Rules of Procedure:

Rules of procedure are utilized by most Model UN conferences to maintain order

and decorum by deciding who speaks, on what and when. This is essential as
delegates put forth their points of view and interact with other States on lengthy
agendas. However, many Model UN simulations have evolved to follow
parliamentary rules of procedure which do not accurately mirror the realities of the
proceedings that take place at the UN General Assembly. In an effort to bring
Model UN procedure closer to the actual functioning of the UN, this guide hopes
to highlight the differences in procedure between MUNs and the UN and clearly
lay down procedures to follow that are more accurately aligned with realities of
UN proceedings. An international conference is an interaction between States
through the medium of the delegates, who act as representatives of States. It is
through these conversations, primarily cooperative, that much of the business at the
UN progresses. Rules of procedure divide these ‘consultations’ into two kinds of
discussion

Formal Consultations:
During formal proceedings, the rules of procedure are observed under the
supervision of the committee Chairperson. Delegates, during this time, can make
speeches, answer questions, introduce and debate resolution and amendments. The
purpose of these rules is to ensure that only one delegate speaks at any given time
and to allow the Chairperson to steer the negotiations in a constructive direction.

Informal Consultations:
Delegates are in consultation with each other from the moment they arrive at the
MUN or UN until they leave. In addition to the order of business, their exchanges
may be social or to pursue other objectives. This is the type of consultation that
takes place in the form of face-to-face conversations, during which no formal rules
of procedure are put into effect. At MUN simulations in the past, the rules of
procedure have figured much more prominently in the proceedings than they do at
the UN. Part of the reason for this is due to the more rigid parliamentary rules of
procedure employed at MUNs. Another reason for this is that the majority of the
proceedings of an MUN – motion, debate, negotiation, amendment and resolution
– take place during formal consultation, highlighting the need for rules of
procedure and the need to introduce motions. On the other hand, the principal
mode of communication between delegates at the UN is through face-to-face
informal consultations; therefore, the negotiation process does not rely heavily on
formal proceedings. Formal processes at the UN are mainly used to provide a
context for informal consultations between delegations and to formalize
agreements previously reached during these.

Motive
For new and beginning delegates, who may lack experience in the practice of
Model United Nations (MUN), it is very normal to find the rules of procedure
confusing, and so merely reading them may not necessarily lead to understanding
them. It may look like gibberish, or some foreign language, and no matter how
many times they are read over, they still cannot be placed in context. If that is the
case for you worry not, for MUN is like a sport: the best way to learn it is to
practice it, and the rules quickly become second nature. In the meanwhile, if you
prefer gaining some foundations before attending the conference, this guide will
elucidate key points of the YECMUN rules. We will move through a general
outline of debate in its entirety – that which you can expect to experience over the
three days, not just in any committee-session – with specific reference to the rules
of procedure (accessible here). It would thus be helpful if one reads this guide
whilst simultaneously considering the list of rules themselves.
 The Flow of Debate

Setting of Agenda
Upon the opening of debate, after the committee Directorate will have performed
rollcall and established quorum, the first motion to be entertained is that of setting
the agenda (motion to set the agenda to Topic A/B). However, at YECMUN,
committees will generally have one topic to consider for the debate and discussion.

The Backbone of Debate: The General Speakers’ List

Once the agenda is set, debate on a specific topic may commence. The Directors
will proceed with establishing the General Speakers’ List, which is the order in
which delegates may speak about the topic in general at the dais – that is, they may
discuss anything related to the topic, not being bound to any specific aspect of it.
The time-limit for speeches is at the discretion of the Directors (but usually 90 or
120 seconds long), and delegates may place themselves on the List by raising their
placards when asked to, or by subsequent notes to the Directors. If one finishes
their speech before their time has elapsed, at YECMUN they are required to yield
their time to points of information, although the delegate may refuse to answer
questions posed. If there are no or no more such points, and speaker’s time has still
not elapsed, he or she may yield to another delegate or back to the Directors – in
the latter case the Directors will simply allot time to the next speaker on the List.
The General Speakers’ List is, essentially, the backbone of debate upon which the
whole of deliberation in committee-sessions is based.

