. Bibliography: Armstrong, David, Lloyd, Lorna, and Redmond, John. From Versailles to Maastricht: International Organization in the Twentieth Century. St. Martins Press. New York. 1996. Kahler, Miles. International Institutions and the Political Economy of Integration. The Brookings Institution. Washington D.C. 1995. Office of Public Information. Everymans United Nations: A Complete Handbook of the Activities and Evolution of the United Nations During its First Twenty Years, 1945-1965. United Nations. New York. 1968. Rubin, Jacob A. A Pictorial History of the United Nations. Thomas Yoseloff Ltd. London, England. 1962. Scott, George. The Rise and Fall of the League of Nations. Macmillan. New York. 1973.

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Review of the International Court of Justice


The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the judicial organ of the United Nations. The court is housed in The Hague, Netherlands. The ICJ was founded in 1945, replacing the Permanent Court of International Justice, which was the international court affiliated with the League of Nations. The ICJ was established under Chapter XIV of the UN Charter and consists of 15 judges. Each judge is elected by the General Assembly and Security Council to serve 9-year terms and may be elected for up to three terms. Each of the Permanent Five members of Security Council - the United States, Russia, China, France and the United Kingdom all have a judge on the court and no nationality may have more than one representative. The Court has two official languages, English and French. The ICJ serves many purposes within the UN. The ICJ mediates conflicts between disputing states as well as answering any legal questions posed by the Security Council or General Assembly. Any state within the UN may bring a case to court, provided they have accepted the jurisdiction of the Court. The Court typically handles between three and five cases a year, though that number tends to fluctuate. Article 38 of the Statue of the ICJ outlines the sources of law, which may be applied in a legal dispute: International Conventions and Treaties International Customs, as evidence of a general practice accepted as law General Principles of Law as recognized by Civil States. A case presented before the Court consists of many aspects. The disputing parties must present the Court with a written statement outlining their opinions on the case, and how they feel they have been slighted. Each country is also allotted a brief period for opening statements to the Court. After hearing the case, the court gives an advisory opinion. Although the decisions of the Court are not binding because there is no mechanism of enforcement, they are considered to be respected and authoritative legal decisions. The most common cases brought to the Court are those of boundary disputes and damage claims between countries who have been at war.

Human Rights Council


On June 16, 2006, the United Nations Commission of Human Rights met for the last time. This body had been in existence since December of 1946 and undoubtedly changed the face of human rights for the entire world. The Commission, as it came to be called, bore witness to many international human rights crises across its 60 years of existence, such as Apartheid in South Africa, the Dirty War in Latin America, ethnic cleansing in the former Yugoslavia, genocides in Africa, and the war in Iraq. In some cases, the Commission was able to take action, while in other situations it was silent. The last few years of its existence the Commission became discredited and lost any clout in the international community. In 2005, then United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan, produced a report entitled In Larger Freedom: Towards Development, Security, and Human Rights for All, designed to address many of the problems faced by the global community. Of the suggestions he proposed, all primarily mechanisms for strengthening the United Nations, one was the creation of a new council to address human rights violations: If the United Nations is to meet the expectations of men and women everywhere and indeed, if the Organization is to take the cause of Human Rights as seriously as those of security and development then Member States should agree to replace the Commission of Human Rights with a smaller standing Human Rights Council. Annans suggestions were followed and the Commission was replaced with the new United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), referred to as the Council, which met for the first time in June of 2006. The Council is made up of 47 member states, with a specific number of countries from each geographic bloc. Countries wishing to join the Council must present their commitment to human rights in the form of a pledge. Prior to election to the Council, countries must present the ways they have promoted human rights to the UN General Assembly. Once members are elected, they serve three-year terms and are not eligible for immediate re23

election if they have served two consecutive terms. If the General Assembly decides that a state has committed gross human rights violations while sitting on the Council, the state in question may be removed from the Council by a two thirds majority vote in the GA. The responsibilities of the Council, as set out by General Assembly resolution, are to: Address situations of human rights violations, including gross and systematic violations, and make recommendations; Undertake a universal periodic review of each and every state; Contribute, through dialogue and cooperation, to the prevention of human rights violations; Respond promptly to human rights emergencies; Serve as a forum for dialogue on thematic issues; Make recommendations on the promotion and protection of human rights and, more specifically, make recommendations to the General Assembly, for the further development of International Human Rights Law; Cooperate closely with governments, regional organizations, national human rights institutions and civil society; Promote universal respect for human rights; Promote human rights education and learning, advisory services, technical assistance and capacity building; Promote the full implementation of human rights obligations undertaken by states and the follow up of UN human rights conferences and summits; and Promote the effective coordination and mainstreaming of human rights within the UN system. The Council has many channels in which they can act upon the responsibilities outlined above, one of which is producing resolutions. Although the Council has already come under heat for its failure to act in the face of some human rights abuses, there is a review scheduled for 2011 in which members will reflect on the previous five years and chart the way forward.

WHSMUN 2012 Topics and Subcommittee Guides 1st Main Committee (Disarmament and International Security):
Prevention of Small Arms and Light Weapons Trafficking Piracy in Somalia and its Effect on Regional Security Outer Space Arms Race Establishment of a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in the Region of the Middle East Cyber Warfare

2nd Main Committee (Economic and Financial Committee):


Promoting the Proliferation of Green Technologies Improving Fairness on the International Market to Facilitate Growth The International Debt Crisis Improving the International Monetary Fund Micro Financing and the Developing World

3rd Main Committee (Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural):


Protection of Human Rights in a Warzone Rights to Clean Drinking Water Humanitarian Crisis in Darfur and Sudan and the Violation of International Law Ethnic Tensions in China Displacement of Refugees
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Topics and Background Guides for the following Special Committees will be available by January 31, 2012:
Security Council Historical Security Council (1956) Council of the European Union International Court of Justice Human Rights Council Joint Crisis Committee

1.1 Prevention of Small Arms and Light Weapons Trafficking


Few issues affect as many people throughout the global community as that of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW). The First Main Committee has focused upon the issue of SALW trade heavily since 1995, as these type of weapons have become common in recent conflicts. The 1997 Report of the Group of Governmental Experts on Small Arms designated the specific types of weapons that qualify as SALW, dividing them into the two categories of Small Arms and Light Weapons. The report defines small arms as revolvers and self-loading pistols, rifles and carbines, sub-machine-guns, assault rifles, and light machine guns. Light weapons are defined as heavy-machine-guns, hand-held under-barrel and mounted grenade launchers, portable anti-aircraft guns, portable anti-tank guns, recoilless rifles, portable launchers of anti-tank missile and rocket systems, portable launchers of anti-aircraft systems, mortars of calibers of less than 100 mm, ammunition and explosives, cartridges for small arms, shells and missiles for light weapons, mobile containers with missiles or shells for single-action anti-aircraft and anti-tank systems, anti-personnel and antitank hand grenades, landmines, and explosives. While most of the weaponry classified as SALW are manufactured for military use by trained professionals, they are commonly found in non-regulated areas. They are often used for activities involving terrorism, criminal activity, and irregular warfare, often by combatants without training. They are easy to contain and conceal, and are thus dangerous due to the difficulty in detecting them. SALW are easy for a variety of groups to procure, regardless of income, and thus can be easily and quickly proliferated throughout a community. They are also light and thus easy to carry, making them the preferred tool of child soldiers. The addition of SALW to an already unstable scenario can have long lasting impacts on communities. SALW have been used and misused to obstruct and prevent humanitarian aid from reaching populations in need of support. They have additionally caused untold damage in recent conflicts throughout Africa and the Middle East. The ease with which one can gain access to such arms must be addressed by this body. When considering this topic, delegates should keep in mind issues regarding not only the use of SALW, but also the manner in which they are transported, concealed, and purchased. The types of people and groups that make the most use of SALW needs to be addressed, as they are often at the greatest contributor to other dangerous factors. Topics for Consideration How are these weapons traded? Which Member States are major suppliers and producers of small arms and light weapons? Which Member States are the largest importers of SALWs? What role do national governments and regional organizations play in the production, distribution and regulations of SALWs? How can the international community best regulate the trade of SALWs? How can the international community help developing countries prevent illicit small arms and light weapons from entering their borders?
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Helpful Resources and Works Cited http://www.nti.org/e_research/official_docs/inventory/pdfs/sarms.pdf http://www.unidir.org/pdf/articles/pdf-art2590.pdf http://www.un.org/Depts/ddar/Firstcom/SGreport52/a52298.html http://www.poa-iss.org/poa/poahtml.aspx

1.2 Piracy in Somalia and its Effect on Regional Security


Historical Background Since its civil war in 1991, piracy has been rampant throughout the region surrounding Somalia. Piracy committed by Somalians has accounted for 15% of the total piracy throughout the world, and has been largely confined to the area surrounding Somalia, particularly the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Numerous global organizations have noted the difficulties and dangers that piracy committed by Somalians has caused. The World Food Programme (WFP) has noted that Somalia is currently suffering from a dramatic and widespread famine, drought, conflict, and high food prices. An estimated four million people, over half of the countrys entire population, are considered to be suffering from these conditions. While organizations like the WFP are currently attempting to provide food and supplies to these individuals in need, the dangerous environment caused by the prevalence of piracy is thwarting such efforts. The United Nations has taken the issue of piracy incredibly seriously in recent years. The UN Security Council has held four meetings addressing the issue. Since the election of a new coalition government in 2009, Somalia has attempted to combat piracy in its borders through a variety of means. Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, has noted that piracy and the stability of Somalia are essentially connected. The issue of piracy is exacerbated by several external factors in the region. General instability in surrounding countries allows weapons and other illicit items to flow into Somalia. These munitions and supplies aid the pirates in their maritime work. Weakened and poorly maintained ports in neighboring areas is also an issue to consider. Many of the current Somalian pirates previously worked as fishermen in the local waters surrounding Somalia. But as international shipping and fishing vessels took control of the water ways, the fishermen were forced out of business, causing many to resort to piracy. Recent Developments Somalia is a country with a vast and largely unregulated coastline, an unstable government, and a population acclimated to conflict and war, making it a perfect breeding ground for piracy. Delegates should focus on conceptualizing feasible means for establishing a safe environment in the surrounding area of Somalia. Take into account the stability of Somalia's surrounding neighbors, and how they can aid in stopping piracy while simultaneously not infringing on national sovereignty. Topics for Consideration Are there incentives the Somalian government can give to potential pirates to prevent them from becoming pirates? Are the fishing activities of multi-national corporations a cause for concern? If so, how can the international community address this issue given the weak national government of Somalia? How can international bodies approach this issue without infringing on Somalias national sovereignty? What role have weapons played in the conflict?
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Is there cause for concern in regards to the spread of piracy to other nations?

