AFRICAN MODEL UNITED NATIONS

CHAIRING GUIDE

AFROMUN 2017

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 INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the 4TH African Model United Nations. This year the conference will take place in the
UNON headquarters in Nairobi. You have all been selected to take part in this years delegate training
and hopefully after this you will be fit to be the best delegate that you can be.

Model United Nations gives us the chance to practice tolerance, celebrate diplomacy and mutual respect
on an international floor. It is our opportunity to voice opinions and to share it with the world. It is our
forum to create tomorrows world leaders. You have been given the unique opportunity to share this
experience with other students and to encourage, to open a door into politics, into diversity, into the
future we create.

A Chair is the leader of a committee; one, who confidently guides the delegates through debate, one to
answer all their questions and one to turn a group of students into competent delegates of the nations
they represent, who are skillfully addressing vital issues of global importance.

Being a delegate, you will have to respect the Chairs as they have the sole authority in the room.

THE SECRETARIAT OF THE 2017 AFRICA MODEL UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE

1. SECRETARY GENERAL Kelvin Njagi

2. DIRECTOR GENERAL Vanessa Vinya

3. SECRETARIAT COORDINATOR Mohammed Khadar

4. DIRECTOR OF STAFF (Delegate Relations) Dan Wangeci
5. DIRECTOR OF STAFF (Committees) Stephanie Nchioki
6. DIRECTOR OF STAFF (Policies) Grace Kivuti
7. DIRECTOR OF FINANCE Brian Gitile
8. ASST DIRECTOR OF FINANCE Gloria Kudakwashe Mhike
9. DIRECTOR OF FUNDRAISING Timothy Mugo
10. DIRECTOR OF IT Paul Bombo
11. ASST DIRECTOR OF I T Victor Mshindi
12. DIRECTOR OF OUTREACH Christopher Kasema
13. DIRECTOR OF LOGISTICS Immaculate Mutheu

14. DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL EVENTS Elizabeth Nyawira

15. ASST DIRECTOR OF LOGISTICS Peter Munyaradzi
16. ASST DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION Zainab Mboga

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THE TRAINING MANUAL
The African Model United Nations Chairing Guide is an important aspect that will help in planning this
years conference. Planning is the underpinning element of any successful project. Planning is essential.
This guide aims at providing you with the necessary tools that not only anchor and foster the attributes
of an exemplary delegate but also provide you with necessary tips that align themselves perfectly with
the ethos of a well versed delegate.

We have split the guide into several sections so as to enable you to acquire an indepth understanding of
the issues highlighted in this document.

The sections, have been placed in a particular order that aims at enhancing your understanding in a
structured manner. We strongly suggest that you consolidate each section before the actual conference,
as all the information highlighted in this booklet, is important for delegates.

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RULES OF PROCEDURE
Rules of Procedure:
The rules of procedure are your guidelines to debate. It is important, as a delegate, to be well versed in
these rules. These rules are the rules that govern the debate. Delegates should memorize them in order
for them not be misquoted or misunderstood by the rest of the delegates.
The rules of procedure mainly consist of motions and points. Keep in mind that no motion or point may
interrupt a speaker (except a Point of Personal Privilege pertaining to audibility).

The various motions and points are explained below.

Motions:
Motion to Move to Previous Question:
This is more commonly known as a motion to move into voting procedures. This must be backed by a
second and can be objected. However, it is up to the Chair to decide what is appropriate. Keep in mind
the amount of time an issue, resolution, clause or amendment has been discussed and whether there is
the potential for more debate.

Motion to Extend Debate Time:

This simply means to allow more time for debate on a resolution, clause or amendment. Again the Chair
has the final decision.

Motion to Table a Resolution:

This would mean to put a resolution aside until recalled into debate. For this to occur the delegate who
called for the tabling of the resolution needs take to the floor to make a speech about their reasoning.
There can be time in favour and time against this proposal. Then a vote must be held. A 2/3 majority is
required to pass the motion. This motion is rare and time consuming.

Motion to Reconsider a Resolution:

This is the motion to recall a tabled resolution to debate. This would require a 2/3 majority. However, if
the house decides to re-debate or continue debate on it, this resolution must come last as other, un-
debated resolutions have priority.

Objection to the Main Motion:

This occurs when a delegate objects to the debate, for reasons such as it infringes on their national
sovereignty. The delegate that proposed the motion can then have a short speech. It would then be voted
upon and would require a 2/3 majority. This motion is generally discouraged as it is destructive and
generally inappropriate.

Points Point of Personal Privilege:

This refers to the delegates wellbeing and comfort in the committee room. It may be called out for some
of the following reasons: the room is too hot/cold, the delegate cannot hear the speaker. This point may
disrupt a speaker only when due to audibility. Delegates are allowed to send notes to one another or to
the chair in case of questions, wishing to be recognized as present if late, wishing to be added to the

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speakers list if they are not already on it. The protocol officers will be walking around the conference
room in order to pick up these notes and deliver them to the needed people.

Point of Information (to the speaker):

This is simply a question that is asked to the speaker concerning the content of a speech or other issues
relevant to debate. The point must be phrased as a question and the delegate asking must remain
standing whilst the question is answered, out of respect for the speaker. This point must not be abused
by delegates wishing to make a speech. There may be a request for a follow up. This means the
delegate wants to ask another question. Depending on the conference this may or may not be allowed by
the Chair. No direct dialogue between delegates is allowed in between; the question is asked and then
the answer is given.

Point of Information (to the Chair):

This is a question addressed to the Chair, pertaining to anything other than the rules of procedure. So it
may be about lunch break, or asking the Chair to clarify a decision that was made.

Point of Order:
This refers to the rules of procedure, but pertains to decisions made by the Chairs. It could be to disagree
with a decision the Chair made or to ask about the rules of procedure. This is a non debatable point. This
point should also not be abused by delegates as the Chairs have the power to suspend all points if they
are disrupting the flow of debate.

Point of Parliamentary Inquiry:

This is similar to a point of order, but is a question about the rules of procedure and does not pertain to
decision made by the Chair. This must not be confused with point of information as the two have similar
attributes. If a delegate wishes to approach the dias to speak to the Chair, they may raise a point of
Information and state May I approach?

LETTER OF CREDENTIALS AND POSITION PAPER

Letter of credentials:
A letter of credentials is a document that is the identification of the delegate. It is the document that
specifies who you are, what country you are representing, that you are authorized to conduct all
diplomatic issues on behalf of the country. It must have the flag of the country on the left of the
document, the coat of arms on the right of the document, and the seal of the government on the bottom
of the page, with the name of the president or leader of the country, written in italics below the seal of
the government. (See sample letter)

Position paper:
This is a 2 page document that outlines your countrys stand on your committees topic. It should state
the history your country has had with the issue, the steps it has taken regarding the issue as well as its
foreign policy stand on the topic, and finally some solutions that your country will recommend towards
the issue. This document is what delegates will read when they go and speak on the general speakers list
on the first day. It should also have the flag of the country on the left and the coat of arms on the right.

**BOTH THESE DOCUMENTS MUST BE COLOR PRINTED

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Ad Hoc Committees
In general committees that have Ad Hoc debate (debating with clauses and not resolutions) are given
less lobbying time. This is simply because delegates do not need co submitters for their clauses, which
are submitted as amendments. Therefore debate can start sooner and more time can be given to
discussing a wider range of clauses.

Non-Ad Hoc Committees

These committees are generally given much longer to lobby (at least two or three hours). The general
structure of lobbying is:
1. Chair takes role call
2. Chair explains how much time will be given for lobbying and how it works (if necessary)
3. Chair divides delegates according to issues. This means that whichever issue a delegate has written a
resolution on or is interested in contributing towards will be put into the group discussing that issue.
Splitting the committee up in this way speeds the lobbying process up and ensures that everyone
concerned with an issue has a say. It also helps you to keep track of which issues are most popular and
how many resolutions there are on which issues.
4. Delegates begin lobbying process
5.When delegates finished with resolution, Chair checks formatting and content for suitability It is
important for delegates to check all resolutions before they are taken to the Approval Panel as this
generally saves time for the process in general. Check that the formatting is correct or at least
consistent (see example resolution).
Delegates must maintain the correct language and do not refer to any specific monetary values (for
example you cannot state that $10,000 will be given to Amnesty International. It is presumed in MUN
that the UN has unlimited funds).

6. Resolution passes through Approval Panel process 8.

7. Chair makes sure that they have a record of how many delegates are present in the
committee. This is to be able to obtain the correct amount of copies of the resolution for
debate.
8. Note: Remember that delegates are not obliged to co-submit a resolution just because they
agree with it. In many cases delegates co-submit simply to see the resolution debated
LOBBYNG
Lobbying is an extremely important aspect to any conference and should therefore not be overlooked.
As a delegate, your job is to get as many signatories and sponsors as possible for your resolution. The
purpose of lobbying is for you the delegates to convince other delegates to join your resolution in order
for it to pass and be the winning resolution. The main objective of lobbying is to produce good quality,
consistent resolutions ready for debate.

RESOLUTIONS
A resolution is a key aspect to debate; it makes or breaks it. It is important that it is clearly formatted and
that the content is appropriate and coherent. Essentially a resolution is made up of two parts; the
perambulatory clauses and the operative clauses and it runs like one long sentence. This is reflected in
the punctuation, where a full stop only comes at the end (see example resolution).

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PERAMBULATORY CLAUSES

Known in short as preams these are the clauses where delegates recognize facts and figures, the efforts
of certain nations or organizations and an overview of the issues in general. Generally these are shorter
than operative clauses.
They begin with a cursive word and end in a comma.

Words that are commonly used to start off a pream are:

Recognizing Reaffirming Noting Observing
Noting with concern Fully aware Realising
Deeply concerned Recalling Expecting
Welcoming Approving

Delegates should remember not to be biased when using the preams as its the Chairs job to check your
resolutions for such things. The objective of a pream is to recognize its situation. Preams are where the
names of Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) or any relevant charities are written out in full, with
the acronym in brackets after. Only after that point can they be referred to in acronym form.