The Main of Debate: Caucuses

Thus, even though the General Speakers’ List is the backbone of debate, it rather
quickly falls into oblivion, especially due to motions for caucuses which form the
main part of debate. There are two kinds of caucuses: moderated and unmoderated,
where the former is topic-specific debate under the constraints of formal debate
like under the General Speakers’ List, whereas the latter is informal, free debate.
A motion for either caucus must specify time-limit, allowed up to 15 - 20 minutes,
and for moderated ones delegates must additionally specify a particular subject of
debate – one aspect of the agenda item to focus discussion on – and the time
allocated to each speaker.
Moderated Caucus is the formal form of debate wherein a detailed discussion on
a sub-topic of the main agenda happens and the main reason for starting a
Moderated Caucus is to know the committee’s opinion on such an issue. In a
moderated caucus the Directors establish another speakers’ list, delegates remain in
their seats, are allocated limited speaking time, all must await their turn, and must
keep their speeches relevant to the subject specified by the motion. In an
unmoderated caucus such regulations do not exist – delegates may freely leave
their seats and conduct discussion as they wish. A delegate can Motion for a
Moderated Caucus in the following manner: ‘Motion to open a Moderated Caucus
to discuss [Sub-topic] for the total time duration [max. 15 minutes] and time per
speaker [max. 1 minute]’. A motion for a moderated caucus requires a simple
majority to pass and can be passed through an Informal Vote. In case of multiple
motions, with 5 being maximum, the Presiding Officer shall decide on which one
to put to vote first.
An Unmoderated Caucus is the informal form of debate and is raised when the
committee feels the need to discuss or decide upon an issue in an informal way. It
is provided in the procedure for delegates to help them formulate Working Papers
and Resolutions. A delegate can call for an Unmoderated Caucus in the following
manner: Motion to open an Unmoderated Caucus for [Purpose] for the time
duration [max. 15 +5 minutes]’. A Motion for an Unmoderated Caucus requires a
Simple Majority to pass and can be passed through an Informal Vote. This motion
can be raised for a maximum of 15 minutes for Preparing a Working Paper or for
Lobbying and it can be extended by another 5 minutes for preparing Resolutions or
Declarations. It can be raised for the following two purposes:
a) Lobbying and preparing Working Paper
b) Preparing Paperwork (Resolution or Amendment).
Working Papers, Draft Resolutions and Amendments
Debate ultimately flows towards solving the problem at hand – or, more
realistically, towards a partial solution that has filtered through layers of
compromise – but before a resolution (see below) can be adopted, three steps need
be gone through: the synthesis of working papers, generating draft resolutions (see
below), and amending draft resolutions. The first is thus the synthesis of working
papers. A working paper is a document outlining some proposed solution(s) to the
problem, to open them for discussion to the rest of the committee. They usually
start coming into being after a series of moderated caucuses and unmoderated
caucus, as they are the products of many ideas being wound together.
Working Papers are the paperwork which has the committee’s views on a
particular sub-topic of the main agenda at hand. They provide direction to the
committee and indicate the way in which committee is flowing. Before
introduction to the committee, a Working Paper needs to be approved by the
Presiding Officer. A Working Paper needs a Simple Majority to be introduced on
the floor of the committee and voting can be carried out in an informal way. In
case of multiple working papers, the Presiding Officer has the discretion to decide
the order in which they are put to vote. If a Working Paper is passed it must
compulsorily be incorporated in the resolution. The voting on a Working Paper is
done in an Informal manner. After having considered a series of working papers, it
is likely that groups of delegates – whose countries may share views, or the
delegates themselves have found common ground – cooperatively produce draft
resolutions.
A Resolution is the paperwork which contains solution to the entire agenda. A
Resolution before being introduced requires the prior approval and signature of the
Presiding Officer. The voting on the introduction of the resolution for debate can
be done in an informal manner, however, the voting regarding the passing of the
resolution must be done through the Formal Voting procedure. In case of multiple
resolutions being brought to the Presiding Officer at the same time, the one with
more number of signatories shall be put to the committee first for voting. But
before a resolution can be adopted, which would mark the closure of debate on the
topic under consideration, a few steps still need to be braved. Delegates will have
to produce draft resolutions, which are mere proposals, introduce them to the floor,
gather support for them, subject them to amendments, and finally undergo the vote.
Once a draft resolution is introduced, it is likely that delegates will call upon
moderated caucuses to consider the draft’s content, and unmoderated caucuses to
facilitate the writing of amendments.
Amendments are changes to the draft resolution, which any or all delegates may
propose to make. They need to be submitted to the Directors in writing, who must
approve them, with the support of at least one-eighth of the delegates present (in
the form of signatures). When the floor is open, a delegate may move to introduce
their amendment, needing a simple majority. Upon the closure of debate on that
amendment, delegates will vote on whether to accept or reject the proposed change
to the resolution – if over half the votes of the committee are in favor the
amendment becomes an integral part of the draft resolution.

The Closure of Debate, Voting and Adoption of

Resolutions
After a few amendments have been discussed, it is likely that a delegate will call
for a motion to close debate, which serves to end all debate on the agenda item
considered. For the motion to pass, it needs the support of two-thirds of the
delegates present. This is when voting takes place on draft resolutions. If there is
more than one draft, they will be voted on in order of introduction (from first to
last) unless a motion to reorder draft resolutions is called upon. Voting on
resolutions is special, called substantive votes whereas all other votes are merely
procedural, for delegates may choose to vote in favor, against, or abstain from
voting.

