Disec+2018 2

Disarmament anD
international
security committee
Harvard National Model United Nations 2018
The Sixty-Fourth Session
From the Secretary-General
Dear Delegates,
It is my privilege to welcome you to Harvard National Model United Nations 2018! My name is Sarah Anderson, and it is my
honor to serve as your Secretary-General for the 64th session of HNMUN. I am originally from Singapore, and am currently
a senior at Harvard concentrating in Government, with a secondary concentration in Mind, Brain, and Behavior. This is my
ninth and final year participating in Model United Nations. I served as the Under-Secretary-General for the General Assembly
at HNMUN 2017, directed DISEC at HNMUN 2016, am a member of Harvard’s competitive MUN team, and directed
committees at our sister conferences for high schoolers in Boston, India, and China.
This document will provide you with Welcome Letters from your Under-Secretary-General and your Director, the Study Guide
for your committee, and the Rules of Parliamentary Procedure for HNMUN 2018. The entire Secretariat and Senior Staff have
committed countless hours to ensure that the substance and presentation of this document are of the highest quality and that
you are provided with the most useful tools to succeed at conference. Each Director has worked tirelessly since March 2017 to
prepare these documents, and we look forward to working with you to continue HNMUN’s tradition of substantive excellence.
Apart from this document, you will also be able to access a number of additional documents that will aid in your preparations
for conference. Our Guide to Delegate Preparation reviews the substantive side of HNMUN, highlights differences between
our session and other MUN conferences, and explains our policies on substantive matters, such as the award selection process
and position papers. This guide has been extended this year to give you more support in your conference preparations. It also
includes our updated Rules of Parliamentary Procedure, which are also found at the end of this document. Available online
is our Guide to First Time Delegations, which provides information regarding substantive and logistical issues for those new
to HNMUN, and includes a timeline for delegate preparation. The Guide to Starting a Model UN Team outlines the steps
necessary to establish and expand a university’s MUN organization. Both documents can be found under the “Resources” tab of
our website. Finally, Update Papers to committee Study Guides will be posted in early 2018 to expand upon or address recent
news developments concerning the topic areas.
If you have any questions about this document, the other Guides, or your committee in general, please do not hesitate to contact
your Director or your Under-Secretary-General. They are truly excited to meet you all and are eager to address any concerns you
may have before, during, or after the conference. I hope you enjoy reading the following Study Guide, and I cannot wait to meet
you and to hear about your ideas this coming February!
Sincerely,
Sarah S. Anderson
Secretary-General
Harvard National Model United Nations 2018 2

General Assembly
From your under-Secretary-General
Dear Delegates,
It is my utmost pleasure to welcome you to the General Assembly of Harvard National Model United Nations 2018! My name
is Camilla Suarez, and I am the Under-Secretary-General of the General Assembly for HNMUN 2018. Born and raised in the
United States, I am currently a junior at Harvard College, pursuing a concentration in Government, and I previously served
as the Director of the World Conference on Women for HMUN 2017 and a Director of Administration for HNMUN 2017.
Words cannot truly express my deep excitement to work with all of you throughout the course of HNMUN 2018.
As the daughter of two Ecuadorian immigrants, I have been raised by two incredible parents who have encouraged me to
develop a passion for the beauty of global diversity, a passion I have fortified through Model UN. Ever since my first conference
in the 6th grade, Model UN has not merely exposed me to the art of diplomacy but also intensified my value for international
collaboration and fascination with foreign affairs. I have genuinely found my own experiences, both as a delegate and as the
Director of a committee within the General Assembly, to be incredibly thought-provoking, meaningful, and awe-inspiring. I
am forever grateful for the remarkable impact Model UN has had on my life, and it is my deepest hope that all of you will enjoy
your experiences within the General Assembly as extensively as I have enjoyed my own experiences in the past.
As delegates of HNMUN, you will have the opportunity not merely to delve into topics that align with your passions and take
part in riveting, controversial debate but also to interact with other individuals from around the world and develop a strong sense
of community with your fellow delegates. Furthermore, as delegates of the General Assembly, you will have the opportunity to
recognize the manner in which the General Assembly truly embodies the values of HNMUN. Through its vast size, the General
Assembly exposes each individual within the committee room to a diverse range of perspectives. Yet, in addition to diversity,
the General Assembly upholds the value of diplomacy by encouraging delegates to effectively collaborate and to thoughtfully
consider how they can work together to address pressing issues in our society. The universality and scope of the topics into which
each of you will delve at the conference will only intensify the incredible spirit of the General Assembly.
I encourage each of you to embrace this spirit and to recognize the remarkable influence that you, both as delegates of the
General Assembly and the future leaders of our society, can have on the world. Although the conference extends over the course
of merely a few days, its impact extends far longer. HNMUN has provided me with everlasting memories that I will forever
cherish, and I look forward to seeing all of you develop your own memories at HNMUN 2018, along with developing many
more memories of my own with all of you.
Sincerely,
Camilla Suarez
Camilla Suarez
Under-Secretary-General for the General Assembly

Disarmament and International Security Committee
Disarmament anD international

security committee
Topic Area A: The Necessity of Military Aid
Topic Area B: Combatting Terrorist Networks
Dear Delegates,
It is my immense pleasure to welcome you all to the First Committee of the General Assembly: the Disarmament and International
Security Committee at Harvard National Model United Nations 2018!
My name is Pedro Farias, and I will be serving as your Director. In this committee, we will explore some of the convoluted issues
that have impacted global security and military politics for decades. So that we may best work together in conference, however,
let me first tell you a little more about myself. I am currently a sophomore at Harvard College, but I was born and raised in
Brazil. I spent almost all of my life in Brasilia, my hometown, with the exception of the year and a half that my family spent in
Newton, Massachusetts for my parents’ academic work. I have a multitude of different interests, ranging from my concentration
in Economics to secondaries in Computer Science and German. I am also an avid follower of international relations, and I love
Model UN. Outside of my role directing for HNMUN, I am also a director of a Specialized Agency at HMUN, our high school
conference, a director of an ECOSOC at HNMUN - Latin America, and a delegate with Harvard’s travelling team, ICMUN.
I also enjoy reading about finance and exploring the crazy world of stocks and bonds. After college, I see myself working in
technology for a while, exploring how we can best use artificial intelligence and machine learning to provide differentiated
educational opportunities for as many students as possible, regardless of income level or location. In the long term, I aspire to
move back to Brazil and potentially work in the public sector.
With regards to HNMUN 2018, I would like to emphasize the educational goals of this conference. I hope each of us will
leave the conference with a stronger understanding of the plurality of opinions on how to best distribute military aid (if at all)
and the most effective tactics to curb terrorist threats. In the first topic, you will explore the criteria that warrants aid from the
international community, with a special focus on the sovereignty of the nations involved. In the second topic, you should focus
on the evolution of the terrorist threat as it pertains to organizational structure and counterterrorism tactics. In addition, this
conference is incredibly rich in diversity, so I hope that through our discussion, we will also be able to learn more about each
other and ourselves.
As most GAs, there will unavoidably be some scheming and politicking throughout committee sessions. However, I would like
to emphasize that this should never trump substantive excellence and respect for other delegates. Furthermore, I believe that
active participation and collaboration in committee tends to be the most rewarding experience in Model UN. My aspiration
for this committee is that we are able to discuss these issues profoundly while having a blast. This may be the largest committee
some of you have ever participated in, but the opportunity provided in such a committee of further refining your debate skills,
in addition to the fun nature of DISEC, will make this a committee to remember. Go big or go home. I look forward to meeting
you all in February!
Sincerely,
Pedro Luis Cunha Farias

Director, Disarmament and International Security Committee
[email protected]

INTRODUCTION issue not only forces a review of the Respecting delegates as they make
UN Charter but also poses a challenge their speeches is just as important as
There is no doubt that technology for balancing states’ sovereignty and maintaining courteous interactions
is developing at an unprecedented rate; potentially saving lives, property, and and conversations at all times—both
this is visible everywhere around us, states. in committee and out of it. Any
from the alarm on your smartphone Modern security technology does harassment, shouting, or obscenity
that wakes you up every morning to not only extend to weaponry; non-state will not be tolerated. Should you feel
Uber you take to get home after a long actors, namely terrorist organizations, uncomfortable at any point, please feel
day. However, the rise of technology for have been able to weaponize global free to inform the dais immediately.
civilian purposes has been accompanied systems of communication and Thirdly, whether you are a seasoned
by the development of technology for transport. The committee will look delegate, or one who is taking on Model
weaponry and other security matters. to target these exploitations of UN for the first time, each conference
Today, we are no longer dealing with the globalization, in forming a protocol to is a learning experience for us all. I
V-1 planes and V-2 rockets that caused combat international terrorist networks. expect to be part of a committee where
widespread devastation during the As the terrorist threat has continued delegates encourage each other and
second World War but rather weapons to grow and evolve in the past several where all delegates can have provides an
that are capable of causing much more decades, it is critical that DISEC is able enjoyable and intellectually stimulating
damage within a matter of seconds and to adapt rapidly as well. Model UN experience.
can extend across continents. The timeline for debate at the
In the instances where negotiations, COMMITTEE conference will closely follow that
peace treaties and other peaceful which has been outlined in the “Rules
solutions to state issues have failed, the EXPECTATIONS Governing Debate” section of the
increasing lethality of weapons needs “Rules of Parliamentary Procedure”
As a delegate, your primary
to be countered with improved defense chapter of the delegate handbook. It
source of information with regards to
mechanisms and forces that are capable is hoped that this outline will allow
committee expectations during the four
of mounting defenses successfully. delegates to familiarize themselves with
days of conference is enclosed within
However, this brings up the question the conference.
the delegate handbook. However, every
of military intervention, and addressing
committee develops its own character,
this topic involves inspection of
depending on the delegates just as HISTORY AND
the United Nations charter; more
specifically, Chapter VII of this charter
much as the dais, and I am hoping this STRUCTURE OF THE
development will hold a few core values
which deals with “action with respect
at its foundation. COMMITTEE
to threat to peace, the breaches of
Firstly, I expect delegates to
peace, and acts of aggression.”1 This The First Committee is one of
understand that a successful simulation
chapter explains the current criteria the main committees of the General
of the United Nations is impossible
that should be met to legally administer Assembly and was established in 1945
without diplomacy. Delegates should
aid, including military intervention, to when the United Nations was founded.2
review their assigned country’s positions
a foreign nation. However, with the This committee is also referred to as
thoroughly before establishing their
onset of attacks such as the 2017 Khan the Disarmament and International
foreign policies and should always be
Sheikhoun chemical attack in Syria, Security Committee and is mandated
diplomatic when delivering speeches,
certain leaders and nations believe to “[deal] with disarmament, global
discussing moderated caucus topics,
that the number of instances where challenges and threats to peace that
lobbying, drafting resolutions, and
assistance is desperately required to affect the international community and
casting votes. Delegates should
maximize the lives saved and minimize [seek] out solutions to the challenges
understand that collaboration and
the destruction caused is on the rise. in the international security regime.”3
compromise are key and take the
Such dire situations bring into question Hosting the 193 member states of the
initiative to merge with blocs that have
whether the charter itself should evolve UN, and the non-member states Holy
similar policies to their own in order to
with the evolution of the threats that it See and the State of Palestine, the First
come up with the most comprehensive
addresses. The different viewpoints on Committee provides a platform for
solutions to the situation at hand.
this convoluted issue are vary based on multilateral discussions on international
Secondly, I would like to highlight
the state of the nation receiving the aid, security matters that affect millions of
that respect and courtesy is expected
the type of aid being provided, and the people around the world.4
of all members of the committee.
repercussions of the provided aid. This

Article 10 through 17 of Chapter A few landmark documents for proceeding to draft a resolution that
IV in the United Nations Charter the First Committee include the very proposes the most effective solutions to
describes the functions and powers of first General Assembly resolution, the topic at hand.
the General Assembly. These articles Resolution 1 (I), entitled “Establishment At Harvard National Model United
clarify the fact that committees in the of a Commission to Deal with the Nations 2018, the Disarmament and
General Assembly have the power to Problems Raised by the Discovery of International Security Committee will
discuss any questions or matters that fit Atomic Energy.” This Resolution was work under the mandate described
within the scope of the Charter, with adopted, upon recommendation, on above and will follow a similar structure
the special exceptions of any questions 24 January 1946, in London. The first to that followed by the First Committee
or issues currently being dealt with General Assembly resolution that was in UN Sessions. While the resolution
by the Security Council, and make co-sponsored by every single member that we pass in committee will be a non-
recommendations to any members of state at the time, Resolution 1378 binding guideline to the international
the UN and/or the Security Council. (XIV), was also a First Committee community and the Security Council,
For the First Committee, these powers resolution.7 the impact such a resolution can have
include “[considering] the general In the past, this committee has in the international arena is vast and
principles of co-operation in the discussed a range of disarmament and should be treated as such.
maintenance of international peace international security issues. This range
and security, including the principles includes discussing nuclear weapons, TOPIC AREA A: THE
governing disarmament and the other weapons of mass destruction,
regulation of armaments” and retaining conventional weapons, and missile NECESSITY OF
the ability to call any issue to the proliferation; providing guidelines on MILITARY AID
attention of the Security Council, in the disarmament of outer space; and
dire situations.5 reviewing regional disarmament and
Under this mandate, the First security. The discussion of such issues in STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Committee works in cooperation with the First Committee is structured into Most people would consider
the United Nations Disarmament three distinctive stages. The first stage is state governments to be the ultimate
Committee and the Conference on referred to as general debate, the second protectors of human security. Yet, as
Disarmament. It is also the only main thematic discussions and the final stage any global citizen is acutely aware,
committee of the General Assembly as action on drafts. The Disarmament governments are always vulnerable
that is entitled to verbatim records and International Security Committee to the pressures of politics, resource
coverage, under Rule 58(a) of the Rules is structured in this way in order to scarcity, and destabilization from
of Procedure of the General Assembly.6 allow for a wholesome discussion before conflict. Here, a critical question arises:
who is to protect citizens when their
national governments cannot, or will
not?
Great hope lies in the United
Nations and the international system
to be the final protectors of the world’s
citizens. Indeed, a multitude of norms
and documents exist to insure that
human rights standards are constantly
maintained. One cannot ever take
these rights for granted, though. In
situations where the protection of
human lives come into direct conflict
with maintaining state sovereignty,
difficult decisions must often be made.
This often manifests in a choice as to
whether military aid and intervention
by foreign countries is warranted. The
balance is highly delicate. On one
The First Committee of the General Assembly votes to adopt 58 texts during its 66th
session. (United Nations) hand, gross violations of human rights
6 General Assembly
must be prevented and addressed at all occurred in the Balkans and Rwanda in
costs. On the other hand, violations of the 1990s marked a turning point in
sovereignty are extremely dangerous, the history of this issue. In the Balkans,
especially when states seek to gain in the United Nations refused to intervene
their self-interests. in the Bosnian conflict. However, the
The General Assembly is charged United Nations Protection Force
with managing this balance, and (UNPROFOR), which was initially
potentially codifying it into a watertight established to facilitate the delivery
framework. The current international of humanitarian aid, later went on
system regarding military intervention, to protect a number of UN-declared
namely the “Responsibility to Protect” “safe areas” as a result of heightening
doctrine, is arguably insufficient in tensions in the region. This protection
many ways. Although the challenge fell through in Srebrenica in July 1995,
at hand is massive, solving it is critical when the Bosnian Serb forces overcame
to save human lives and stave off the UNPROFOR and perpetrated the
sociopolitical instability. massacre of more than 7,000 Bosniak
men.10 Similarly, in Rwanda the
HISTORY AND DISCUSSION OF Security Council established the United
Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who
enacted major change on the R2P
THE PROBLEM Nations Assistance Mission in Rwanda doctrine. (Wikimedia)
Military aid and intervention are (UNAMIR) in October 1993 as a in defence of common humanity” in
no doubt contentious issues that are result of the increased tension between September 1999.12 He reiterated this
evolving every day in the international the Tutsi and Hutu populations of the statement in his 2000 Millennium report
arena. This section will focus on country, and neighbouring Uganda when he questioned, “if humanitarian
these issues as they have developed which was home to the Rwandan intervention is, indeed, an unacceptable
since the time of the proposal of the Patriotic Front (RPF). Despite assault on sovereignty, how should we
“Responsibility to Protect” (R2P) in UNAMIR, the deaths of the Presidents respond to a Rwanda, to a Srebrenica,
December 2001.8 Although this section of Burundi and Rwanda due to a plane to gross and systematic violation of
aims to set the context for the era that crash caused by a rocket attack on 6 April human rights that offend every precept
led to the development of the concept 1994 triggered several weeks of intense of our common humanity?”13
of military intervention and other and systematic massacre in the nation.
This sequence of horrifying events led to The Responsibility to Protect
forms of foreign and international aid it
many nations withdrawing their troops In response to the challenge that Kofi
is by no means a comprehensive history
from UNAMIR forces, resulting in a Annan presented to the international
of this era.
drop from 2,165 peacekeepers to just community, the Canadian Government
Shift in the Nature of Armed Conflict 270. Hereafter there was no preventing set up the “International Convention
Since the end of the World War the death of as many as 1 million people on Intervention and State Sovereignty”
II, the international community made and the rape of between 150,000 (ICISS). The committee built upon
an active attempt to ensure that the and 250,000 women.11 These events Francis Deng’s idea of state sovereignty
horrors witnessed during the Holocaust shocked the international community as a responsibility and formulated the
would never occur again. The 1948 and revealed the amount of harm report “The Responsibility to Protect”
“Convention on the Prevention and that can be caused in the absence of (R2P) in December 2001.14 This report
Punishment of the Crime of Genocide” adequate protections and responses to addressed the question of when state
is one such instrument adopted in major humanitarian crises in conflict- sovereignty must be breached in order to
order to achieve the goal of protecting torn regions. protect lives and prevent the escalation
civilians in armed conflict, and Recognizing this as an issue that of the most devastating violations of
preventing genocide, wars crimes, and requires immediate attention, United humanitarian and international laws.
crimes against humanity. However, the Nations Secretary-General at the time The Responsibility to Protect, also
end of the 20th century brought about Kofi Annan reflected on “the prospects known as the R2P, stipulates three
a shift in the nature of armed conflict, for human security and intervention pillars of responsibility:
and inter-state wars have been gradually in the next century” and requested
replaced by brutal internal conflicts.9 the international community to “find
Although the world has experienced common ground in upholding the
many horrific conflicts, the events that principles of the Charter, and acting

