KCL MUN 2011-12 Delegate Conference Preparation Guide

KCL Model United Nations
Society 2011/2012

Delegate Conference Preparation
Guide

KCL Model United Nations Society 2011/2012

"The Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza”
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Table of Contents
An introduction to the Committee ............................................................................ 2
Introduction to the topic.......................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Summary and areas a Resolution must address ...........................Error! Bookmark not defined.


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Guide to research
The key to a successful Model United Nations experience is through
preparation. Your research should begin by obtaining a strong background
about your nation’s history, culture and political structure. You should
then learn about the workings of the United Nations and you need to have
an understanding regarding the issues at hand. All of this together will
enable you to successfully role-play your country. The research on your
assigned country should encompass a wide range of topics, such as
political stability and structure, economic condition, culture, religion,
history and geographical location. Keep in mind that you do not want to
overlook negative aspects of any country’s national policy. Research the
problems within your nation: what caused them and why they still exist.
The United Nations
Knowledge of the United Nations is key to participating in any Model
United Nations program. Delegates should familiarize themselves with the
United Nation’s functions and its basic organization and structure and
procedure. Most importantly, you must understand your country’s policies
based upon past action of the United Nations on the topics that will be
discussed. A good first step to learn about the United Nations is to access
the UN website. There are also dozens of United Nation depositories,
which are affiliated with many public and university libraries. These
house sources of information in all fields that affect the United Nations.
Johns Hopkins University is the only UN Depository in the Mid-Atlantic
region. The Milton S. Eisenhower library holds most UN publications,
documents and records as well as a wealth of information on the library’s
website. The website offers country and regional studies, international
law, economic and trade studies and current international news as well as
links to other useful resources.
Country research
Delegates will need to become familiar with the nation they are
representing. Obtaining statistics and general information is a good
starting point, however, research should be inclusive of understanding a
nation’s culture, government structure and procedure, economy, military
and political history. Delegates may find accessing their nation’s and UN
Mission’s Web site helpful as it may contain links to other relevant sites.
Also the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency and State Department Web sites
provide an excellent resource on country specific information including
current country news and bulletins. The CIA Web site is available
at http://www.cia.gov and the State Department’s Web site
is http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/. The UN Bibliographic Information
System (UNBISnet) is the bibliographic database for the United Nations
Dag Hammarskjöld Library in New York and the UN Office in Geneva’s
Library. This database corresponds closely to the contents of each UN
depository library and indexes documentation published since 1979.
UNBISnet also includes searchable voting records for all resolutions which
were adopted, either without a vote or by roll-call or recorded vote, by


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the General Assembly beginning with its 38th session (1983-) and the
Security Council beginning with its 1st year (1946-). And a searchable
index to citations to speeches made in the General Assembly beginning
with its 38th session (1983-), the Security Council beginning with its 38th
year (1983-), the Economic and Social Council beginning in 1983 and the
Trusteeship Council beginning with its 15th special session (1982). Access
UNBISnet at http://unbisnet.un.org.

Topic research
Delegates should familiarize themselves with their nation’s policies and
role in piracy on the high seas. To a certain extent, this will involve
integrating the information obtained through researching the United
Nations and the specifics on each nation. Some important points to keep
in mind when evaluating your country’s policy on this topic:

• What does the nation recognize to be the problem associated with
the topic?
•
Would the nation see it as a problem? If so, how big of a problem?
•
What interests does the nation associate with the topic?
•
Would the nation want to see committee or general UN
involvement?

• What action(s) or non-action(s) on this issue has the nation taken
in the past?

The policies of other nations are extremely relevant to a delegate’s
research. Having a strong grasp of these becomes even more important at
a MUN simulation. Delegates should learn which nations will beneficial to
work with and how to work with them. Recognize that these will vary
from topic to topic and that other delegates will often interpret each
other’s policies differently.


4

Position Papers
In an effort to expand upon the high quality of debate, delegates are
usually required to submit position papers prior to a conference. Position
papers allow delegates to organize their ideas and aid in formatting and
representing a country's policy. The position papers will also aid delegates
in creating their speeches. Each position paper should relate to a topic on
the agenda, answer the "Questions to Consider" that are provided in the
background guides and define the topic's relationship to the country's
national interests.