An example pream is:

Welcoming charities such as, but not limited to, Save the Children, USAID, Oxfam and United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and their views and actions,

OPERATIVE CLAUSES
Operative clauses are where the solutions are presented. These are usually longer because of the detail
required. They must be numbered and begin with an underlined word or phrase. They must end in
a semi-colon. Some commonly used phrases for beginning an operative clause are:

Asks Requests Urges Encourages Strongly urges,

Further resolves, Suggests, Deplores,
Approves, Recommends Invites, Calls upon

The following beginnings for operatives can only be used in Security Council:
Condemns Decides Strongly condemns
Strongly urges Decides Declares accordingly

Operatives may include sub clauses and sub sub clauses, where more detailed or specific information is
included. Sub clauses are formatted using letters, and sub sub clauses using roman numerals, for
example:

1. Calls for MEDCs to take on the responsibility of assisting LEDCs in the same region in times of
humanitarian crisis, in the form of, but not limited to:
a) Financial support,
b) Medical aid,
c) Food supplies:
i. Funded and provided by neighboring countries, whether LEDCsor MEDCs
ii. Distributed from central distribution centers located at least 20km from each major settlement,
d) Sustainable initiatives such as the relation of projects that help civilians provide and help themselves

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Note the use of a colon before the sub and sub sub clauses and the use of commas between sub
clauses.

To start off debate on a resolution, the main submitter will be called upon to take the floor. The Chairs
will inform them beforehand what they must do, just to set them at ease and to help keep everything
running smoothly. Once the main submitter has taken the floor they must read out the operative
clauses. Delegates may give a speech to introduce their resolution or convince the house that it is
appropriate for the issue at hand. It is in order for the main submitter to yield the floor to other
delegations. However, the main submitter must first ask the Chair. Then the Chair must ask the delegate
if they accept the floor. Only then can the delegate take the floor. The floor can only be yielded twice
consecutively.

An example:
The delegate of China is the main submitter and wants to yield the floor to the delegate of Albania.
China: We would like to yield the floor to the delegate of Albania.
Chair: That will be in order. Delegate of Albania, do you accept the floor?
Albania: We do.
Chair: Then please take the floor.

Disruptive delegates:
Unfortunately in very conference there are disruptive delegates, who are usually simply seeking
attention, the general conduct of a delegate is inappropriate to the conference and shows a lack of
respect or politeness or if a delegate voices opinions. In both cases the following steps will be taken.

The Chairs will take them aside privately, explain the situation, and ask them nicely to stop their current
behaviour. This will be done privately without making it public in front of the whole forum.

If the delegate continues to disrupt the forum, the Chairs will send them to one of the Executive Team.
They will then deal with those delegates. In extreme cases, the Executive Team may decide to confiscate
the badge and remove the delegate from the forum and conference. MUN directors should also be
informed about this. These disruptive delegates will be reported to the Board of Directors, who will
consider further action, such as banning the school from participation in future conferences.

The Warning System and Suspension Protocol:

At AFROMUN we follow a points system for maintaining order in the forum. This is a more in depth
explanation of the above. When a delegate misbehaves repeatedly and disrupts the forum, they receive a
warning. When a delegate receives three warnings, he is suspended from the forum. Suspensions
generally last between 5 and 15 minutes. In the case of a serious offense, the chairs will contact the
Secretary General or Deputy Secretary General who will take appropriate action.

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RULES GOVERNING DEBATE
Roll Call
At the beginning of each meeting, a roll call shall be conducted; here the Chairperson shall call
countries in alphabetical order. Delegates shall raise their placards and answer Present or
Presentand voting. Delegates that arrive late shall send a note to the Chairperson informing him/her
of their presence.

The Speakers List

The Committee shall have an open general Speakers List for the topic being discussed. Separate
Speakers Lists maybe opened as needed for procedural motions and debate on amendments. A delegate
of country may add its name to the Speakers List by rising his/her placard, provided that country is not
already on the Speakers List, and may remove its name from the Speakers List by submitting a request
in writing to the Chairperson. At anytime the Chairperson may call for members that wish to be added
to the Speakers List.

B. During the discussion on an amendment to a resolution, the Speakers List shall be divided between
delegations wishing to speak in favor and delegations wishing to speak in opposition. The Chairperson
shall call up on the speakers in alternate manner, starting with a delegation opposed to the amendment.

C. Debate on any topic is automatically closed after the Speakers List has been exhausted. The
committee shall, incase that the Speakers List concerns amendment to a resolution, move to the voting
procedure. In case the general Speakers List has been exhausted and there are no points or motions on
the floor, a new Speakers list shall be opened automatically.

Closure of the Speakers List

Any Delegate may motion to close the current Speakers List. This motion requires a second and shall
be immediately put to a vote. It requires a two-thirds majority to pass. If adopted, no further speakers
shall be added to the current list.
NB: Any motion that is voted upon requires a 2/3 majority to pass.

Speaking Time
The Chairperson shall either set a speakers time or ask delegates to motions to set thespeaking time. A
delegate may move to change the speaking time stating their reason and specifying a new time limit.

Addressing the Committee

No delegate may address the Committee without having first obtained the permission of the
Chairperson. Before the delegate speaks he/she is obliged to formally recognize Conference Staff and
other delegates (e.g. Honorable Chairs, Distinguished Delegates, all protocols observed). Speakers
signify their desire to speak by placing the name of their delegation on the Speakers List, or in a
general debate, by raising their placard. The Chairperson may call a speaker to order if his/her remarks
are not relevant to the subject under discussion, or are offensive to committee members or staff.

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RULES OF PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE
Article 1 - Official Language
The only official language for the conferences is English. All formal business shall be conducted in
English.

Article 2 - Rule Priorities

These rules are the only official rules of the conference. Matters not delineated in these rules shall be
governed according to the United Nations Charter or other governing document.

Article 3 - Interpretation of the Rules

If a dispute over the interpretation of these Rules arises, final interpretation of these rules, the United
Nations Charter, international treaties, and all portions of international law shall be considered. The final
interpretation is not subject to appeal.

Article 4 - Appeal of the Ruling of the chair

A delegate may appeal the ruling of the chair, except as provided for in these rules. The motion to
appeal must be made immediately following the ruling in question, and must be seconded. The chair
shall speak briefly in favor of the ruling, and the delegate making the motion shall speak briefly against
the ruling. The chair shall then put the question as follows: "Shall the decision of the chair be
sustained?" A "YES" vote signifies support for the ruling of the chair. A "NO" vote signifies opposition
to the ruling of the chair. The decision of the chair is sustained, unless a majority of the members of the
body cast their votes in opposition.

Article 5 - Powers of the chair

1. The chair shall be responsible for the orderly conduct and function of the body, ensuring
observance of these Rules, and ruling on Points of Order.
2. The chair shall have the responsibility of facilitating the operations of the body.
3. The chair shall declare the opening and closing of each session.
4. The chair shall accord the right to speak, call the roll, maintain attendance records, put questions,
and announce decisions.
5. The chair shall not be accorded a vote.
6. The rulings of the chair are subject to appeal, except as specifically delineated elsewhere in these
Rules.

Article 6 - Quorum
1. A quorum shall always consist of a majority of the assigned member nations in each committee.
A quorum is required before the body may begin the conduct of business. After determining the
presence of a quorum, it is assumed that quorum is present, unless specifically challenged by a
Quorum Check.
2. If at any time a delegate feels that a quorum is not present, the delegate may make a Point of
Order to call for a Quorum Check. The chair shall immediately ensure that a quorum is present
by asking for a show of placards. If a quorum is present, business shall continue at the point

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 where the Quorum Check was called. If a quorum is not present, the chair shall declare the body
to be recessed until a quorum is present.
3. The Point of Order to call for a Quorum Check may interrupt the speaker. If a quorum is present,
the speaker shall proceed as normal. If a quorum in not present, the chair shall recognize the
interrupted speaker, with a full allotment of speaking time, as the first order of business when
returning from the recess.

Article 7 - Roll Call Procedure

1. The chair will call the roll for the purposes of establishing quorum at the beginning of each
session. Delegates who desire to be considered present shall reply "present" when the name of
their delegation is called. A reply of "present and voting" requires the member to vote either for
or against any substantive matter.
2. The chair will have the time of the last roll call posted. Delegations who were not considered
present at the time of the last roll call and wish to be accorded full voting rights, must submit a
note, in writing, to the chair requesting that they be considered present.

Article 8 - Procedural Voting

1. Each delegation shall have one vote. A procedural vote is one that applies to the actions of the
committee rather than to policy or resolutions pertaining to policy.
2. No member may cast a vote by proxy or on behalf of another member country.
3. Procedural motions shall pass with the affirmative votes of a majority of the members of the
committee.

Article 9 - Setting the Agenda

1. The body shall set its own Agenda, deciding between the two topics that have been given to the
particular committee the delegates are in. Debate will begin with two speakers for and two
speakers against the motion, and a choice will be made with the votes for the motion of the
majority of the delegates.
2. If, after a time, the chair determines that the body is unable to settle upon a single Agenda Topic,
the chair shall conduct a vote between the two topic areas receiving the most votes. In case of a
tie, the chair shall cast the deciding vote. In terms of agenda setting, we use only the two topics
selected for the committee by our staff.
3. Once the topic area is disposed of, a new Agenda Topic will then be selected in the above
manner.

Article 10 - Speakers List

1. A Speakers List shall be opened automatically, by the chair, following the setting of an Agenda
Topic, for the purpose of debate in all substantive manners pertaining to the Agenda Topic. The
Speakers List will be established by a show of placards.
2. After the initial list is established, any delegate wishing to be added to the Speakers List,
providing they are not currently on the Speakers List, shall notify the chair in writing.
3. A Speakers List is established for each individual topic and the Speakers List expires when a
topic is tabled or adjourned or whenever a resolution has passed.
4. When the Speakers List is exhausted, debate is automatically closed on the Topic Area. The
body immediately moves into Voting Procedures on the proposals on the floor.
5. A delegate may move to close the Speakers List whenever the floor is open. This motion requires
a second. If there is opposition, it is debatable to the extent of one speaker for and against the

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 motion, and passes with the votes for of a majority of the members. If the motion passes, the
chair will permit no additions to the Speakers List.
6. A delegate may move to reopen a closed Speakers List whenever the floor is open. This motion
requires a second. If there is opposition, it is debatable to the extent of one speaker for and
against the motion, and passes with the affirmative votes of a majority of the members.