• Pillar one: The State carries expanded upon in the R2P document information and the means to use this
the primary responsibility for and encouraged governments to information to provide early warning
the protection of populations embrace them.17 However, neither of material and recommendations for
from genocide, crimes against these reports asserted a basis to use force, action to the UN Secretary General and
humanity, war crimes, and ethnic as a part of this responsibility. They the Security Council.21
cleansing therefore maintained the status quo However, the advancement of the
• Pillar two: The wider international established in Chapter VII of the United R2P agenda has not been smooth sailing
community has a responsibility to Nations Charter: intervention is a last over the years. One of its setbacks is
assist in the process of fulfilling resort that requires authorization from represented in the case of Burma in
this responsibility the Security Council, even in instances January 2007, when Burmese peaceful,
• Pillar three: The international of crimes such as genocide, war crimes, unarmed demonstrators were met with
community should first and and other serious international crimes. a government crackdown of baton-
foremost resort to appropriate The historic gathering of world charges, beatings, and mass arbitrary
diplomatic, humanitarian and leaders at the New York High-Level arrests and were subjected to shoot-
other peaceful means to protect Plenary Meeting of the General to-kill firing.22 In this instance, the
populations, should the situation Assembly, also known as the 2005 World nations of China and Russia used their
arise. In cases when the State fails Summit, led to a consensus between privileges as permanent members of the
to protect the populations, or is leaders about the pillars and principles Security Council to veto a resolution
the perpetrator of crimes, the described in the Responsibility to regarding the situation in Burma at the
international community must Protect. As described in the outcome time. This was done on the basis that
be prepared to take appropriate document of this meeting (A/ the mass atrocities occurring within
measures, including the collective RES/60/1), nation states should be the nation did not pose any threats to
use of force through the United “prepared to take collective action, in a international peace and security and that
Nations Security Council.15 timely and decisive manner, through the the internal affairs of the state could not
However, the release of the report Security Council, in accordance with be dealt with by this Council, by virtue
closely followed the 11 September 2001 the Charter, including Chapter VII, on of the mandate of the Security Council.
terrorist attacks, at a time when the a case-by-case basis and in cooperation The fact that this situation was placed
focus was shifting from the prevention with relevant regional organizations in the hands of the United Nations
of genocide and mass atrocity to the as appropriate, should peaceful means Human Rights Council instead, upon
prevention of terrorist activities and of be inadequate and national authorities suggestion by members of the Security
the proliferation of weapons of mass are manifestly failing to protect their Council, raised questions and concerns
destruction. Despite these drawbacks, populations from genocide, war crimes, that the members were not committed
ongoing humanitarian disasters, ethnic cleansing and crimes against to their role of addressing mass atrocity
including the massacre of 300,000 humanity.”18 crimes.23 Following this incident, the
people, and the internal displacement The first Security Council reference Security Council also appeared to
of a further 1.4 million individuals in to the Responsibility to Protect was refrain from referring to the R2P even
Darfur by spring 2004 rekindled the made shortly after the 2005 World in resolutions that aimed at protecting
need for the R2P.16 Summit when the council unanimously civilians and achieving exactly what the
Kofi Annan responded to the adopted Resolution 1674 on the R2P stipulates. Such measures, coupled
Darfur crisis by forming the “High- Protection of Civilians in Armed with the opposition these principles
Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Conflict.19 The Secretary General at garnered by some members of the
Change” to address the security threats the time, Ban Ki-Moon, then went on United Nations paved a rocky path for
of the 21st century. This panel then went to make two further appointments in the R2P agenda.
on to release a report—“A More Secure 2007, naming Mr. Francis Deng as the
United Nations Peacekeeping
World: Our Shared Responsibility”—in new Special Adviser on the Prevention
Operations
December 2004, which included the of Genocide and creating the title
Despite this rocky path the United
101 recommendations on strengthening “Special Adviser to the Secretary General
Nations developed strategies that
the international security framework. with a focus on the Responsibility to
would allow the Security Council to
Upon further review, Kofi Annan Protect” for Mr. Edward Luck.20 During
fulfill its responsibility of maintaining
produced his own report titled “In their time holding these positions, Mr.
international peace and security. One
Large Freedom: Towards Development, Deng and Mr. Luck worked together to
such strategy allows the council to
Security and Human Rights for develop a revised mechanism to allow
establish UN peacekeeping operations
All” which reiterated the principles collection and analysis of early warring
8 General Assembly
that allow the deployment of forces to compelling moral purpose.”27 However, superpowers, and the controversy
conflict-torn states in times of need. this conclusion was not a common surrounding the politics of the war
The Security Council determines the consensus, and the Russian Federation contributed towards the overshadowing
mandate of a peacekeeping operation even went on to draft a Security of all other humanitarian-based military
on on case-by-case basis.24 Peacekeeping Council Resolution that condemned actions taken prior to this invasion. The
operations may be required to: the intervention and NATO’s actions. result of this intervention, coupled with
• Prevent the outbreak of conflict The draft resolution was rejected, twelve attempts to justify the Iraqi invasion
or the spill-over of conflict across votes to three, further consolidating this as humanitarian, shed a harsh light on
borders; idea that there is a “moral consensus” the concept of humanitarian military
• Stabilize conflict situations about the right to intervene in extreme interventions.
after a ceasefire, to create an humanitarian emergencies. Between the end of the Cold War
environment for the parties to However, this “moral consensus” and the invasion of Iraq in 2003, the
reach a lasting peace agreement; did not last for long. While interventions concept of military intervention was
• Assist in implementing such as the French intervention of built upon, then torn down only to
comprehensive peace agreements; the Democratic Republic of Congo be rebuilt multiple times. Chapter
and in 2003, and the French and West VII of the United Nations charter and
• Lead states or territories through African intervention of Liberia and the “Responsibility to Protect” can
a transition to stable government, Côte d’Ivoire initially or ultimately be considered the foundation of this
based on democratic principles, gained Security Council approval, concept, however the nuances of this
good governance and economic not all such interventions could be issue are vast and have significant
development.25 convincingly justified as primarily implications in the international
However, it is also vital that one humanitarian.28 One such example is arena. Looking towards more current
recognizes the nuances of peacekeeping the US-led coalition’s intervention of instances of military intervention
and peace enforcement. Peace Iraq in March 2003. This invasion was offers a more detailed understanding of
enforcement can be considered to not approved by the Security Council what instances, if any, warrant military
expand the scope of Chapter VII and was violently opposed by the Iraqi aid, and how states should go about
of the charter and the R2P beyond government at the time. Moreover, addressing such crises effectively.
the mandate of a UN Peacekeeping the coalition forces were comprised of
Operation. 150,000 ground troops engaged in an CURRENT SITUATION
extensive bombing campaign in the As a result of the constant evolution
Security Council Involvement in
nation.29 Factors such as the scale of the of threats facing the international
Intervention
invasion, the involvement of western community a truly comprehensive
Despite all the attention that the
introduction of the Responsibility to
Protect attracted, it would be wrong to
assume that the United Nations has had
a monopoly in terms of administering
or authorizing an intervention. Many
liberal states around the world seem
to have reached a consensus that
intervention not authorized by the
Security Council could be legitimate and
some experts even go on to describe it as
“illegal but legitimate.”26 Looking back
to the time when this opinion started
to formulate, the military intervention
administered by NATO in Kosovo in
March 1999 can be considered a turning
point. Following this intervention,
many world leaders grappled with the
question of the legitimacy of NATO’s
action and eventually arrived at the
conclusion that it was “sanctioned by its The UNSC votes to intervene in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2013. (UN)

discussion regarding military pushed Human Rights Watch to release and presidential elections, Savimbi
intervention cannot be had without a report titled “Côte d’Ivoire: Crimes was displeased. He rejected the result
examining a few recent but thematically Against Humanity by Gbagbo Forces” claiming widespread rigging by the
different instances when members of in March 2011, which described the government and thus catalyzed the start
the international community have horrendous events in the nation and of yet another civil war.36 UN, US, and
resorted to military intervention. Thus, called on the international community Portuguese attempts to resolve the crisis
this section aims to examine a few case to respond immediately.32 failed and the situation continued to
studies and elaborate on the justification Following a statement made by deteriorate.37
and methods used and the different the UN Secretary General instructing Upon examining the two ostensibly
parties involved and to provide a very UNOCI to “take the necessary measures identical instances the nuances of
basic summary each of these cases. to prevent the use of heavy weapons the situations and the impacts they
Naturally this section does not contain against the civilian population,” a make become apparent. In the case
every single major intervention that has French military operation was initiated, of Côte d’Ivoire, escalating military
taken place since the US-led coalition’s in tandem with the UN peacekeeping force was applied over the course of
intervention of Iraq in 2003, nor does forces in the region, on 4 April 2011. a few months as opposed to newly
it have a case study on all the different Following a few days of clashes the administered UNAVEM II having to
types or reasons for intervention. Ouattara forces managed to arrest respond to multiple developments to
However, it aims to provide a relatively Gbagbo on 11 April, with assistance the situation within the course of a few
comprehensive range of cases, sufficient from the peacekeepers and the weeks. Intervention in Côte d’Ivoire
to allow one to formulate a well- powerful French military force.33 The also garnered widespread international
informed opinion on the topic and pave UNOCI remained in Côte d’Ivoire “to backing as a result of the Human Rights
a path towards policy development. protect civilians, provide good offices, Watch report and other information
support the Ivorian Government sources. In contrast, despite backing
Interventions in Côte d’Ivoire and
in disarmament, demobilization from the UN, the intervention in
Angola
and reintegration (DDR) of former Angola was not as actively promoted and
The civil war that sparked in
combatants as well as on security sector thus was not able to effectively garner
2002 in the nation of Côte d’Ivoire
reform, and monitor and promote support to adapt to the escalating crisis
ended when the Ivorian parties signed
human rights” until 30 June 2017 when in Angola.38 Thus it is clear that even
a peace agreement in January 2003.
it successfully completed its mandate.34 the slightest inconsistency can alter
Following this agreement, the Security
This success can be starkly contrasted the result of a military intervention,
Council established the United Nations
to the sequence of events that ensued in and therefore the fate of hundreds of
Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI),
Angola just a few years prior. Similar individuals.
under Resolution 1528 (2004) of 27
to Côte d’Ivoire, the end of a 16-year
February 2004, which was mandated Russian Intervention in Georgia and
civil war in Angola was marked by
to facilitate the implementation in Crimea and Eastern Ukraine
the signing of a peace accord between
of this peace agreement.30 Years of In August 2008, Russia conducted
the President of the Republic, José
peacekeeping led to the November 2010 its first military offensive against a
Eduardo dos Santos, and the leader of
presidential election, which resulted in foreign state since the Cold War.39 The
the United National Union for the total
a win for opposition leader Alassane conflict started on 7 August 2008 when
Independence of Angola, Jonas Savimbi,
Ouattara. However, the incumbent, Georgian forces launched an artillery
on 31 May 1991.35 Elections for 220
President Laurent Gbagbo, refused to assault on South Ossetia’s capital
of 223 seats in the National Assembly
honor the election result, inciting a few Tskhinvali and outlying villages. It is
and the presidency election took place
months of conflict and unrest. In April important to note that South Ossetia
on 29-30 September, supervised by
2011, UN Secretary General Ban Ki- is a secessionist region that remains
the UN Angola Verification Mission
Moon reported that over 1,000 civilians outside of Georgian geopolitical control
II (UNAVEM II). UNAVEM II was
had been killed due to clashes between but is recognized as a part of Georgia.40
comprised of around 500 military
the opposing parties. In addition, the Following heightened tension in the
observers and was set up in order to
UN High Commissioner for refugees region, Russia’s military response began
oversee compliance with the new peace
reported that around 94,000 citizens the next day, on 8 August 2008 when
accord. However, when early returns
had fled to neighbouring Liberia while around 20,000 Russian troops and nearly
of election results indicated victories
over 500,000 Ivorians had been forcibly 100 tanks entered South Ossetia.41 This
for dos Santos’s Movement for the
displaced.31 Gross violations committed intervention was justified by Russian
Liberation of Angola- Workers’ Party
by both parties involved in the conflict leadership as a peacekeeping operation
(MPLA-PT) in both the parliamentary
10 General Assembly
One of the two operations resulted
in the annexation of Crimea while the
other was a political protest movement
that quickly transformed into a violent
insurgency in Eastern Ukrainian
regions. In the case of the first, Russian
operations in Crimea effectively began
on 23 February when naval infantry
forces and special troops started
seizing the peninsula. These Russian
movements boxed in Ukrainian forces
without firing a single shot. On 6
March, the Crimean Parliament voted,
behind closed doors, to secede from
Ukraine and join the Russian federation,
and this decision was followed up by a
referendum on 16 March.47 Following
the referendum, which was backed by
97% of the voters according to the
organisers, annexation of the peninsula
was concluded on 21 March 2014
when Vladimir Putin signed laws to
A map of Ukraine showing its political and ethnic divisions; note the high proportion of na-
tive Russians in Crimea. (ABC) formally admit Crimea to the Russian
Federation.
aimed at protecting approximately response, the European Union brokered On the other hand, the crisis
300 Russian peacekeepers stationed in a ceasefire agreement between Russia in Eastern Ukraine began when the
South Ossetia and the residents of the and Georgia on 15 August, after which Ukrainian interim government voted
region with Russian citizenship.42 Russian leaders claimed that all troops to repeal the official status of the
This intervention sparked a period in undisputed regions of Georgia were Russian Language on 23 February
of clashes in the region during which withdrawn by 10 October 2011.44 2014. Following the widespread
Russian forces, Georgian forces, and This intervention can be contrasted protests in February, protestors seized
South Ossetian forces engaged in to that of the Russian intervention of regional administration buildings in
armed conflict. While reports describe Crimea and Eastern Europe that took Kharkiv and Donetsk on 1 March and
violations made by all parties involved place a few years later. The conflict proceeded to do the same in Luhansk
in the conflict, the intervening party, started when former President of on 9 March.48 While Ukrainian troops
which is our concern for this discussion, Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych declined regained control of seized infrastructure
was among those accused of using to sign an association agreement with on 10 March, the crackdowns only
indiscriminate and disproportionate the European Union on 21 November ended protests in Odessa and Kharkiv
force. The use of aerial, artillery and 2013.45 A widespread disagreement on where local elites chose to side with
tank fire strikes by Russian forces caused this course of action led to the eruption the national government. All the while,
multiple civilian casualties. Following of major protests in Kiev. In response, Russian forces assembling on Ukraine’s
the withdrawal of Georgian troops on 22 February 2014, the Ukrainian borders were said to amount to around
from South Ossetia on 10 August Parliament voted to impeach President 40,000 troops. It is unclear when these
2008, nearly 12,000 Russian troops Yanukovych, who proceeded to flee troops joined in on the protests as
remained in the region and then went the country to the friendlier climate “volunteers,” but the 26 May battle for
on to occupy Georgian territory south in Russia.46 This was followed by pro- the Donetsk airport marked a greater
of the administrative border of South Russian gunmen seizing control of local involvement of Russian “volunteers”
Ossetia, including Gori. A further airports and parliamentary buildings to bolster separatist ranks.49 Observers
15,000 Russian troops proceeded on 27 February 2014. Capitalizing on also believe that much of the weaponry
further West beyond disputed Abkhazia the opportunity, the Russian Federation used by separatist forces, including
to occupy strategically important cities proceeded to launch two overlapping mechanized equipment, armor, and
of Poti, Zugdidi, and Senaki.43 In operations in Ukraine. advanced munitions, were provided to
them from across the Russian border.

On 24 August, Russian troops switched insurrection in 2011.54 Due to the fact (CWC) and surrender weapons in his
to more conventional operations, with that this rebellion was not limited to a possession for supervised destruction.
around 4,000 regular troops invading single city, but popular and widespread, Despite these measures, and countless
the region and defeating the Ukrainian the regime was unable to curb it at its United Nations resolutions, the use of
military in the Battle of Iloviask.50 The inception. The protests quickly escalated chemical weapons continued and is still
eleventh report by the UN Human to the status of a civil war when the use the cause of countless civilian casualties
Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine of heavy artillery, torture, and arbitrary in the region.
reported that the conflict in Eastern detention led to the formation of In the case of Iraq, the power vacuum
Ukraine resulted in around 8,000 opposition organizations such as the that formed with the withdrawal of
casualties between April and September Syrian National Council (SNC) and US troops at the end of 2011 led to
2014.51 Following a plethora of sanctions the Free Syria Army (FSA). Soon after a sharp increase in sectarian violence
imposed on the Russian Federation by speculations regarding the presence of and the formation of multiple militant
the US, UN, NATO and other entities, chemical weapons in the nation arose, groups in the nation.56 Capitalizing
Russian, Ukrainian, DNR (Donetsk chemical attacks were carried out in on this void, the Sunni militant group,
People’s Republic) and LNR (Luhansk Khan al-Assal in Aleppo, and in Al- Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS),
People’s Republic) leaders finally signed Otaybeh in Damascus on the 19 March led a violent and highly coordinated
the Minsk I agreement, a ceasefire deal, 2013, for which the Syrian government insurgency aimed at taking control of
in early September. Despite this deal, and rebel forces blamed each other. northern and western Iraqi territory in
the tension continued in the region This attack set a precedent for many early June 2014. This was followed by
until the conflict reignited in early more chemical weapons attacks, which a declaration of the establishment of
2015.52 were addressed by the United Nations, an Islamic Caliphate by the “Islamic
In analyzing these two interventions, upon the Syrian governments request, State” led by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi on
the primary detail to keep in mind is the through the establishment of the 30 June 2014.57 Immediately after this
fact that neither of them was authorized UN Secretary-General’s Mission to declaration, the Islamic State launched
by the United Nations Security Council Investigate Allegations of the Use of attacks on various regions in Iraq and
and both received widespread backlash Chemical Weapons in the Syrian Arab Syria, resulting in many of these regions
from much of the international Republic, on 14 August 2013.55 The falling under the control of the militant
community. In both instances, Russian United States and Russia were also group, countless civilian causalities, and
leadership cited the need to protect simultaneously trying to convince large-scale damage to infrastructure. In
either Russian citizens or Russian President al-Assad to accede to the response, the United States launched its
speaking natives as a primary goal Chemical Weapons Convention first airstrike against ISIS on 8 August
behind the intervention. However, the
calculated nature of the interventions
and the underlying idea that Russia
may view NATO’s expansion as a threat
led many to question whether the
interventions had any humanitarian
basis at all. Therefore, the need for goals
of an intervention to garner the support
of the international community is
emphasized through these cases.
Airstrikes in Iraq and Syria
The crisis in Syria is so catastrophic
and devastating that the International
Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
describes the situation as “the largest
and most complex humanitarian crisis
in the world, with no end in sight.”53
The Syrian crisis initiated when
President Bashar al-Assad responded
to the Syrian “Arab Spring” with force A map of US-led airstrikes against ISIS, between 8 August and 7 October 2014. (Washington
and intimidation to crush the emergent Post)
12 General Assembly
2014.58 Other nations, such as France, Statement of the International Syria Customary international law is not
UK, Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, Support Group (ISSG) of 14 November, housed in any document or agreement.
Australia, and Canada, joined in on the and to eradicate the safe haven they Rather, it manifests in the norms and
efforts to curb the violence in the region, have established over significant parts behavioral patterns of states; states may
forming a coalition force that has of Iraq and Syria.”62 feel bound by norms as they relate to
conducted a total of 13,331 airstrikes in Thus, the airstrikes carried out by issues of international law, despite the
Iraq and 11,235 strikes in Syria against coalition forces after November 2015 fact that they have not been codified.
ISIS as of 9 August 2017, according have been legally administered by There is no one source of customary
to the US Department of Defense.59 the UN. However, the many civilian international law. Delegates can
Whilst these airstrikes have managed to casualties give rise to the question of only keep this in mind as a possible
keep ISIS advancement at bay, in most whether this legal action is moral, and explanation for past state actions
instances, they are by no means perfect; if this immorality should be a basis when encountering issues of military
according to data compiled by Airwars, enough to render it illegal. This could intervention.
a non-profit group that tracks reports of be another issue that delegates may look
civilian deaths in Iraq and Syria, around into when discussing this topic.
4,500 civilians have been killed as a PROPOSED SOLUTIONS
result of these airstrikes between August PAST INTERNATIONAL A resolution that addresses this
2014 and the end of August 2017.60 ACTIONS topic must lay out firm guidelines as
The fact that the UN Security As the committee considers to sovereign prerogatives for military
Council adopted Resolution 2249 on reviewing the principle of R2P, intervention. Below are a few potential
20 November 2015 is vital in analyzing delegates should certainly look to the areas of focus, raised by past debates or
this case through the lens of the topic foundational documents that laid out conflicts, that represent existing gaps in
at hand. This resolution was drafted this concept. These documents include international doctrine.
in response to the horrifying terrorist the aforementioned 2001 report from
attacks carried out by the Islamic Organizational Roles
ICISS, “The Responsibility to Protect;”
State in Sousse, Ankara, Sinai, Beirut, The R2P doctrine holds the UN
the 2005 World Summit agreement that
and Paris in 2015, and the multiple Security Council for authorizing
nations adopted in a commitment to
Article 51 letters written to the UN humanitarian intervention when
R2P; Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon’s
by states such as Iraq, US, UK, Turkey, absolutely necessary. Beyond this step
2009 report on implementing R2P; and
France, and Australia.61 The Resolution of authorization, however, there is no
his 2011 report on the role of regional
“unequivocally condemns” ISIS attacks clear outlining of organizational roles
organizations in implementing R2P. The
and; when it comes to enforcing R2P. The
Responsibility of States for Internally
“Calls upon Member States that doctrine assumes that the international
Wrongful Acts, a document adopted by
have the capacity to do so to take all community will respond and take
the General Assembly in late 2001, lays
necessary measures, in compliance with action when it observes mass violence
out the framework for addressing state
international law, in particular with and humanitarian crises that require
breaches of international law.
the United Nations Charter, as well intervention, without laying out clear
Since the adoption of the
as international human rights, refugee definitions, protocols, or accountability
2005 agreement, the international
and humanitarian law, on the territory measures to ensure that action is
community has not taken concrete steps
under the control of ISIL also known as indeed effective. Moreover, there is no
to revise current doctrines regarding
Da’esh, in Syria and Iraq, to redouble accountability in cases where no action
military intervention. Indeed, there
and coordinate their efforts to prevent is taken at all – the best example being
have been individual cases in which
and suppress terrorist acts committed the Rwandan Genocide.
the authorization of humanitarian
specifically by ISIL also known as A potential solution to this lack of
intervention has been debated; some
Da’esh as well as ANF, and all other accountability would be the creation
of these are discussed in the previous
individuals, groups, undertakings, and of a process that the United Nations
section. Even as these contentious cases
entities associated with Al Qaeda, and would automatically enact when certain
have arisen, changes in doctrine have
other terrorist groups, as designated by criteria are met. The process would need
not occurred.
the United Nations Security Council, to include definitions of eligible cases, a
Finally, the committee may wish
and as may further be agreed by the reporting mechanism, and a clear flow
to consider customary international
International Syria Support Group of action through the General Assembly
law when considering past approaches
(ISSG) and endorsed by the UN and Security Council. Such a protocol
to addressing military intervention.
Security Council, pursuant to the would need to be generalizable across