Helpful Resources and Works Cited http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=40177&Cr=somalia&Cr1=http://imcsnet.org/imcs/docs/somali a_piracy_intl_experts_report_consolidated.pdf

1.3 Outer Space Arms Race


Historical Background The recent wave of technology brought about by the twentieth and twenty-first centuries has led to vast improvements in our means of transportation. The development of the space program in various countries allowed people to explore an area of the universe never before visited by humans. It provided an outlet for those wishing to explore well beyond what we can see. However, it also exacerbated the development of international rivalries, specifically that of the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). This metaphorical battle became known as the Space Race, and lasted for twenty years. As part of the Cold War, it involved the US and the USSR amassing larger and better space programs in an effort to trump their rival nation's successes. While their programs were certainly competitive in nature, they were also largely focused on peaceful space exploration. Projects such as the Sputnik 1, Explorer 1, Vostok 1, Mariner 2, Ranger 7, Luna 9, Apollo 8, and Apollo 11 missions were carried out. Even after the Cold War subsided, space exploration has continued to be a hot button issue in the international community. The First Main Committee on Disarmament and International Security held a special session devoted to prevention of an arms race in outer space in 2004. In an effort to prevent a space race focused on weaponry, the Russian Federation announced a policy to not be the first to deploy weapons into outer space and strongly encouraged other nations to follow suit. The body also discussed a resolution called The Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS), in addition to a draft treaty' that would potentially prohibit the placing of nuclear weapons in outer space. Member states supported a train of action that would result in a coordinated response to this issue involving other United Nations bodies, including the Committee on the Peaceful Use of Outer Space and the Office for Outer Space Affairs. While weapons of mass destruction have been banned in space since 1967, as per United Nations resolutions, some world leaders are calling for the inclusion of all weapons in the ban. As the previous Prime Minister of Canada noted to the General Assembly, Space is our final frontier. It has always captured our imagination. What a tragedy it would be if space became one big weapons arsenal and the scene of a new arms race. In 1967, the United Nations agreed that weapons of mass destruction must not be based in space. The time has come to extend this ban to all weapons. Delegates should consider what DISEC can do to ensure the safety of all nations regarding placing weapons in outer space. Topics for Consideration Does your country's foreign policy agree with the statement of the former Canadian Prime Minister? What should the role of the United Nations be in regulating space? If regulations are established as to the use of weaponry in space, how can these regulations be monitored for compliance? What kind of role may space have a role in future conflict? Should this role be prevented? If so, why? It can be argued that war, and more specifically the Space Race, gave countries the motivation to invest resources into space exploration. Is the exploration of space important? If so, how can the international community promote research in the field without being motivated by a conflict? Helpful Resources and Works Cited
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http://www.un.org/documents/ga/res/51/a51r044.htm http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=24074&Cr=general&Cr1=debate

1.4 Establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the region of the Middle East


Historical Background Nuclear weaponry has been an incredible concern of the United Nations for much of the 20th and 21st centuries. The sheer impact that such weapons of mass destruction can have on landscapes, buildings, and most importantly, populations, makes them one of the most dangerous aspects of modern warfare. The United Nations General Assembly Resolution 3472B deals with the issue of a nuclear-weapon-free zone. Passed in 1975, it remains one of the most important documents when discussing the prevention of nuclear weapons proliferation. The resolution defines a nuclear-weapon-free zone as any zone recognized as such by the General Assembly of the United Nations, which any group of States, in the free exercises of their sovereignty, has established by virtue of a treaty or convention whereby: (a) The statute of total absence of nuclear weapons to which the zone shall be subject, including the procedure for the delimitation of the zone, is defined; (b) An international system of verification and control is established to guarantee compliance with the obligations deriving from that statute. Since its division into individual countries following World War II, the Middle East has often been an area of conflict and insecurity. The region has experienced numerous armed conflicts, ranging from internal invasions to warfare with foreign nations. Countries such as Iran, Iraq, and Israel, have all shown interest in or made overt efforts at procuring nuclear weapons. The addition of such weaponry to an already violent and volatile region could have disastrous effects. Recent Developments All countries in the Middle East, except, Israel, are signatories on the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Ratified in 1970, this treaty calls upon all member states to work together towards a non-nuclear world. At the Review and Extension Conference on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in 1995, the aforementioned Middle Eastern states agreed to work towards a Middle East zone free of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems. It can be argued that since this conference, little progress has been made towards this goal. Delegates should consider their country's relationship to other member states in the Middle East when deciding the best manner in which to tackle this issue. Topics for Consideration 1) Does your member state possess nuclear weapons? 2) Are you a signatory to the NPT? 3) How should the Middle East handle the use of nuclear material for energy? Should this be considered a breach of the NPT? Helpful Resources and Works Cited http://www.un.org/disarmament/WMD/Nuclear/NWFZ.shtml http://www.un.org/documents/ga/res/45/a45r052.htm

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1. 5 Cyber Warfare
With the development of the Internet and its subsequent spread across the globe, cyber warfare has become a very real and very important issue. Due to the democratic nature of the Internet, it has been used by many different organizations and groups. These have included formalized and informal resistance groups, national militaries, and individual actors. Recently the hacking group Anonymous and its offshoot Lulzsec demonstrated the ability of small and motivated groups of talented individuals to gain access to classified and protected information. Their hacking efforts included the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's Library System, as well as the Texas Police database. The subsequent release of sensitive documents demonstrates the actual danger that cyber warfare can cause. During the 2008 invasion of South Ossetia by the Russian Federation, trained computer hackers were some of the first lines of offensive used against the Georgian military, effectively disabling many of their automated defense systems. Cyber attacks can be paired with physical conflict, as in that case, but can also be used in covert operations. Rather than have direct conflict, which can be extremely costly in both human lives and monetarily, cyber warfare allows for operations to be committed from a remote location and putting nearly no one in immediate danger. However, cyber warfare is not a victimless crime and the possibilities of infringing upon the human rights of a nations citizens to have free access to information or protection from harm due to military or personal information being leaked or the inability of an organization to provide protective services to citizens can all create victims from a cyber attack even if it is done from a remote location. Due to the incredibly fast changing nature of online interactions it can be difficult and near impossible for a country or international institution to predict the next phase in the evolution of cyber warfare. Physical means of combat, including weaponry, ballistic missiles, and weapons of mass destruction, still pose a great threat to all nations; however, the uncertainty that cyber warfare represents is a significant issue that must be addressed by the international community. As cyber warfare is a relatively new issue, there exists little information in prior resolutions on how to address it. In a January 2010 speech at a World Economic Forum debate, International Telecommunications Union secretary general Hamadoun Toure warned that the international community needs to consider cyber attacks very seriously, advocating that member states should now consider when a cyber attack becomes a declaration of war. Topics for Consideration Does your country have widespread internet access? What level of internet literacy do your citizens have? Can the monitoring of internet activities to prevent cyber warfare infringe on the rights of citizens? What type of information breach should be considered a declaration of war? If groups or individuals are conducting the attacks, is a declaration of war possible? Helpful Resources and Works Cited http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2010/gadis3419.doc.htm http://www.vsb.org/docs/valawyermagazine/vl0210_cyber-warfare.pdf http://uswgo.com/un-agency-calls-for-global-cyberwarfare-treaty-drivers-license-for-web-users.htm http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/16/AR2010071605882.html http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h8Uvk-jpSvCWT-bqYSg1Ws4I4yAA

2.1 Promoting the Proliferation of Green Technologies


Historical Background Climate change has been a recognized issue for decades, but it was not until 1988 that the General Assembly
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endorsed a joint decision by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to create the International Panel on Climate Change, or IPCC. Since that time, the IPCC has been responsible for reviewing and assessing internationally published information on climate change, and throughout the decades their evaluations about climate change and its factors have become more and more definitive. The IPPC Second Assessment Report (1995) was responsible in large part for the Kyoto Protocol of 1997, which legally bound 37 industrialized countries and the European community to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 2012 marks the end of the first commitment period of the Protocol, by which time information by the IPCC must be reevaluated in order to produce an international framework to address the continuing issues climate change presents. June of 2009 saw the non-binding Copenhagen Agreement come to new conclusions about the state of the earths climate, centered on an effort to keep the increase in global temperature below two degrees Celsius. Developed countries, the biggest emitters, were to continue leading the charge in establishing targets of reduction, while developing countries were to commit to mitigation policies and actions. The Agreement drew attention to the fact that unchecked carbon emissions, especially from developing countries, would lead to growing emissions beyond 2020, and that developing countries must commit to substantial abatement measures.

Recent Developments In a press release from May 2011, the Economic and Finance Committee (ECOFIN) spoke of the need to further increase climate funding in coming years; on this note, it also addressed the issue of where to obtain resources to finance efforts that mitigate climate change. The issue now becomes where to find that funding, and what roles countriesdeveloped and developingmust play now in order to increase the amount of green technologies available in order to control carbon emissions for the future. Topics for Consideration What types of green technology hold promise is reducing carbon emissions? What types of cultural or economical shifts are necessary to allow nations to adopt such technologies? Is it fair for developing countries to be bound by climate change regulation when currently developed countries were not subject to such regulations during industrialization? What role do multinational corporations have in reducing carbon emissions? Think about the role of such corporations in developing countries. Helpful Resources and Works Cited http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/ecofin/122072.pdf http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/publications/publication15372_en.pdf http://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar4/wg1/ar4-wg1-chapter1.pdf http://www.ipcc.ch/organization/organization_history.shtml http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copenhagen_Accord