Article 11 - Speeches and Debate

1. No delegate may address the body without the permission of the chair.
2. The chair shall call upon speakers in accordance with the Speakers List.
3. Delegations comprised of more than one delegate may share allotted speaking time among
members of the same delegation provided they do so in accordance with conference Policies.
4. Speeches must be given while standing next to the delegations assigned position or from a point
designated by the chair.
5. The chair shall call a speaker to order if: the delegates remarks are frivolous, dilatory, or not
germane to the set Agenda Topic under discussion; the delegations allotted time has expired; or
the speakers remarks are directed to a personality or nation rather than the issue at hand.
6. The chair may recognize two delegates other than the speaker to comment on any substantive
speech. Comments are limited to thirty seconds and are only in order after substantive speeches
without yields, and are considered part of the substantive speech. Comments may not be yielded
and must be germane to the speech they are commenting upon.

Article 12 - Caucus
1. A delegate may move for a caucus whenever the floor is open. The motion for a caucus must
include a reference to the type of caucus requested (moderated or un-moderated), a time limit,
and the purpose of the caucus. Moderated Caucus is a time in which the delegates will debate on
a specific issue at hand, while all the rules of procedure are in effect. An un-moderated caucus is
a time which is similar to lobbying in which the delegates may choose to consult with their
sponsors and signatories of their resolution, as well as lobby. Here, the rules of procedure are
suspended and delegates are free to leave their seats and walk around the conference room.
2. This motion requires a second, is not debatable, and passes with the votes for of a majority of the
members.
3. The chair will call the body back to order at the appointed time. The body may not reconvene
from a caucus early, unless all delegations are present and there is unanimous consent. The time
for a caucus may be extended at the chairs discretion.

Article 13 - Limit or Extend Speeches

1. Whenever the floor is open, a delegate may move to further limit or extend the amount of time
each delegation may speak while on the Speakers List. This time limit remains in effect for the
remainder of the conference, unless it is changed in accordance with this Rule. This motion
requires a second. If there is opposition, it is debatable to the extent of one speaker for and
against the motion, and passes with the affirmative votes of a majority of the members of the
body.
2. Once a particular speakers time has expired, a member of another delegation may move to have
that particular speakers time extended. The motion to extend the speakers time requires a
second, is not debatable, and passes with the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the
body. Extended time may not be yielded, except to the chair. Time yielded to another delegation
may not be extended. The chair shall permit a single extension, of a time determined at the
discretion of the chair, not to exceed two minutes.

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Article 14 - Yields
A yield is an act of handing the floor to speak to someone once the delegate has finished making their
remarks or their speech. A delegation that is on the Speaker's List and has been granted the right to
speak, may yield the remainder of their allotted time in one of the following ways:
1. To The chair: A delegate may at any time conclude the delegations speech by yielding to the
chair. Upon doing so, the entire delegation shall retake their seats.
2. To Another Delegate: A delegation or a delegate may yield unused time to another delegation
or delegate. The intention to yield to another delegation may be made at any time during the
delegations speech. Time may not be yielded to more than one delegation, and yielded time may
not be yielded again, except to the chair.
3. To Questions: A delegation or delegate may yield to questions at the conclusion of the
delegations speech. The chair shall recognize delegates to ask questions of the speaker. A
delegate recognized to ask a question shall be limited to asking only one question. Only one
member of the speaking delegation may answer a question, but that member may change from
question to question. A delegation shall only be assessed for time that is actually spent answering
a question. A delegation that has yielded time to questions yields to questions from all delegates
recognized by the chair. A delegation may still yield to the chair at any time. Time yielded to
questions may be extended, but may not be yielded again, except to the chair.

Article 15 - Points
1. A delegate may interrupt with a Point whenever the floor is open. A delegate may only interrupt
a speaker with a Point of Order or Personal Privilege, only when the Point directly concerns
the speech being interrupted. A delegate raising a Point may not speak on the substance of the
matter at hand, but may be granted time to make a short statement concerning the Point. If the
chair feels that Points are being used to disrupt or delay the orderly conduct of business, the chair
may rule that they must be submitted in writing for a specific period of time. This decision is not
subject to appeal.
2. Point of Personal Privilege: A delegate may raise a Point of Personal Privilege whenever the
delegate experiences personal discomfort that impairs the delegates ability to participate in the
proceedings, except as specifically delineated elsewhere in these in these Rules. The chair shall
make every reasonable effort to rectify the situation.
3. Point of Order: A delegate may raise a Point of Order whenever the delegate believes that these
Rules are being violated. The chair will then immediately rule on the Point of Order.
4. Point of Information: A delegate may raise a Point of Information whenever the delegate
desires to make an inquiry to the chair concerning these Rules, the state of business (past,
present, and future); or any other relevant question pertaining to conference matters.

Article 16 - Rights of Reply

A delegate whose personal or national integrity has been impugned by an extraordinary comment of
another delegate may request a Right of Reply. The Right of Reply is requested by making a Point of
Personal Privilege immediately following the offending speech. A delegate may not interrupt a
speaker with a Point of Personal Privilege to request a Right of Reply. The chairs decision whether
to grant the Right of Reply is discretionary, not debatable, and not subject to appeal. Once granted, the
Right of Reply may be limited in length by the chair. The only yield in order will be a yield to the chair.
A Right of Reply may not be made to a Right of Reply.

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Article 17- Precedence
1. The chair may accord itself precedence for the purpose of clarifying rules or explaining any
business before the body.
2. Parliamentary points that may interrupt the speaker are always considered immediately by the
chair once they are recognized.
3. Motions shall have the following precedence:
a. Privileged Motions
i. Motion to Recess
ii. Motion to Adjourn
iii. Motion to Caucus
b. Subsidiary Motions
i. Motion to Limit or Extend Speaking Time
ii. Motion to Close or Reopen the Speakers List
iii. Motion to Table
iv. Motion for Previous Question
v.
c. Main Motions
i. Motion to Introduce an Amendment
ii. Motion to Reconsider
iii. Motion to Set the Agenda and all other main motions previously stated in this
document

Article 18 - Presenting Motions

1. If a delegation is recognized for the expressed purpose of speaking and desires to make a
procedural motion, a member of the delegation may do so at the end of the speech, provided that
the delegation has not yet yielded. When not speaking, a delegate may make a motion when the
floor is open between speeches, but may not interrupt a speaker, except as specifically delineated
elsewhere in these Rules.
2. Its originator may withdraw a motion at any time before a vote has been taken on the motion.
Consideration of the motion is immediately ended unless another member immediately assumes
sponsorship of the motion.

Article 19 - Dilatory Motions

The chair may rule as dilatory (and therefore out of order) any motion that is frivolous or irrelevant, and
which is clearly intended to disrupt or delay the normal function of the body. The chairs rulings in these
cases are not subject to appeal.

Article 20 - Working Papers

Delegates may propose working papers for the bodys consideration on the current Agenda Topic.
Working papers are a means of sharing ideas on the agenda topic in an organized manner. Working
papers are not required to be in resolution format, but may be copied and distributed at the chairs
discretion. Working papers shall be considered suitable to the Agenda Topic and therefore may be
discussed and debated upon by Speakers on the Speakers List. They cannot be formally introduced,
amended, or voted on by the body.

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Article 21 - Sponsorship of Motions and Resolutions
1. A delegation may become a signatory of a resolution at any time before any substantive votes
have been taken with consent of the sponsor.
2. A co-sponsor may drop their signature of a resolution at any time before any substantive votes
have been taken.
3. When a sponsor or signatory of a resolution withdraws, another delegation may immediately
assume the role of sponsor or signatory, such that the proposal continues to have the minimum
number of sponsors; otherwise the proposal is considered withdrawn.
4. When a resolution is withdrawn, all proposed amendments to it are withdrawn also. A withdrawn
resolution may be resubmitted to the chair for approval, at a later time, as provided for in these
Rules.

Article 22 - Resolutions
Multiple resolutions may be on the floor at any time.
To become a resolution, a working paper must explain the problem, include historical
background and pose a solution to the problem. 25% of the bodys members, rounded up, are
required for signatories.
Once a working paper has had the appropriate number of sponsors registered with the chair, the
sponsor may move to introduce the working paper as a resolution whenever the floor is open.
This motion is not seconded, debated, or voted upon. Once the motion is made, the resolution
shall receive a designation by the chair, and is considered on the floor for debate. The resolution
is not read to the body, and no speaking time is accorded to the sponsor for introduction.

Article 23 - Amendments to Resolutions

1. All amendments shall be submitted, in writing, to the chair. The sponsor may move to introduce
the approved amendments to the body when the floor is open.
2. Amendments that have the approval of the sponsor and all of the co-sponsors are considered
friendly amendments and automatically become a part of the underlying resolution when
introduced by the sponsor.
3. If the approval of the sponsor and co-sponsors does not exist, the amendment becomes an
unfriendly amendment, provided it has one sponsor and 25% of the members, rounded up, as co-
sponsors for the amendment (in the case of a resolution). An unfriendly amendment is voted on
during voting procedures prior to voting on the underlying resolution. Unfriendly amendments to
unfriendly amendments are out of order.
4. The chair may rule an amendment, which has the effect of negating the main thrust of the
underlying resolution or which bears no resemblance to the underlying resolution, out of order.

Article 24 - Previous Question

A delegate may move for the previous question, whether or not the Speakers List has been exhausted,
provided that there is a resolution on the floor, whenever the floor is open. The motion requires a
second, is debatable to the extent of one speaker for and against, and passes with the affirmative vote of
a majority of the members. If the motion passes, the chair shall then immediately declare the beginning
of Voting Procedures for all proposals on the floor, in their order of introduction. If the motion fails,
debate continues at the point where the motion was made.

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Article 26 - Voting Procedure
1. During Voting Procedures, there shall be no talking or passing of notes.
2. There shall be no interruptions, except for Points of Order, Personal Privilege, and Point of
Information, or motions pertaining to the method of voting.
3. During Voting Procedures, only conference staff may leave or enter the room.
4. Any delegate or observer who disrupts Voting Procedure shall be ruled dilatory, and therefore
out of order.
5. The body shall first consider each of the unfriendly amendments on the floor in the order they
were introduced. The question to adopt an amendment shall be considered substantive.
6. Once all unfriendly amendments have been dealt with in turn, the body shall then consider the
underlying resolution.
7. Voting procedures shall be considered concluded once the chair has announced the final vote on
the underlying resolution.