different conflict types, while ensuring are plentiful other NGOs that do the with respect to each delegations’
that no crisis goes overlooked. same. An interesting NGO to consult country’s history. Every delegate must
may be the United Nations Watch, have a knowledge of their country’s
Alternatives to Intervention
which has expertise on UN procedures, involvement with military intervention
It is critical to consider solutions
and advocates reform on the existing (where applicable), to develop a clear
that do not require physical intervention
shortcomings of the international national stance on the issue. Past UN
in a conflict. A common criticism of
system. speeches or government websites can
international bodies is that foreign
serve as robust resources for this type of
nations are entirely inactive when they
research.
are unwilling to intervene, or cannot QUESTIONS A RESOLUTION Given that much of this topic
receive Security Council authorization. MUST ANSWER involves legal issues, it is likely that
States typically take unilateral action in
• What constitutes a case requiring delegates will encounter dense academic
such cases, channeling funds towards
foreign intervention? articles during their research. It may be
humanitarian initiatives or particular
wise to supplement these articles with
groups within a violent conflict • To what extent do member states more concise pieces written by think
that have the ability to bring about have an obligation to respond to tanks or blogs, which can offer bigger-
peace. However, the international such cases? If so, which states are picture ideas.
community may wish to consider accountable to this obligation?
taking remote, coordinated actions
where physical intervention is not • How should states be held TOPIC B:
possible. This may take the form of a accountable with regards to the COUNTERING
framework or protocol for action, that responsibility to protect?
is automatically triggered in cases where
TERRORIST
• To what extent will the R2P
intervention is not possible. On one
doctrine evolve as violent conflicts
NETWORKS
hand, this would guarantee some form
change in nature? Will this
of aid to conflict-ridden areas, without
needing to depend on the political will
require adaptation by UN/legal STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
instruments?
of individual states. On the other hand, Although terrorism has been a
it would be extremely difficult to create • What updates are needed to existing major international security concern
a protocol that standardizes across protocols for engaging in military since the early 20th century, the rapidly
various types of conflict. Additionally, intervention? evolving nature of terrorist groups has
such a protocol could not be binding. made it difficult to pinpoint a standard
While it would be able to initiate plans • What updates are needed to
for counterterrorism. Moreover, the
for action, it could not guarantee action existing protocols for enforcing
unpredictability of terrorism serves
or aid by member states. accountability with regards to
as an obstacle to creating a standard
illegal military intervention?
definition of a terrorist organization.
RELEVANT PARTNERS This challenge, albeit large, presents
Above all, the General Assembly SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER an exciting opportunity for the
will need a close understanding of the RESEARCH international community
UN Security Council in order to enact First and foremost, delegates should to reset its expectations regarding
change to existing norms regarding review the important documents counterterrorism. To date, there has
military intervention. Given that the listed in the “Past International been a lack of transnational cooperation
UNSC authorizes these interventions, Actions” section. These will provide a when addressing terrorist threats. This
delegates must understand current comprehensive understanding of the can often be attributed to the fact that
norms before proposing changes. existing doctrine regarding military most terrorist organizations operate
Delegates may also wish to intervention. Delegates may also wish locally, with mandates that only concern
consult relevant non-governmental to further examine the case studies in a single nation. However, transnational
organizations (NGOs) when debating this guide, along with other related cases, groups such as Al-Qaeda and the Islamic
this topic. Organizations such as to see where the gaps in international State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) majorly
the Human Rights Watch, Amnesty doctrine exist. threaten global security but are usually
International, and Global Human It will also be important to have not discussed as truly international
Rights Defence actively monitor and a close understanding of the topic concerns. Given that the norm for
intervene in humanitarian crises; there global terrorist organizations seems
14 General Assembly
areas of ambiguity when classifying
a group as a terrorist organization.
Violence in itself does not necessarily
constitute terrorism, as violence is a tool
that may be used within the bounds of
international law and/or conventional
warfare. More specifically, a group can
exercise violence without the intent to
terrorize. Another area of ambiguity is
how to determine the intent of violence.
Many definitions of terrorism specify
that terrorist groups use violence to
achieve a particular political or religious
purpose; a comprehensive definition of
terrorism would need to outline what
characteristics of a group’s mandate
would constitute such a purpose. It
A chart depicting global deaths from terrorist attacks in the 21st century. (Economist)
may be possible to additionally narrow
to be evolving towards a networked Without this classification, debates over definitions of terrorism based on the
model, it is critical that member states where the aforementioned protocol scope of a group’s activities, or the
adapt their counterterrorism strategies applies could stall any productive action number of perpetrators within a group.
towards this particular organization towards quelling conflict. When defining terrorism, the
type. The two main challenges presented General Assembly must also carefully
Indeed, transnational terrorist here (defining a transnational terrorist consider the potential ramifications of
networks uniquely challenge global network and designing an anti-network any one definition. Major controversy
security. Groups with centralized protocol) can only be resolved through has resulted throughout history when
models of organization, such as significant international cooperation, states disagree as to whether certain
bureaucracies or terrorist militias, can open-mindedness, and flexibility groups are terrorist organizations. For
usually be combatted with a targeted regarding the evolving nature of example, conventional political parties
approach executed by a single nation. terrorism. If the General Assembly is in one state may be labeled by another
Transnational terrorist networks, on able to pool its intellectual resources state as terrorist organizations, simply
the other hand, must be addressed by effectively, there is no end to what the because they use violent means to achieve
multiple states working in tandem, by committee can achieve. their political goals. Labeling individual
virtue of their operation in numerous groups as terrorist organizations can
countries. Beyond presenting a physical HISTORY AND DISCUSSION OF also directly implicate certain nations as
security threat, terrorist networks can THE PROBLEM state sponsors of terrorism, making it all
also destabilize communities in nations the more crucial that these designations
where they are not physically present. Defining Terrorism are made with extreme care.
Global terrorist recruitment, broad- One of the main challenges facing The committee may wish to adopt
based mandates threatening multiple this committee is that of defining the a narrow definition of terrorism to
nations, the co-optation of local violent bounds of the problem – in other avoid such controversies. However,
groups, and the inspiration of lone words, defining what constitutes a this must be balanced with a need to
wolf attackers are all less commonly transnational terrorist network. This is capture all cases of terrorism within the
addressed aspects of the terrorist a necessary step before establishing any definition, as a lack of action towards
network threat. sort of counterterrorism protocol, as a threatening organization is just as
The General Assembly cannot states must be able to identify eligible dangerous as a controversial labeling.
only set a counterterrorism protocol cases before applying the protocol. No matter how the committee decides
against terrorist networks. In order to Although many definitions of to define terrorism, it is crucial that the
succeed where it has previously failed, terrorism exist and are used regularly by definition remain flexible. The face of
the international community must scholars and practitioners, the United terrorism is constantly changing, so the
first set parameters for what constitutes Nations has not yet adopted a standard definition of terrorism must be able to
a transnational terrorist network. definition of terrorism. There are many adapt accordingly.

Defining a Network across state borders that remotely follow
It is not enough to define what the hierarchy of the core organization.
constitutes a terrorist organization. However, bureaucracy tends to break
Within the framework of this topic, down as a terrorist groups gets larger
the committee must also decide what or spans more countries. Kilberg posits
constitutes a transnational terrorist that networks are a more flexible sub-
network – i.e. what constitutes eligibility type of bureaucracy, but other scholars
for the counter-network protocol that apply a broader definition of a network,
the committee will adopt. and classify some terrorist bureaucracies
There are many factors to consider as networks.63
when defining a terrorist organization. Hub-Spoke: In a hub-spoke model A visualization of Kilberg’s classification of
The most obvious factor is, perhaps, of organization, various cells of a terrorist organizations. (Kilberg)
scale. The committee may wish to set a terrorist organization communicate
minimum scale of operations for groups and coordinate through a central compatible with the impending
eligible for the protocol to avoid calling hub of leadership without directly counter-network protocol.
international attention to transnational interacting with one another. While Features of a Transnational Terrorist
terrorist groups that only affect a small the central leadership carries out many Network
group of nations. An example of such a core functions, it will typically grant As the committee moves away
group is the Janjaweed, a highly violent individual nodes autonomy. Drug from defining a transnational terrorist
militia operating in Chad and Sudan. networks, although usually not classified network, and begins to develop
Although dangerous, the Janjaweed has as terrorist organizations, tend to follow appropriate counterterrorism protocols,
a localized mandate, and likely does this model. Al-Qaeda was a hub-spoke it must consider the unique factors
not warrant the same level of globally group prior to 2001.64 of a network that require targeted
coordinated attention that groups like All-Channel: All-channel addressing.
Al-Qaeda or ISIS might. On the other organizations are flexible networks with
hand, setting a minimum scale of no central leadership. Different cells Transnational Mandates
operations may lead to the international of the organization directly coordinate A typical marker of a transnational
community overlooking nascent their functions with one another, and terrorist network is a mandate that is not
terrorist network threats. A recent are loosely tied by a united mandate restricted to one country. While many
example is that of ISIS, which began and/or a small group of dispersed terrorist organizations focus their goals
by operating in only Iraq and Syria, but leaders. Modern communication on local issues, such as overturning the
was very clearly a high-level threat even technologies now allow all-channel government’s regime or effecting change
during this localized stage. groups to function efficiently, as they in a certain policy area, globally-oriented
The networked aspect of an can rapidly communicate across long groups look to reshape the world in
organization is difficult to pinpoint. distances. One might imagine that if their vision. ISIS is a prime example, as
Terrorist networks can come in many ISIS continues to lose its grip on its it declares supreme authority over all of
forms. Here, it is useful to understand territorial holdings in Iraq and Syria, the world’s Muslims, establishes itself as
the different structural formats that a its global cells will evolve into an all- the only legitimate Islamic state (thus
terrorist organization could adopt, and channel network.65 delegitimizing every recognized Islamic
to see how any one of these formats Market: Market terrorist groups state), and consistently decries non-
could be classified as a network. Joshua exhibit very little organization. These Islamic/Western nations. Al-Qaeda has
Kilberg, a premier scholar in terrorism groups can be typically classified as a very similar mandate.
studies, posits a classification structure movements, with individual actors With these goals in mind, the
for terrorist organizations as follows: inspired by a common mission, but opportunities for action are wide open
Bureaucracy: A terrorist bureaucracy acting without any leadership or for such terrorist groups. This means that
is highly centralized, and follows a coordination. Market groups tend to be it is all the more difficult to predict and
hierarchical model of leadership. There a vague umbrella for individual parties prevent their activities. Furthermore,
are tight rules controlling the group’s wishing to carry out violent acts in the as with ISIS’s mandate, global terrorist
operations, and operatives act based name of a particular cause.66 networks’ goals tend to include multiple
on orders from group leadership. With this understanding of the prongs in order to broaden their appeal.
Bureaucracies act along a unified possible forms for terrorist groups to For example, if prospective recruits are
mandate. Although they are centralized, take, the committee must specify the not instantly enamored with the idea
terrorist bureaucracies may have units characteristics that constitute a network of a global Islamic caliphate, they still
16 General Assembly
may be drawn to join ISIS because they systems due to its high susceptibility within physical boundaries. In order
share a common enemy: the West. Such to terrorist activity. It may be prudent to effectively eliminate a transnational
broad mandates grant terrorist networks to form a global standard for assessing terrorist organization, at least some
the ability to operate in many nations, terrorist risks at the national level; not major cells must be combatted; the
seek funding from diverse sources, and only can states be the target of attacks fight then spans across national
gain broad support amongst numerous or risk having groups form within borders. Beyond physical violence, the
audiences. their boundaries but external terrorist battlefield extends to the virtual field,
networks can also co-opt domestic as psychosocial “attacks” are waged
Co-Optation of Other Groups
groups. on social media or through financial
A defining theme of global terrorist
The logistical difficulties of dealing channels. The logistical, military, and
networks is their penchant for co-opting
with co-optation in global terrorist even legal obstacles of the ambiguous
violent groups in order to expand their
networks are threefold. First, this counterterrorism battlefield make the
network. As mentioned in the above
presents an additional challenge to discussion at hand all the more complex.
section, networks are able to draw in
defining the boundaries of a terrorist Third, there are legal issues presented
like-minded parties with a broad-based
network. In other words, it is difficult by the cellular nature of global terrorist
mandate and co-opt their physical and
to classify what is officially a networked networks. Questions over who has
human resources to establish a presence
cell, versus what is an allied/affiliated jurisdiction over prosecuting terrorist
worldwide. Commonly co-opted group
group, versus what is an unaffiliated suspects arise, when terrorists may be
types include local militias, terrorist
group; all three of these types warrant operating across borders, or if they
cells composed of a small group of
different counterterrorism responses. conducted attacks in one nation but
individuals, or even larger terrorist
Indeed, many cases of co-optation, were a member of a group in another.
organizations that pledge allegiance to
namely those regarding high-profile Crimes or sentences may also vary
the umbrella network.
groups, come with a public statement based on whether terrorists’ activities
The ability of a network to
of allegiance that makes this task are attributed to their local cell or to
quickly shift its structure by co-opting
smoother. However, there are many an international network. Given the
other groups allows such terrorist
covert or small cells whose statuses may complexity of the international legal
organizations to be highly evasive. They
be difficult to determine, at least as they system, it is likely that the status quo
are reminiscent of the Hydra, a many-
pertain to a potential parent network. of case-by-case determination will
headed monster in Greek mythology
Countries must also be prepared to be maintained. However, the legal
who grows back three heads when one
dynamically update the bounds of ramifications of terrorist networks are
is cut off. If counterterrorism efforts are
target terrorist networks, as they are certainly not to be ignored.
based on a static image of a terrorist
constantly changing.
network, then all parts of the network Leadership
Second, when dealing with an
are unlikely to be eliminated, given A uniquely fascinating aspect
evolving network, it is difficult to
that the network is ever-changing and of global terrorist networks is the
define the placement of the theater
constantly adding new cells. characteristics of their leadership. Under
of war. Under conventional theories
This characteristic of transnational Kilberg’s model, a terrorist network’s
of warfare, wars are fought within the
terrorist networks is also the strongest leadership can take many forms. On
tangible boundaries of a battlefield.
argument as to why a truly global one extreme, leadership can sit atop a
This is a common theme throughout
counterterrorism protocol is needed for bureaucracy, modeling the structure
history – consider the images of
this group type. At any given moment, of a national government. On another
traditional battlefields during the
a seemingly domestically-oriented extreme, there may be no central
Roman Empire, or the American Civil
militant group could be co-opted into leadership at all.
War. In the War on Terror, however,
a global battle against the state system; A common strategy within the
there is no such thing as a concrete
states must remain vigilant against this current paradigm of counterterrorism
battlefield. Pundits and scholars tend to
threat. It seems that many countries is to target group leaders. The
focus on the fact that counterterrorist
have an acute awareness of the risk of rationale behind this strategy is that
military campaigns take place in urban
suddenly playing host to a terrorist by eliminating its leaders, a group will
environments, rather than rugged,
cell. Indonesia, which possesses the lose its ability to effectively coordinate
open landscapes. This is certainly a
world’s largest Muslim population its operations and will then collapse.
challenging new development in the
and a history of localized violent Sometimes, eliminating a highly
face of war. A less frequently considered
extremism, has significantly upgraded charismatic leader can also de-motivate
aspect of the “modern battlefield,”
its counterterrorism preparation a group’s followers; without ideological
however, is that it may no longer exist