Length
Position papers are a maximum of one page (single-spaced) within the
committee (e.g., in ECOSOC, the delegation-whether composed of one or
two students-will write one paper on each topic).
Content
The paper should include a brief introduction and a comprehensive
breakdown of the country's position on the topics being discussed in the
committee. An excellent position paper includes:

1.A brief introduction to the country and its history regarding the topic
and/or UN body;
2.The country's background on the topic, including:
3.Political and/or foreign policy;
4.Action taken by the government in relation to the topic;
5.Resolutions, conventions and declarations that the country supports;
6.Quotes taken from speeches made by heads of government;
7.Statistics regarding the issue; and
8.The country's recommendation for a resolution for the topic.
Sample position paper
Committee: Commission on Human Rights
Topic: Violence against Women
Country: Denmark
Delegate(s): XXXX, XXXX University
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states, "no one shall be
subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or
punishment." Although this doctrine was adopted in 1948, the world has
fallen quite short of this goal. Violence against women pervades all states
and it is the duty of the international community to ensure that all people
are given respect. Despite efforts to combat gross human rights abuses,
such as the adoption of the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence
against Women, the United Nations has not been able to alleviate the
injustice women worldwide experience daily.
The Kingdom of Denmark believes that in order to end violence against
women, nations must look to empower women in all aspects of society.
This includes promoting equal gender roles in government, civil society,


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education and business. However, Denmark also recognizes the need to
combat human rights abuses against women as they occur, and no nation
is immune to gender violence.
In 2002, the Danish Government launched an extensive action plan to
combat domestic violence against women. The plan includes measures to
help treat abused women, identify and prosecute the perpetrators, and
incorporate professional medical and psychological staff into the
rehabilitation process. The action plan reaches out to both governmental
and nongovernmental groups on the local level throughout the nation.
The Danish Centre for Human Rights in Copenhagen, Denmark’s foremost
national human rights institution, also promotes and protects human
rights. Based on the Centre’s research, Denmark’s parliament can
promote human-rights-based legislation and education/awareness
programs throughout the nation. The Centre also addresses the UN
Commission on Human Rights annually regarding human rights
developments.
Denmark has no record of committing major human rights violations, most
importantly any targeted at women. In its 2003 Annual Report, Amnesty
International also found no human rights violations against Danish women.
Women are invaluable to Denmark’s society and have achieved significant
economic and social gains in the 20th century. Currently, 75 percent of
medical students in Denmark are women.
Education remains the most useful tool in protecting victims of gender-
based violence. Governments, UN agencies and nongovernmental
organizations (NGOs) can plan a coordinated campaign that educates
national populations on the ways women are violently targeted. Similarly,
harmful traditions, such as honor killings and female genital mutilation,
must be stopped by reforming traditional views of women in society.
Children of both sexes need to be taught at an early age to value the
rights of women in order to prevent such violence in their generation.
In order to prevent gender violence, nations must work together to build
a culture of support, equality and community. As such, the Kingdom of
Denmark looks forward to offering its support, in whatever form possible,
to nations firmly committed to ending violence against women in all its
forms.

Here you would cite your sources. If it’s a website, just paste the link in
here, for books give the name of the book, the authors and it’s year of
publication, for movies the name of the movie and the names of the
director and screenwriter as well as it’s year of release.


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Debate
Discussion on a topic begins with debate and ends with voting on any
resolutions that were created during debate and caucusing. Due to the
fact that the Diplomat for a Day simulation will only address one topic,
the simulation will dispense with topic setting and open the debate floor
with the setting of speakers’ time.
How to debate?
Writing and delivering speeches is an important aspect of the MUN
simulation. Speeches help delegates convey the positions of their Member
States, build consensus and start formulating resolutions. Usually, the
committee sets the speaking time for each state. To accomplish this, a
delegate makes a motion to set the duration and if the motion has been
seconded, the body then votes upon the suggestion. Although
speechmaking is integral to the MUN simulation, many delegates’ biggest
fear is public speaking. It is essential that delegates come to the
conference well prepared: that they have completed prior research, know
their country’s position and even have objectives for a resolution.
Delegates should always consider the audience when making a speech.
They should be aware of the listeners and their diversity. As there are no
set guidelines for how delegates should execute their speeches, delegates
should decide how they feel most comfortable addressing the committee.
Some delegates utilize their position papers as their opening speeches,
others just write out some key points and many speak without any aids.
Since public speaking is a skill, it is important to practice. A good opening
speech should:

1. Open with: “Thank you Mr./Madame/Honorable
Chair/President, etc.”
2. Include:
• A brief introduction of your country’s history on the topic;
• The current situation of the topic;
• The country’s overall position on the topic/reason for position
(i.e. religious ideologies):;
• The country’s position in relation to its bloc, major powers, etc.;
• Past actions taken by the U.N. and Member States to combat the
problem;
• Possible ideas or objectives for a resolution;
• The role of non-governmental organization in combating the
issue (if applicable); and
• Whether there is room for negotiation.


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Caucassing
Caucusing blocks should be used as an initial tool in preparation and
research for MUN. All delegates should be generally aware of the
positions and dynamics of the bloc in which their country belongs. Please
keep in mind that the intricate nature of international relations often
results in an over-simplification of regional blocs. Therefore, it is
extremely important that delegates are prepared to represent their
countries and not the blocs themselves. Nonetheless, blocs can be very
helpful at the beginning of a committee session as a means to open lines
of communications with delegates from like-minded countries.