Article 27 - Substantive Voting

1. Voting shall normally be conducted by a show of placards. A delegate who wishes to question
the outcome of a substantive vote by placards may move for a roll call vote.
2. In the Security council, all substantive votes shall pass with the affirmative votes of a majority of
the members and the absence of a negative vote by one of the permanent members. In all other
bodies, all substantive votes shall pass with the affirmative vote of a majority of the members.
3. A motion for a roll call vote is in order only for substantive votes, and may be made before a
substantive vote is to be taken, or as described above. The motion does not require a second, is
not debatable, and is not voted upon. The motion for a roll call vote only affects a single
substantive vote, and must be requested separately for different votes taken during a single
voting procedure.
4. The chair reading the roll in English alphabetical order shall conduct a roll call vote. As the name
of each delegation is called, the delegation shall reply, "Yes;" "Yes, With Rights (of
Explanation)" "No;" "No, With Rights (of Explanation)" "Abstain;" or "Pass".
5. Once the roll has been read through once, the chair will read the names of those delegations that
replied, "Pass" in the first round of voting. A delegation, which responds, "Pass" a second time,
will be considered as Abstaining.
6. Once each delegation has voted, the chair will ask if any members wish to change their vote. A
delegation that has not previously requested Rights of Explanation may not do so at this point. A
delegation that had chosen to abstain or had chosen to pass twice may not choose to vote "Yes"
or "No" at this point.
7. The chair will then recognize those delegations that requested Rights of Explanation in English
alphabetical order. These speeches may be limited in time by the chair, and may relate only to a
specific explanation of the current vote.
8. The chair shall conclude the roll call vote by announcing the final tally of the votes, and whether
the resolution has been passed or defeated.
9. Once a resolution has passed, the Topic Agenda is adjourned. If the resolution fails, debate
continues unless the Speaker's List has been exhausted.

Article 28 - Tabling
1. A delegate may move to table a motion, resolution, or Agenda Topic whenever the floor is open.
This motion requires a second. If there is opposition, it is debatable to the extent of one speaker
for and against the motion, and passes with the affirmative votes of a majority of the members.

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 No action or debate will be permitted on a motion, resolution,or Agenda Topic that has been
tabled until it has been taken from the table.
2. Whenever the floor is open, a delegate may move to resume debate on a motion, resolution, or
topic that had previously been tabled by moving to take it from the table. This motion requires a
second. If there is opposition, it is debatable to the extent of one speaker for and against the
motion, and passes with the affirmative votes of two-thirds (2/3) of the members.

Article 29 - Reconsideration of Resolutions

A delegate may move to reconsider a resolution immediately after a substantive vote has been taken on
the resolution or any time thereafter. This motion is only in order if a roll call vote was taken on the
resolution, and may only be made by a member of the prevailing side. This motion requires a second. If
there is opposition, it is debatable to the extent of one speaker for and against the motion, and passes
with the affirmative votes of two-thirds (2/3) of the members.

Article 30 - Adjournment of Debate

The body may adjourn debate on the current topic area, closing that topic for the remainder of the
conference. Upon adjournment, all resolutions on the floor are withdrawn from consideration. The
purpose of adjourning debate is to signify that debate on the current topic area is concluded. This motion
requires a second. If there is opposition, it is debatable to the extent of one speaker for and against the
motion, and passes with the affirmative votes of a majority of the members.

Article 31 - Recess and Adjournment

1. A recess is a set period of time during which no official business is conducted, and the presence
of neither the officials nor the delegates may be required. Once a period of recess has been set, it
may not be shortened, except by conference officials to bring the recess into conformity with the
conference Schedule. When the meeting has reconvened, the business of the meeting shall
continue at the point where the recess occurred. This motion is normally made at the end of a
session.
2. Adjournment signifies that all business of the body contained in the Agenda has been completed.
This motion is normally made only at the last regular meeting of the conference.
3. The motions to Adjourn and to Recess each require a second, are not debatable, and pass with
the affirmative votes of the majority of the members. The chair may rule either of these motions
dilatory, and this decision may not be appealed.

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 MODEL UN GLOSSARY

Abstention or Abstain from a vote Declining to vote either affirmatively or negatively on a resolution. Its not
possible to abstain if delegation gives present and voting as their status at roll call.

Amendments - Details or conditions added to resolutions. Friendly amendments require the support of the
sponsors in order for their addition to resolutions. Unfriendly amendments can be initiated by anyone in the
committee, but require a sponsor and co-sponsors and a majority vote to pass.

Bilateral v. Multilateral - Adjectives describing relations between states. Bilateral agreements or treaties
involving only two countries were characteristic of the pre-WWI period, while multilateral relationships,
involving more than two countries, are much more common today.

Bloc - A group of countries that form a logical combination because of geographical, economic, or cultural
considerations (e.g. G8, African bloc, Arab League).

Caucus - A forum for informal debate, where the rules of debate are suspended or partially suspended, and
delegates are able to gather in groups and freely discuss and work with one another. Caucuses can be moderated,
in which the chair calls on individuals to speak and the speaking list is not used, or un moderated, in which
delegates are free to move about the room and talk and work together. Motions and yields of all kinds are out of
order during moderated and un-moderated caucuses.

Clauses - The individual sections of a resolution. They are of two types: perambulatory (at the beginning of a
resolution to introduce the issue, state concerns, and previous United Nations actions) and operative, which set
out solutions and initiatives for the committee to undertake. Operative clauses are numbered.

Comments - If a delegate does not yield his/her time during a speech in formal debate, the chair may recognize
two delegates to make comments specifically on that speech.

Consensus Obtaining widespread agreement on action. Establishing consensus is the goal of UN resolutions and
policy-making.

Dividing the Question A motion in order during voting procedure. It allows the committee to vote on operative
clauses of a resolution separately, as the delegate who makes the motion specifies (e g. Motion to divide the
question, to consider Clauses 1 and 3 together, but the rest individually). This is useful if you agree with one part
of a resolution but not the whole thing.

Draft Resolution The term for a resolution that has been formally introduced to the committee but has not yet
been voted on in committee session. See Resolution.

Foreign Aid - Money given by one government to another for humanitarian or developmental purposes. It plays
a key role in shaping many countries foreign policy. Non-governmental organizations are also key donors; their
contributions may be given to governments or to individuals/groups within a country. Today, however, states
may be more interested in receiving foreign direct investment, through which foreign citizens and companies may
locate companies and businesses within the country and employ its citizens.
Foreign Policy - The attitudes and interests of a state towards external issues. Foreign policy can be influenced by
a variety of factors such as military strength, trading partners, history, domestic government, and the interests of
groups within the country.

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Formal Debate the default type of debate. In Formal Debate, the committee follows a speakers list, with
strict time limits on speaking time. Speakers must also formally yield any of their remaining time to the chair,
another delegation, or questions. Most points and motions are in order in formal debate.

G8 (Group of Eight) - A body comprised of eight of the worlds most powerful nations: Canada, the U.S., U.K.,
France, Italy, Japan, Germany, and Russia. Yearly meetings enable the leaders of these nations to establish more
personal relationships and discuss issues.

Global Financial Institutions - Recognizing the importance of economic factors in ensuring peace and human
rights, the UN helped to sponsor these institutions shortly after WWII. Though they operate independently from
the UN, they often work in consultation with various UN bodies. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is
primary concerned with the stability of the worlds financial systems and currency controls, while the WorldBank
awards loans and grants to countries to alleviate poverty. Though both include members of most of the worlds
states, they rely primarily on richer countries for their funding. The World Trade Organization (WTO) brings its
members together to negotiate reductions in tariffs and other barriers to trade and to enforce the members
agreements. Supporters praise the enormous growth in the volume of worldwide trade since the establishment of
these institutions, while detractors criticize rich country dominance in making policy, and insufficient concern for
labor and the environment.

Lobbying Refers to informal caucusing between a small group of delegates, to discuss their resolutions and to
garner supporters, signatories and sponsors for their resolutions. This may happen during an un-moderated caucus
or during recess from the conference session.
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) - Accepted by most countries in 2000, these goals are guiding the work
of the United Nations, the World Bank, and other global and national institutions. They include the halving of
absolute poverty, establishing worldwide universal elementary school education, protecting the environment and
human rights, meeting the special needs of Africa, and reforming the UN by 2015.

Motions - Motions can only be made in formal debate. They allow a delegate to petition the committee to change
the status quo (e.g., motion for a moderated caucus . . . .), or allow a delegate to ask for or give information (e.g.,
motion to comment).

NGOs (Non-governmental Organizations) - Organizations or associations that are not associated with a specific
country or international political organization. Their aims can be broad (World Vision International, Amnesty
International, Greenpeace) or quite specific (Doctors Without Borders). The UN has a history of working closely
with NGOs, especially on humanitarian projects.

Non-Members or Observer States - Countries which either do not belong to the UN or which have not been
admitted to the UN. Current Observer States include Kosovo and the Vatican.

Placard - Sign stating the name of a delegates country, which is used to gain recognition from the chair and to
cast votes.

Points Points can be raised in formal or informal debate. They allow a delegate to ask for information or
accommodation from the chair (NOT from fellow committee members!). There are only two points that can
interrupt a speech: Point of Personal Privilege(if there is too much noise, heat/cold, etc.) and Point of Order (if a
member believes a rule has been violated). Consult the CCWA Model UN Rules of Parliamentary Procedure for
a complete list and rules governing them.

Position Paper - A written statement by a delegate on a particular agenda topic, outlining ones foreign policy,
proposed solutions, and alternatives. Two position papers (one on each assigned topic) are required from each
delegation prior to a conference.

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Regional Organizations Regional organizations are specifically permitted by the UN Charter and may be
economic, political, or a combination of the two. Frequently, they work in combination with the UN but they may
also be tasked by the UN to carry out a specific function. Some of the better-known economic regional
institutions are the European Union (EU), which has increasingly played a political role; the Organization of
Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC); and the North American Free Trade Organization (NAFTA). Political
regional institutions include the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the Organization of American
States (OAS), the Arab League, and the African Union (AU).