leadership, the group faces extreme sometimes with particular skill vulnerabilities in communities through
vulnerability. While there have been sets, to the core organization. They targeted social media messaging or
plentiful successful cases of leadership may also directly decry the actions recruiting.
targeting, recent scholarship has found of governments or other dominant
Attack Types
that “decapitating” a group’s leadership parties, thus destabilizing the social
The terrorism studies community
is ineffective, especially in the case fabric of communities. The simple
maintains a standard classification for
of networked organizations.67 As act of spreading discord throughout
understanding how terrorist attacks
discussed in the previous section, the already-unstable communities can
within a network are perpetrated. The
amorphous and rapidly evolving nature prove detrimental, as criminal violence
three attack types are as follows:
of networks allows them to recover or radicalization may increase as a result.
Directed attacks are terrorist attacks
quickly from such decapitation. With Harmful narratives may also exploit
as they are conventionally understood.
ample human resources, if one leader inter-group tensions, thus planting the
Directed attacks are carried out by
is lost, there is often an eager deputy seeds for further violence.
operatives within a core terrorist group,
to step in. Furthermore, if there are While it may seem difficult to
and can be directly attributed to the
many cells or areas of operation, losing detect the social effects of terrorist
group. Such attacks are often dangerous
leaders in just one cell is unlikely to organizations, scholars have done
because they have the full resources of
affect the others. One might return to significant work to better understand
the terrorist group at their disposal; as
the Kilberg model in considering the the psychological reach of terrorism.
such, they often involve sophisticated
effectiveness of leadership decapitation: A popular finding is that prospective
planning and technology. A recent
the more centralized a group is, the terrorists do not usually exhibit an
example of a directed attack from a
more likely leadership decapitation is initial adherence to group philosophies;
terrorist network is the November 2015
to be successful. However, given that rather, they are drawn to terrorist
incident in Paris, carried out by ISIS.
all-channel terrorist groups are far more groups because they seek the social
Inspired Attacks are terrorist
common than bureaucracies, it seems inclusion and broader purpose that
attacks that are carried out by lone
that the prospects for this strategy are broader society may not offer.68 As
wolf attackers who are not officially
weak. such, groups that are marginalized in
affiliated with any group. However,
society, or demographics that tend to
Funding Systems these attacks are perpetrated in the
feel a lack of purpose, are at a higher
Financial counterterrorism is name of a particular group’s ideology,
risk of radicalization. These include
arguably the area of counterterrorism despite the organization’s total lack of
ethnic minorities or single male youths.
in which the international community involvement in the planning process.
Terrorist networks tend to be familiar
is the strongest. As one might imagine, Sometimes, organizations will claim an
with this finding, and exploit these
maintaining a global terrorist network
requires significant financial resources, as
well as coordination to move these funds
around. The international community
has set clear protocols to block terrorist
financing; these are further elaborated
in the “Past International Actions”
section. Given that a successful protocol
exists, combating terrorist network
financing should be of low priority to
the committee.
Societal Permeation
The threat presented by terrorist
networks spans far beyond physical
security. With the ability to harness
modern communications technology,
terrorist organizations have been
spreading harmful narratives to all
reaches of the globe. These narratives
may seek to recruit foreign operatives, A cartoon referencing ISIS’s reliance on Twitter to spread its narratives. (Huffington Post)
18 General Assembly
inspired attack as its own, in order to CURRENT SITUATION a long-term goal.75 Holding territory
gain credibility at little operational cost. is therefore not a central tenet of its
Given that these attacks are organized by This section of the guide will provide operations but a practical strategy
lone wolves, they are especially difficult a picture of the two most successful deployed at opportune times. Al-Qaeda
to predict and prevent; yet, their results transnational terrorist networks to date: has possessed land in the Middle East
can be just as costly as a directed attack. Al-Qaeda and ISIS. It will also include and North Africa (MENA) region as
An example of a recent inspired attack a discussion of emergent threats, as safe havens and training camps for
is the June 2016 shooting at Pulse well as smaller cells and networked its fighters and also sought haven on
Nightclub in Orlando, where the organizations, to illustrate the diversity Taliban soil for similar purposes.76
perpetrator pledged allegiance to ISIS of groups that might fall under DISEC’s Despite its minor role in al-Qaeda’s
without being a direct operative of the purview as it discusses this topic. mission, its territory holdings in Syria
group. paved the way for the rise of ISIS.
Al-Qaeda
Remote-Controlled Attacks represent
Militant jihadist insurgency ISIS
a combination of the above two attack
reached record heights in the 1990s, The recent emergence of ISIS
types. Perpetrators of these attacks
due to increased state sponsorship, represents a new paradigm of insurgency
are usually not direct operatives of
modern technology, the spread of in the 21st century. ISIS, also known
terrorist networks, but are assisted
transnational crime networks, and as the Islamic State of Iraq and the
by terrorist operatives, who advise or
stability vacuums.69 The formation and Levant (ISIL), the Islamic State (IS),
control attack perpetrators over virtual
rise of Al-Qaeda was the culmination or al-Dawlah al-Islamiyah fi al-Iraq wa
communication. This strategy allows
of these trends. Al-Qaeda began as the al-Sham (DAESH), is a Salafi jihadi
groups to control and claim credit
Maktab al Khidamat, an international group operating primarily in Iraq and
over attacks, and to offer operational
network of recruiting and fund-raising Syria. It aims to establish a caliphate, an
expertise, without risking valuable
for the Afghan jihad.70 In 1988, toward Islamic state governed by a caliph and
financial or human resources on the
the end of the Soviet-Afghan War, Bin religious authorities, that supersedes all
actual perpetration of the attack. It
Laden aimed to utilize his network of existing Muslim states. It claims to have
also enables the network to perpetrate
10,000 to 20,000 fighters for political authority over all Muslims.77
violence in countries where it does not
gain. He renamed the network to ISIS’s predecessor, the Islamic State
have a strong physical presence.
Al-Qaeda (The Base) and aimed to in Iraq (ISI), was formed in October
This attack classification system,
overthrow pro-Western secular regimes, 2006 as a subgroup of Al-Qaeda in Iraq.78
while effective, primarily focuses on
believing that they were occupying After relative failure, the ISI claimed
the high-profile, transnational attacks
sacred Islamic land.71 Jabhat al-Nusra as its Syrian offshoot
(typically in the West) that are featured
In the 1990’s, Bin Laden distanced in April 2013. The group then became
in mainstream media. Lesser attention is
himself from his home country of ISIS, despite al-Nusra’s rejection of the
paid to domestic attacks, some of which
Saudi Arabia, using Sudan as a training claim.79 ISIS began its recent string
may be part of localized violent or civil
ground for al-Qaeda militants.72 He of extremely radical activities in early
conflicts, which are far more frequent.
grew the network to a coalition of 2014, when Al-Qaeda disowned it for
The committee should consider
radical Islamist insurgents in over 70 being representative of al-Qaeda under
whether these localized attacks should
countries. Between 1990 and 2001, Osama Bin Laden (rather than current
be classified as terrorist attacks, and
Al-Qaeda carried out targeted attacks chief Ayman al-Zarahiwi).80 In June
whether they warrant addressing by the
against the US and its allies, portraying 2014, it announced the establishment
international counter-network protocol.
them as the supporters of all secular of the Islamic Caliphate, with Abu-Bakr
Here, a consideration of international
regimes in the region.73 These activities al-Baghdadi as its caliph.81 Since then, it
law is necessary; even if a terrorist group
culminated in the 11 September 2001 has captured major cities and territories
may be part of a broader international
attacks in the US. Throughout this in Iraq and Syria, including Iraq’s
network, if it is embroiled in a strictly
time, Al-Qaeda maintained branches second-largest city, Mosul. ISIS enforces
domestic conflict, foreign powers are
worldwide, including Yemen-based Al- its own Islamic laws in its territory, and
typically not permitted to intervene
Qaeda in the Arab Peninsula (AQAP).74 is economically self-sufficient. Outside
with regards to the local violence.
Al-Qaeda was one of the first, if of claiming and controlling large
not the first, insurgent organizations swathes of territory, ISIS is establishing
to independently capture territory. an international presence, threatening
While it supports the establishment of to conduct terrorist strikes around the
an Islamic caliphate, it views that as globe.

The overall theme of ISIS’s
strategy is that it capitalizes upon
areas of weakness. Its ability to seize
territory is aided by the preoccupation
of Syrian and Iraqi military forces in
their respective countries’ civil wars.82
Especially when it was first emerging,
ISIS took over cities and land where
the army left behind vacuums of
power. Even now, it mainly occupies
cities where combat is difficult because
there is little or no distinction between
civilians and militants. These cities and
connecting strips of land are resource-
rich, providing ISIS with access to oil
fields, trade routes and the like. In
terms of strategy against international
powers, ISIS takes advantage of a
negative feedback loop. The loop begins
with ISIS’s use and broadcasting of A map showing ISIS’s network of affiliates as of 2016; more countries, such as the Philippines,
conventional terrorist tactics, including can now be added to this list. (Heritage Foundation)
kidnapping, beheadings, violent rapes,
and mass killings. Such events place motivation for new recruits to join.85 for funding. Lastly, ISIS utilizes a
an expectation on nations to respond, Using digital outreach and social global network of cells, which are small
especially when their own citizens are media, ISIS targets and recruits socially scattered groups of terrorist operatives,
targeted. However, ISIS’s manifesto and alienated people from around the world. and affiliated organizations to spread its
subsequent messages clearly broadcast While this tactic is the main reason for message and conduct activities across
the West and Arab apostate (mainly successful recruitment, religion plays a continents. This structure is a variation
Shi’a or Kurdish) nations as the sources large role in member retention.86 Once from Al-Qaeda’s network, which
of the Middle East’s problems and ISIS followers are indoctrinated with claimed terrorist activities by local
asserts ISIS as the countervailing force its message, religion tends to be the groups worldwide for its own message.88
to such evil.83 Because of this, ISIS can primary motivation behind continued Today, the physical threat presented
use attacks by its enemies to justify its commitment. by ISIS has diminished, as a string
agenda to its followers. Essentially, the The operational structure of ISIS of victories has seen ISIS’s major
more the international community is a recent development of insurgent territorial holdings in Iraq and Syria
attempts to target ISIS, the more fuel groups and is a large part of its success. being recaptured by state governments.
ISIS has to power its message. In line with its claim to be a caliphate, However, the social threat is still as strong
ISIS’s social tactics similarly it has a proto-state structure that as ever, as the group’s anti-Western,
capitalize upon weakness, particularly includes judicial, legislative, and law extremist message maintains relevancy
in terms of individual isolation and enforcement institutions.87 It has also despite its military failings. Furthermore,
low civil societal density. Social identity co-opted healthcare, education, and its accumulation of subsidiary groups
group theory, which is gaining favor in other social institutions from its seized provides an opportunity for it to bounce
academic circles, states that humans territories. This structure allows ISIS to back as a purely networked/all-channel
are in constant pursuit of a social maintain control and stability within organization, rather than the hub-spoke
solidarity.84 Insurgent groups offer its borders, while projecting legitimacy group that it began as.
security, a sense of belonging and to its followers. Furthermore, ISIS is
Emerging Threats
purpose, and a community, which economically self-sufficient; its primary
Although ISIS’s affiliate groups are
is extremely appealing to those who sources of income come from trading
currently dormant on the international
were marginalized in the wake of oil, stealing, and collecting ransoms
stage, they present a major threat to
political instability. Further studies from kidnapping. This represents a
global security due to their potential
suggest that the social benefits of difference from most other insurgent
to capitalize on existing ISIS expertise
insurgent organizations, rather than groups, which tap into transnational
and due to opportunities for them to
their religious purposes, are the main crime networks (namely drug cartels)
20 General Assembly
collaborate or collude in perpetrating Financial Counterterrorism nations, exerting counterterrorism
violent attacks. There are robust international strategy through military means. While
Most experts agree that a bulk instruments for combating the flow of conventional counterterrorist tactics are
of ISIS’s international affiliates are terrorist funds. The landmark document well-understood, emerging strategies,
“entrepreneurial” or “startup” terrorist regarding this topic is the International namely counterinsurgency strategy
organizations, looking to buy into Convention for the Suppression of (COIN), are forecasted to be the most
ISIS’s compelling mission to establish the Financing of Terrorism.91 This effective for combating amorphous
a global Islamic caliphate. Some groups document requires states parties to terrorist networks. An elaboration of
that are geographically close to ISIS, criminalize the facilitation of terrorist COIN can be found in the “Proposed
such as those in Libya and the Sinai funding, urges action whenever a state Solutions” section.
Peninsula, have established themselves is informed of such activity, and lays
out guidelines for building financial Social Counterterrorism
as full-fledged wings of ISIS. There also
counterterrorism infrastructure. It also The social aspects of counterterrorism
exist cells that have executed or claimed
clearly outlines where state jurisdiction remain in their formative stages and
attacks in the name of ISIS; many of
applies and where it does not; this have rarely been exercised in practice by
these attacks have served to exacerbate
document may be a helpful example for member states. The United States, for
existing violent conflicts, such as the
the protocols that DISEC will look to example, has a burgeoning initiative to
civil strife in Yemen. Others simply
craft. Security Council Resolution 1373, use targeted psychological strategies to
exist as amorphous ISIS franchises, and
passed directly after the September 11 produce counterterrorist media content.
gather bases of support in nations like
attacks, further enforces the convention Its leading organization on this front is
Bangladesh and Indonesia.
by requiring all member states to take the Global Engagement Center, which
Perhaps the most threatening
the requisite actions.92 Of late, particular is “an interagency entity, housed at the
category of groups concerns large
attention has been paid to terrorist State Department, which is charged with
groups that had major resources
funding as it pertains to the flow of coordinating U.S. counterterrorism
and high-profile reputations prior
foreign fighters. This was addressed by messaging to foreign audiences.”97 The
to pledging allegiance to ISIS. Boko
Security Council Resolution 2178.93 Center has produced and published a
Haram in Nigeria is a prime example.
International bodies such as the wide variety of anti-ISIS media, targeted
Prior to allying with ISIS, Boko Haram
Financial Action Task Force, the towards potential recruits in vulnerable
existed as a jihadist group that looked
Counter-Terrorism Committee communities, to mixed success. Its
to establish a peaceful Islamic state
Executive Directorate (CTED), and largest weakness is the fact that content
within Nigeria. In 2010, a change
regional bodies of each of these is created and published by the United
in leadership led the group to adopt
organizations, all work to assist nations States government, which is not a
terrorist tactics, and its attacks have
in carrying out the global financial trusted source from the perspective of
intensified since then.89 Other examples
counterterrorism framework. prospective ISIS members.98
of similar groups include the Afghan
and Pakistani branches of the Taliban, PROPOSED SOLUTIONS
Military Counterterrorism
and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom
Transnational insurgency is not Although delegates are expected to
Fighters in the Philippines.
a topic that has been specifically enter committee having developed their
PAST INTERNATIONAL addressed in international documents, own approaches to the topic, below are
ACTIONS although violent insurgent tactics are some starting points or sample ideas
addressed through the UN Global for solutions to the topic. A critical
Defining Terrorism Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which note is that DISEC’s resolutions should
As previously stated, the United contains broad guidelines on fighting not address any one group; targeting
Nations has not yet adopted a global terrorist organizations,94 and UNSC particular conflicts is outside the
standard for defining terrorism. resolution 2178, which addresses flows mandate of the General Assembly, and
However, some transnational of foreign fighters.95 More recently, the is usually left to the Security Council.
organizations, as well as individual General Assembly adopted an updated Rather, solutions should be forward-
states that are prominent stakeholders counterterrorism strategy, initially thinking, and should set out a broad-
in the War on Terror, use definitions proposed by Secretary-General.96 This based framework through which
that are commonly accepted in the includes a review of the aforementioned the international community can
international security community.90 UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy. approach a diversity of issues relating to
Naturally, there are many examples transnational terrorist networks.
of individual nations, or groups of