2.2 Improving Fairness on the International Market to Facilitate Growth


Historical Background The Treaty of Bretton Woods following the Second World War established a new world order, centered on a new system of global trade and new global institutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and what would become the World Trade Organization (WTO). As a new perspective on trade began to take over the globe, many colonies took advantage of these opportunities as they also fought for their independence.
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Unfortunately for many former colonies, they were faced with unexpected challenges. Issues of land reform and production were suddenly in question; former colonies that had been used solely for the export of raw materials now had to make their own infrastructure, or fail in the face of rapidly expanding global trade. Former colonies faced many challenges in attempting to industrialize, such as internal political divisions, Cold War geopolitics and, perhaps most importantly, debt traps. In the 1950s and 60s, many developing countries took out loans from the World Bank, hoping to build their infrastructure. New monetary policy in major trading nations like the USA deepened recession in North America and Europe, and as a consequence, many developing nations, particularly in South America, who had traded with them in the past, were unable to pay back their loans. The Washington Consensus of 1989 brought the three major international financial organizations, the IMF, WTO, and World Bank, together to figure out a solution to the loan default of so many underdeveloped nations. They came up with Structural Adjustment Policies (SAP), a series of provisions aimed at decreasing debt and increasing export power in these countries. The reality of SAPs was further debt traps, as countries had become dependent on the IMF and World Bank for loans; additionally, the rules of the free market did not apply equally to all countries, developing ones in particular. The Market Today Many developing nations are still at a loss on the global scale, and it is in large part due to the same historical factors. There remains a strong belief in export development as a way to reduce poverty in these nations, as well as the lowering tariff rates to make it easier for developing nations to enter and remain in the market. Topics for Consideration Is the establishment of a local economy important for Post-colonial countries? Can a strong international export based economy strengthen local/ national economies as a whole? What types of provisions have the IMF and WTO placed on Structural Adjustment Loans? Do you feel that such provisions infringe on a nation-states sovereignty? The IMF was originally created after WWII to aid European nations in rebuilding their countries after war. Many of the IMF loan debt was forgiven, in order to allow the countries to rebuild and stabilize their economies. Do you feel there are circumstances in which the IMF should forgive loans? What penalties should be enacted if a country defaults on a loan? Helpful Resources and Works Cited http://www.intracen.org/uploadedFiles/intracenorg/Content/Publications/Market-access-transparency-fairness-inglobal-trade-Export-Impact-for-Good-2010.pdf http://fcic.law.stanford.edu/ http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/survey/so/2009/NEW032409A.htm http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/meltdown/

2.3 The International Debt Crisis


Background The United States subprime mortgage crisis of 2008 was a jarring surprise for the global economic community, especially following the boom and subsequent bubble that had dominated the US market only a few years earlier. Although the impact of the housing crisis was huge, the US was not the only country to start the global economic recession.
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The Eurozone felt the shock of the US recession, and many goods and service industries tied to the US were suddenly diminished, as the net export market took a sharp downturn. Industries like tourism and shipping were particularly hard hit. The European sovereign debt crisis began in Greece. Until 2007, Greece had a quickly growing economy. However, the country also had large structural debts, as it had borrowed much money to finance public sector jobs, pensions, and other social programs. After 2007, the tourism industry fell, as did imports as the US struggle began. In 2010, it was discovered that the Greek government had paid banks hundreds of millions of dollars in order to hide its real debt level, incurred from heavy borrowing from the EU. This, along with rampant tax evasion, put Greek debt around 216 billion Euros. Greece requested a bailout from the IMF in 2010; alternatively, Greece may have had to leave the European Union entirely. Since it is still part of the EU, it could not simply print more money and lower interest rates, as has been done recently in the US in order to control some debt. The EU had no choice but to bail Greece out, or let it default on its loans, plunging the entire world economy further into crisis. The Greek crisis began to shake the worlds faith in other Euro zone nations. Portugal and Ireland, both with high deficit, received bailouts as well. Spain and Italy, which hold larger portions of the Euro zones economy, were able to stay afloat, despite their high debt. Measures and Controversy In 2010, the EU established the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) to maintain European economic stability via aid to economies in need. The Facility complements loans from the IMF with the European Central Bank taking measures to reduce volatility and buying government debt to stabilize the market. There has been disagreement between some national leaders as to how countries debts should be taken care of. The bailouts of several countries, Greece in particular, have been a subject of contention between Germany, one of the EUs biggest exporters of capital, and the rest of the Union. Topics for Consideration Should harsher measures be taken against countries that require bailouts to avoid defaulting on their debts? i.e., should Greece have been forced to leave the EU? Is it up to powerful economies like Germany to lead the charge in bailing out indebted countries? Is it viable for the Euro to continue as a currency? Do bailouts encourage more financial irresponsibility? i.e., if the bailouts in countries like Ireland and Greece fail, will the EU provide financial aid for them again? Is it more economically sensible for a country like Greece to leave the EU, or a country like Germany? Which might make the EU better off financially? Helpful Resources and Works Cited http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2011/02/weodata/weorept.aspx?pr.x=35&pr.y=13&sy=2011&ey=2011 &scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=174&s=NGDPD%2CNGDPDPC%2CPPPGDP%2CPPPPC&gr p=0&a= http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/cache/ITY_OFFPUB/KS-SF-10-009/EN/KS-SF-10-009-EN.PDF http://www.academicjournals.org/ajbm/PDF/pdf2010/29Dec/Romeo.pdf

2.4 Improving the International Monetary Fund (IMF)


Background The IMF was founded in 1944 at the Bretton Woods Conference in New Hampshire. Following World War Two, it was decided that governmental oversight was needed to avoid future worldwide catastrophes; thus, the IMF,
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International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the predecessor of the World Trade Organization were founded. The IMFs role in the global economy is large and has come into controversy in recent decades. The organization maintains exchange rates and provides loans to countries with temporary deficits. It helps ensure that currencies are relatively strong, and employs discipline when countries are fiscally irresponsible. IMF funding comes from trust funds, as well as quotas paid by each country, depending on the size of its economy. Additionally, the IMF demands conditions for the loans it gives. These may be stricter financial stability laws and practices, or matters of government corruption or human rights issues.

Issues Current issues with the IMF include fairness in accountability and voting. Under the current system, the body must have 85 percent approval to pass new policy. Holding 15 percent of financial power in the IMF gives a country automatic veto power. Only the US and European Union hold such power, which has caused contention with poorer nations, who want a larger part of the decision making process. Additionally, the IMF is often seen as a safety net for countries in desperate need of loans. Some countries have historically and still presently depend on the IMF for much needed money, but have failed to develop infrastructure or reform economic policy according to IMF conditionality policy. The IMF has also been criticized for allegedly assuming a one size fits all policy for countries. The organization has had great successes, but also great failures in providing financial assistance, proving that each countrys unique situation requires unique action. Topics for Consideration Should financially insecure countries be allowed a bigger voice in IMF decision making? How can the IMF be held more accountable for its policy of conditionality? What kind of policy might benefit heavily indebted countries? Countries with temporary debt? How have other international organizations worked with or around one size fits all policy to benefit all members as much as possible? Helpful Resources and Works Cited http://www.investopedia.com/articles/economics/09/international-monetary-fund-imf.asp#axzz1cPCBQAd8 http://www.imf.org/external/about.htm http://www.imf.org/external/np/exr/facts/glance.htm http://www.cfr.org/economics/international-monetary-fund/p25303

2.5 Micro Financing and the Developing World


Historical Background The United Nations is constantly looking at new and improved means of combating global poverty. Poverty has incredible impacts on communities, preventing them from having access to a variety of essential goods and services, such as food, shelter, water, and safety. In the past two decades, many programs have been making use of an innovative method known as micro-finance. At its core, micro-finance is a collection of financial services to low-income individuals or to those who do not have access to typical banking services. More specifically, micro-finance is the supply of loans, savings, and other basic financial services to the poor. The basis of micro-finance relies upon the idea that those suffering from poverty need financial services provided to them just as much as wealthier members of society. Micro-financing services provide tools such as
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credit lines, savings accounts, insurance programs, and fund transfer assistance. The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) in particular has worked with many non-governmental organizations to aid in providing micro-financing programs. The UNCDF analyzes regions for different criteria relating to finance to see how to best develop their sectors. According to the UNCDF, it follows these key steps: a sector review focused on analyzing the key opportunities and constraints for access to financial services for the poor and low-income people, from the macro- (policy), meso- (financial infrastructure) and micro- (retailer) perspectives; an assessment of on-going initiatives by key stakeholders (including donors) and of the gaps that need to be filled at those three levels of intervention; and the development of a programming framework (in the form of a National Micro-finance Strategy, Action Plan or other), that stems from the above analysis to build an inclusive financial sector in that country. Issues Countries have been somewhat critical of micro-financing programs, specifically arguing that it doesn't benefit the true victims of poverty, the poorest of the poor. Some institutions that were founded on the premise of nonprofit micro-finance institutions (MFIs) have evolved into for-profit institutions whose primary goal is no longer providing aid and services. In addition, due in large part to their structure, some micro-finance institutions have exorbitantly high rates of interest, much higher than standard credit institutions.

Topics for Consideration Has your nation used micro-finance institutions in the past? Does your state or region suffer from extreme levels of poverty? How has your government worked to combat poverty in the past? Are there regulations that can be created to ensure microfinance institutions have vested interest in the populations they are serving? Helpful Resources and Works Cited http://www.un.org/esa/africa/microfinanceinafrica.pdf http://www.uncdf.org/english/microfinance/ http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=29297&Cr=ifad&Cr1

3.1 Protection of Human Rights in a War Zone


Historical Background The United Nations was formed in large part as a response to the aftermath of World War II. Warfare tends to cause incredible damage to not only the lives and structure of a city, but also to the human rights of the people in the region. During times of war, human rights are often pushed aside in favor of expedient military efforts. One of the most important aspects of the United Nations is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This document outlines what the international community considers important and essential rights of all humans in the following clauses: Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom, Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in co-operation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms, Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge.
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Human rights violations tend to proliferate in war zones. Rapes are very common in many war zones, as thousands of innocent women are caught in the crossfire between groups at war. The United Nations SOCHUM has recently stepped up its efforts to combat rapes globally, working to ensure safety and medical services to those affected. Resolutions such as the UN General Assembly 688, ratified in 1991, give a good framework for dealing with a variety of human rights issue in war torn regions. Though this particular resolution focused only on Iraq, it outlines a variety of human rights abuses present in such areas. Military tribunals have been utilized in areas such as Rwanda, the former Yugoslavia, and Serbia. These tribunals must have some support of the government to be initiated, which can be an issue when political leaders are a party to the conflict itself. However, they can be incredibly useful at holding those who have committed such actions accountable before the international community. Topics for Consideration Delegates should focus on how their particular country views human rights: are they signatories to the United Nations human rights treaties? Which ones? Has your country been charged with committing violations of human rights? How has your country responded to other countries violations of human rights? Helpful Resources and Works Cited http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/ http://www.un.org/Docs/scres/1991/scres91.htm http://daccess-ods.un.org/TMP/4745507.83634186.html www.ohchr.org