Resolution - A statement of policy accepted/rejected by various bodies or committees of the United Nations.
Resolutions contain a preamble, ambulatory clauses, and operative clauses.

Right of Reply- Used only in formal debate when a delegate feels another debater has insulted and/or slandered
their country or them personally. Rights of reply must be submitted to the chair in writing.

Roll Call - A motion made in voting procedure to individually call out each countrys name for their vote. A
delegate can vote: yes, yes with rights, no, no with rights, abstain, or pass. A country that passes will be asked to
vote again at the end of the list, but then cannot abstain.

Sovereignty - The right of a state to control its own territory and its own citizens without interference from other
bodies. Security Council members are often particularly protective of their sovereignty and may use the threat or
fear of loss of sovereignty to vote against or veto (if applicable) a draft resolution.

Speakers List - In formal debate, the chair follows the speakers list to recognize delegates. A countrys name
cant be listed on it more than once.

Sponsor/Co-sponsor - Working papers and draft resolutions require one sponsor (the main author), and co-
sponsors representing 25% of the committee. Being a co-sponsor does not necessarily mean being in support of
the ideas presented, but being in favor of introducing the working paper formally to the committee for a full
debate.

Veto - The five permanent members of the Security Council (U.S., U.K., France, Russia and China) are said to
exercise their veto when they vote no on a draft resolution. If any of the five permanent members cast their veto
(i.e., vote no or no with rights), then the resolution automatically fails to pass, no matter how many other
supporters it has.

WMD - Refers to weapons of mass destruction whether they are nuclear, chemical, or biological. Eliminating and
controlling these weapons has been and continues to be a primary concern of the United Nations.

Working Paper - Sometimes referred to as an idea paper, it is drawn up in the form of a resolution but has not
yet been formally introduced to the committee. Its status as a working paper allows for sponsors and co-
sponsors to continue making changes without having to go through the amendment process. Their overall
purpose is to set out specific solutions or policy stances on an issue that can be debated within the committee.

Yield - In formal debate, delegates must yield their time at the end of a speech in one of three ways: to the chair
(once the speech is over the chair takes the floor and moves on with the speakers list); to questions (delegates can
ask the speaker questions for the speakers remaining time), or to another delegate (another speaker uses up the
remaining time to give a speech, but cannot yield themselves.)

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 Explanation of Rules
From a Delegates Perspective
A. Beginning the first session: Motion to set the agenda at topic ____
1. Process:
a. This motion requires two speakers for and two against
b. Speakers list is automatically opened by the chair.
i. NOTE: Delegates must raise placards to be placed on the speakers
list, or send a note to the chair. Delegates cannot motion to be
placed on list.
c. After two speakers for and two speakers against have spoken, a vote is
taken on the motion.
2. Relevant motions, points, and yields:
a. Motions: limit/extend speaking time
b. Points: order, information, personal privilege
c. Yields: to the chair, another delegate, questions

B. Formal debate: once a topic is set, the committee is automatically in formal

consideration/debate; this is the default state for the committee.
1. Process:
a. The chair opens a new speakers list. Speaking time is automatically set to
30 seconds unless a motion to change it is on the table.
2. Some reasons to use it:
b. To make introductory speeches
c. To bolster support for your draft resolution
3. Relevant motions, points, and yields:
a. Motions: limit/extend speaking time; caucus
b. Points: order, information, personal privilege
c. Yields: to the chair, another delegate, question-\s, comments

C. Informal debate: Moderated caucus: the chair recognizes delegates to speak when
they raise their placards. Purpose, speaking time, and length of the caucus must be set by
delegate when the caucus is motioned for, and cannot be altered later.
1. Some reasons to use it:
a. To start identifying and solving problems connected to the agenda topic
b. To make sure that more delegates have a chance to express their views to
the committee
2. Relevant motions, points, and yields:
a. Motions: out of order
b. Points: order, information, personal privilege
c. Yields: out of order

D. Informal Debate: Un-moderated caucus: the chair suspends formal rules for a period of
time and for a purpose specified by the delegate who made the motion.
1. Some reasons to use it:
a. To work on draft resolutions
b. To get support for ideas, clauses, resolutions

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 E. Introducing and voting on a resolution: (please see rules for all details)
2. Introduction of resolution:
a. Sponsor moves to introduce as a resolution
b. Friendly amendments: amendments submitted to the chair in writing that
have the support of all listed (sponsor and co-sponsors). They are
automatically added to the resolution.
c. Unfriendly amendments: amendments submitted to the chair in writing
that do not have the support of the sponsor and co-sponsors. Each
unfriendly amendment must have a sponsor of its own, and 1/4 of the
committee as its own co-sponsors. These are not automatically added to
the resolution, but are voted on prior to the resolution.
3. Voting procedure:
a. Process:
i. If motion for closure of debate passes or the speakers lists ends,
then the committee moves into voting procedure and the room is
locked down (no entries/exits, note passing, phone use, etc.) until
the committee votes.
ii. consideration of unfriendly amendments, in the order in which they
were introduced
iii. consideration of resolutions, in the order in which they were
introduced
b. NOTE: Once the committee is in voting procedure, ALL unfriendly
amendments and resolutions on the floor must be voted on
4. Relevant motions, points, and yields:
a. Motions: division of the question, roll call vote
b. Points: order, information, personal privilege
c. Yields: out of order

F. Post-voting:
1. After passing at least one resolution: the topic is automatically concluded and the
committee reverts to formal consideration.
a. Relevant motions, points, and yields:
i. Motions: set the agenda
ii. Points: order, information, personal privilege
iii. Yields: to the chair, another delegate, questions
2. After voting down all resolutions on the floor: the committee reverts to formal debate
and a motion to go on to the next topic is needed to continue.
b. Relevant Motions, Points, and Yields:
i. Motions: table the topic
ii. Points: order, information, personal privilege
Yields: to the chair, another delegate, questions

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 Resolution and Amendment Writing

NOTE: There are no pre-written resolutions At AFRO Model UN conferences!

RESOLUTION WRITING
A resolution is written in the form of a long sentence. The following numbers correspond with sections
of the Sample Resolution on the next page.

1. The resolutions name will be assigned by the chair and is determined by the topic and the order in
which it was introduced to the committee. For example, if the committee is on Topic B and the
resolution is the third to be submitted, it receives the name: Resolution B/3.

2. The committee name, sponsor, signatories, and topic should be written against the top left margin, in
that order.
The Sponsor is the delegation or delegate (the country name) who is the lead writer and
supporter of the resolution.
Signatories are those who want to see the resolution debated on the floor, but who do not
necessarily favor the resolution.

3. A resolution needs at least 1/4 of the committee signed on as either a sponsor or signatory.

4. Preambulatory clauses begin with an underlined word and end with a comma. This format is
crucial in resolution writing.
These clauses address the problem being discussed, recall past actions taken, explain the
purpose of the resolution, and offer support for the operative clauses.

Preambulatory Phrases

Acknowledging Deeply convinced Guided By Noting with satisfaction

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

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Operative clauses begin with a number and an underlined word, and end with a semicolon.
The exception is the last line of the resolution, which should end in a period.
These clauses develop the solution to the problem recognized in the
Perambulatory clauses.
The terms condemn and demand may be used ONLY in the Security
council.

Operative Clauses
Accepts Decides Further invites Renews
Affirms Declares accordingly Further proclaims Regrets
Appeals Demands** Further Recommends Requests
Approves Deplores Further reminds Resolves
Authorizes Designates Further requests Solemnly affirms
Calls Draws attention Has resolved Strongly condemns**
Calls Emphasizes Supports Calls upon
Encourages Offers Takes note of Notes Commends
Endorses Proclaims Transmits Condemns**
Expresses its appreciation Reaffirms Trusts
Congratulates Expresses its hopes Recommends Urges
Confirms Further endorses Reminds

** Security council only

5. Before a working paper can be submitted as a resolution, it must have at least 1/4 of the
committee as sponsor and signatories. The sponsor must motion to introduce the resolution.

AMENDMENT WRITING
An amendment is an addition to a resolution.

1. An amendment needs to be written in the correct format: each additional preamble or

operative clause must be written the same as if they were submitted in a resolution (see
guidelines above).
2. Each amendment needs at least 1/4 of the committee signed as sponsor and signatories.
Friendly amendments are amendments approved by the sponsor and
signatories of the resolution. If they give their approval, then the
amendment is friendly and is automatically added to the resolution.
Unfriendly amendments are amendments not approved by the sponsor
and signatories of the resolution. They are voted on during formal voting
procedure.
A sample resolution is illustrated on the next page. It is always advisable that the delegates
should have a copy of the clauses and their formats in order for them to be written in the correct
format.

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 Sample Resolution
Resolution A/3

LEGAL COMMITTEE
TOPIC A: THE IMMIGRATION OF PEOPLE WITH HIV/AIDS
RESOLUTION A/1
Signatories: Angola, Brazil, France, India, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Malaysia,
South Africa, Zimbabwe

The Legal Committee,

Recognizing the plight of peoples throughout the world infected by HIV/AIDS,

Aware of the rapid spread of HIV/AIDS within and among countries,

Recalling Article 13.2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Everyone has the right to leave
any country, including his own, and return to his country,

Reaffirming the principle of national sovereignty,

1. Requests that all citizens of all states be granted the minimum international human rights
standards affirmed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;

2. Deplores any state that impedes the basic human rights of and the internal movement of its
citizens that are infected with HIV/AIDS;

3. Notes that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights permits peoples suffering from persecution
to seek asylum in other countries;

4. Further notes that the above mentioned right may only be invoked in cases of political
persecution;

5. Reaffirms that sovereign states have the right to deny entry into their countries;

6. Proclaims that all states have the right to control the entry of all individuals into their borders and
to decide which applicants for citizenship in their state may become full citizens of that state;

7. Reminds the members of the UN that HIV-positive testing is an inefficient and expensive means
of policing national borders;

8. Urges all states to pursue compassionate and humanitarian policies toward the victims of
HIV/AIDS;

9. Affirms to remain actively seized of the matter.

Delegates need to note that this isnt a full resolution, it is just a sample of what the first page should look
like. A full resolution should include solutions to the specific issue being debated upon

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 FORMAL VOTING PROCEDURE
If the Speakers List runs out, or the committee motions to close debate, debate can be
closed and the committee moves to voting procedure on any resolutions. In voting
procedure, there is no talking, note passing, or moving around by the delegates. Doors to
the committee room should be sealed, and no one allowed in or out (unless it is an
emergency).