Definitions Counterinsurgency Strategy & local insurgent networks.102 For example,
Previous sections have outlined Disaggregation regional jihad, especially under the al-
the considerations involved in defining Counterinsurgency strategy Qaeda model, has traditionally fed off
the scope of the problem, in terms (COIN) has been posited as an alternative the operations of local movements. By
of classifying terrorist groups as to conventional counterterrorism. disconnecting local insurgents from
transnational networks, and defining Perhaps the most important difference the regional movement, the conflict
the boundaries of these groups. It between the two is the way in which becomes separated into manageable
should be emphasized that while this is militants are viewed. Under the hotspots. Disaggregation strategy may
an extremely necessary step in debating paradigm of terrorism, terrorists are include cutting off communications
this topic, the meat of the issue lies in viewed as ruthless, evil individuals with and sources of income, invalidating
developing a counter-network protocol. illegitimate objectives.99 The paradigm a movement’s ideological authority,
Delegates should avoid getting tied of insurgency, however, views insurgents creating regional and local security
up in definitions when the committee as individuals with unacceptable frameworks, and strengthening local
seeks to add value to the international methods but acceptable grievances.100 governments.
community in the form of concrete This allows for more clarity and fairness COIN and disaggregation are
counterterrorism measures. in conflict analysis. Another difference is lauded as hopeful solutions to the
that while counterterrorism focuses on issue of global terrorist networks.
Intelligence-Sharing
catching and killing terrorists, COIN Indeed, if insurgent movements were
A critical component of a successful
prioritizes defeating insurgents’ strategy. quieted, and cross-border networks
counter-network protocol is intelligence-
This involves winning the “hearts and were disaggregated, the situation
sharing. The “History and Discussion
minds” of the local population, in order concerning state boundaries would
of the Problem” section discussed the
to gain their support and prevent them stabilize. However, both COIN and
many ways in which numerous nations
from joining the insurgent cause.101 disaggregation remain largely untested,
are necessarily involved in combating
Other COIN tactics include isolating and some claim that they are passing
any one terrorist network. In order to
insurgents from support and targeted trends in international relations
effectively coordinate their operations,
combat in urban areas. theory. COIN experts assert that
stakeholding countries will need to
Disaggregation is an extension reform from the host government to
share the same group classifications
of COIN strategy, and involves the increase political viability is a necessary
and intelligence. This way, there is a
dismantling of global, regional, and precondition for COIN; this is not
guarantee that countries are defining
the enemy in a standardized fashion.
Shared intelligence is also critical in
the face of rapidly evolving groups. If
states pool their intelligence resources,
the international community will be
better-equipped to prevent and respond
to terrorist threats.
Naturally, concerns over national-
level security arise when intelligence-
sharing measures are proposed. It is
inevitable that individual countries
must maintain a level of confidentiality
in their intelligence, as full disclosure
presents a security threat in itself, even
between allied nations. This sensitive
area will require careful diplomatic
negotiation in order to come to a
balanced resolution.
A sample terrorist network mapping, generating from social network analysis. (Orgnet)
22 General Assembly
guaranteed in many weak Middle particular oppose extensive intelligence- to them. While this solution addresses
Eastern states.103 Additionally, COIN gathering on citizens and have laws to the two aforementioned problems, it
may only be a short-term approach protect privacy rights. brings up a third issue: credibility. If
that cannot translate into long-term an individual is inclined towards one
Counter-Narrative Strategies
political stability. It may be too early for political or ideological viewpoint, they
As the media and digital platforms
the United Nations to globalize these are less likely to view counternarratives as
reach increasingly deeply into society,
strategies, but aspects of each could be credible. Thus, even if counternarratives
the dangers of potentially harmful
incorporated into a resolution. are well-constructed and reach their
narratives grow. Certain terrorist
audiences, there is no promise that they
Social Network Analysis groups may exploit these mediums to
will be absorbed. This brings one final
Social Network Analysis (SNA) spread messages that act in their selfish
problem, which is that it is difficult,
is a method to prevent the growth of interests. Sometimes, these messages
if not impossible, to empirically
violent insurgent networks, and to stem may explicitly antagonize certain groups,
measure the success of counternarrative
recruitment.104 It is a mathematical advocate violence, or unnecessarily
strategies. In other words, there is
method that studies relationship spread panic; a common example is the
no way of accurately knowing if this
networks and calculates the potential hostage decapitation videos posted by
strategy works.
for terrorism. It essentially maps ISIS. More recently, terrorist groups have
Despite all of these potential
known links between terrorists and been spreading their narratives through
problems, the counternarrative strategy
civilians to estimate the likelihood of online publications, co-opting Twitter
is growing in popularity amongst
an individual’s involvement. Not only accounts, and individual messaging
governments, academics, and experts
can SNA detect active participants, but through encoded applications such as
worldwide. Greater amounts of
it can also predict those who are most WhatsApp.
resources are being put towards using
susceptible for recruitment. If funding It is difficult to propose a solution
this strategy to fight the ideological war
for SNA was to increase, and SNA was to stemming these harmful methods
against ISIS. If the above problems are
to be integrated into law enforcement for several reasons. First, groups tend
overcome, this strategy can certainly
and intelligence agencies, it may prove to tailor their messages to certain
be institutionalized and generalized
useful in preventing new terrorist audiences, whether they be individuals
to combat the social reach of global
movements. One issue with SNA is that vulnerable to radicalization or
terrorist networks.
it will require significant funding for it antagonistic ethnic groups. Without
to have widespread utility. perfect information, it is difficult to BLOC POSITIONS
SNA can also be applied to provide counternarratives when you
mapping existing terrorist networks. It may not know to whom the dangerous When debating counterterrorism
can be useful to keep track of dynamic narratives have spread. Second, the task as a broad concept, there are no natural
organizations, their cells, and their of constructing a counternarrative is lines along which countries might
leadership members, using a digital difficult in itself. It requires significant divide into blocs. However, delegates
social mapping software. By keeping amounts of expertise and knowledge may wish to consider the following
this information within one system, of the subject area, in addition to factors as influencers for developing
such information may be more easily technology and publishing skills. The country positions.
shared between cooperative member US Global Engagement Center is a good Proximity to the Terrorist Threat
states. example of a counternarrative provider Naturally, the relationship between
An alternative to SNA is to that uses multiple forms of technology a country and existing terrorist conflicts
simply focus law enforcement and and media to spread its reach and target will significantly affect the types of
intelligence monitoring on isolated certain audiences; in partnership with solutions that it proposes. Countries
or marginalized groups within society. Jigsaw, a subsidiary of Google, it has that directly face terrorist activity are
Key demographics include clusters been able to direct counternarrative more likely to support solutions that
of unmarried, unemployed, and/or “advertisements” to individuals with will be effective in the short-term,
unassimilated diaspora members. This a web history that implies that they and may research and develop their
would take the place of the status quo, are prospective ISIS recruits.105 This proposals with particular groups in
where only the politically oppressed system works in a similar way to regular mind. On the other hand, countries
are closely monitored. A possible Google advertisements, which mine less proximate to existing conflicts
downside to consider with SNA and demographic data from individuals’ may focus on preventative measures, or
law enforcement monitoring is that web browsing patterns and only shows broader legal frameworks that may not
many nations and their populations in advertisements that would be of interest directly pertain to any specific conflict.

Ties to Insurgent Organizations NGOs that do work relevant to SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER
As previously implied, some states disarmament, refugees, and counter- RESEARCH
are closer to insurgent organizations insurgency in the Middle East also
than others. While this is an extremely serve as relevant partners for DISEC. This topic area was written with the
secretive and sensitive topic, delegates Refugees International; the Syrian expectation that delegates will conduct
should be able to discern whether their Relief Network; the Human Rights significant independent research. Given
countries are linked to any violent Watch; and many members of the that terrorism is a frequently debated
insurgent groups. Depending on the NGO Committee on Disarmament, topic, both in Model UN and in the
nature of these ties, delegates may Peace, and Security are a few such real world, the aim of this topic area
then wish to advocate for a more or organizations. is to illuminate concepts that are less
less lenient definition of transnational focused on within counterterrorism
terrorist networks. It would be against QUESTIONS A RESOLUTION debates. Delegates are by no means
the interest of a delegation to adopt MUST ANSWER (QARMAS) expected to have prior exposure to
a definition that classifies a linked topics relating to terrorism, but should
• Should there be a global standard
organization as a terrorist group; certainly seek to add to their knowledge
for defining the bounds of
this would implicate the delegation’s outside of this guide. There is a wealth
particular terrorist organizations,
country in illegal activities. of resources that can cover the basic
or for classifying terrorist
foundations of counterterrorism, for
Economic Status organization types? If so, what
delegates requiring further introduction
The financial status of a member should this standard be?
to the topic.
state inevitably affects its ability to • How can transnational terrorist Perhaps the best starting place
engage in international security network formation be detected for finding research sources is the
protocols. Depending on the size of and prevented? bibliography of this guide. The guide
a country’s defense budget, it may was written by holistically drawing
or may not be able to invest in new • How can the international from this list of sources to create a full
technologies and counterterrorism community counteract terrorist picture of the topic area. Delegates are
research. More prosperous countries network activity, in a manner encouraged to read the materials for
are likely to be stronger advocates of that does not foster xenophobia themselves, in order to draw their own
cutting-edge technologies, such as or transnational economic and conclusions. Given that most of these
social network analysis; countries with political tensions? sources are academic, some delegates
less dispensable financial resources may may not have access to the materials.
• Should terrorist activity inspired
be more conservative in proposing However, online abstracts may still be
by a particular organization be
methods requiring large investments. available.
classified as activity carried out
There is additionally a wealth of
RELEVANT PARTNERS by that organization? If so, can
blogs and op-eds on counterterrorism
that organization be held legally
DISEC commonly calls upon the accountable for the activity in that can serve as unique and interesting
UN Disarmament Commission for question? sources of information. Although
assistance.106 It makes recommendations HNMUN encourages delegates to seek
on disarmament and security issues, and • How can the countries in out credible academic sources, in the
provides expert knowledge to DISEC which a transnational terrorist cutting-edge field of counterterrorism,
to inform its decision-making process. organization operates cooperate in unofficial opinion pieces from pundits
Another relevant body is the UN their counterterrorism efforts? can often be just as helpful as published
Counter-Terrorism Implementation • How can the international papers. These materials are also the
Task Force (CTITF), which enforces community prevent the co- most likely sources of inspiration
the 2008 UN Global Counter- optation of legitimate organizations’ for more innovative solutions. The
Terrorism Strategy. It is partially resources by terrorist groups? Scientific American, Foreign Affairs,
comprised of working groups that can and the New Yorker have published
provide expert knowledge on specific excellent long-form feature articles
issues, including conflict prevention, on counterterrorism issues. Lawfare,
terrorist use of the Internet, terrorist a popular blog, offers a multitude of
finance, protecting vulnerable targets, insightful articles at the intersection of
and border management relating to counterterrorism and international law.
counter-terrorism.107 I very highly recommend Jihadology, a
24 General Assembly
blog that posts primary source material 6 “UN General Assembly - First Committee - Disarmament and 23 “Learn About RtoP,” n.d. Online. Internet. 5 Sep. 2017. .
International Security.” UN General Assembly - First Committee - Available: http://www.responsibilitytoprotect.org/index.php/
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Available: http://www.responsibilitytoprotect.org/index.php/ https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/mandates-and-legal-basis-
the RAND Corporation, the Council about-rtop/learn-about-rtop. peacekeeping.
on Foreign Relations, the Brookings 9 “Learn About RtoP,” n.d. Online. Internet. 5 Sep. 2017. . 26 Bellamy, Alex J. “Responsibility to protect or Trojan horse? The
Institution, and the Center for Strategic Available: http://www.responsibilitytoprotect.org/index.php/ crisis in Darfur and humanitarian intervention after Iraq.” Ethics &
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Internet. 28 Sep. 2017. . Available: http://responsibilitytoprotect. 41 Avenue, Human Rights Watch | 350 Fifth, 34th Floor | New York,
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org/index.php/francis-deng/8-special-adviser-on-the-prevention- and NY 10118-3299 USA | t 1.212.290.4700. “Up In Flames.”
4 “Main Organs.” About the UN: Main Organs, 18 Nov. 2014.
of-genocide. Human Rights Watch, 23 Jan. 2009. Online. Internet. 24 Jul.
Online. Internet. 8 Aug. 2017. . Available: http://www.un.org/en/
22 “Repression of the 2007 Popular Protests in Burma | HRW,” n.d. 2017. . Available: https://www.hrw.org/report/2009/01/23/flames/
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Online. Internet. 28 Sep. 2017. . Available: https://www.hrw.org/ humanitarian-law-violations-and-civilian-victims-conflict-over-
5 “Chapter IV.” CHAPTER IV: THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 17
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burma.
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42 Avenue, Human Rights Watch | 350 Fifth, 34th Floor | New York, 58 “American, Coalition Airmen mark three years of lethal airpower 97 “The Global Engagement Center.” U.S. Department of State, 6 Jul.
and NY 10118-3299 USA | t 1.212.290.4700. “Up In Flames.” against.” U.S. Air Forces Central Command, n.d. Online. Internet. 2016. Web.
Human Rights Watch, 23 Jan. 2009. Online. Internet. 24 Jul. 1 Aug. 2017. . Available: http://www.afcent.af.mil/News/ 98 Schwartz, Felicia. “U.S. Targets Would-Be Terrorists Overseas
2017. . Available: https://www.hrw.org/report/2009/01/23/flames/ Article/1271580/american-coalition-airmen-mark-three-years-of- With New Ad Campaign.” Wall Street Journal, 20 Oct. 2016, sec.
humanitarian-law-violations-and-civilian-victims-conflict-over- lethal-airpower-against-isis/. Politics. Online .
south. 59 “Special Report: Operation Inherent Resolve.” U.S. Department 99 Kilcullen, David J. “Countering Global Insurgency.” Journal of
43 Avenue, Human Rights Watch | 350 Fifth, 34th Floor | New York, of Defense, n.d. Online. Internet. 1 Sep. 2017. . Available: https:// Strategic Studies, vol. 28, no. 4, Aug. 2005, pp. 597–617.
and NY 10118-3299 USA | t 1.212.290.4700. “Up In Flames.” www.defense.gov/OIR/. 100 Abrahms, “What Terrorists Really Want.”
Human Rights Watch, 23 Jan. 2009. Online. Internet. 24 Jul. 60 “Airwars – Home,” n.d. Online. Internet. 1 Oct. 2017. . Available: 101 Kilcullen, “Countering Global Insurgency.”
2017. . Available: https://www.hrw.org/report/2009/01/23/flames/ https://airwars.org/. 102 Ibid.
humanitarian-law-violations-and-civilian-victims-conflict-over- 61 McCormack, Tim. “Chemical Weapons and Other Atrocities: 103 Ricks, Thomas. “Kilcullen Speaks: On COIN Going Out of Style,
south. Contrasting Responses to the Syrian Crisis.” International Law His Recent Book, Syria, and More.” Foreign Policy, Feb. 2014.
44 Avenue, Human Rights Watch | 350 Fifth, 34th Floor | New York, Studies Series. US Naval War College. 92 (2016): 512–544. 104 Abrahms, “What Terrorists Really Want.”
and NY 10118-3299 USA | t 1.212.290.4700. “Up In Flames.” 62 Allies, Erdogan Blackmails NATO. “Global Research” (n.d.). 105 Greenberg, Andy. “Google’s Clever Plan to Stop Aspiring ISIS
Human Rights Watch, 23 Jan. 2009. Online. Internet. 24 Jul. 63 Kilberg, Joshua. “A Basic Model Explaining Terrorist Group Recruits.” WIRED, 7 Sep. 2016. Online.
2017. . Available: https://www.hrw.org/report/2009/01/23/flames/ Organizational Structure.” Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, vol. 35, 106 “United Nations Disarmament Commission,” United Nations
humanitarian-law-violations-and-civilian-victims-conflict-over- no. 11, Nov. 2012, pp. 810–30 Office for Disarmament Affairs, online.
south. 64 Ibid. 107 “Working Groups,” Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force,
45 Twardowski, Adam. “The Return of Novorossiya: Why Russia’s 65 Ibid. online.
Intervention in Ukraine Exposes the Weakness of International 66 Ibid.
Law Notes.” Minnesota Journal of International Law 24 (2015): 67 Jordan, Jenna. “When Heads Roll: Assessing the Effectiveness
351–386. of Leadership Decapitation.” Security Studies, vol. 18, no. 4, Dec.
46 Twardowski, Adam. “The Return of Novorossiya: Why Russia’s 2009, pp. 719–55.
Intervention in Ukraine Exposes the Weakness of International 68 Abrahms, Max. “What Terrorists Really Want: Terrorist Motives
Law Notes.” Minnesota Journal of International Law 24 (2015): and Counterterrorism Strategy.” International Security, vol. 32, no.
351–386. 4, 2008, pp. 78–105.
47 Twardowski, Adam. “The Return of Novorossiya: Why Russia’s 69 Ibid.
Intervention in Ukraine Exposes the Weakness of International 70 John Rollins, Al-Qaeda and Affiliates: Historical Perspective, Global
Law Notes.” Minnesota Journal of International Law 24 (2015): Presence, and Implications for US Policy (Congressional Research
351–386. Service, February 5, 2010): 4, online.
48 Kofman, Michael et al. “Lessons from Russia’s Operations in 71 Ibid.
Crimea and Eastern Ukraine.” Product Page, 2017. Online. 72 Ibid., 5-6.
Internet. 31 Jul. 2017. . Available: https://www.rand.org/pubs/ 73 Ibid.
research_reports/RR1498.html. 74 Ibid.
49 Kofman, Michael et al. “Lessons from Russia’s Operations in 75 Daniel L. Byman and Jennifer R. Williams, ISIS vs. Al Qaeda:
Crimea and Eastern Ukraine.” Product Page, 2017. Online. Jihadism’s Global Civil War, (The Brookings Institution, February
Internet. 31 Jul. 2017. . Available: https://www.rand.org/pubs/ 24, 2015), online.
research_reports/RR1498.html. 76 Rollins, Al-Qaeda and Affiliates.
50 Kofman, Michael et al. “Lessons from Russia’s Operations in 77 Richard Barrett, The Islamic State (The Soufan Group, November
Crimea and Eastern Ukraine.” Product Page, 2017. Online. 2014).
Internet. 31 Jul. 2017. . Available: https://www.rand.org/pubs/ 78 Ibid..
research_reports/RR1498.html. 79 Ibid.
51 “OHCHR | Close to 8,000 people killed in eastern Ukraine 80 Ibid.
– UN,” n.d. Online. Internet. 31 Jul. 2017. . Available: 81 Ibid.
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews. 82 Barrett, The Islamic State.
aspx?NewsID=16394&LangID=E. 83 Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, “This is the Promise of Allah” (Al
52 Kofman, Michael et al. “Lessons from Russia’s Operations in Hayat Media Center, 2014).
Crimea and Eastern Ukraine.” Product Page, 2017. Online. 84 Isaac Kfir, “Social Identity Group and Human (In)Security: The
Internet. 31 Jul. 2017. . Available: https://www.rand.org/pubs/ Case of Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL),” Studies in
research_reports/RR1498.html. Conflict & Terrorism 38.4 (2014): 233–252.
53 “Syria.” Country. International Committee of the Red Cross, 20 Jul. 85 Max Abrahms, “What Terrorists Really Want: Terrorist Motives
2014. Online. Internet. 1 Aug. 2017. . Available: https://www.icrc. and Counterterrorism Strategy,” International Security 32.4 (2008):
org/en/where-we-work/middle-east/syria. 78–105.
54 “Crisis in Syria,” n.d. Online. Internet. 1 Nov. 2017. . Available: 86 Barrett, The Islamic State.
http://www.responsibilitytoprotect.org/index.php/crises/crisis-in- 87 Ibid.
syria. 88 Byman and Williams, ISIS vs. Al Qaeda.
55 McCormack, Tim. “Chemical Weapons and Other Atrocities: 89 Bardia Rahmani, and Andrea Tanco. “ISIS’s Growing Caliphate:
Contrasting Responses to the Syrian Crisis.” International Law Profiles of Affiliates.” Wilson Center, 19 Feb. 2016.
Studies Series. US Naval War College. 92 (2016): 512–544. 90 “Statewatch Comparative Analysis of the US, UK, UN and EU
56 “Crisis in Iraq,” n.d. Online. Internet. 1 Aug. 2017. . Available: ‘Terrorist Lists.’” Statewatch.
http://www.responsibilitytoprotect.org/index.php/crises/crisis-in- 91 United Nations General Assembly. International Convention for the
iraq. Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism. 9 Dec. 1999.
57 “Crisis in Iraq,” n.d. Online. Internet. 1 Aug. 2017. . Available: 92 United Nations Security Council. Resolution 1373. 28 Sept. 2001.
http://www.responsibilitytoprotect.org/index.php/crises/crisis-in- 93 United Nations Security Council. Resolution 2178. 24 Sept. 2014.
iraq. 94 “The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.”
95 “Resolution 2178,” (United Nations, 24 Sep. 2014).
96 United Nations General Assembly. The United Nations Global
Counter-Terrorism Strategy Review. 1 July 2016.
26 General Assembly
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28 General Assembly
POSITION PAPERS experiences, what is the most logical and