3.2 Rights to Clean Drinking Water


Background The right to clean drinking water and sanitary conditions has been declared an essential and fundamental human right by the United Nations, and has become one of the most important issues of accessibility. Rights to clean water involve two main factors: sanitation and the ease of financial and physical accessibility. Issues 884 million people live without access to safe and clean drinking water, in addition to 2.6 billion without access to adequate sanitation. According to a recent 2006 United Nations Human Development Report on Water Rights and Wrongs, those living in the slums of Manila pay twice as much for water as those in London, and people living in Barranquilla pay fifteen times more than those in New York. This financial burden limits accessibility severely, especially to the poorest in those populations. Sanitation is also one of the key issues affecting access to clean drinking water. United Nations Resolution (64/292), which was adopted by the Human Rights Council in 2010, discussed the previous actions that have been taken regarding water sanitation methods. 2008 was declared the Year of Water Sanitation by the United Nations, and numerous UN bodies have taken that designation as a charge to improve accessibility to all global citizens. Water infrastructure is also important to look at when determining issues that may exist behind accessibility issues. Areas with better infrastructure are able to transfer water from coastal areas or areas in close proximity to
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water across a country. Those with poor infrastructure may suffer from massive droughts, or simply not have the water treatment facilities to ensure safe drinking water. Topics for Consideration What are the overall sanitation and accessibility issues regarding water within your borders? Does your population have easy access to clean and safe water? Are there political, geographic, or environmental issues affecting your populations accessibility? Helpful Resources and Works Cited http://waterwiki.net/index.php/UN_Human_Rights_Council_Resolution_on_Water_and_Sanitation http://hdr.undp.org/en/media/water_rights_and_wrongs_english.pdf http://www.globalissues.org/article/601/water-and-development http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-10797988

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3.3 Humanitarian Crisis in Darfur and Sudan and the Violation of International Law
Background Since 2003, the United Nations has been calling attention to the dangerous situation in Darfur, Sudan. According to a recent United Nations report, more than 200,000 people have been killed, and at least 2,000,000 have been displaced as a result of the conflict in Darfur. Conflict continues between government supported, Janjaweed militia, and Darfuri civilians. The conflict arose in February of 2003, when a group known as the Sudan Liberation Army and the Justice and Equality Movement began attacking government targets to protest discrimination of black Africans and suppression of non-Arab Sudanese groups. They accused Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir of preferring Sudanese Arabs in most aspects of society. In response, numerous Sudanese Arab groups united behind the militant Janjaweed. According to reports by the non-governmental organization Human Rights Watch, the Sudanese government provided weaponry and funding to the Janjaweed, encouraging them to attack unarmed civilian groups throughout Darfur. Some have accused the government of participating in and encouraging ethnic cleansing, and in some extreme cases, genocide. Even with the United Nations reporting that the number of people killed has been more than 200,000 with no clear answer to whether they died as a direct result of the violence in Darfur or from hunger and disease within the camps of the over 2 million displaced, the Sudanese government continues to deny that there these deaths constitute a genocide and that the situation is being exaggerated. In fact, they estimate the death toll at being around 10,000. The international community and aid agencies all continue to bring to light the magnitude of the crisis and hope for peaceful solutions as well as accountability for the crimes that have been committed and are considered crimes against humanity. Not only did the International Criminal Court issue an arrest warrant in 2009 for Omar al Bashir but several peaceful initiatives have occurred as well. In June of 2011, a new Darfur Peace Agreement was proposed at the Doha Peace Forum, which established three states in Darfur and a new government involving a power sharing set-up. Though fighting has largely subsided in the region, the effects of the conflict are still felt by the local population. Women and children were often the targets of rapes and attacks, many being brutally beaten or killed. As such, it is important for delegates to consider manner to address those who still feel the scars of the past eight years. Topics for Consideration What programs could be put into place to aid those who suffered under the Janjaweed? How accountable should we hold the Sudanese government? What measures can be taken to ensure an issue like this doesn't turn violent in the future? Helpful Resources and Works Cited http://www.hrw.org/legacy/english/docs/2004/07/19/darfur9096.htm http://www.un.org/News/dh/infocus/sudan/fact_sheet.pdf http://2001-2009.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2006/65972.htm http://www.hrw.org/news/2004/07/20/sudan-new-darfur-documents http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/3496731.stm

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3.4 Ethnic Tensions in China


Background The People's Republic of China is quickly becoming one of the world's most important and influential countries. It is contributing to not only the economic prosperity of the international community, but also expanding its global cultural influence. Being such a vast state means that China has several different cultural groups that have developed over time. While most of these groups live in relatively peaceful and mutually amicable conditions, there still exists severe discrimination and ethnic tensions within certain factions of the Chinese population. One group that has suffered from state discrimination is the Uighur population. Uighurs are Chinese Muslims who largely reside in China's western area. Specifically, they hail from the Xinjiang Autonomous Region, where conflict has broken out quite often. Cultural and ethnic tensions persist between the Han Chinese, who are the vast majority of the Chinese population, and the Uighurs. As recently as 2009, massive skirmishes occurred between the two ethnicities, often resulting in the expulsion of the Uighurs from the region. As such, many Chinese Uighurs have been forced into exile in surrounding countries, including Cambodia. The Uighurs are not treated any better in Cambodia, as Manfred Nowak, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture noted recently. The Chinese government could be considered to be partially responsible for some of this conflict as they have encouraged han migration to the city and other parts of Xinjiang,which continues to fuel resentment amongst the Uighurs. In light of the reports of severe torture I have received following the July events and the recent executions in Xinjiang region in violation of the most basic fair trial guarantees, this is a blatant violation of Cambodias obligations under the principle of non-refoulement as stipulated in article 3 of the UN Convention against Torture. Numerous United Nations bodies have come out in support of the basic human rights the Uighur population deserves. The Economic and Social Council, in its E/CN.4/Sub.2/2002/SR.12 resolution, noted that the Uighurs were struggling to survive and their fundamental rights and freedoms, including civil, social, political and economic rights, were being violated. Uighurs were persecuted for advocating adherence to human rights and because they pleaded for the same rights as the Chinese in their political, economic and social life. Topics for Consideration Are there specific ethnic groups within your country that have tension between themselves and the Chinese government? What is the best way to combat this tension? Is stepping into this situation in an effort to help the Uighurs an infringement on China's national sovereignty? Works Cited http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?Cr1=&Cr=china&NewsID=33325 http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=33309&Cr=unhcr&Cr1= http://daccess-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G02/146/25/PDF/G0214625.pdf?OpenElement http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/06/world/asia/06china.html

3.5 Displacement of Refugees


Background While much attention is often paid to the victims of economic, social, political, military, and environmental issues during conflicts, people are often most vulnerable afterwards and many become refugees, someone forced to leave their home and country due to persecution, war, or natural disaster. These people have had their lives destroyed, and cannot return back home, forcing them to travel to a new country and establish a new life. These refugees are one of the major concerns for the United Nations. The United Nations High Commission for Refugees is one of the world's leading authorities on improving the quality of life and transition of refugees across the world. Having just celebrated its 60th anniversary as an organization last year, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees continues to work hard to help refugees. Established in 1950, this segment of the United Nations works to improve the lives of refugees, by ensuring their safety and human rights are protected. Issues As they flee their homes, refugees are often the most vulnerable members of the population, and often fall victim to rape, murder, and theft. Often times refugee camps established for those in need are inadequate in terms of sanitation, food, and safety. Some in the international community have been critical of the somewhat permanent refugee camps that exist, arguing that they don't solve the problem, and only exist as a temporary fix. Many are concerned that refugees put a strain on the economy and ability of a country to provide for its citizens as the influx of refugees arrive, which can fuel conflict between the refugees and that countries citizens further exasperating an already desperate situation. Another concern is how a country with a large influx of refugees can integrate the refugees into society and move them out of these large refugee camps and what infrastructure and services are needed to do this successfully along with the often psychological and medical needs of the refugees. In addition to these concerns the reasons for why someone becomes a refugee have changed over the past several decades and may have further exasperated the situation because the number of refugees is rising. In his speech to the United Nations General Assembly in 2010, Antnio Guterres, the High Commissioner for Refugees, announced the new means in which members of the international community are gaining refugee status. But now we see that more and more people are crossing borders because of extreme poverty, because of the impact of climate change, [and] because of their interrelation with conflict. So there are new patterns of forced displacement and the international community needs to be able to tackle those challenges Topics for Consideration What can be done to improve the overall conditions of refugee camps? Who should provide aid for refugees? How should political refugees, those escaping their country, be treated? Should refugee camps be permanent homes for refugees or should funds be committed to a more sustainable means of development? Helpful Resources and Works Cited http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=37053&Cr=refugees&Cr1 http://www.unhcr.org/do1thing/index.php

http://www.unhcr.org/pages/49c3646c2.html http://www.un.org/en/globalissues/briefingpapers/refugees/overviewofforceddisplacement.html

Position Papers
The purpose of the position paper is two-fold. First, the position paper assists delegates in keeping their preparatory research specific to the committee topic. This not only helps to reduce extraneous research, but also helps to ensure that delegates have all the necessary information to be an effective participant at the conference. Second, position papers also serve as a way for other delegations to research your countrys views. A good position paper will provide the essential details of a countrys position on a given issue. Papers should be written in a narrative format (full sentences please!) and should be between three and four paragraphs in length. When writing position papers, it is not necessary to include general background information on your topic, as this is covered in the background guides provided to each delegation. Delegates should take particular care to clearly and accurately reflect their countrys position. Additionally, spelling and grammar count, so please be sure to proofread. Finally, position papers will not be accepted unless they have been typed and are in the proper format. After you have written your position paper, review it with other delegates and your faculty advisor for suggestions. This provides useful practice in making a presentation before a critical but friendly audience. Position papers must be uploaded in *Microsoft Word format to the WHSMUN website, according to the directions provided. Position Papers must be submitted to the website by March 2, 2012.
*Delegates must upload the papers in proper format if they wish to be considered for awards.

Following is a sample position paper written from the perspective of a representative of the Russian Federation in First Main Committee on the subject of the Prevention of Violent Disintegration of States: Intrastate violence and the fragmenting of governments is not a concern to be left to the citizens of a country alone. In an increasingly global world not only are the rights and sanctity of the individuals in these nations threatened by instability, but the economic and political future of the world is also implicated. The Russian Federation recognizes the importance of preventing the violent disintegration of states. We seek to work with our friends and allies to ensure not only stability and prosperity for the peoples of troubled regions, but also for the world. One of the major causes of social strife is the economic situation within the state. It is no coincidence that states in unrest are often among the poorest in the world. Russia sees economic stability as key to developing political and social stability. Through foreign investment in the growth of underdeveloped regions, states, which are often pushed into discord by an inability to meet economic needs, have a chance to focus on causes of strife without the catalyst of poverty. This investment by outsiders serves to further not only the state, but the investors own interests. This comes by creating a partnership that will allow for better trade relations in the future. In terms of protecting citizens before infrastructure can be built, Russia also advocates regional policing and the development of friendly boarders aided by international support. In times of internal conflict refugees often flee the fighting to safer nations. In order to prevent spillover conflict from the

added burden of refugees, Russia advocates regional networks of states to help provide for persons in exile. This mutual system will provide a safety net for the participants should they face strife in the future as well as helping current victims. Both of these solutions provide the added benefits of allowing the state to pursue its own remedies, without having outsiders force solutions upon them. This preserves the legitimacy of government by leaving governance to those in the state. As well, the rights of all citizens can be guaranteed by making the aid and membership in the friendly boarder program contingent on respecting commitments to human rights as outlined in UN declarations and other agreements. Through interaction with outsiders in a positive context the racism and xenophobia, which is often triggered in times of strife, is eased. This helps to minimize the recurrence of violence in the future. By looking to the economic, political and social needs of nations in strife, Russia hopes we may find security for all people.