Voting can be in the form of placard voting, when the chair asks who is for, who is
against, and who abstains, and the delegates raise their placards for each.

Roll call voting occurs only when there is a motion to do so. The chair goes down the
roll call list and each country in turn says yes, no, yes with rights, no with rights,
pass, or abstain. Any country whose is present and voting may not abstain; any
country that passes is asked its vote at the end, and if it passes again they are counted as
having abstained. If any country votes with rights, they are allowed 30 seconds before
the tally is counted to explain why they voted the way they did. They are also allowed to
change their vote. If a country abstains, this changes the number of votes needed to pass
the resolution, meaning you take them out of the total number of countries.

Unfriendly amendments are voted upon before the resolution in question is voted upon;
therefore they may not end up in the final resolution voted up.

A motion to divide the question can be made to vote on specific clauses in a resolution;
this is done, and then the remaining clauses in the resolution are voted on as a whole as
the new resolution. This only applies to operative clauses, and at least one operative
clause must exist in order for the resolution to pass afterwards.

The committee can pass as many resolutions as it likes, and resolutions are voted upon in
the order in which they were introduced.

Resolutions pass if 1/2 of the committee (minus abstentions) votes yes.

In the Security Council, resolutions can only pass if all members of the Big 5 (US, UK,
France, Russia, and China) vote yes. A vote of no by any of these countries is
considered to be a veto and the resolution will not pass. If the Security council has at
least 12 voting members, then a vote of yes by nine countries is needed for a resolution to
pass; otherwise the 1/2 rule can be in effect.

In the case where the first topic was tabled and the second topic was then debated and
voted upon (or if no resolutions are passed on the first), the committee can motion to
revisit the first topic, time permitting.

At the end of voting on the first topic, a speakers list is opened for the new topic and the
entire process is repeated.

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Sample Committee Dialogue II

Here you will find a short walkthrough of what is likely to happen during a Model UN
committee meeting. Your committee meetings will not necessarily happen exactly like
this, but this can be a good way to familiarize yourself with the way it MIGHT happen.

Note The chair and the co-chair will often share duties in agreement with the rules and
fitting their style. In this simulation, for simplicity, all talking is done by the chair.

OPENING MEETING

The chair may introduce him- or her-self and let the other members of the staff do the
same. After introductions, the session will commence...
Chair: All right, we will now begin with roll call. I will read off an alphabetized list, so please
say Present when I call your countrys name. Afghanistan?
Afghanistan: Present.
Chair: Australia?
Australia: Present and voting.
The chair goes through the rest of the roll call.
Chair: We have 25 delegates present. So 13 positive votes will be required for a majority, and
17 will be needed for any motions requiring a 2/3 majority.

AGENDA
Chair: We are in formal debate, are there any points or motions on the floor?
Chile raises placard Motion!
Chair: Delegate of Chile, state your motion.
Chile: Motion to set the agenda to Topic A.
Chair: The delegate from Chile has moved to set the agenda to topic A. Is there a second?
Several placards go into the air.
Chair: Is there opposition?
Several placards go up.
Chair: Seeing opposition, we will now establish a Speakers List for and against setting the
agenda to topic A. All those wishing to speak in favor of setting the agenda to topic A, please
raise your placard now. (The chair notes France and Russia). All those wishing to speak against,
please raise your placard. (The chair notes China and Pakistan). Any further additions to the
list? Seeing none, delegate from France you have one minute.

French delegate speaks.

Chair: Thank you, delegate. Are there any points or motions on the floor at this time? Seeing
none, delegate from China, you have 1 minute.
China speaks.
Chair: Thank you, delegate. We will now vote on the setting the agenda to topic A. I remind the
committee that as this is a procedural matter, all delegations must vote. All those in favor of
setting the agenda to topic A please raise your placards.
Placards are raised and the dais staff counts the number.
Chair: All those opposed to setting the agenda to topic A, please raise your placards.
Placards are raised and the dais staff counts the number.
Chair: That motion passes with a vote of 16 in favor and 9 opposed. The agenda is now set to
topic A.

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FORMAL DEBATE

Chair: We are in formal debate; are there any points or motions at this time? ... Seeing none, all
those wishing to be added to the Speakers List, please raise your placard. (The chair calls out
names to the dais staff, who write them down on a list displayed so that all in the committee room
can see it.) ...Any points or motions? The first delegate on the list is the United States; you have
1 minute, delegate.

The delegate speaks, and yields remaining time to the UK at the end of his speech. The UK
finishes and yields to Germany.
Chair: Delegate, you are out of order. You may not yield after you have already been yielded
to. Please take your seat. Thank you, delegates. Any points or motions?

Togo delegate raises his placard. Motion

Chair: Togo, state your motion.
Togo: Motion to set the speakers time limit to one minute, thirty seconds.
Chair: That is in order. Is there a second?
A few placards go up.

Chair: Seeing seconds Is there opposition?

Additional placards go up.
Chair: Seeing opposition, we will take a vote. All those in favor of extending the speakers time
to one minute, thirty seconds, please raise your placards.
A few placards go up.
Chair: All those opposed, please raise your placards.
A large number of placards go up.
Chair: That motion clearly fails; the speakers time limit will remain set at one minute. Any
other points or motions? Seeing none - Canada, you are recognized for one minute.
Several speakers speak according to the Speakers List. In the middle of the Russian
Federations speech, Frances placard goes up. Point of Personal Privilege!
Chair: Excuse me delegate from the Russian Federation. Delegate from France, state your point.
France: Audibility-Could the delegate from the Russian Federation please speak up so that the
delegations in the back can hear?
Chair: Yes, duly noted. Will the delegate please try to speak louder?

The Russian Federation delegate complies, and continues speaking, louder.

Chair: Thank you, Russian Federation. Are there any points or motions?
The delegate from Libya raises her placard. Point of Parliamentary Inquiry!
Chair: Libya, state your point.
Libya: How many signatories does a draft resolution require before it is introduced?
Chair: Excellent question, Libya. Well, as it states in Article 25, you need the support of 1/4 of
the body, which in our case would be 6.25, or simply 7 (because we always round up). Thank
you, Libya.

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UN-MODERATED CAUCUS

Chair: Are there any points or motions on the floor?

The Argentinean delegate raises her placard. Motion!

Chair: Delegate from Argentina, please state your motion.

Argentina: Motion for an un-moderated caucus for 10 minutes to discuss various working papers
on the floor with an aim at achieving greater consensus in the body.

Chair: That is in order. Is there a second? (Several placards go up.) Is there opposition? (No
placards are raised.) If there is no opposition, then the committee will have an un-moderated
caucus for a period of ten minutes, for the purpose of discussing working papers and moving
towards a consensus. Delegates should return to their seats promptly at 11:15, at the expiration of
the caucus.

Committee caucuses for ten minutes, and then reconvenes.

MODERATED CAUCUS

Chair: Are there any points or motions on the floor?

The delegate from Mongolias placard goes up. Motion!

Chair: Mongolia, please state your motion.

Mongolia: Motion for a 5 minute moderated caucus with a speakers time limit of 30 seconds,
with the purpose of discussing the health issues related to topic A.

Chair: Is there a second? (Placards are raised.) Are any delegates opposed to the motion?
(Several placards go up.). Seeing opposition, we will vote. All those in favor of the delegates
motion, please raise your placardsall those opposed By a clear majority, that motion passes.
We are now in moderated caucus. All delegates wishing to speak please raise your placards.

Many placards go up.

Chair: Gabon. You are recognized for 30 seconds.

Gabon speaks.

Chair: Thank you, Gabon. Those wishing to speak

Azerbaijan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Turkmenistan, Indonesia, Chile, Canada, Slovenia, South

Africa, and Yemen speak in turn, after being recognized by the chair.

Chair: Thank you, distinguished delegate from Yemen. The five minutes is now up. We will
now return to Formal Debate.

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INTRODUCING RESOLUTIONS

The delegate from China approaches the chair and informs her that he has a resolution he would
like to submit. The chair verifies that it has a sponsor and the required number of signatories,
that it is in proper resolution format, and that the content is relevant. After verifying this, the
chair submits the approved resolution to the committee runner, who takes it to be copied for each
delegation in the committee. Soon the copies of the resolution are ready and are presented to the
chair, who sends a note to the delegation from China to that effect.

Chair: We are still in formal debate. Are there any points or motions on the floor?

The delegation from China raises their placard.Motion.

Chair: Yes, China, please state your motion.

China: China motions to introduce Resolution A/1.

Chair: That is in order. Resolution A/1 is now introduced to this body. Are there any points or
motions on the floor?

The delegation from China raises their placard again.Motion

Chair: Yes, China?

China: China motions for a three minute moderated caucus for the purpose of allowing the body
to read Resolution A/1.

Chair: That is in order. Is there a second? (Placards go up.) Any opposition? (One placard is
raised by a delegate who is writing a different working paper.) Seeing opposition, we will vote.
All those in favor, please raise your placards. . . . all those opposed By a clear majority, that
motion passes. We are now in a three minute moderated caucus, which will expire at 11:55.

INTRODUCING AMENDMENTS

Friendly amendments
The Russian Federation has an amendment to Resolution A/1 and approaches the chair with it in
writing. The chair confirms that it is in proper format, has a sponsor and the right number of
signatories, and is relevant. NOTE - If the amendment is long, it can be copied, but since most
amendments are short, most can be introduced immediately after approval by writing it in large
letters for the entire committee room to see.

Chair: Are there any points or motions?

Russian Federation raises placard. Motion

Chair: Russia please state your motion.

The Russian Federation: Motion to introduce Amendment A/1/1 to Resolution A/1.