effective way to address these topics?
Your position paper should be What priorities does your country
one and a half pages, single-spaced, assign to different matters, and why?
twelve-point Times New Roman font This is an opportunity for you to begin
(approximately 750 words). Papers that to address some of the questions that
exceed two pages per topic will not be any resolution must answer which are
accepted. Your names, country name, listed earlier, as well as an opportunity
school, and topic area should be in for you to propose creative solutions to
the upper right hand corner. You will the environmental challenges that have
need to write a paper on both topics, been presented in this guide.
hydraulic fracturing and shipbreaking, These length guidelines are meant
and then submit them in a single to focus your research in the places that
word document. The paper should be will be most productive for committee
outlined in three paragraphs. debate. Understanding your country,
These paragraphs are in a logical however, is important for creating a plan
procession, and each paragraph should to undertake on an international level,
build analytically on the last. The and I highly encourage you to conduct
first paragraph should consist of your your investigations and learning with
country’s experience or particular vigor and curiosity. Please cite all your
connection to the topics. For instance, sources with endnotes. Plagiarism will
how has your country been affected not be tolerated at all as an exercise in
by the above-mentioned problems? Is honesty and scholarly rigor. Delegates
your nation in a particularly vulnerable who do not submit position papers will
position concerning these topics? not be considered for awards.
The second paragraph should
discuss your nation’s policy on the
issues, as supported by relevant
national documents. This differs from
the first paragraph because it should
also include a short description of
agreements, statements, and lessons
learned from your history and choices
in the past. You should also discuss
your current diplomatic arrangements
with relevant nations in this paragraph.
Research for this paragraph could
include speeches given by heads of state
or ambassadors, or national studies
and policy statements. This paragraph
should also discuss any conflicts that
exist between your country’s economic
and environmental interests, which is
an overall theme in these topics.
The third, final, and most important
paragraph is your country’s plan going
forward. Given your history and your
national policy, what does your country
believe is the best course of action
to pursue? This should be a unique
mixture of international work and your
country’s personal past and experiences.
For example, given risk factors and past
29
Guide to Delegate Preparation

and Rules of Parliamentary Procedure
Dear Delegates and Faculty Advisors,
The HNMUN 2018 Secretariat is pleased to present you with the newly revised Guide to Delegate Preparation. In this guide, you
will find an overview of substantive activities at conference, a list of differences between HNMUN and other MUN conferences
in the world, an explanation of the characteristics of our various committees, a listing of the powers of the committee staff, and
the updated Rules of Procedure. The guide has been updated this year to include additional tips regarding what to expect at
HNMUN committees, and how to perform well in a committee setting. While this guide contains virtually all information
regarding the substantive side of HNMUN, I invite you to consult the following documents as well in your preparation:
Guide to Starting a MUN Team: This guide features a step-by-step guide to starting a Model United Nations Team at any
college or university.
Guide to First Time Delegations: This guide is aimed at familiarizing delegates who are new to MUN, and particularly those
new to HNMUN, with the events at conference.
Committee Background Guides: Our committees are directed by Harvard undergraduates, who dedicated their summers to
researching and writing the most well-informed and comprehensive background guides on the issues of their committee agenda.
Background guides contain not only a history and discussion of the problem at hand, but also sections detailing suggestions for
further research, questions a resolution must answer, and ways to contribute to solutions in the real world community. Updates
to the background guides, covering the latest developments and exploring nuanced aspects of the topic areas, will be available
online in early 2018.
All of these documents and more are available at our website, www.hnmun.org.
Please do not hesitate to contact any of the HNMUN Secretariat and staff with your questions. Best of luck with your preparation
for HNMUN 2018, and we look forward to meeting you in February!
Sincerely,
Sarah S. Anderson
Secretary-General
[email protected]
30
INTRODUCTION wholly different lens. The solutions STRUCTURE