8

Resolution writing
Most United Nations committees are unable to pass binding legislation.
Instead, many committees (including the General Assembly Plenary
Committee) pass resolutions. The main purpose of these resolutions is to
apply political pressure to member states, voice an opinion on an issue or
to recommend that the UN or another agency take a specific action. The
only UN organ with binding power is the Security Council.

Drafting a resolution
A resolution is the final product of a committee session’s conclusion of a
topic. Committees may pass more than one resolution on a topic, but
should not pass two or more nearly identical resolutions. Nor can the
committee pass conflicting resolutions on the same topic. A resolution is
a proposal that calls for action by the United Nations. This action is to be
taken by the Secretariat, member states or the various UN organizations.
The wording of a resolution can greatly influence other member states.
Your resolution should be clear, concise, specific and well researched.
Sponsors should be prepared to discuss and defend their resolution.
Resolutions follow a basic format. Each resolution should have three
parts: the heading, the perambulatory clauses and the operative clauses.
The whole resolution consists of one long sentence with commas and
semicolons throughout with a period only at the very end.
Delegates submit draft resolutions to the Dais for consideration and
distribution to the entire body. Type- written resolutions should be
single-spaced, with each line numbered in the left-hand margin and the
first word in each clause underlined. Handwritten resolutions should
underline the first word in each clause. Please note that all hand-written
resolutions will be typed-up before copied for the committee.

Once approved by the chair, the resolution will be assigned a number for
committee consideration. The resolution will be distributed to the
committee and sponsors will be afforded an opportunity to explain the
resolution before the body and answer questions.
Sponsors and signatories
Sponsors of a resolution are those countries that have been the principal
authories of the document and agree and its substance. Signatories are
countries that may or may not agree with the substance of the resolution,
but would like to see the resolution on the floor.
Resolution formatting
Heading:
Committee:
Subject:
Sponsors:
Signatories:


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Perambulatory clauses
The perambulatory clauses supply historical background for the issue and
justifies the action to be recommended. The preamble should refer to
specific factual information, situations and incidents. Finally, the
preamble may include appeals to human nature or common sense with
reference to the UN Charter or other declarations. Each clause in the
preamble should begin with an appropriate phrase and end with a
common. A semi-colon should follow the last clause in the peramble.
Phrases for perambulatory clauses:

• Affirming
• Deeply disturbed
• Guided by
• Alarmed by
• Deeply regretting
• Having adopted
• Having considered
• Observing
• Having considered further
• Aware of
• Emphasizing
• Having devoted attention
• Believing
• Expecting
• Realizing
• Bearing in mind
• Having examined
• Recalling
• Confident
• Having studied
• Recognizing
• Contemplating
• Fulfilling
• Having heard
• Convinced
• Fully aware


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• Having received
• Declaring
• Fully alarmed
• Keeping in mind
• Deeply concerned
• Fully believing
• Noting with regret
• Deeply conscious
• Further deploring
• Noting with satisfaction
• Deeply convinced
• Further recalling
• Noting with deep concern
• Taking note
• Welcoming
• Desiring
• Noting further
• Seeking
• Referring

Operative clauses
The purpose of operative clauses is to present a solution to address the
problem at hand in a logical manner. The clauses should be numbered and
can be as vague or specific as the sponsors would like them. Remember,
only the Security Council may pass binding resolutions. All other
comments may pass recommendations for needed action. Also, the
General Assembly Plenary may only make recommendations for action of
UN organs. It may only suggest working with other tertiary groups like the
International Red Cross.
Operative clauses begin with active, present tense verbs and are followed
by a semi-colon, with a period at the very end.
Active verbs for operative clauses:

• Accepts
• Affirms
• Approves
• Authorizes


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• Calls
• Calls upon
• Condemns
• Confirms
• Considers
• Declares accordingly
• Deplores
• Designates
• Draws attention
• Emphasizes
• Encourages
• Endorses
• Expresses its hope
• Further invites
• Further proclaims
• Further recommends
• Further reminds
• Further requests
• Further resolves
• Notes
• Proclaims
• Reaffirms
• Ally have guys
• Recommends
• Regrets
• Reminds
• Renews
• Requests
• Resolves
• Solemnly affirms
• Supports
• Takes note of
• Urges


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Amendments
An amendment is a clarification or change to the wording of a resolution
to incorporate additional interests and concerns once the resolution has
been formally introduced to the committee. Prior to formal submission,
changes may be made at any time if all the sponsors of the original
resolution are in agreement. The process usually takes place in caucuses.

There are two types of amendments: friendly and unfriendly. A friendly
amendment is added usually to clarify wording. It is automatically
incorporated if all of the sponsors are in favor of the amendment. There
is no need to vote if this occurs. On the other hand, an unfriendly
amendment is when the sponsors are against the proposed modification.
An unfriendly amendment must be formally introduced to the committee
chair with the appropriate number of signatories. The amendment will be
voted on separately before voting takes place on the resolution itself.