Chair: That is in order. As this amendment lists the sponsor and all signatories of Resolution A/1
as signatories, it is automatically included as part of Resolution A/1. Delegates, please make a
note of the amendments changes on your copy of Resolution A/1.

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Unfriendly amendments
India has an amendment to Resolution A/1 and approaches the chair with it in writing. The chair
confirms that it is in proper format, has a sponsor and the right number of signatories, and is
relevant. NOTE - If the amendment is long, it can be copied, but since most amendments are
short, most can be introduced immediately after approval by writing it in large letters for the
entire committee room to see.

Chair: Are there any points or motions?

India raises placard. Motion
Chair: Yes India, state your motion

India: Motion to introduce Amendment A/1/2 to Resolution A/1.

Chair: That is in order. As this amendment does not have the support of the sponsor and
signatories of Resolution A/1, it is an unfriendly amendment and will be considered separately
during voting procedure.

India raises her placard.Motion

Chair: India, state your motion.

India: India motions for a three minute unmoderated caucus for the purpose of allowing the body
to read Amendment A/1/2.

Chair: That is in order. Is there a second? (Placards go up.) Any opposition? (Placards go up
from the sponsor and signatories to Resolution A/1.) Seeing opposition, we will vote. All those in
favor, please raise your placards. . . . all those opposed By a slim majority, that motion passes.
We are now in a three minute unmoderated caucus, which will expire at 12:10.

VOTING ON RESOLUTIONS

Chair: Are there any points or motions at this time?

United States raises her placed.Motion

Chair: U.S. Please state your motion

United States: Motion for previous question.

Chair: That motion is in order. The U.S. motions that we close debate on topic A, moving all
unfriendly amendments and resolutions currently on the floor to a vote. Is there a second?

Togo: Second.

Chair: Is there any opposition?

Afghanistan: Opposed.

Chair: Seeing opposition, this motion requires one speaker for and one speaker against United
States, as you made the original motion, you are recognized for 30 seconds.

United States speaks for closing debate.

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Chair: Thank you, United States. I will now recognize Afghanistan to speak against. Delegate,
you have 30 seconds.

Afghanistan speaks for closing debate.

Chair: We will now vote on the motion to close debate. All those in favor all those opposed
by a clear majority, debate is closed. We will now move into voting procedure. Staff, please seal
the committee room. Delegates are reminded that there is no talking or note-passing during this
time.

We have two resolutions on the floor, Resolution A/1, and Resolution A/2, with an unfriendly
amendment to Resolution A/1, Amendment A/1/2. The committee will first consider Amendment
A/1/2, then Resolution A/1, then Resolution A/2. Amendments and resolutions are passed by
simple majority, which is 13 delegates. Are there any points or motions?

The Iraqi delegate raises her placard.Motion

Chair: Iraq, state your motion.

Iraq: Motion for a roll call vote.

Chair: That motion is in order. That motion does not require a second and will pass with a
simple majority. All those in favor opposed This motion passes. We will now proceed with
a roll call vote. Delegations may vote yes, yes with rights, no, no with rights, abstain,
and pass. Delegations that pass will be asked after the rest of the committee has voted to cast
their vote. Delegations who vote with rights will be given 30 seconds at the conclusion of
voting to explain their vote. Delegations who answered roll call with present and voting are
reminded that they cannot abstain.

I will now begin the vote on Amendment A/1/2. I will begin at a random point in the list
Gambia?

Gambia: No

Chair: Germany?

Germany: No

Voting continues.

Chair: By a vote of two For, 22 Against, and 1 Abstention that amendment fails. Now we
will vote on Resolution A/1, which will not include Amendment A/1/2. Are there any points or
motions from the committee?

The delegate from Pakistan raises his placard.Motion

Chair: Pakistan. State your motion

Pakistan: Motion to divide the question.

Chair: That is in order. How do you propose to divide Resolution A/1?

Pakistan: It should be divided as clauses 1-3, 4-6, and 7-8.

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Chair: Is there a second? (No delegates raise their placards.) The chair reminds the committee
that if there are no seconds, the resolution cannot be divided during voting.

Gambia raises placard to second.

Very well, seeing a second is there any opposition?

Placards go up.

Seeing opposition, we will vote on dividing Resolution A/1 into clauses 1-3, 4-6, and 7-8. All
those in favor, please raise your placards . . . all those opposed. This motion passes. The
committee will now vote on clauses 1-3 of Resolution A/1.

United States raises her placard.Motion

Chair: United States state your motion.

United States: Motion for a roll call vote.

Chair: That motion is in order. That motion does not require a second and will pass with a
simple majority. All those in favor opposed This motion passes. We will now proceed with
a roll call vote on clauses 1-3 of Resolution A/1. Delegations may vote yes, yes with rights,
no, no with rights, abstain, and pass. Delegations that pass will be asked after the rest of
the committee has voted to cast their vote. Delegations who vote with rights will be given 30
seconds at the conclusion of voting to explain their vote. Delegations who answered roll call with
present and voting are reminded that they cannot abstain.

I will now begin the vote at a random point in the list Iraq?

Iraq: No

Voting continues.

Chair: By a vote of 20 For, 3 Against, and 2 Abstentions, clauses 1-3 of Resolution A/1
pass. The second set of clauses, 4-6, will now be voted on. Any points or motions? Seeing none,
all those in favor of the inclusion of clauses 4-6 in Resolution A/1, please raise your placards . . .
all those opposed . . . that fails by a vote of 4 to 21. The committee will now move to a vote on
the third set, clauses 7-8. Any points or motions on the floor? Seeing no points, all those in
favor of these clauses all opposed by a vote of 12 in favor, 11 opposed, and 2 abstentions,
these clauses will be included in the draft resolution.

We will now move to a vote on the draft resolution including clauses 1-3 and 7-8. If there are no
points or motions on the floor all those in favor of Resolution A/1 as divided, please raise your
placards all those opposed By a vote of 24 in favor and 1 opposed, Resolution A/1 passes!
congratulations!

I will ask delegates to please hold applause until we have completed voting. The committee has
one resolution left to consider, Resolution A/2. Are there any points or motions on the floor at
this time?

The United Arab Emirates placard goes up.Motion

Chair: U.A.E. please state your motion.

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United Arab Emirates: Motion for roll call vote.

Chair: That motion is in order. That motion does not require a second and will pass with a
simple majority. All those in favor opposed This motion passes. We will now proceed with
a roll call vote on Resolution A/2. Delegations may vote yes, yes with rights, no, no with
rights, abstain, and pass. Delegations that pass will be asked after the rest of the committee
has voted to cast their vote. Delegations who vote with rights will be given 30 seconds at the
conclusion of voting to explain their vote. Delegations who answered roll call with present and
voting are reminded that they cannot abstain.

I will now begin the vote at a random point in the list Afghanistan?

Afghanistan: Yes.

Voting continues.

By a vote of 14 in favor, 1 opposed, and 10 abstentions, Resolution A/2 passes! congratulations!

Clapping and brief celebration.

RECESS/ADJOURN
Note recess means that the committee will reconvene shortly; adjourn means that the
conference is over and the committee will not convene again.

Chair: Are there any points or motions at this time? The chair would look kindly on a motion to
recess.

India: Motion to recess until 8:30 am tomorrow.

Chair: That is in order. Are there any seconds?

Many placards go up.

Opposition?

No placards go up.

Seeing no opposition, the committee is in recess until 8:30 am tomorrow. Nice work today,
delegates!

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GUIDELINES FOR WRITING DRAFT RESOLUTIONS.

1. Write the name of the advisor on the top right of the document. An advisor is
someone who gave you advice on the draft resolution this is optional.
2. Write the name of the person who has written the draft resolution (your name) on the top
right of the document.
3. Write the name of the committee that the draft fits into and is going to be
discussed in on the right e.g. Economic and financial, political, social, The
General Assembly.
4. Write the session e.g. 4th AFROMUN on the right.
5. Write the sponsor of the draft resolution on the right. This is the Country that has
written the draft resolution.
Remember that observer bodies e.g. UNEP, UNHCR, FAO, Transparency
International etc are not allowed to be sponsors of a draft resolution but can be
co-sponsors then introduce and read out the draft resolution just like an ordinary
country.
6. Write the co-sponsor(s) of the draft resolution on the left. Co-sponsors are countries and
organizations that have contributed to the draft resolution. Co-sponsors have to support
and vote for the draft resolution except if there are have been major changes to it in
which case they can withdraw their support.
7. Write the signatories of the draft resolution on the right. Signatories are countries and
organizations which are interested in discussing your draft resolution. They can vote for
or against your draft resolution. In some cases, you can be required to have a certain
minimum number of signatories; this is to encourage lobbying to get support for the draft
resolution.
8. Write the heading / name of the draft resolution in bold, underlined and in upper case.
9. Write the committee the draft resolution is to be discussed in or the General Assembly.
This statement should be in bold and underlined and end in a comma.
10. Write the pre-ambulatory clauses.
a. They should start in the Preambulatory Phrases, be underlined and in
bolded.
b. Write pre-ambulatory clauses in paragraph form.
c. End the paragraphs in commas.
d. There is no limit to the length of pre-ambulatory clauses.
e. Debate on pre-ambulatory clauses is out of order and as such, the chair can ask
the sponsor of the draft resolution not to read them out.
f. They normally state the problem(s) that the draft resolution is attempting to solve.
1. Write the operative clauses.
a. Number all of them.
b. Start them in the Operative Phrases. Bold and underline these Operative
Phrases.
c. All the operative clauses are liable to discussion so make sure they are in order
and you can defend them.
d. Operative clauses attempt to solve the problem and make recommendations.

e. If there are a number of recommendations, that fall under one recommendation,

number them using letters or roman numbers

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SAMPLE

LETTER OF CREDENTIALS
I have the honor to certify that Representative of The State of Libya in the Conference on
Transnational Crimes due to take place from the 25th of November 2013 will be Honorable
Nadine Hazem Hosny.
The representative is fully authorized to take part in the meetings; to transact all such matters as
may appertain to her work, and to vote in accordance with the agreed procedures.
Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration,

Hon. Ali Zeidan

Ali Zeidan
Prime Minister of The State of Libya

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 LIBYAS POSITION PAPER

Throughout Gaddafis rule, Libya has both flourished and has been one of the main
countries that are associated with transnational crimes. Some of the crimes it has taking
place within the country are human trafficking, illicit drugs, internally displaced people,
human rights violations, financing terrorism, arms deals etc.