Resolutions
Resolutions are the basic formal declarations or statements of the United Nations. They are a call for action by some organ or member state(s) of the UN and an expression of global opinion. The resolutions submitted to the Main Committees and General Assembly will be the basis for all debate that will take place at WHSMUN. Each subcommittee will be responsible for writing one resolution per topic. Therefore, every delegate must understand and be proficient in using the proper format for resolution writing. Every resolution consists of two sections: preambulatory and operative clauses. The preamble serves to describe and outline the problem or subject that the resolution will be addressing. A good resolution will have a preamble that provides strong justification for taking action on a matter. The preamble begins with the name of the UN body being addressed. The preamble often includes statistics, facts, and quotations from the UN Charter and from previous UN resolutions that dealt with the same subject. The preamble then continues with the reasons supporting the resolutions actions. Each clause of the preamble begins with a present participle phrase, some of which are suggested on the following page. The second section of the resolution consists of operative clauses. These are numbered statements that delineate what actions should be taken, make recommendations, or express approval or disapproval. The resolution may request action by member states, the Secretariat, or by other bodies of the UN. Each of the operative clauses begins with a verb that emphasizes the statement. Resolutions are developed during the conference. Delegations are encouraged, however, to practice writing and debating draft resolutions. Pre-written draft resolutions will not be accepted at the conference, as the resolution should be a product of the entire subcommittee.

Preambulatory Phrases
Affirming Alarmed by Approving Aware Bearing in Mind Believing Confident Contemplating Convinced Emphasizing Expecting Expressing its appreciation Expressing its satisfaction Fulfilling Fully alarmed Fully aware Fully believing Further deploring Keeping in mind Noting further Noting with approval Noting with deep concern Noting with regret Noting with satisfaction Observing Recognizing Referring

Declaring Deeply concerned Deeply conscious Deeply convinced Deeply disturbed Having heard Deeply regretting Desiring

Further recalling Guided by Having adopted Having considered Having devoted attention to Having examined Having received Having studied

Seeking Taking into account Taking into consideration Taking note Viewing with appreciation Welcoming

Preambulatory clauses are the introduction to the resolution. The verbs that begin each phrase should be all caps and in bold type. These clauses end in a comma. __________________________________________________________________

Operative Clauses
Accepts Affirms Approves Authorizes Calls for Calls upon Condemns Confirms Designates Draws the attention Emphasizes Endorses Expresses its appreciation Expresses its hope Further invites Further proclaims Further resolves Has resolved Notes Proclaims Reaffirms Recommends Regrets Reminds Requests Solemnly affirms Strongly condemns Supports Takes note of Transmits Trusts Urges

Operative Clauses must begin with a verb in the present tense, and is all caps and in bold type. They describe the action of the committee. These clauses are numbered and end in a semicolon, except for the last clause which ends in a period.

**These are only suggestions for the phrases that may be used in resolutions. There may be other phrases that delegates may find more appropriate for their particular resolution.

Example of Draft Resolution: The Economics of Global Warming


Draft Resolution 2.2 Wisconsin High School Model United Nations Subject of Resolution: Submitted to: Submitted by: General Assembly, Economics of Global Warming Second Main Committee Subcommittee on Economics of Global Warming

AWARE that not all countries will be able to aid equally due to the current global economical situation, EMPHASIZING that climate change affects the global economy, DESIRING justice, equality, and fairness in the topic of global warming, OBSERVING that the Kyoto Protocol will not reach its goals by its deadline of 2012, RECOGNIZING that rapid climate change in the past has caused the collapse of complex societies, BEARING IN MIND that global climate change will have impact on all nation, NGOs, and multinational corporations, KEEPING IN MIND that many countries have traditional-fuel based economies and will be financially impacted by global warming regulations that limit international consumption, RECOGNIZING the anthropogenic nature of climate change, 1. Requests advisors to educate willing countries on actions they may take to combat climate change; 2. Encourages countries to join and follow the Copenhagen Accord; 3. Calls upon world organizations such as the WTO, the World Bank, and IRENA to provide resources for research and development on technologies designed to fight climate change; 4. Urges the creation of newer programs to aid the economic development of developing countries along a reduced-emission pathway; 5. Allows countries with fuel-selling dependent economies to continue the practice of fossil fuel sale without penalty; 6. Urges member nations to create a pollution tax proportional to economic size, stability and environmental impact, based on UN standards; 7. Recommends a continuation of the current cap and trade system, in which industries adhere to emission limits ultimately, set by international consent, in order to retain control of government sponsored allowances; 8. Emphasizes the importance of international collaboration on technological advances aimed at reducing the impact of global climate change; 9. Supports fair and open trade of climate change-fighting technologies; 10. Supports development of alternative economic sectors in fuel-selling dependant countries.

Rules and Procedures Administration and General Conference Rules Section 1: Administration
1.1: Executive Committee:

The Executive Committee shall have under its authority all matters that deal with: the assignment of countries, substantive matters of the conference, and the Secretariat. The Executive Committee has sole authority at WHSMUN regarding staff and conference logistics. The Executive Committee is composed of the Secretary-General, the Director-General and the IWA WHSMUN Coordinator.

1.2: Senior Staff:


The WHSMUN Senior Staff shall consist of the Secretary-General, the Director-General, the Under Secretary-General(s), and other designates of the Secretary-General at his/her discretion. The Senior Staff provide a direct point of contact for problems, concerns and ideas for the future. Only members of the Senior Staff may act as the official and final voice of the Secretariat.

1.3: Conference Composition:


WHSMUN shall consist of a General Assembly, a selection of Main Committees of the GA, and their respective subcommittees, as well as special committees. The composition of WHSMUN may be altered at the discretion of the Executive Committee.

1.4: Final Authority:


In any situation not covered by these rules, the Secretary-General of WHSMUN will be the final authority, using the United Nations Charter as a guide. The Secretary-General shall have all powers assigned to that position under the Charter and shall be assisted directly by other members of the Secretariat so designated by the Executive Committee.

1.5: Presiding Authority:


The President of the General Assembly, the President of the Security Council, and the Committee Chairpersons shall have complete control over the maintenance of order during the meetings at which they preside, and can exercise any powers conferred upon them by the Secretary-General.

1.6: Rules Clarification(s):


In any parliamentary situation not covered by these rules, final authority shall rest with the WHSMUN Secretariat. Such decisions are final and may not be appealed.

1.7: Quorum:
A quorum will be one fourth of the member delegations in attendance at the conference. A quorum is required for all business to take place. The number required for quorum may be altered at the discretion of the Secretary-General.

Section 2: General Rules


2.1: Diplomatic Courtesy:
Delegates are expected to act respectfully to their fellow delegates, faculty advisors, and to the Secretariat. Delegates who are found to be in violation of this may be censured or expelled from their committee. This decision may not be appealed. Delegates are expected to be in Western business attire for the duration of the conference.

2.2: Speeches:
Delegations may only speak after receiving recognition from the Chair. Delegations, and not individual representatives, are recognized so multiple delegates may speak when a delegation is recognized. Delegates must speak only about the topic at hand. The Chair may censure speakers who are off topic; said decision may not be appealed.

2.3: Recognition of Speakers:


Delegations wishing to be recognized to speak must raise their placard. The Chairs will recognize only official WHSMUN issued placards.

2.4: Right of Reply:


The Chair may allow a Right of Reply to any delegation if a speech made by another delegation contains extraordinary language clearly insulting to personal or national dignity. Requests are to be made in writing to the Chair detailing the language used which was found to be insulting. If entertained, the time allowed will be set by the Chair. The decision of the Chair may not be appealed, and no reply to a reply will be entertained.

2.5: Withdrawal of Motions:


Any motion may be withdrawn by its proposer until voting begins. If the motion has been amended, it may not be withdrawn.

2.6: Dilatory Motions:


The Chair may rule dilatory any motion duplicating a similar motion that has already been recently decided by the body. Said decision of the Chair may not be appealed.

2.7: Languages:
The official working language of WHSMUN is English. Every attempt by delegations should be made to ensure that delegates can communicate effectively in spoken and written English.

2.8: Censure:
Delegations found to be in repeated, severe violations of WHSMUN rules, regulations, and policies will be censured. Censure consists of removing voting and speaking privileges for a delegation for a period time as determined by the presiding authority. In extreme cases, expulsion will be considered. If a delegation is participating in actions that are considered severe enough, the presiding authority will attempt to issue a warning to the delegation notifying them they are in danger of censure, and why they will be censured if the behavior does not stop. Appeals to censures will be granted and conducted with the offending delegates, head delegate, and faculty advisor. The Secretary-General will act as presiding authority. Until the appeal is completed, the delegation will not be allowed to vote or speak in formal session.

Section 3: General Assembly (GA)


3.1: Agenda:
The order of the agenda of the plenary session of the GA on the second day of the conference shall be set by the Secretariat. New items may not be added to the agenda of the General Assembly.

3.2: Precedence:
The points and motions as listed in Section 4 are in order of precedence. This means that if there is a motion on the floor, only motions of higher precedence may be called for by delegates. Points are of higher precedence than motions.

3.3: Recognition of Speakers:


Delegations wishing to speak on an item before the body will signify by raising their placards when points, motions or speakers are requested by the Chair from the floor. When making a motion or speaking on a resolution/ amendment, delegates must raise their placards, when no other delegate is speaking, and

wait to be recognized by the Chair. When making a point, delegates must state their point as they raise their placard. Only points of order (Rule 4.1) may interrupt a speaker. -The correct grammar to be used when making a motion is: The delegation of _______ moves to

3.4: Debate Time Limits:


The Chair sets predetermined limits to debate: -Delegates proposing resolutions in the General Assembly shall have five minutes to speak on their resolution. This does not include the time necessary for the resolution to be read to the Assembly. -Proposers of amendments shall have three minutes to speak, after the amendment is read by the Dais staff. -Substantive speeches, such as speaking on a resolution or amendment, will be limited to three minutes. -Procedural speeches, such as the pro and con speakers for a motion, will be limited to thirty seconds. All of these limits may be changed with Rule 4.11. The Chair may also, at his or her discretion, set a cap regarding the total amount of time available for discussion of any resolution or amendment.