Acceptable amendments may:
• Amend by addition (adds words and/or phrases);
• Amend by striking (deletes a word and/or phrase); or
• Amend by addition and strike.
An amendment that changes the intent of the resolution is not acceptable
upon determination of the chair. However, the amendment sponsors may
formally submit the amendment as a separate resolution.
Sample resolution
Draft Resolution 1.1

GA/1.1
Sponsors: United States, Austria and Italy
Signatories: Greece, Tajikistan, Japan, Canada, Mali, the Netherlands and
Gabon
Topic: Strengthening UN Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance in
Complex Emergencies

The General Assembly,
Reminding all nations of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which recognizes the inherent
dignity,
equality and inalienable rights of all global citizens, [use commas to
separate preambulatory clauses]
Reaffirming its Resolution 33/1996 of 25 July 1996, which encourages
Governments to work with UN bodies aimed at improving the coordination
and
effectiveness of humanitarian assistance,
Noting with satisfaction the past efforts of various relevant UN bodies
and


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nongovernmental organizations,
Stressing the fact that the United Nations faces significant financial
obstacles and is in need of reform, particularly in the humanitarian
realm,

1. Encourages all relevant agencies of the United Nations to collaborate
more
closely with countries at the grassroots level to enhance the carrying out
of relief efforts; [use semicolons to separate operative clauses]

2. Urges member states to comply with the goals of the UN Department
of
Humanitarian Affairs to streamline efforts of humanitarian aid;

3. Requests that all nations develop rapid deployment forces to better
enhance
the coordination of relief efforts of humanitarian assistance in complex
emergencies;

4. Calls for the development of a United Nations Trust Fund that
encourages
voluntary donations from the private transnational sector to aid in
funding
the implementation of rapid deployment forces;

5. Stresses the continuing need for impartial and objective information on
the
political, economic and social situations and events of all countries;

6. Calls upon states to respond quickly and generously to consolidated
appeals
for humanitarian assistance; and [add “and” to the second-to-last
operative
clause

7. Requests the expansion of preventive actions and assurance of post-
conflict
assistance through reconstruction and development. [end resolutions with
a
period


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Flow of debate

Role Call
The Chairperson will announce each country’s name. After delegates hear
their country, they should answer "present" or “present and voting”.
Setting the agenda
When Model UN committees have more than one topic available, the body
must set the agenda to begin working on one of these issues. At this time
a delegate typically makes a motion, stating "The country of [name]
moves to place [topic A] first on the agenda, followed by [topic B] and
then [topic C]." Once the motion has been made, three delegations must
speak in favor of the motion, and three other delegations will speak
against it. These speeches should alternate between those in favor and
those opposed. Once these six speeches have been given, a vote is taken.
Setting the agenda requires a simple majority vote.
Debate
Formal Debate: Formal debate revolves around a speakers list. The Chair
begins by asking all delegates interested in addressing the other members
to raise their placards. The Chair then chooses delegates to be placed on
the speakers list. A country may only be on the speakers list once, but
delegates may add their country to the end of the list after their speech.

Informal Debate: Informal debate involves discussion outside of the
speakers list. During moderated caucuses, the Chair calls on delegates
one-by-one so that each can address the committee in short speeches.
During unmoderated caucuses, the committee breaks for a temporary
recess so that delegates may meet with each other and discuss ideas.
1a. When the session begins, speeches focus on stating country positions
and offering recommendations for action. 1b. After several countries
state their positions, the committee breaks for caucuses (often in blocs)
to develop regional positions.
2a. After blocs have met, speeches focus on describing bloc positions to
the entire body. 2b. Writing begins as countries work together to
compose draft resolutions.
3a. Delegates now make statements describing their draft resolutions to
the committee. 3b. Countries and groups meet to gather support for
specific draft resolutions.
4a. Delegates try to garner more support through formal speeches and
invite others to offer their ideas. 4b. Delegates finalize draft resolutions.
5a. Delegates make statements supporting or disagreeing with specific
draft resolutions. 5b. Draft-resolution sponsors build greater support for
their resolution and look to incorporate others’ ideas through friendly
amendments.
6a. Delegates present any amendments they have created.


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Close of debate
Once the speakers list is exhausted, the committee automatically moves
to voting. Also, once a delegate feels that his or her country’s position is
clear to others and that there are enough draft resolutions on the floor,
he or she may make a motion to proceed into voting procedure by moving
for the closure of debate.
Voting procedures
Once a motion to close debate has been approved, the committee moves
into voting procedure. Amendments are voted on first, then resolutions.
Once all of the resolutions are voted on, the committee moves to the
next topic on the agenda.

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