Gaddafi and international terrorism

In 1971 Gaddafi warned that if France opposes Libyan military occupation of Chad, he
will use all weapons in the war against France including the "revolutionary weapon". On
11 June 1972, Gaddafi announced that any Arab wishing to volunteer for Palestinian
terrorist groups "can register his name at any Libyan embassy will be given adequate
training for combat". He also promised financial support for attacks.
Reportedly, Gaddafi was a major financier of the "Black September Movement" which
perpetrated the Munich massacre at the 1972 Summer Olympics. In 1973 the Irish Naval
Service intercepted the vessel Claudia in Irish territorial waters, which carried Soviet
arms from Libya to the Provisional IRA. In 1976 after a series of terror activities by
the Provisional IRA, Gaddafi announced that "the bombs which are convulsing Britain
and breaking its spirit are the bombs of Libyan people. We have sent them to the Irish
revolutionaries so that the British will pay the price for their past deeds".
In the Philippines, Libya backed the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which continues to
carry out acts of violence in an effort to establish a separatist Islamic state in the southern
Philippines. Libya has also supported the New People's Army and Libyan agents were
seen meeting with the Communist Party of the Philippines. Islamist terrorist group Abu
Sayyaf has also been suspected of receiving Libyan funding.
Gaddafi also became a strong supporter of the Palestine Liberation Organization, which
support ultimately harmed Libya's relations with Egypt, when in 1979 Egypt pursued a
peace agreement with Israel. As Libya's relations with Egypt worsened, Gaddafi sought
closer relations with the Soviet Union. Libya became the first country outside the Soviet
bloc to receive the supersonic MiG-25 combat fighters, but Soviet-Libyan relations
remained relatively distant. Gaddafi also sought to increase Libyan influence, especially
in states with an Islamic population, by calling for the creation of a Saharan Islamic state
and supporting anti-government forces in sub-Saharan Africa. In the 1970s and the
1980s, this support was sometimes so freely given that even the most unsympathetic
groups could obtain Libyan support; often the groups represented ideologies far removed
from Gaddafi's own. Gaddafi's approach often tended to confuse international opinion.
Gaddafi reportedly spent hundreds of millions of the government's money on training and
arming Sandinistas in Nicaragua. Daniel Ortega, the President of Nicaragua, was his ally.
In April 1984, Libyan refugees in London protested against execution of two dissidents.
Communications intercepted by MI5 show that Tripoli ordered its diplomats to direct

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violence against the demonstrators. Libyan diplomats shot at 11 people and killed British
policewoman Yvonne Fletcher. The incident led to the breaking off of diplomatic
relations between the United Kingdom and Libya for over a decade.
After December 1985 Rome and Vienna airport attacks, which killed 19 and wounded
around 140, Gaddafi indicated that he would continue to support the Red Army Faction,
the Red Brigades, and the Irish Republican Army as long as European countries support
anti-Gaddafi Libyans. The Foreign Minister of Libya also called the massacres "heroic
acts".
In 1986, Libyan state television announced that Libya was training suicide squads to
attack American and European interests. Also, Gaddafi claimed the Gulf of Sidra as his
territorial waters and his navy was involved in a conflict from January to March 1986.On
5 April 1986, Libyan agents were alleged with bombed "La Belle" nightclub in West
Berlin, killing three people and injuring 229 people. Gaddafi's plan was intercepted by
Western intelligence. Libyan agents who had carried out the operation from the Libyan
embassy in East Germany were prosecuted by reunited Germany in the 1990s.
Germany and the U.S. claimed that the bombing in West Berlin had been ordered from
Tripoli. On 14 April 1986, the U.S. carried out Operation El Dorado Canyon against
Gaddafi and members of his government. Air defenses, three army bases, and two
airfields in Tripoli and Benghazi were bombed. The surgical strikes failed to kill Gaddafi
but he lost a few dozen military officers. Gaddafi then spread propaganda how it had
killed his "adopted daughter" and how victims had been all "civilians". Despite the
absurdity and variations of the stories, the campaign was so successful that a large
proportion of the Western press reported the government's stories as facts.
Many Western European countries took action against Libyan terrorism and other
activities following years. In May 1987, Australia broke off relations with Libya because
of its role in fueling violence in Oceania. In late 1987 French authorities stopped a
merchant vessel, the MV Eksund, which was delivering a 150 ton Libyan arms shipment
to European terrorist groups. In Britain, Gaddafi's best-known political subsidiary is
the Workers Revolutionary Party. Gaddafi had also paid for meetings with the British
National Party. Gaddafi developed a relationship with the Revolutionary Armed Forces
of Colombia, becoming acquainted with its leaders in meetings of revolutionary groups
regularly hosted in Libya.

International sanctions after the Lockerbie bombing (19922003)

Libya was accused in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland;
UN sanctions were imposed in 1992. UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs) passed
in 1992 and 1993 obliged Libya to fulfill requirements related to the Pan Am 103
bombing before sanctions could be lifted, leading to Libya's political and economic
isolation for most of the 1990s. The UN sanctions cut airline connections with the outer
world, reduced diplomatic representation and prohibited the sale of military equipment.
Oil-related sanctions were assessed by some as equally significant for their exceptions:
thus sanctions froze Libya's foreign assets (but excluded revenue from oil and natural gas
and agricultural commodities) and banned the sale to Libya of refinery or pipeline
equipment (but excluded oil production equipment).
Under the sanctions Libya's refining capacity eroded. Libya's role on the international
stage grew less provocative after UN sanctions were imposed. In 1999, Libya fulfilled

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one of the UNSCR requirements by surrendering two Libyans suspected in connection
with the bombing for trial before a Scottish court in the Netherlands. One of these
suspects, Abdel Basset Al-Megrahi, was found guilty; the other was acquitted. UN
sanctions against Libya were subsequently suspended. The full lifting of the sanctions,
contingent on Libya's compliance with the remaining UNSCRs, including acceptance of
responsibility for the actions of its officials and payment of appropriate compensation,
was passed 12 September 2003, explicitly linked to the release of up to $2.7 billion in
Libyan funds to the families of the 1988 attack's 270 victims.
In 2002, Gaddafi paid a ransom reportedly worth tens of millions of dollars to Abu
Sayyaf, a Filipino Islamist militancy, to release a number of kidnapped tourists. He
presented it as an act of goodwill to Western countries; nevertheless the money helped
the group to expand its operation.

Normalization of international relations (20032010)

In December 2003, Libya announced that it had agreed to reveal and end its programs to
develop weapons of mass destruction and to renounce terrorism, and Gaddafi made
significant strides in normalizing relations with western nations. He received various
Western European leaders as well as many working-level and commercial delegations,
and made his first trip to Western Europe in 15 years when he traveled to Brussels in
April 2004. Libya responded in good faith to legal cases brought against it in U.S. courts
for terrorist acts that predate its renunciation of violence. Claims for compensation in the
Lockerbie bombing, LaBelle disco bombing, and UTA 772 bombing cases are ongoing.
The U.S. rescinded Libya's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism in June 2006. In
late 2007, Libya was elected by the General Assembly to a nonpermanent seat on the
United Nations Security Council for the 20082009 term. Currently, Operation Enduring
Freedom - Trans Sahara is being fought in Libya's portion of the Sahara Desert
Libya is a country for men and women from sub-Saharan Africa and Asia subjected to
forced labor and forced prostitution; migrants who seek employment in Libya as laborers
and domestic workers or transit Libya en route to Europe may be subject to forced labor;
private employers also recruit migrants from detention centers as forced laborers on
farms and construction sites; some sub-Saharan women are reportedly forced to work in
Libyan brothels. The Libyan Government does not fully comply with the minimum
standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so;
the government has failed to demonstrate significant efforts to investigate and prosecute
trafficking offenders or to protect trafficking victims; policies and practices with respect
to undocumented migrant workers has resulted in Libyan authorities detaining and
punishing trafficking victims for unlawful acts that were committed as a result of being
trafficked; no public anti-trafficking awareness campaigns are conducted; officials
receive no training on trafficking issues (2013)

Current situation:
The country, weakened by the Civil War and Arab Spring of 2011, is ruled by militias
and has come to a somewhat better state than what it was. This said, most militias, in fact,
resist any kind of government control and many have justly gained bad reputations for
looting and torturing or even killing civilians. In June, Human Rights Watch estimated
that there were still some 4,000 illegal detainees in the hands of militias in both formal

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and secret detentions centers. Most concerning are these groups increasing ties to
Libyas economy and politics, through their control of strategic points such as airports,
oil fields, national borders and even international hotels in Tripoli.

Solutions:
The government is now developing a renewed plan to integrate revolutionaries into the
nascent Libyan security forces. Generous stipends will again be on offer. Militias respond
to local interests and have varying religious and political affiliations, as groupings such as
the Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated Revolutionary Brigades Coalition in the east of the
country reflect.
Transitional authorities and militias claims throughout the last year that armed groups
would come under the control of the state once a legitimate government was in place will
now be tested. The question that remains is whether these militias will hand in their
weapons once, and if, the security forces are strong enough to secure the country (as the
militias claim) or whether the armed groups will hold on to these weapons until they feel
their principal interests and objectives are secured (as some others suspect).
Libyans sense of pride and responsibility has ensured relative stability until now.
However, if the second scenario emerges and militia commanders refuse to disarm and
continue to consolidate their power through exploiting their growing political and
economic ties, Libyas hope of becoming one of the Arab Springs few success stories
could quickly dissolve. How militias react to upcoming sensitive decisions concerning
Libyas constitution-drafting process should be a revealing indicator of the way things
could go. Throughout the last year, Libyas transitional authorities weakened by their
lack of democratic legitimacy have struggled dealing directly with these militias. But
since November, Libya has a government born out of Julys democratic elections.
One of the first important decisions the new government has made has been to dissolve
the Supreme Security Committee, a body set up by the Interior Ministry to bring militias
under some kind of centralized control, or at least, coordination. By all accounts, the
Committee failed and was used by Islamist elements to infiltrate the security forces.

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