3.5: Yielding the Floor:


Once a delegation is finished with a substantive speech (on a resolution or amendment), they must yield the remainder of their time to: -the Chair = no other delegations may respond -questions/points of inquiry = other delegations can ask questions of the delegate on the speech he or she just made -another delegation = that delegation will speak on the issue to which the first delegation was recognized No more than two yields between delegations shall take place for each speaker recognized by the Chair. There may be no yields of any kind after a procedural or a proposal speech.

3.6: Penalties:
Delegations who are recognized to speak to a position on a main motion and who speak on the opposite shall be censured. Delegations falling to observe diplomatic courtesy toward fellow representatives, Secretariat members, faculty, or other individuals may be censured and removed from their committee or the conference. The latter decision rests jointly in the hands of the Secretary-General and the IWA WHSMUN Coordinator.

3.7: Observer Status:


Observer nations represented shall not be allowed to vote in the General Assembly or in the Main Committees. In addition, observer nations may not make or second motions dealing with adjournment of debate, closure of debate or adjournment of the meeting.

3.8: Voting Rights


Each member state shall have one vote in each Committee/Council in which they have representation. No delegate may cast a vote on behalf of another state.

3.9: Simple Majority


Unless otherwise stated, motions require a simple majority to pass. Simple majority rules state that there must be more votes in favor than against to pass, which does not include abstentions. If there are more opposed or an equal division between votes in favor and those opposed, the motion fails.

3.10: Methods of Voting:


The General Assembly shall vote by a show of raised placards. A member nation may call for a roll call vote on substantive motions. This requires 15 delegations to second the motion, as it is not debatable or put to a vote. Delegates shall reply with yes, no, abstain, or abstain from the order. A delegation may abstain from the order once during a roll call vote; a second abstention from the order will be recorded as an abstention. Before the final results of a roll call are announced, delegations will be asked if they wish to change their vote. Delegates who request to change their vote must change their vote.

3.11: Conduct During Voting


Immediately prior to a vote, the Chair will explain to the Committee/Council the item to be voted on, and will explain the consequences of an in favor or opposed vote. Voting begins when the Chair states that we are now in voting procedure, and ends when the results are announced. Once in voting procedure, no interruptions are allowed, except a Point of Order or a Point of Information regarding voting procedure. During voting procedure, there must be silence on the floor and delegates may not enter or leave the Committee/Council chamber.

3.12: Explanation of Votes:


Delegations that vote in favor of or against any main motion may be allowed 30 seconds after the results of the vote have been announced to explain why the voted as they did. This only applies if the delegations vote may have been considered out of character or against foreign policy, and they wish to explain their decision. An explanation is only permissible after a roll call vote, if the delegation indicated with rights when stating their vote (It is not allowed if the delegation abstained from the vote).

3.13: Votes Inconsistent With Foreign Policy:


If a delegation believes that another delegation is acting out of character, please approach a member of the Secretariat, who will in turn resolve the issue.

Section 4: General Assembly Rules (Points & Motions in Order of Precedence)


4.1: Point of Order:
During the discussion of any matter, a delegate may rise to a Point of Order if he or she believes that the committee is proceeding in a manner contrary to the WHSMUN rules. When a representative feels that the committee is out of order, he must state the exact violation of the WHSMUN Bylaws. This would include not being able to hear the speaker, as that would be a violation of Rule 2.1, Diplomatic Courtesy. A Point of Order may interrupt a speaker, but it should be noted that it is discourteous to do so unless the problem is pertinent.

4.2: Point of Information:


A Point of Information may be called for if a representative is unclear about the business before the assembly, or if he wishes to obtain clarification about the procedure of the assembly. This point may not interrupt a speaker.

4.3: Point of Inquiry:


At the end of any substantive speech, delegates may rise to a Point of Inquiry to ask a question of the speaker if the speaker so chooses and distinguishes that choice by yielding their time to questions/points

of inquiry. Points of Inquiry may not be made until after a delegation finishes their speech. Delegations wishing to raise a point of inquiry should rise immediately following a speakers substantive speech (but wait to be recognized by the Chair). Points of Inquiry are only in order if the speaker has not already yielded the balance of his or her time to the Chair. The speaker may decline to continue accepting points of inquiry at any time. This point may not interrupt a speaker.

4.4: Caucus:
Unmoderated Informal Session: A delegate may move to recess to an unmoderated informal session when the floor is open, prior to closure of debate. This motion requires a second and is not debatable. The motioning delegate must give a purpose and an overall time limit for the caucus. The time limit and acceptance of the motion are subject to the Chairs discretion. Once the motion is accepted, it is immediately put to a vote, requiring a simple majority to pass. Moderated Informal Session: A delegate may move to recess to a moderated informal session when the floor is open, prior to closure of debate. This motion requires a second and is not debatable. The motioning delegate must give a purpose, an overall time limit for the caucus, and a speaking time for the individual speeches. The time limit, number of speakers, and acceptance of the motion are subject to the Chairs discretion. Once the motion is accepted, it is immediately put to a vote, requiring a simple majority to pass. If the motion passes, the assembly will move directly into the moderated informal session for the specified amount of time. The Chair will accept speakers on the predetermined subject of the moderated caucus, and the Assembly will return to formal session when the time limit has expired.

4.5: Suspension of the Meeting:


The motion for a suspension of the meeting is used to suspend the meeting for a specified amount of time and for a specific purpose (such as a meal or the end of the day). This motion requires a second. This motion is not debatable and requires a simple majority for passage.

4.6: Adjournment of the Meeting:


This motion is used to end substantive business of the committee for the year. This motion requires a second. This motion is not debatable and requires a simple majority for passage. The Chair may refuse to recognize a motion to adjourn the meeting if the Committee still has enough time to discuss substantive business.

4.7: Division of the Assembly:


Any representative may call for a division of the assembly if he feels that the results of a substantive placard vote were close enough to merit a roll-call vote. A delegation wishing for a roll-call vote should move to divide the assembly immediately following the announcement of the results of the placard vote. A motion for Division of the Assembly requires 15 delegations to second the motion. The motion may be requested up until the proposal speaker for the next agenda item is recognized.

4.8: Adjournment of Debate:


Moving for adjournment of debate has the effect of ending debate on a main motion a resolution or amendment without bringing that particular motion to a vote. In effect, this tables the main motion, to be brought back only with a motion to reconsider (Rule 4.14).

This motion requires a second. This motion is debatable, with two speakers for and two speakers against the motion. This motion requires a simple majority for passage.

4.9: Closure of Debate:


A motion for closure of debate is used to end substantive debate on a main motion a resolution or amendment and bring the assembly to an immediate vote on that main motion. This motion requires a second. Two speakers will speak against this motion. This motion requires a 2/3 majority for passage.

4.10: Change the Order of the Agenda:


A motion to changing the order of the agenda is used to rearrange items on the agenda. Only one item may be moved each time this motion is made. This motion may only be made in the General Assembly, and only before the General Assembly enters substantive business on the first agenda topic. This motion is not debatable and requires a 2/3 majority for passage.

4.11: Consideration of Amendments:


Moving to amend a resolution is used to add, subtract, or modify the content of a resolution. All amendments must be written on official WHSMUN amendment forms and must be signed by at least 15 delegations before they may be accepted by the Secretariat. The amendment proposer must then move to amend the resolution, but only after the amendment has received approval from a member of the GA dais staff. The number of signatures required for amendment may be altered at the discretion of the Secretariat and said decision may not be appealed. This motion does not require a second. Once the motion is properly made, the amendment is automatically on the floor.

4.12: Change the Limits of Debate:


This motion is used to change the amount of time allotted to each speaker. Delegates moving to change limits of debate must state the new limit(s) they propose. This motion requires a second, and is debatable. This motion requires a 2/3 majority to pass.

4.13: Object to Consideration:


If the General Assembly does not wish to even consider a specific issue on the agenda, a delegation may make this motion when the agenda item comes up for consideration. If the motion is approved, then debate on the resolution ceases immediately and the agenda item is in effect skipped. This motion requires a second. This motion may be made any time until the proposal speech for the resolution in question is completed. This motion is not debatable. This motion requires a 2/3 majority for passage.

4.14: Division of the Question:


This motion is used to divide a resolution into multiple resolutions to be voted on separately. (It is used when different parts, although relating to a single subject, are capable of standing alone as complete resolutions, potentially due to their controversial nature. To completely remove a clause from

consideration, make an amendment to strike it.) This motion must clearly state in what way the resolution is to be divided. This motion is only in order after debate has been closed on the resolution, but before moving into voting procedure. Delegations will first vote on whether or not to divide the resolution. This motion requires a second and is debatable, with the pro and con speakers only discussing the merits of the actual motion. o If there are multiple motions to Divide the Question, then they are disposed of in the order of descending disruption to the resolution. o If the first vote fails, the Assembly returns to voting procedure on the resolution as it stands. If the first vote passes, the resolution is divided into two pieces to then be voted on separately. The second vote is taken to determine whether or not to keep the divided out portion of the resolution. If the second vote passes, then the divided segment(s) will be kept but as an annex to the original resolution. If the second vote fails, the particular clauses under consideration are discarded and no longer part of the resolution. Both votes require a simple majority for passage.

4.15: Reconsideration:
This motion is used to bring back any main motion (resolution or amendment) for which debate was adjourned. This motion requires a second for consideration. This motion is debatable, with two affirmative, and two negative speakers. This motion requires a 2/3 majority for passage. Upon passage, the item to be reconsidered comes up for discussion immediately. This motion can only be made between substantive agenda times.

Section 5: Main Committees


5.1: Applicability of GA Rules:
Unless provided for otherwise in this section, all rules of the General Assembly apply to the Main Committees.

5.2: Agenda:
The Main Committee agenda shall be set by the Secretariat and the order of it may not be changed. Only resolutions from subcommittees may be discussed in the Main Committees. All resolutions that pass in the Main Committee shall go onto the agenda for the General Assembly Plenary Session.

5.3: Debate Time Limits:


Proposers of resolutions shall be allotted ten minutes to speak on the resolution, not including the reading of the resolution. Proposers of amendments shall be allotted five minutes to speak on behalf of their amendment. Substantive speeches are limited to five minutes. Procedural speeches are limited to three minutes. These time limits may be changed with the proper motion.

Section 6: Subcommittees
6.1: Presiding Authority:
The Chair of each subcommittee shall determine the rules for their subcommittee.

6.2: Resolution Proposer:

Before the end of the subcommittee meeting, the delegations must select one representative of the Subcommittee to propose the resolution in the Main Committee.

Section 7: Security Council (SC) and Historical Security Council (HSC)


7.1: Presiding Authority
The Security Council President will be the Chairperson at all Council sessions and will have authority similar to that of the Secretary-General of WHSMUN. If the Council President should find it necessary to be absent during any part of the session, authority will be transferred to the Vice President or another member of WHSMUN staff chosen by the Security Council President.