that any individual proposes to a world
problem may technically seem correct, For both logistical and substantive
GENERAL COMMENTS but these solutions are biased by the reasons, HNMUN simulates only
Welcome to Harvard National individual’s own political inclinations. certain parts of the real UN. A given
Model United Nations (HNMUN) Representing a nation’s interest in the college or university attending the
2017, the world’s largest and most global community adds a new level of conference represents one or more
prestigious conference of its kind. We are complexity to discussion and forces countries, and each country is
happy to have you with us. Throughout delegates to question their prior beliefs represented by one or two delegates in
the conference weekend, you will be and arrive at innovative conclusions each committee. In this way, HNMUN
working with other highly motivated on problems in international relations emulates the practices of the UN.
college students toward the common today. It is this process of simulation Delegates must align themselves with
goals of international awareness and that ultimately advances our goal of the policy of the represented country
consensus-building. This document teaching the power and complexity of to advance the country’s interests in the
strives to explain both the philosophy of international relations. world community.
HNMUN and the substantive details of It is important to clarify why we However, HNMUN extends
the conference. Without understanding have selected the United Nations as beyond just the UN itself. The
both the overall goal of HNMUN and the primary organ through which conference incorporates simulations
how the conference operates, delegates HNMUN operates. The UN is not of regional bodies outside of the
may feel overwhelmed and lost. It is a world government. The principle UN system, such as the North
our hope that this document will guide of national sovereignty has been Atlantic Treaty Organization or the
delegates throughout the weekend. consistently upheld, and nations do not Organisation for Islamic Cooperation.
relinquish their sovereignty in joining Debate in these non-UN bodies focuses
PHILOSOPHY: THE the UN. Through resolutions, the UN on issues of primary importance to the
UNITED NATIONS AS AN can offer solutions to world problems, region, as members try to advance the
INTERNATIONAL FORUM but it has limited enforcement powers interests of their own countries within
beyond the international opinion. The the larger context of the regional body.
Our primary goal is to provide decisions must represent a single unified It is important to understand that the
students interested in exploring voice of the international community central goal of our conference is not
the difficulties and complexities of to be effective and must be constructed only to provide a simulation of the UN,
international relations with the best through a series of compromises by but rather to help delegates understand
possible simulation of diplomacy nations with competing ends. Without the complexities of international
and negotiation. Our committees are solidarity, the decisions made by the diplomacy. We do not believe that the
designed to enable delegates to arrive at UN lack credibility and, therefore, any UN alone is the ultimate method for
a comprehensive and pragmatic solution power. For the UN, finding a consensus learning the nuances of international
to each of the topics while realistically is no easy task. No other body involves diplomacy. Rather, the UN in
simulating the dynamics of a true United 195 countries and observers debating conjunction with other bodies offers
Nations (UN) session. For solutions to international issues in unison. Each delegates a comprehensive simulation
be reached in committee, we assume state wants its own voice heard and its of international diplomacy and
both that compromise is possible and own interests represented as solutions negotiation.
that diplomacy is a necessary condition are reached on any given issue. HNMUN also gives delegates the
for successful negotiation. With these Compromise is therefore necessary for opportunity to further their education
assumptions, we hope that the process anything to be accomplished. Thus, the in global diplomacy by representing
of formulating the solutions embodied need to find a consensus is certainly non-state actors in our Non-
in a document called a resolution will a hurdle to be overcome for both the Governmental Organizations program,
reveal to delegates the difficulties and real UN and for HNMUN, but it is the Press Corps, and our continual
complexities of international relations. this challenge of using international crisis committees. Whether they are
One could argue that the process of negotiation and compromise to solve representing Amnesty International, or
constructing a solution to international world problems (and sometimes its the New York Times, these delegates
problems in itself does not offer much failure) that makes us believe that the have the chance to experience the ways
beyond a simple classroom experience. UN is the best body through which to in which negotiation and compromise
HNMUN allows delegates to examine advance the goals of the conference. operate in settings that depart from the
current global problems through a
31
standard state-centric model of the UN important to read and understand the HNMUN, delegates should look to
and other international organizations. full Rules of Procedure, please note practice these skills. There are plentiful
that Directors have final discretion over online resources that may be helpful in
ABOUT THIS GUIDE debate structure and procedure. this pursuit. It is important to note that
The main purpose of this guide is participating in HNMUN itself will
to prepare delegates for Model United
SUBSTANTIVE PREPARATION also help delegates to expand and refine
Nations (MUN) conferences in general Once delegates understand the their skill sets.
and for HNMUN 2018 in particular. rules of committee, they should learn
Delegates who have experience with how to contribute substantively to the
COMMITTEE INFORMATION
MUN should look at the “Differences debate. Substantive preparation, the This section contains other details
between HNMUN and other Model process by which delegates learn how about HNMUN that will enable
United Nations conferences” section their ideas can make a difference in you to better understand how the
below. For those who have not, here is the committee, is a three step process. conference as a whole will run. It will
the general structure of the guide and First, delegates should research their first help delegates understand the
the purpose of each part: committee and its place in the UN different organs at HNMUN and how
system and the international framework. debate functions in each. It will then
PROCEDURAL PREPARATION By knowing the powers and duties of introduce the dais staff that will run
In order to perform in committee, their committee, delegates can get a each committee and describe the roles
delegates must have an understanding sense of what types of solution will of each staff member. Lastly, it will
of the basic structural elements of and will not be possible. Delegates discuss our expectations of delegates
MUN. HNMUN emphasizes the should then master the topics that their substantively.
useful application of rules to promote committee will discuss. Although the
the smooth functioning of the background guide provides a strong DIFFERENCES BETWEEN
committee rather than as the focus of foundation of information on the topics, HNMUN AND OTHER
delegate performance. This Guide to it is essential that delegates build on MODEL UNITED NATIONS
Delegate Preparation contains most of this foundation with their own research CONFERENCES
this functional information, including and critical thinking. Each background For the most part, this Guide to
details on the rules of debate at guide contains a section detailing Delegate Preparation is written for
HNMUN. It is important for delegates suggestions for further research to the delegate who has not been part of
to understand the rules, because they aid with this process. Lastly, delegates a Model United Nations conference
enhance committee and the learning should learn their country’s policy on before. It provides an introduction to
experience of the delegate. To prevent the topics being addressed, so that they MUN as well as information about
misunderstandings and delays, a can represent their country strongly HNMUN. Therefore, experienced
comprehensive understanding of the and accurately. This Guide to Delegate delegates need not read it all the way
rules and their use is vital. Additionally, Preparation will walk you through the through. However, these delegates
delegates can use an understanding of research you should do to be prepared should be aware that HNMUN is not
the rules to advance their own policies in committee. Delegates with a solid alike in every respect to other MUN
in committee. For example, in large grasp of the topics, their country’s conferences in which you may have
General Assembly committees, the positions, and the committee’s mandate participated. In particular, please note
speakers’ list can become quite long, will be prepared to lead in the attempts the following:
and a delegate may have to wait for to find solutions to the problems being • Committees at HNMUN, with
an hour or more before it is their turn addressed and to write resolutions that the exception of the continual
to speak. However, by using the rules carry out those solutions. crisis committees, may pass only
governing yielded time, questions, and one resolution on each topic
comments from the floor, a delegate can
SKILLS-BASED PREPARATION area. Because only one resolution
speak far more frequently. Knowledge Beyond mastering Model UN can be passed, there is a much
of the rules is an important tool to procedure and substance, a good greater emphasis on compromise
allow you to air your views productively delegate also looks to refine their skills. and cooperation at HNMUN
and efficiently. At conference, you may Strong public speaking, negotiating, than at other MUN conferences.
clarify issues of procedure and debate collaboration, writing, and research
with the committee staff through points skills are all part of an excellent
of parliamentary inquiry. Although it is delegate’s toolbox. Prior to coming to
32
• Many procedural rules at • There are no Chairs at simulate a international body, often
HNMUN may differ from those HNMUN. Instead, a Moderator one that is under the United Nations
to which you are accustomed. and a Director jointly run each umbrella.
You may want to skim the rules, committee; the Moderator
General Assembly (GA)
located at the back of the Guide oversees debate and is the enforcer
Five of the standard committees of
to Delegate Preparation, to look of procedure, while the Director
the General Assembly, together with
for such variances so that you are prepares the background guide
the World Health Organization and the
prepared for them in committee. and is the substantive expert.
Historical General Assembly, comprise
• No prewritten working papers • Debate at HNMUN adheres
the General Assembly at HNMUN
or draft resolutions will be more closely to the background
2018. All members of the United
permitted at HNMUN. All guide than it does at some other
Nations will be represented in these
written material introduced in a conferences. In particular, all
committees, with the exception of the
committee must be the product of draft resolutions must address
Historical General Assembly, which will
work done at the conference itself. the issues mentioned in
be adjusted for its historical setting.
• Resolutions at HNMUN do not the “Questions a Resolution
General Assembly committees
have sponsors. Instead, draft Must Answer” section of each
range in size between 200-400 delegates.
resolutions require a certain background guide.
All General Assembly committees will
number of signatories to be • Following a speech in General
consist of double delegations, which
shown to the Director and listed Speakers’ List, if no yields
means that two participants from the
alphabetically at the top of the are made, two comments are
same university will represent each
document before they are brought automatically in order. The
country.
onto the floor for debate; all possible yields are to questions, to
The Historical General Assembly
documents are considered to another delegate, or to the Dais.
differs from standard GA committees
be intellectual property of the If a yield is made, no comments
more in goals than in procedure; the
entire committee. Following the are in order. Comments are never
background guide for this committee
Director’s approval, any delegate in order during a moderated
explains in detail how it will be run,
(whether or not that delegate is a caucus.
and how it will differ from a regular GA
signatory of the draft resolution)
committee.
may move to introduce the draft COMMITTEE
resolution. Being a signatory to a The Press Corps (PC)
draft resolution does not mean INFORMATION The Press Corps is also a committee
that you wrote it or that you This section explains the within the General Assembly. In
support it; it means only that differences between the various types this committee delegates represent
you believe it should be debated. of committees offered at HNMUN and various international media sources
• Because there are no sponsors, all describes the staff that will be present in and report on the events and activities
amendments are considered each committee. of the conference while representing
unfriendly, requiring the their unique perspectives through the
majority vote of the committee RESOLUTION COMMITTEES AT crafting of articles and reports.
to be integrated into the draft HNMUN 2018 The Committee Director will be
resolution on the floor. Only responsible for assigning and reviewing
non-substantive typographical The differences between committees all articles. These will then be published
amendments may be made are not limited to differences in on the conference’s website. Delegates
without a vote, at the Director’s mandates or responsibilities. A large are also empowered to publish photos
discretion. committee, like a General Assembly and media on Twitter and Instagram.
• Passing amendments at HNMUN committee, has different features than
is a substantive vote. For detailed a small committee like the Security Economic and Social Council
amendment procedures, please Council. Understanding the unique (ECOSOC)
consult the Rules of Parliamentary qualities of the organ will enable The committees of the Economic
Procedure at the end of this guide. delegates to contribute more effectively and Social Council consist of a wide
to the debate in their committee. range of committees. These committees
Resolution committees are those range in size from 24 to over 50 member
that seek to pass a resolution at the end states, depending on their membership.
of conference. These committees usually Economic and Social Council
33
committees specialize in a wide range of that delegates choose to undertake throwing twists and turns at the
international issues, from humanitarian at the conference. Delegates involved committee.
to economic in nature. Economic and in the NGO program will have the Delegates in continual crisis
Social Council committees will call on unique opportunity to see a wide committees represent characters instead
delegates to occasionally respond to range of committees at HNMUN, and of countries, by taking on the personas
crises as they emerge, in addition to delegates in other committees should of historical figures, military heroes,
resolving the topics on their respective take advantage of the resources and or cabinet members. Representing
agendas. All ECOSOC committees insights offered by the NGO delegates an individual differs greatly from
this year are double-delegation, with participating in their debates. representing a delegate to the United
the exceptions of the IAEA and CSW, Nations; for instance, if one’s character
Regional Bodies
which are single-delegation committees. is a real person, it is crucial to research
The Regional Bodies at HNMUN
their perspective on the conflict as
Non-Governmental Organizations 2018 are the League of Arab States
one would research a state’s policy.
(NGO) Program and the Special Session of the
Our continual crisis staff will provide
The NGO Program at HNMUN Commonwealth of Independent States.
delegates with a preliminary biography
is an innovative arrangement, under These committees have 25-30 member
outlining the character’s role in the
the Economic and Social Council, states represented, and are both double-
cabinet and their views and tendencies,
that provides its delegates with the delegation committees. While most
but participants will greatly benefit from
opportunity to debate multiple topic committees at HNMUN include
gathering as many personal details as
areas in various committees, while countries from every region of the world,
they can. This information will not only
greatly enriching those committees’ each Regional Body only includes the
guide delegates through their debate
discussions. Each delegate in the NGO countries of its region, and thus focuses
but also add personality and flair to the
Program will represent an assigned on issues important to that particular
experience. If the assigned character
NGO at the conference, and will have region. The Regional Bodies are often
is fictional or only loosely based on a
the freedom to travel and represent their not part of the United Nations system;
real figure, delegates have the unique
organization in one or more committees nevertheless, they are procedurally
and fun opportunity to develop their
whose debate directly relates to the identical to other HNMUN committees.
own personality within the guidelines
mission of their respective NGO. The They are similar to the Economic and
provided by their biography.
Amnesty International delegate in Social Council committees in the style
Continual crisis committees do
the NGO Program, for example, may of debate and the way in which they
not pass resolutions; depending on the
present or debate issues in committees address the topics. Like the Economic
committee, they can issue directives,
as diverse as the UN Human Rights and Social Council committees, all
communiqués, press releases, statements,
Council in the ECOSOC and the Regional Bodies will have crises at some
decisions, and military commands, to
Special Political and Decolonization point during committee sessions.
name only a few. In a militarily-oriented
Committee in the GA.
SPECIALIZED AGENCIES (SA) committee, for example, delegates will
After other committees at the
AT HNMUN 2018 discuss tactical and strategic as well as
conference have chosen their topic
political maneuvers. The possibilities
areas, the NGO Director will assign
are virtually endless; continual crisis
delegates to committees to insure an Continual Crisis Committees
leaves the delegates free reign to steer
event representation. They are then The continual crisis committees
the course of history.
introduced to their committee of choice, span a wide array of forums, time
Unlike traditional committees,
at which time they become analogous periods, and topics.
continual crises do not operate by the
to any other delegate in committee. Instead of debating two distinct
Rules of Procedure. Instead of a speakers’
They are subject to the same rules and topic areas laid out in advance in the
list, most of debate will be conducted
courtesies, except for rules governing background guide, these committees
through modified caucuses, allowing for
voting power. Though NGO delegates will focus on a particular political,
a free flow of ideas and efficient progress.
cannot vote on draft resolutions, they social, or military crisis, reacting to
Voting on decisions and other actions
may caucus, negotiate, support draft its twists and turns throughout the
taken by the committee is conducted
resolutions, and write their own working conference and each committee session.
by the Director, but he or she will be
papers in committees. In this sense, Each continual crisis committee has a
granted greater discretion than in a
the NGO program is extraordinarily crisis staff in addition to its dais staff,
traditional committee; although the
dynamic and flexible—both in the way coordinating events to respond to the
Director entrusts his or her cabinet with
that delegates interact and in the topics decisions delegates make and constantly
making decisions in his or her name, he
34
or she holds ultimate veto power over THE PATH TO A It is also not necessary for an idea to
all actions of the committee. Specific appear in a working paper before it can
rules are stated in each background RESOLUTION appear in a draft resolution. Nonetheless,
guide and are at the discretion of the Before we can discuss the specifics delegates are advised to introduce ideas
Director. of the debate structure, it is important at the beginning of debate through the
Perhaps the most important to note that the purpose of the debate, as working papers if they hope to include
divergence of continual crisis stated in our philosophy, is to produce those ideas in a draft resolution at a
committees from their traditional a comprehensive and pragmatic later stage. This will give delegates the
counterparts is the role of the crisis staff. solution to the topic embodied in a opportunity to receive constructive
In addition to voicing concerns verbally document called a resolution. If we are input from others on their ideas; such
in the committee room, individual to understand the nuances of the debate, input can thus allow delegates to refine
delegates can also conduct private we must first grasp the path towards the their ideas and enable them to consider
affairs through liaisons in the crisis resolution. The process for producing a the manner in which potential flaws can
room, generating a new and exciting resolution in a committee at HNMUN be improved before including the ideas
dimension of the crisis. Each delegate consists of two main written stages: the in a formal draft resolution.
has a great deal of agency, and each is working paper and the draft resolution. Due to HNMUN’s policy regarding
responsible for exercising this power document sponsorship, working papers
through communication with the crisis WORKING PAPER are the intellectual property of the entire
staff and with the other delegates. The committee once they are introduced.
crisis staff will also introduce a series of Working papers are essentially It is not against the rules for draft
crisis breaks throughout the weekend brief documents that introduce and resolutions to borrow ideas or languge
that simulate events or developments recommend ideas for addressing a few from any working paper that was
that could happen in the real-world aspects of the topic area being discussed. introduced to the committee; however,
version of crisis simulations. Given the vast expanse of issues that fall delegates should consider requesting
under a single topic area and the fact permission before they do so.
Security Council that the conference operates under a It is imperative to be aware
In addition to the Continual Crisis limited timeframe, working papers act that delegates are not permitted to
simulations, the Specialized Agencies as a means of narrowing the scope of the write working papers in advance
include the Security Council. This topic area in a more practical manner of the HNMUN conference. The
simulation will follow a modified such that the decision making process process of writing working papers in
version of the rules of procedure that for eventually drafting a resolution is collaboration with other delegates
gives the five permanent members facilitated. during the conference encourages
(China, France, the United Kingdom, The working paper serves as a delegates to consider other perspectives
the United States, and the Russian precursor to the draft resolution, as they approach the stage of writing
Federation) a veto in substantive voting. primarily in the sense that working a draft resolution and is critical to the
The small size of the Security papers allow delegates to introduce educational objectives of HNMUN.
Council means that debate will be ideas and outline areas on which they
more informal; there will be a greater would like to focus in the process of DRAFT RESOLUTIONS
emphasis on intimate negotiations fashioning an eventual solution to the
between delegates to hammer out issues in question. However, working The central mechanism by which
the details of resolutions, in both papers differ from draft resolutions the UN operates, pivotal to its process
moderated and unmoderated caucuses. in various ways. Delegates should of problem-solving, is the resolution.
The specifics of how the committee will note that working papers need not be To truly reflect the nature of the
write resolutions and allow delegates written in a specific format; for example, UN, the ultimate goal of delegates at
to write more informal directives are a working paper can be written in the HNMUN is to collaborate and produce
covered in the study guide. Like other form of bullet points outlining ideas a resolution, a formal document that
Specialized Agencies committees, the to which delegates would like to draw specifically details how the committee
Security Council will also have crisis attention. Although delegates are envisions action must be taken in order
breaks. encouraged to ponder the “Questions a to solve a specific world issue. Delegates
Resolution Must Answer” section of the are encouraged to utilize the sample
background guide, it is not mandatory resolution included in this guide as a
that delegates address and answer all of source of reference.
those questions in their working papers.
35
Given the fluctuating nature of the expectations set out by the Director ensure that such points are included
debate in committee, delegates are for the final draft resolution. Delegates in the final document. The procedure
encouraged to take various aspects should also take into account that of amending the draft resolution to
of the topic area being discussed into the Director will remain unbiased include other perspectives and ideas
consideration as they construct the throughout the process and adopt a not originally considered is imperative
foundation of the draft resolution. neutral stance as delegates propose to the overall purpose of the conference
Contrasting to the nature of the different ideas to resolve the issues at to draw attention to the diversity of
working paper, the draft resolution has hand. Although the Director will not perspectives and advocate collaboration
a more formal and specific structure explicitly adopt a stance on or favor among delegates.
consisting of guidelines delegates must a particular resolution to the topic It is vital that delegates thoroughly
follow. In order for a draft resolution area being discussed, the Director is read and follow the Rules of Procedure
to be introduced to the committee, expected to oversee the committee and as they approach the amendment
the following conditions must first be confirm that the committee has met the process. The process of amending a draft
fulfilled: Director’s expectations in writing draft resolution entails three primary steps: 1)
• It must adequately address the resolutions before a draft resolution can proposing an amendment, 2) debating
points set out in the “Questions a be introduced to the committee. Given an amendment, and 3) voting on an
Resolution Must Answer” section that the Director has the right to exert amendment. In addition to obtaining
of the background guide, as well authority and the responsibility to be the consent of the Director, delegates
as any other points that have been thoughtfully selective when accepting must attain a certain number of
raised in the course of debate. draft resolutions, delegates should not signatories in order for an amendment
• It must be well-written, concise, be concerned if the dais staff requests to be introduced to the committee.
correctly formatted, and free of that the delegates make certain revision Delegates should be aware of
grammatical and typographical to a draft resolution before it can be the difference between a friendly
errors. accepted. In fact, the act of considering amendment and an unfriendly
• It must have the minimum and making revisions is essential to amendment. A friendly amendment
number of signatories as the educational learning process that merely requires being signed by all
stipulated in the Rules of the conference encourages delegates to sponsors and approved by the Director
Procedure. HNMUN documents embrace. Although a draft resolution, for it to be automatically added to
do not have sponsors; instead, when initially introduced, is the the draft resolution. In addition to
they have signatories. product of considerable and extensive the specified number of sponsors
• It must be typed and presented deliberation, it is often still subject and the approval of the Director, an
to the dais in digital format for to improvement and not completely unfriendly amendment requires being
distribution. finalized. Hence, delegates should not voted up and ultimately passed in that
• It must receive the approval of expect a draft resolution to be ready voting procedure in order for it to be
the Director. Directors have the for an immediate vote when it is first incorporated in the draft resolution.
discretion of suggesting changes introduced to the committee. Debate, Friendly amendments are not accepted
to a working paper or draft compromise, and revision are vital to at HNMUN, meaning that all
resolution, or redirecting the the eventual development of a final amendments, once introduced to the
submitters to cooperating with resolution that can be voted upon and committee, are subject to the procedure
delegates with similar papers, hopefully approved by the committee. of being voted upon by all delegates
prior to approving any documents. in the committee. If an amendment
• It must be completely original AMENDMENTS passes the voting procedure, it is then
work done at the conference; no Fundamental to the process of immediately included in the draft
prewritten draft resolutions will debate, compromise, and revision is the resolution.
be allowed, and plagiarism will process of amending the draft resolution. To clarify, this entire amendment
not be tolerated. The amendment process serves as an process is conducted prior to the final
Delegates should be aware that opportunity to build upon and refine voting that is to take place on the
the committee can only pass one the draft resolution introduced to the entirety of the newly amended draft
resolution on each topic at HNMUN. committee before it is voted upon resolution. Delegates should refer to
That being said, delegates will need to by the delegates. Amendments can the Rules of Parliamentary Procedure at
work effectively to consolidate ideas draw attention to points not initially the end of this document if they seek a
and anticipate multiple revisions to addressed in the draft resolution and more comprehensive understanding of
their writing so that they can satisfy
36
the three primary steps to amending a Understanding the Mandate of precedents of the committee. Reading
draft resolution. the Committee resolutions made by the committee in
The primary source of reference the past and analyzing the strategies
VOTING for delegates to develop a strong previously used by the committee
At the end of the conference, understanding of the purpose and to address international issues of a
delegates have the duty of voting on overall structure of the committee is varied nature can allow delegates to
the final draft resolution(s) on the the background guide written by the improve their comprehension of how
floor, which include(s) any possible committee Director. Delegates should to approach negotiation and debate
amendments passed in the amendment consult the “Committee Expectations” at a conference in a constructive and
process. The final draft resolution(s) section of the background guide to methodical manner. As mentioned, the
on the floor is/are the culmination of gain a better comprehension of the website of the UN serves as an excellent
extensive thought and great deliberation. Director’s hopes for the committee’s resource for this type of analysis as it
That being said, it is not always the case trajectory as delegates engage in debate. provides resolutions made in the past
that a resolution passes at the end of the The “History and Structure of the by committees and bodies within the
conference. In order for a resolution to Committee” section of the background system of the UN.
pass, the majority of the committee must guide can serve as an introduction for
Researching the Topic Areas
vote in its favor. In the event that more delegates to the manner in which the
The background guide written by
than one draft resolution is introduced committee came into fruition and
the Director for the committee can serve
to and voted upon in committee, as is provide vital background pertaining
as a strong guiding premise for delegates
often the case, delegates should bear in to historical events and responsibilities
as they commence the research process
mind that only one resolution may be that have shaped the committee to this
on the given topic areas. The Director
passed by the committee for a single very day. That being said, delegates
of each committee has devoted a great
topic area. If a draft resolution is passed, are encouraged to add to their
deal of time and effort to establish
debate and discussion on the topic area understanding by consulting sources
a foundational basis for delegates in
is officially closed. provided by the United Nations.
the form of a background guide. The
Delegates can easily access online the
principal sections of each topic area, the
Charter of the United Nations, the
SUBSTANTIVE founding document of the UN signed
“History and Discussion of the Problem”
and the “Current Situation,” provide
PREPAR ATION in 1945, to broaden their knowledge
delegates with a detailed understanding
of the powers and responsibilities of
This section serves as a guideline of how the topic areas have been shaped
the General Assembly, the Economic
for delegates in regards to proper by matters in a historical context and
and Social Council, and the Security
preparation for the substantive aspect how the topic areas are relevant to the
Council. The UN also provides websites
of discussion and debate during the present day. However, the information
that specifically detail the powers and
conference. The suggestions provided provided on the selected topic areas are
responsibilities of the committees of the
are, as stated, merely suggestions. That not at all exhaustive. That is, while the
General Assembly and the commissions
is, delegates are nonetheless encouraged background guide is intended to serve
of the Economic and Social Council.
to expand beyond these suggestions as a basis for the delegate’s research, the
Evidently, such sources are most useful
and conduct independent research to delegate should not solely depend upon
to delegates belonging to a committee
strengthen their substantive knowledge the information that appears within
within the actual system of the UN. For
as a means of optimizing the conference the background guide. Delegates are
delegates participating in committees
experience. encouraged to expand beyond the scope
on behalf of international bodies
Delegates who are new to MUN of the background guide by consulting
not traditionally associated with the
or HNMUN are encouraged to consult reliable, academic sources, whether they