Terminologies
Points: During the course of the debate, the following points are in order, from
most disruptive to least disruptive:
a) Point of Personal Privilege: This is the only point that can interrupt a speaker
and is used when a delegate cannot hear the speaker or is experiencing mental or
physical discomfort and wishes to be excused from the committee.
b) Point of Information: This is a point that helps to clarify any factual
inaccuracy in a delegate’s speech. If one finds that another delegate has misstated a
particular fact after the completion of the delegate’s speech, one may raise his/her
placard and on being recognised may ask for valid documentation supporting the
delegate’s facts. This point, cannot, however be used for questioning a change in
the country’s policy. The accepted source of documentation includes but is not
limited to Reuters, Amnesty International, Government Websites and any other
such credible source approved by the Presiding Officer(s). For Indian/ Regional
Bodies the accepted source is dependent on the Presiding Officer of the committee.
c) Point of Clarification: This can be raised by a delegate whenever he/she has a
question or would like a clarification from the delegate who has just spoken. The
question can have up to two follow-ups and this requires an approval from the
Presiding Officer.
d) Point of Order: This is to point out the procedural inconsistency or deviation
from the existing Rules of Procedure.
e) Point of Parliamentary Inquiry: This is exercised when a delegate wants to
know anything about the Rules of Procedure from the Presiding Officer(s).
Yields: Utilised at the end of a speech in the Speakers List. Yields cannot be
exercised during any other part of the debate. Yields are compulsory and a delegate
has the following ways of yielding:
a) Yield to Another Delegate: This is only applicable if the delegate has more
than 15 seconds of his/her time remaining. He/she can give his/her remaining time
to another delegate after taking a written approval from the delegate.
b) Yield to Questions: A delegate can Yield to Questions, a maximum of two
Questions can be asked and a maximum of two follow-ups per question can be
entertained with the permission of the Presiding Officer. Presiding Officer(s) have
an option to ask questions to the delegates.
c) Yield to comments: The Presiding Officer recognises two 30-second comments
which are pertaining to the speech made by the Speaker.
Seconds: Vocal expressions of support, from one or more delegates, in favour of
another delegate’s motion. An objection is the reverse.

FORMAT (WORKING PAPER, DRAFT RESOLUTION AND

AMENDEMENT)

WORKING PAPER FORMAT

NUMBER: YECMUN/2020/[ALIGARH]/[Committee Name]/WP/0000
AUTHOR(s): [1 Min.]
SUB-TOPIC: XYZ
1. Point A.
2. Point B.
3. Point C.

RESOLUTION FORMAT
NUMBER: YECMUN/2020/[ALIGARH][Committee Name]/RES/0000
AUTHOR(s): [1 Min.]
SIGNATORIES: [3 Min.]
AGENDA: XYZ
1. Introductory Clause
2. Introductory Clause
3. Introductory Clause
The [Committee Name Full Form],
1. Actionable Clause
2. Actionable Clause
3. Actionable Clause
AMENDMENTS FORMAT
AUTHOR(s): [1 Min.]
TYPE: Add/Delete/Replace
CLAUSE:

ANNEXURE: LIST OF CLAUSES

1) Introductory Clauses: These are clauses which are an introduction to the resolution or solution
and often refer to past resolutions, citations of speeches made and references to the UN charter. A few of
the introductory phrases are listed here: Affirming, Alarmed by, Approving, Aware of, Bearing in mind,
Believing, Confident, Contemplating, Convinced, Declaring, Deeply concerned, Deeply conscious,
Deeply convinced, Deeply disturbed, Deeply regretting, Desiring Emphasizing, Expecting, Expressing its
appreciation, Expressing its satisfaction, Fulfilling, Fully alarmed, Fully aware, Fully believing, Further
deploring, Further recalling, Guided by, Having adopted, Having considered, Having considered further,
Having devoted attention, Having examined, Having heard, Having received Having studied, Keeping in
mind, Noting with regret, Noting with deep concern, Noting with satisfaction, Noting further, Noting with
approval, Observing, Reaffirming, Realizing, Recalling, Recognizing, Referring, Seeking, Taking into
account, Taking into consideration, Taking note, Viewing with appreciation, Welcoming

2) Actionable Clauses: Actionable clauses contain the actual solution to the agenda or crisis. A
few of the actionable phrases are listed here: Accepts, Affirms, Approves, Authorizes, Calls, Calls upon,
Condemns, Confirms, Congratulates, Considers, Declares accordingly, Deplores, Designates, Draws the
attention, Emphasizes, Encourages, Endorses, Expresses its appreciation, Expresses its hope, Further
invites, Further proclaims, Further reminds, Further recommends, Further requests, Further resolves, Has
resolved, Notes, Proclaims, Reaffirms, Recommends, Regrets, Reminds, Requests, Solemnly affirms,
Strongly condemns, Supports, Takes note of, Transmits, Trusts. The official rules of procedure of the
India's International Movement to Unite Nations are