7.2: Provisional Agenda:


Delegations in both of these committees must be prepared to debate all of the issues listed for their committee in the issue guide. The actual agenda shall be set by delegates of the committee and is subject to change. At any point during the committee session, the Secretary-General may call upon the committee to act upon an urgent international crisis, after which time they may return to their standard order of business.

7.3: Daily Order of Consideration for the Agenda:


The Council will establish the order of consideration for agenda topics at the start of the session. Once established, this will become the working agenda for the duration of the conference. Agenda topics will be discussed based on the order that they appear on the working agenda. A delegation wishing to change this order may move to change the order of consideration for the working agenda.

7.4: Quorum:
Quorum shall consist of ten member states in the Security Council and the Historical Security Council. When the Historical Security Council is simulating the year 1965 or before, quorum shall be seven member states.

7.5: Attendance:
Each Security Council member delegation assumes the responsibility to have two accredited representatives present at each Council session.

7.6: Formal Session:


When the SC or HSC is in formal session, the Security Council President shall facilitate debate. Speakers on the main motion need not alternate between pro and con speakers. By a 2/3 vote, the SC and HSC may set their own rules relating to time limits. Passage of main motions may occur only in Formal Session.

7.7: Amendments:
All amendments must be written on official WHSMUN amendments forms and must be signed by at least 5 delegations before they may be accepted by the Secretariat. The amendment proposer, after Secretariat approval, must then move to amend the resolution. The number of signatures required for an amendment may be altered at the discretion of the Secretariat and said decision may not be appealed. There shall be no friendly amendments.

7.8: Voting:
All voting shall be subject to Article 27 of the United Nations Charter. Voting shall be by show of placards, except on Main Motions and amendments, when any member nation may call for a roll call vote

(which is obligatory if called for). Each member state shall have one vote. On matters where there is little or no division among the members, unanimous consent may be requested of a motion. All votes of absentia shall not count toward the total vote for the purposes of determining a majority. During a roll call vote, before the final results are announced, delegations will be allowed to change their vote. Delegates who request to change their vote must change their vote. During voting procedure, there must be silence on the floor, and delegates may not enter or leave the Security Council Chamber.

7.9: Explanation of Votes:


Delegations that vote in favor of or against any main motion (but do not abstain) may be allowed 30 seconds after the results of the vote have been announced to explain why they voted in a way that may seem contrary to their nations foreign policy. Delegates wishing to do so must say with rights when they give their vote during the roll call.

7.10: Consent of the Five Permanent Members:


Per the Charter of the United Nations, each of the five permanent members China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States shall have the power to veto any substantive motion brought before the Security Council

7.11: Applicability of General Assembly Rules:


In Section 8, the rules of for the Security Council simulations are listed. Aside from the additions and changes, which are noted, many of the GA rules apply. For a complete description of these rules, please read under Section 4. Please refer to the short form for more information about each motion.

Section 8: Security Council Rules (Points of Procedure and Motions in Order of Precedence)
8.1: Point of Order
See GA Rule 4.1

8.2: Point of Information


See GA Rule 4.2

8.3: Point of Inquiry


See GA Rule 4.3

8.4: Suspension of the Meeting:


The President may use their authority to request an amendment to such motion if it is deemed necessary.

8.5: Adjournment of the Meeting


See GA Rule 4.6

8.6: Adjournment of Debate


See GA Rule 4.8

8.7: Closure of Debate on an Agenda Topic:


This motion is in order during any point of discussion of a particular agenda topic. If is passes, it has the

effect of ending debate on a topic area, and it brings all remaining draft resolutions for that topic area to a vote. This motion is debatable. A simple majority is required for the motion to pass.

8.8: Closure of Debate:


Closing debate on a resolution or amendment has the effect of bringing that particular main motion to an immediate vote. This motion is debatable. A simple majority is required for the motion to pass.

8.9: Enter Consultative Session:


With a majority vote, the SC and HSC may enter into an informal consultative session. While in informal consultative session, the Chair facilitates discussion among the delegations. No motions may be made during informal consultative sessions, with the exception of a motion to suspend the meeting. When the motion to begin an informal consultative session is made, the moving delegation must specify the time that the body will move back into formal session. This motion is debatable. A simple majority is required for this motion to pass.

8.10: Add an Agenda Topic:


This motion is used to consider whether or not the body wants to add an additional topic to the agenda. If this motion passes, the new agenda topic is added at the end of the current agenda. This motion is debatable. A simple majority is required for passage.

8.11: Change the Order of Consideration for the Working Agenda:


A motion to change the order of the consideration for the working agenda has the effect of changing the order in which topics are discussed before the council. The delegate making this motion must state the new order in which the agenda topics are to be considered. This motion is debatable. A simple majority is required for passage.

8.12: Set Working Agenda:


At the start of each daily session the Security Council shall establish a working agenda. A delegation may move to set the working agenda. This motion must contain the order in which the agenda topics are to be considered. This motion is debatable. A simple majority is required for passage.

8.13: Limits of Debate:


A motion to limit or extend the time allotted to each delegation, or limit the number of times each delegation can speak on a proposal, is in order at anytime. A motion to limit the time of debate on an agenda topic, draft resolution, or amendment is in order. This motion is debatable. A simple majority is required for passage.

8.14: Division of the Question 8.15: Consideration of Draft Resolutions:


A draft resolution may be brought to floor at anytime, but only one draft resolution may be considered on

the floor at any given time. This motion is not debatable. The sponsoring delegation will be allowed to speak first on the draft resolution, if desired.

8.16: Consideration of Amendments 8.17: Party to the Dispute:


When an issue before the Security Council involves a non-Council UN member nation or observer, the Council may request that the delegation be represented during Council sessions in which the issue is being discussed. To do this a Council delegation must move that the nation become a party to the dispute. A delegation that has been requested to attend Council sessions will usually be given debating privileges; this would allow the delegation to be recognized by the President during debate. A delegation requested to attend a Council session but not given debating privileges will be subject to a question and answer period monitored by the President and conducted by the Council as a whole. This motion is debatable. A simple majority is required for passage.

Section 9: Council of the European Union


9.1: Agenda:
The agenda of the Council of the European Union consists of the issues presented in the January supplement. Until modified by a motion to change the agenda, the agenda is considered to be the order as printed in the supplement. The motion to change the order of the agenda is in order except during a vote and when motions of higher precedence are on the table.

9.2: Quorum:
Quorum for the Council of the European Union consists of 15 of the 25 member nations of the EU.

9.3: Formal Session:


Unless moved into an informal session or suspension, the Council of the European Union is considered in formal session. Formal session is facilitated by the President of the Council of the European Union, who is the presiding authority of the Council. Speakers in formal session will be recognized by the President to speak, and the President will be responsible for maintaining order.

9.4: Informal Session:


Informal session is an unmoderated period of debate where the President of the Council does not actively facilitate discussion. It is expected that delegations have at least one delegate sitting at their placard. If a delegation wants an extended period of time to discuss matters privately with another delegate or in small groups, they would be better served to suspend the meeting instead of moving for an informal session. No motions can be made during an informal session.

9.5: Resolutions:
Resolutions passed by the Council of the European Union must have at least 5 sponsors before they are brought to the floor with a motion to bring a draft resolution to the floor. Sponsors must vote for a resolution if it is voted on without amendment. Resolutions must have one operative and one perambulatory clause. Any number of draft resolutions can be on the floor for a particular issue, but only resolutions pertaining to the issue are considered on the floor. Therefore, if the agenda is changed before a resolution is voted on, the resolution can not be voted on until the agenda is changed again to address

the relevant issue.

9.6: Amendments:
All amendments must be written on official WHSMUN amendments forms and must be signed by at least 5 delegations before they may be accepted by the President. The amendment proposer, after Secretariat approval, must then move to amend the resolution. The number of signatures required for amendment may be altered at the discretion of the Secretariat and said decision may not be appealed.

9.7: Explanation of Qualified Majority Voting (QMV):


The Council of the European Union uses Qualified Majority Voting for all substantive matters. Qualified Majority Voting is designed to ensure representation based on population, at the same time as maintaining sufficient relative power for smaller states. All states are assigned a number of votes based on population, but weighted towards smaller states. To be passed, a substantive measure must satisfy two conditions: a majority of the present member states in favor of it, and it must receive 72.3% of the total possible votes of the present member states. When a state votes yes, it is considered in favor of the measure, and its votes are added to the total necessary to be passed. If a substantive measure does not have sufficient majorities in either category, it is not passed. Statistics on number of votes per country and an example on how a qualified majority vote would take place are found in Appendix 4.

9.8: Points, Procedural Motions and Substantive Votes:


Points are made to request a clarification of the rules or question a speaker. They do not require a vote and are subject to approval by the President. Procedural Motions are implement the rules of the Council, and require simple majority votes, unless otherwise stated or unless a request for a Qualified Majority Vote is granted by the President. Substantive Votes are votes on the substantive matter of the Council (the resolutions and amendments up for debate). Substantive votes are taken only after a motion to close debate or a division of the question has passed, or if a request for a Qualified Majority Vote has passed on a procedural motion. Substantive votes always use Qualified Majority Voting. Procedural Votes are not subject to Qualified Majority Voting, and a procedural motion passes if a simple majority of states present are in favor (unless otherwise indicated), or unless a request for a Qualified Majority Vote is allowed and seconded.

Section 10: Council of the European Union Rules


10.1: Point of Order:
During formal session discussion of any matter, a Representative may rise to a Point of Order if he/she believes that the committee is proceeding in a manner contrary to these rules. When a representative feels that the committee is out of order, he must state the exact violation of the WHSMUN Bylaws. This would include not being able to hear the speaker, as that would be a violation of Rule 2.1, Diplomatic Courtesy. A Point of Order may interrupt a speaker, although should whenever possible wait until a speaker has concluded speaking.

10.2: Point of Information:


Point of Information may be called for in formal session when a representative is unclear about the business before the assembly, or he wishes to obtain clarification about the procedure of the assembly. This point may not interrupt a speaker.

10.3: Point of Inquiry:


See GA Rule 4.3

10.4: Request for a Qualified Majority Vote


To ensure the fairness of proceedings, the President will entertain a motion to make any procedural motion other than a point of order, point of information, or point of inquiry a Qualified Majority Vote. If the motion is ruled in order by the President and has two seconds, the vote on the motion will no longer be a simple majority vote, but a Qualified Majority Vote. This request has the effect of making a procedural motion a substantive motion. This motion requires two seconds. This motion is at the discretion of the chair.

10.5: Suspension of the Meeting:


The motion for a suspension of the meeting is used to suspend the meeting for a specified amount of time and for a specific purpose (such as to take a short break or to caucus). The President may ask that the proposer reconsider the amount of time for suspension. This motion is not debatable and requires a simple majority for passage. This motion requires a second.

10.6: Informal Session:


A motion for an informal session has the effect of moving into informal session, where no motions can be passed but where delegates are expected to remain in their seats to discuss issues before the body. When this motion is made, a period of time for the informal session must be stated; after that amount of time passes, the formal session resumes. This motion is not debatable and requires a simple majority for passage

10.7: Change the Agenda


A motion to change the agenda, if it alters the current agenda issue, has the effect of ending debate on the issue at hand and switching the agenda to another issue. All resolutions on the floor for that issue are considered tabled until the agenda is changed to return the issue to the current agenda topic. This motion requires a 2/3 majority for passage.

10.8: Closure of Debate:


A motion to close debate is made to end debate on a resolution that has been brought to the floor and bring it to an immediate vote. The motion must be made in reference to a specific resolution, and once the motion is made and passed, that resolution and all amendments to it will be voted on. Following the vote, regardless of its passage or failure, the resolution and its amendments can not be voted on again. The motion to close debate requires a 2/3 majority of states present in favor (unless a request for a Qualified Majority Vote is made and approved); however, the actual vote on amendments and resolutions requires Qualified Majority Voting. This motion is debatable.

10.9: Adjournment of the Meeting:


This motion is used to end substantive business of the committee for the year. This motion is not debatable and requires a simple majority for passage.

10.10: Consideration of a Draft Resolution:


To bring a draft resolution to the floor, the resolution must have 5 sponsors. Upon making a motion to accept a draft resolution, the President will ask for the sponsors to raise their placard to signify themselves as such. Sponsors of a resolution are required to vote for that draft resolution, unless it is amended.

Multiple draft resolutions can be on the floor at one time. This motion is not debatable.

10.11: Consideration of an Amendment to a Resolution:


To bring a draft amendment to the floor, it must be printed on an official WHSMUN amendment form and have 5 signatures, or another number announced by the President if there is a drastic shortcoming in members present. Once a draft amendment has been brought to the floor, it will be voted upon during closure of debate to be added to the pertinent resolution. If it passes then, it will be added to the resolution. This motion is not debatable.

10.12: Limits on Debate:


A motion to limit or extend the time allotted to each delegation, or limit the number of times each delegation can speak on a proposal, is in order at anytime. A motion to limit the time of debate on an agenda topic, draft resolution, or amendment is also in order. This motion is debatable. A simple majority is required for passage.

10.13: Division of the Question:


Delegations will first vote on whether or not to divide the question at all. This motion requires a second and is debatable, with the pro and con speakers only discussing the merits of the actual motion. This motion requires a simple majority for passage. If the motion to divide the question passes, a second vote is taken to determine whether or not to divide the segments of the draft resolution and create separate draft resolutions. This vote is required to be a Qualified Majority Vote.

10.14: Party to the Dispute:


When an issue before the Council of the European Union involves a non-Council nation, NGO, or individual, the Council may request that the delegation be represented during Council Sessions in which the issue is being discussed. To do this a Council delegation must move that the nation, NGO, or individual become a party to the dispute. A delegation that has been requested to attend Council sessions will usually be given debating privileges; this would allow the delegation to be recognized by the President during debate. A delegation requested to attend a Council session, but not given debating privileges, will be subject to a question and answer period monitored by the President and conducted by the Council as a whole. This motion is debatable. A simple majority is required for passage.

Appendices Appendix 1: WHSMUN GA Parliamentary Procedure Short Form


Motion 4.1: Point of Order 4.2: Point of Information 4.3: Point of Inquiry 4.4 Caucus: -Unmoderated -Moderated 4.5: Suspension of the Meeting 4.6: Adjournment of the Meeting 4.7: Division of the Assembly Second N/A N/A N/A Debate No No No Vote N/A N/A N/A Disrupt Speaker Yes No No Description
Used to point out a misuse of the rules Ask any question of the chair, or to gain clarification Ask a question of a speaker at the end of their speech, if yielded to accept them

-Yes -Yes Yes

-No -No No

-Majority -Majority Majority

-No -No No

-Used to discuss issues on


own; break -Discuss issues with Chair moderating both sides Recess the meeting for a specific amount of time, often for a meal or days end End the meeting for the year Used to request a roll call vote

Yes Yes, fifteen Yes

No No

Majority N/A

No No

4.8: Adjournment of Debate 4.9: Closure of Debate 4.10: Change the Order of the Agenda (GA only) 4.11: Consideration of Amendments 4.12: Change the Limits of Debate 4.13: Object to Consideration 4.14: Division of the Question 4.15: Reconsider

2 Pro 2 Con 2 Con No No

Majority

No

Has the effect of tabling an issue, without a vote on the content Ends debate on any issue open to debate, and brings it to a vote Used to change the order of resolutions, in the GA only Bring an amendment to the floor for discussion Used to change the maximum amount of time per speaker or per topic Prevents discussion, for grave reasons, of a resolution Divides resolution/amend into separate parts for voting Bring back to discussion a resolution or topic that was tabled

Yes Yes No

2/3 2/3 N/A

No No No

Yes Yes Yes Yes

No No 2 Pro 2 Con 2 Pro 2 Con

2/3 2/3 Majority 2/3

No No No No

Appendix 2: WHSMUN SC/HSC Parliamentary Procedure Short Form


Motion 8.1: Point of Order 8.2: Point of Information 8.3: Point of Inquiry 8.4: Suspension of the Meeting 8.5: Adjournment of the Meeting 8.6: Adjournment of Debate 8.7: Closure of Debate on an Agenda Topic 8.8: Closure of Debate 8.9: Enter Consultative Session 8.10: Add an Agenda Topic 8.11: Change the Order of Consideration of the Working Agenda 8.12: Set Working Agenda 8.13: Limits on Debate 8.14: Division of the Question 8.15: Consideration of Draft Resolutions 8.16: Consideration of Amendments 8.17: Party to the Dispute Debate No No No No No Yes Yes Vote? N/A N/A N/A Majority Majority Majority Majority Disrupt Speaker Yes No No No No No No Description
Used to point out a misuse of the rules Ask any question of the chair, or to gain clarification Ask a question of a speaker at the end of their speech Recess the meeting for a specific amount of time, often to caucus End the meeting for the year Has the effect of tabling an issue, without a vote on the content Ends debate on an agenda topic, which beings all motions to a vote Ends debate on any issue open to debate, and brings it to a vote Move into an informal debate period Add an additional topic to the working agenda Change the order in which agenda items are on the working agenda Set the daily order for the working agenda Impose (or repeal) a limit on the length of debate Divide a resolution into two or more pieces, to vote on Bring a draft resolution to the floor for discussion Bring an amendment to the floor for discussion Invite a non-Security Council member to the discussion

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Majority Majority Majority Majority

No No No No

Yes Yes Yes No No Yes

Majority Majority Majority N/A N/A Majority

No No No No No No

Appendix 3: WHSMUN CEU Parliamentary Procedure Short Form


Motion 10.1: Point of Order 10.2: Point of Information 10.3: Point of Inquiry 10.4: Request a Qualified Majority Vote 10.5: Suspension of the Meeting 10.6: Informal Session 10.7: Change the Agenda Debate No No No No No Vote? N/A N/A N/A Two Seconds Majority Disrupt Speaker Yes No No No No

Description
Used to point out a misuse of the rules Ask any question of the chair, or to gain clarification Ask a question of a speaker at the end of their speech Request to make procedural motion subject to a QMV Recess the meeting for a specific amount of time, often to caucus Moves the meeting into an informal session Changes the order of the agenda, tabling issues if the current agenda is changed Ends debate on any issue open to debate, and brings it to a vote Ends the meeting for the year Brings a new draft resolution to the floor for debate and voting Brings a new draft amendment to the floor for debate and voting Impose (or repeal) a limit on the length of debate Divide a resolution into two or more pieces, to vote on Invite a non-EU representative to the discussion

No Yes

Majority 2/3 Majority 2/3 Majority Majority 5 Sponsors 5 Sponsors Majority Majority Majority

No No

10.8: Closure of Debate 10.9: Adjournment of the Meeting 10.10: Consideration of a Draft Resolution 10.11: Consideration of a Draft Amendment 10.12: Limits on Debate 10.13: Divide the Question 10.14: Party to the Dispute

Yes No No No

No No No No

Yes Yes Yes

No No No

Appendix 4: Qualified Majority Voting (QMV)


List of EU member states with the number of weighted votes each can cast: France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom 29 Votes Each Poland, Spain 27 Votes Each Romania 14 Votes Netherlands 13 Votes Belgium, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Portugal 12 Votes Each Austria, Bulgaria, Sweden 10 Votes Each Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Lithuania, Slovakia, 7 Votes Each Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Luxembourg, Slovenia 4 Votes Each Malta 3 Votes Total votes when all member states are present About 73.9% of 345 votes 345 Votes 255 Votes

Remember, when a vote is taken a majority of all present countries is needed as well as 255 of 345 votes. Additionally, a member state can call for verification that at least 62% of the entire EU population is represented by the majority for the resolution to be adopted. An illustrative example of QMV Debate has closed on Resolution 1.1, passing with a 2/3 majority of 27 countries 17 in favor, 3 in opposition and 7 in abstention. The Council is now in immediate voting procedure. Condition 1: Number of countries A majority of members present vote in favor of the resolution (20 of 27): Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden Members voting against (7 of 27): Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Hungary, Netherlands, Portugal, United Kingdom The first condition necessitating a majority of member states in favor have been satisfied (20 out of 27). Condition 2: Number of votes Austria (10), Bulgaria (10), Cyprus (4), Czech Republic (12), Finland (7), France (29), Germany (29), Greece (12), Italy (29), Ireland (7), Latvia (4), Lithuania (7), Luxembourg (4), Malta (3), Poland (27), Romania (14), Slovakia (7), Slovenia (4), Spain (27), and Sweden (10) all voted in favor. 10 + 12 + 10 + 4 +7 + 29 + 29 + 12 + 29 + 7 + 4 + 7 + 4 + 3 + 27 + 14 + 7 + 4 + 27 + 10 = 256 Votes Belgium (12), Denmark (7), Estonia (4), Hungary (12), Netherlands (13), Portugal (12), and the United Kingdom (29) all voted in opposition. 12 + 7 + 4 + 12 + 13 + 12 + 29 = 89 Votes Therefore, 256 out of 345 weighted votes are in favor of the resolution, or 74.2%. The second condition is satisfied. Condition 3: Population size Belgium challenges that the majority represents less than the required 62% of the EU population. When calculated, however, the 20-member majority represents over 76% of the entire EU population. A majority has been achieved and the third condition satisfied. Resolution 1.1 passes.

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