UN, there are still likely to be treaties,
the Guide to First Time Delegations, be print or found online. At the end of
charters, or documents of a similar
which provides an introduction to each background guide, each Director
nature online that outline the powers
MUN and the events of the conference. has provided a bibliography listing all
and responsibilities relevant to the body
The preparation tips outlined below the resources that they consulted in the
in question.
will be most useful when combined process of writing the background guide.
Aside from gaining an awareness of
with a thorough examination of Delegates are especially prompted to
the powers and responsibilities of the
committee background guides and also consult these sources on their own
committee, delegates will likely find it
Rules of Procedure, as well as conduct in order to deepen their understanding
beneficial to also develop a knowledge
of independent research. of the topic areas. Faculty advisors
base of the historical actions and
37
and head delegates can facilitate or character throughout the course of their understanding of the topics before
the research process for delegates by the simulation. This is a key element of the conference but also to contribute
making delegates aware of resources the “international” experience of MUN, meaningfully to debate and discussion
available to them in their academic as it forces delegates to examine the during the conference. As delegates
communities as such resources can perspectives, problems, and policies of write their position papers prior to
supplement their independent research, another country at a very fundamental the conference, they are expected to
thus heightening their potential to level. It is also one of the most difficult coherently and succinctly articulate
contribute meaningfully to debate at aspects of MUN because delegates the policy of their respective nations in
the conference. must confront the inherent biases of regards to the topic areas featured in the
Delegates need not feel their own national perspectives and background guide.
overwhelmed by the vast range of historical understanding. While it may Position papers tend to commence
information they are likely to come with a concisely written introduction
be difficult to find a published account
upon as they conduct independent explaining the topic area. Delegates can
of a country’s position on a particular
research on the topic areas. To narrow then proceed with a discussion of how
issue, it may be possible to contact the
the wide breadth of information, it is the topic pertains to their country, and
country’s delegation at the real UN to
reasonable and likely advantageous for the policies that the nation has adopted
continue research. Developing a better
delegates to focus on particular aspects in the past in order to address the topic.
of the topic areas about which they general understanding of the country - As delegates engage in this discussion,
feel most passionate and would like to cultural and religious beliefs, political they should draw attention to how
further address in the context of drafting systems, UN voting history, and so those policies ultimately proved to be
and eventually finalizing a resolution. forth - will allow committee members successful or unsuccessful in resolving
Another section of the background to construct a plausible position for the central issue at hand. After this,
guide for each topic area that delegates each country on each of the topic areas delegates can conclude with an overall
should consider thoroughly is that of when they are unable to find an explicit, statement clearly identifying the current
“Past International Actions.” Delegates published position by the country’s stance of the nation on the topic. Namely,
can research past international actions government. in their position papers, delegates are to
to contemplate how such actions In addition to a country’s policies clarify what they believe the paramount
perhaps intensified or ameliorated and cultural traits, it is useful to solution to the central issue would be,
certain issues pertaining to the topic research traditional allies of a country, taking into consideration the powers of
areas and reflect on why such actions other countries that affect the balance and constraints on the committee.
have failed to fully address the topic of power in the region, and states with Position papers must discuss both
areas in question. A comprehensive which a delegate’s assigned country has topic areas included in the background
analysis of faults in past initiatives can been in conflict in the past. Furthermore, guide. For each topic area, the text of
allow delegates to formulate creative yet delegates should consider the actions a position paper tends to be no more
sensible solutions to the issues discussed and intentions of non-state actors that than two double-spaced pages in length,
in committee. have been involved in the issue. In meaning that the entirety of the text
combination with the “Bloc Positions” is collectively no longer than four
Researching Country Policy
and “Relevant Partners” sections of the double-spaced pages for both topic
It is crucial that delegates research
areas. The expectations for position
their country’s policy on the topic areas background guide, this type of research
papers may differ among committees
of each committee as well as the state’s will inform delegates of potential allies
as expectations are subject to the
political situation in a larger context. at the conference, with whom they
discretion of the Director. Delegates can
While it is understood that some could discuss solutions to the problems
refer to the “Position Papers” section of
flexibility in positions is necessary to posed by the topic areas. the background guide for further details
compromise and negotiate with other
Position Papers concerning how they are expected to
countries during debate, participants
Position papers are the central specifically structure and approach the
must maintain the assigned country’s
means through which delegates process of writing position papers for
policy as much as possible. Directors
can demonstrate the substantive their respective committees. Guidelines
will be enforcing this aspect of debate,
preparation they have devoted to the for submission are emailed to Head
as it is crucial to the simulation and the
conference. Writing a strong, well- Delegates and Faculty Advisors in
overall international education.
organized, thoughtful position paper January. Position papers are due on 25
HNMUN requires delegates to January 2018.
will not solely allow delegates to deepen
adopt the position of a specific country
38
FLOW OF COMMITTEE as Formal Debate, while the third is not permitted following speeches in a
known as Informal Debate. moderated caucus.
This section serves as an overview
of the typical flow of a resolution Speaker’s List Unmoderated Caucus
committee at HNMUN. As will Once the agenda is set, the Umoderated caucuses constitute
be explained in a later section, the moderator will request for volunteers informal debate, in which all delegates
continual crisis committees of the to be added to the Speaker’s List. This may collaborate and voice their
Specialized Agencies do not follow this is a list of delegations wishing to speak ideas unrestricted by parliamentary
procedure. This section is only meant broadly on the topic area at hand, for procedure. Motions for unmoderated
to give you a broad picture of what to a pre-determined amount of time caucuses may be made whenever the
expect as committee progresses; the (typically one minute). Delegates may floor is open, and should stipulate the
Rules of Procedure can provide the full also request to be added to the Speaker’s length of the caucus. Once the motion
details as to how each step is executed. List by passing a note to the dais after is passed, delegates have permission to
the Speaker’s List has been opened. The move and speak freely in the committee
SETTING THE AGENDA moderator will call upon delegations room.
upon the Speaker’s List to speak in Depending on the stage of debate,
Most resolution committees at sequential order, until a motion for the primary focus of an unmoderated
HNMUN present delegates with two another form of debate is raised. The caucus can differ. During the first and
topic areas to choose from. Once a Speaker’s List is typically only utilized second sessions, delegates typically
committee convenes, its first action during the first committee session, use unmoderated caucuses to discuss
item must be to vote on which topic unless there comes a time when all their preliminary ideas, find like-
area should be debated first. This is motions on the floor fail to be passed. In minded delegations, and form “blocs”
called “Setting the Agenda.” After a such cases, the committee automatically of delegations looking to cooperate.
round of for and against speeches, reverts back to the Speaker’s List. Later, unmoderated caucuses are
conducted through a Speaker’s List, the used as opportunities to collaborate
committee enters voting procedure to Moderated Caucus
on documents, gain signatories, and
set the agenda. The topic area that the A majority of formal debate will be
informally discuss substantive points in
committee votes on will then become held in the form of moderated caucuses.
debate. Unmoderated caucuses are also
the committee’s primary agenda item Moderated caucuses are raised by a
an opportunity to take a short break
for that session of HNMUN. Delegates motion, which must include the total
from committee activities.
can expect agenda-setting to comprise time for the caucus, the amount of time
a substantial portion of the first alloted per speech, and the topic of the WORKING OUTSIDE OF
committee session. moderated caucus. By raising a motion COMMITTEE
After debate is closed and voting for a moderated caucus, delegates have
procedures on the first topic area the opportunity to set the topic of Working outside of the committee
are concluded, debate on the second discussion; as such, delegates typically room during committee session, as
topic area will automatically begin. raise motions on topics closely related to well as outside of committee hours, has
At HNMUN, it is extremely rare for their country’s interest, topics that they become the norm at HNMUN and on
committees to have the time to address have researched extensively, or topics the collegiate Model UN circuit. First
the second topic. Once the agenda is set, that would smoothly supplement what and foremost, delegates should be aware
delegates should not expect to debate has been discussed in committee thus that this extracurriccular work is by no
the second topic. If they wish, delegates far. At times, the Director may suggest means expected, or necessary for success
may raise the second topic as a point for topics to be raised in a moderated in a HNMUN committee. However,
informal discussion during the Sunday caucus, especially if major points within given that a vast majority of resolution
Colloquium. the topic area at hand have not yet been committee delegates do engage in this
addressed by the committee. behavior, the HNMUN team wishes to
DEBATE During a moderated caucus, the ensure that all delegates attending the
moderator will call upon a subgroup conference enter with equal knowledge
After the agenda has been of such procedures.
of speakers at a time. This allows
determined, the committee will In double-delegation committees,
delegates to respond quickly to previous
fluctuate between three forms of debate: a common practice is to have one
speakers in the moderated caucus if
Speaker’s List, Moderated Caucus, delegate engaging in debate inside the
they wish. Questions or comments are
and Unmoderated Caucus. The first committee room, while their partner
two forms of debate are also known is working outside the committee
39
room. Directors will express when this directives. In this case, delegates will • Saturday Session I: Writing draft
is permitted - typically during regular incorporate their response to crisis in resolutions, continuing debate
formal debate (i.e. moderated caucuses). working papers and draft resolutions. on the topic area
HNMUN strictly enforces the rule Directors will typically inform delegates • Saturday Session II: Introducing
that one delegate per delegation must as to whether they can expect crisis to and debating draft resolutions,
be in the committee room at all times. be incorporated into the committee. amendment procedure
While a double-delegation partner is Delegates may also experience press • Sunday Session: Voting on
outside the committee room, they may conferences, hosted by delegates in draft resolutions, Sunday
be researching the topic area, drafting the Press Corps, or non-governmental Colloquium
a working paper or draft resolution, organization (NGO) presentations,
Closure of Debate
or speaking with other delegates. This hosted by delegates in the NGO
Committee debate will conclude
is advantageous because the use of Program. While these events are not
with a motion to close debate. At this
elctronics is permitted outside of the officially crisis breaks, they do serve
time, the committee is left to vote for
committee room. as a break in parliamentary procedure,
the draft resolution that they would
At times, the demands of a resolution and allow the committee to uniquely
like to adopt as the committee’s official
committee lead delegates to spend address certain topics.
resolution.
time outside of the committee session
Flow of Debate Over Time
working on committee-related matters, Sunday Colloquium
Each committee will move through
namely drafting or merging working HNMUN 2018 is starting
the stages of debate at varying paces.
papers and draft resolutions. Any work a new initiative, called “Sunday
Committee size, Director preferences,
done outside of the committee session Colloquium.” At each director’s
and topic areas can all influence this
is entirely unsupervised, and done at discretion, committees may enter an
pace. The Director and Moderator will
the will of each delegate. informal discussion regarding topics
work to ensure that the pace is suitable
Generally, working outside of of the committee’s choosing. This
for optimizing the delegate experience,
the committee is done to optimize is an opportunity for conference
while enabling the committee to
the amount of time one can spend participants to speak substantively and
complete its duties by the end of the
on writing their documents. By in accordance with their own views,
conference.
maximizing this time, delegates can turn rather than as a delegate representing
The following provides a sample of
in more substantive and comprehensive another country. Topics may include
a typical resolution committee schedule
documents. To reiterate, this practice is personal views on the committee’s
at HNMUN. Delegates should, by no
by no means expected of any delegate, progress or topic area, the topic area
means, expect that their committees
and will not give delegates any advantage not discussed by the committee, the
will follow this schedule; it is purely
during the awards process. In fact, the relevance of the committee to the
meant to give an idea of what one could
HNMUN team actively discourages present day (for historical committees),
expect. The Director will often disclose
committee-related work when other or how participants would like to tackle
their envisioned schedule at the start of
conference programming, such as our the topic in their real lives. Whether
each committee session, or if delegates
social events, are made available to a committee will hold the Sunday
so request.
conference participants. Colloquium is primarily dependent
• Thursday Session: Preliminary
upon whether it is able to complete
Crisis in Resolution Committees announcements, agenda-setting,
voting procedure before the end of
Crisis is used in resolution Speaker’s List debate, one
Sunday’s committee session.
committees to revitalize debate and to unmoderated caucus
explore various areas of a topic. Crisis is • Friday Session I: Drafting THE SUBSTANTIVE
usually introduced in the form of crisis working papers, debating COMMITTEE STAFF
breaks, which may take the form of substantive points regarding
announcements by expert witnesses, a the topic area The staff of Harvard National
video, or a press release. At the Director’s • Friday Session II: Introducing Model United Nations have distinct
discretion, delegates may respond to working papers, refining roles and responsibilities at conference.
crisis by tabling debate on the current debate on action items for the Delegates may find that the substantive
topic area and passing directives that topic area, beginning to draft staff at HNMUN takes on a more
address the crisis matter. The Director resolutions active role than what they have been
may also choose to have the committee accustomed to at other Model United
debate the urgent matter but not write Nations conferences. The primary job of
40
the staff is to work with the delegates in of crises is determined entirely by the feel free to approach the Assistant
achieving the goals of the committee in course of debate. Statements made by Directors at any time with questions
particular and the conference as a whole. Directors are not meant to steer debate about the substance or procedure of the
The staff of each committee includes along a predetermined crisis plan, committee.
a Director, a Moderator, and Assistant although Directors are encouraged to
Crisis Directors
Directors. Continual crisis committees guide delegates when debate appears
Crisis Directors oversee, as their
also have Crisis Directors, but do not to have strayed from the topic at hand.
name suggests, the crisis aspect of
have Moderators. At HNMUN, the Any questions about substantive issues
a Specialized Agencies committee.
Director is the substantive expert, should be raised with the Director.
Members of the committee from
and the Moderator is the procedural
Moderators day one, they have worked with the
expert; together, they share the duties
The Moderator performs the Director to choose the committee and
of running the committee, rather
procedural role for which the traditional decide the subjects the committee will
than being coordinated by only one
“chair” at other MUN conferences would cover. At conference, Crisis Directors
committee “chair.”
be responsible. While the Director is coordinate with the Directors and
Directors the substantive expert, the Moderator Assistant Directors to plan and carry
The committee Director is the is the procedural expert who runs the out crisis breaks and to respond to
substantive expert of the committee. committee when it is in formal session. delegate-written notes. Indeed, in
At HNMUN, the Directors choose The Moderator has a full understanding most committees, Crisis Directors
their committees’ topic areas, prepare of the Rules of Procedure, and it is (and Assistant Directors) will be the
the background guides, and do their responsibility to facilitate the ones readings delegates notes while the
extensive amounts of other pre- committee’s work by ensuring that the Director of the committee will be in
conference substantive preparation. sessions run smoothly. However, the the committee room overseeing debate.
The Director oversees submission of Director retains the ultimate power The crisis staff will be in a separate room
all documents before being discussed. to rule any motions dilatory. In some from the committee, but they will be
All draft resolutions and amendments smaller committees, the moderator circulating through the committee
in committee must be approved by may also field some of the substantive room throughout the conference and
the Director to be presented to the issues that Directors typically handle. are always available if delegates have
committee as a whole. Before accepting Under certain extreme situations, the questions.
working papers and draft resolutions, the Moderator is allowed to suspend certain
Awards
Director is allowed to suggest changes rules of procedure to streamline debate.
The ultimate goal of being a
if he or she feels that the “Questions a Any questions about procedural issues
delegate at HNMUN is to come away
Resolution Must Answer” (QARMAs) should be raised with the Moderator.
with a better understanding of the
are not sufficiently addressed or if it is
Assistant Directors problems facing the world today and
similar in content to other submissions.
Before the conference, the Assistant how these problems can be solved.
Please note that the Director may not
Directors prepare the updates to the Though awards are certainly not the
approve of all written submissions and
committee background guide. During focus of the simulation, we do feel that
may suggest appropriate changes before
the simulation, their job is to aid certain delegates deserve to be rewarded
accepting any draft documents.
the Director by answering delegates’ for exceptional diplomatic work in
Another important role of the
questions, monitoring blocs during committee. Committee awards will be
Director is to oversee debate. As the
caucus, and by providing ‘sounding given at HNMUN 2018 in recognition
substantive leader of the committee,
boards’ for delegate ideas, solutions, of superior performances by country
the Director also has the discretion
and concerns. If the committee is delegations; should two delegates
to rule on all points and motions
producing a large amount of paperwork jointly represent a specific country in
brought before the committee. The
at some point in the course of debate, a given committee, the awards will be
Director may periodically comment
Directors will rely on the Assistant given to both delegates, based on an
on the direction of debate and
Directors to work directly with evaluation of their overall, combined
suggest alternative courses of action.
delegates on preparing and suggesting performance. Keep in mind that
Committees sometimes overlook
revisions to draft resolutions. The awards are not given based on a point
important issues within a topic area, and
Assistant Directors also help keep track system, or based on which delegates
Directors are encouraged to bring these
of the Speakers’ List, votes, and other write the resolution that gets the most
to the attention of the delegates. As for
procedural matters. Delegates should votes; rather, awards are decided by the
committees with crises, the direction
41
committee staff based on a holistic view GUIDE TO THE aware that some of the procedures are
of delegates’ performance in all aspects subject to change at the discretion of
throughout the course of the weekend. SPECIALIZED the dais.
The following are some of the criteria AGENCIES (SA) Crisis Breaks
that are used in evaluating delegates:
The Specialized Agencies (SA) The fundamental difference
• Attendance at all committee
at HNMUN is home to the United between committees in the Specialized
sessions and adherence to the
Nations Security Council (UNSC) Agencies and other committees is the
official conference and hotel
and continual crisis committees. With incorporation of continual crisis. Crisis
policies;
a wide range of temporal and regional Updates are planned by the dais and
• Quality of position papers;
committees to choose from, it hosts crisis staff to highlight different issues
• Active participation in the process
some of the most diverse and creative that the committee faces and provide
of working paper, resolution, and
committees on the college circuit. The an opportunity for delegates to react
amendment writing;
structure and conduct of continual to unexpected situations. There are two
• Contribution of innovative and
crisis committees are different from the types of crises: timed crisis and untimed
pragmatic ideas to substantive
more traditional MUN committees. crisis. In a timed crisis, delegates are
debate, both orally and in written
Delegates are able to formulate crisis given a deadline by which they must
form;
plans and interact with our staff through debate, introduce and pass a directive
• Exhibition of a desire to
crisis notes to see their plans to fruition. to stop the crisis from escalating. An
compromise, while adhering
untimed crisis does not have deadlines,
to their country’s policies and Rules of Procedure but has the potential to escalate over the
interests; The United Nations Security course of the session at the discretion of
• Demonstration of co-operation Council follows the rules of procedure the staff.
with other delegates in the process used in the GA or ECOSOC. Rules The best way to prepare for crisis
of working paper, draft resolution of procedure for crisis committees are is to anticipate the types of crisis
and amendment writing, merging, more informal due to the small size and that could occur in the committee.
and substantive debate; fast-paced nature of committees. They By reading the background guide
• Ability to work with and get along are subject to change at the discretion thoroughly, delegates can get a sense
with other delegates; of the dais; however, most committees of the issues that the committee will
• Exhibition of an in-depth will rely heavily on moderated caucuses address and prepare for events that
understanding and research of the for general debate and crisis updates. A would highlight these issues. Although
intricacies of the topic area. Speaker’s List may or may not be created one of the tests of crisis is the ability
• Skill and effectiveness in in committee. to think on one’s feet, having a strong
caucusing, amendment and Unlike other committees, crisis sense of the presented issue will help
resolution writing, and debate. committees frequently allow more one formulate quick responses when
• For double delegations: motions for un-moderated caucus. the crisis is introduced. In addition,
Demonstrated teamwork and Delegates are encouraged to raise a crisis updates can also be influenced
cooperation, with the delegation’s motion for an un-moderated caucus to by or be the result of individual’s crisis
efforts distributed equally work on directives, or react to a crisis arc. Therefore, it is also encouraged to
between delegation members situation in which informal dialogue put oneself in other delegate’s shoes
This year, the “Verbal is more favourable. Delegates normally to foresee and counteract potential
Commendation” will be replaced by do not need to provide a reason for a collusion by other delegates.
a “Diplomatic Commendation” award, motion for an un-moderated caucus;
to emphasize our wish to recognize however, the dais may ask for one to
delegates that embody the diplomatic limit unnecessary breaks during debate. Crisis Notes
spirit of the United Nations. Delegates in the Security Council In SA committees, delegates have
Awards will also be given to the are highly encouraged to read the opportunity to interact with the crisis
schools whose delegates best exemplify the HNMUN Guide to Delegate staff through notes to further their goals
the above qualities. In determining Preparation and Rules of Parliamentary in the committee. These notes are in the
these delegation awards, we will take Procedure as they apply to resolution form of concise commands written to
into account both the sheer number of committees. Delegates in continual certain individuals or organizations that
individual awards won by a delegation crisis committees are also encourage to one’s character may have relations with.
as well as the ratio of awards won to the read the full guide, but also should be Crisis notes have the ability to help or
size of the delegation.
42
sabotage other delegates, increase one’s committee as a whole and shift debate in debate is in session to expedite the
standing in committee, and/or shift the the delegate’s favor. Therefore, delegates process.
trajectory of the committee. Our crisis should come into the committee with Introducing Directives: Delegate
staff will come by regularly to collect goals they want to achieve through are encouraged to write collaboratively
notes and respond to each of them in a crisis already in mind. This does not with other delegates; however, only
timely fashion. mean delegates should come in with one delegate, the main submitter, may
pre-written crisis notes. HNMUN submit and introduce the delegate. To
When writing crisis notes, delegates policy does not allow prewritten work introduce a directive, the directive must
should keep the following points in in conference. Rather, delegates with a have a number of signatories as decided
mind: crisis plan can begin writing crisis notes by the dais. The signatories do not
• Notes are to individuals or immediately to realize their goal. As need to be supporters of the directive;
organizations that have a committee debate shifts in favor and/ rather, being a signatory merely signifies
realistic relationship with the or against the delegate, they can adjust one’s belief that the directive should
delegate’s character. For example, their crisis plan accordingly. be debated. Each directive must be
a leader in the Free Syrian Army introduced by the main submitter when
Directives
would not be able to buy weapons the floor is open. Once the directive
Rather than draft working papers
from the Russians or have an is introduce, there are multiple ways
and resolutions, delegates in continual
audience with the Russian in which the committee can move
crisis committees write and pass
President. If the delegate wants forward. Depending on the discretion
directives. One can think of directives as
to establish ties with members of the dais, delegates may motion for a
a single operative clause in a resolution;
outside of the character’s circle, moderated caucus for open debate or
however, directives are not suggestions
the delegates must first take the for-and-against debate. The dais may
but commands enacted through the
necessary steps through crisis also decide upon a fixed procedure for
jurisdiction of the committee. They may
notes to do so. In the case of non- debating directives.
be press releases, military commands,
obvious relations, delegates are Amendments: The amendment
amendments for a Constitution, etc.,
encouraged to describe the nature process in the SA follows normal rules
depending on the type of committee.
of their relationship with the of procedure. Although HNMUN does
Directives must pertain to a specific
outside force they wish to interact not allow friendly amendments, except
topic or crisis discussed in the committee
with. grammatical and typological errors,
and must be written in the form of an
• Notes should also be addressed the dais may make exceptions to this
imperative. Good directives are concise
to individuals or organizations rule depending on the nature of the
and lay out exactly what steps will be
who are not represented in amendment. In some cases, the dais
taken to address an issue. Directives are
committee. If the delegate wishes may also accept an amendment without
introduced as the committee progresses
to interact with another delegate a vote if the main submitter agrees to
to give our crisis staff the opportunity
present in the committee, they the amendments. These exceptions are
to formulate new updates in response
can pass a note via the note decided at the discretion of the chair.
to the directives. Due to the small size
passers. Voting: While most committees
of a crisis committee, delegates will
• Notes must be in the form of in the SA will vote by simple majority,
have much more speaking time than
an imperative, and should state there may be exceptions depending
at a GA or an ECOSOC committee;
the reason why the delegate on the nature of the committee. For
therefore, delegates are able to discuss
wishes to pursue the action. example, simulations of national
issues in a more specific and exhaustive
The delegate needs to provide parliaments may follow the percentage
manner. As such, the directives should
details or reasons for the action set by the parliament in question. If
reflect a similar level of specificity, and
to make sure the crisis staff can there is an exception, the dais will
be comprehensive within those bounds.
react accordingly. The note should announce it at the beginning of the
The small size of the committees also
should be specific and concise. committee. Normal rules of procedure
provides the opportunity to introduce
Crisis notes are an important tool apply for voting.
and debate on multiple directives in
to further a delegate’s goal in committee.
an hour. Normally, committees spend Committees set in a different time
They provide the means to creatively
approximately 10-15 minutes on a period
conduct behind-the-scenes planning
directive. Therefore, delegates are All of the continual crisis
and supplement the delegate’s work
encouraged to write directives while committees are set at the time period
during debate. Well-formulated crisis
given in the background guide.
notes can also shift the trajectory of the
43
Delegates will not be allowed to use or motions on the floor. If, for example, Abstentions are allowed and only
to reference any events that happened another delegate makes a different members with voting power are allowed
or information that was gathered after motion, the Moderator will act on the to vote.
the date in which the committee is set. motion of higher precedence first. The Rules of Parliamentary
Anachronistic references will destroy Quorum: A quorum is the minimum Procedure are divided into several
the historical accuracy of the simulation number of delegates who must be sections, described below:
and detract from the enjoyment and present for the committee to conduct • “General Rules” includes rules
overall experience of all delegates. business. Unless challenged and shown that govern who is entitled to
to be absent, a director may permit participate in committees, how
RULES OF debate when he or she feels that at least delegates will interact with the
one-quarter of the members are present. staff of the conference, and
PARLIAMENTARY To conduct substantive votes, such as under what circumstances
PROCEDURE those on resolutions or amendments, and in what ways committee
a majority of the members must be sessions may be held.
present. • “Rules Governing Debate”
INTRODUCTION Points: There are three types of includes rules that establish
HNMUN strives to simulate the points at HNMUN. A delegate may how formal debate runs, how
actual procedural process of the United rise to a Point of Personal Privilege. the agenda is set, how debate is
Nations and has thus adopted a series Although they are in order at any time closed, and how caucuses work.
of rules with which to conduct debate. (a delegate may rise to this point even • “Rules Governing Speeches”
The Rules of Parliamentary Procedure during a speech), delegates should use includes rules on the speakers’
that we use at HNMUN are a synthesis caution when employing this point; it list, speeches, yields, comments,
of parliamentary rules from a variety of should only be used when a delegate and rights of reply.
sources. Do not be discouraged by their experiences extreme discomfort which • “Rules Governing Points”
length or complexity. Learning the rules may prevent him or her from engaging describes the points that can be
is like mastering a new language – at in worthwhile debate (for example, if made during committee session.
first it is a bit confusing, but after a little the delegate can not hear the speech • “Rules Governing the Path to
practice you learn how to function in being given). A delegate may also a Resolution” includes rules
the new environment. rise to a Point of Order. Used to call on working papers, resolutions,
The rules found in the Conference attention to an instance of improper and amendments.
Handbook supersede all previous parliamentary procedure, this point is • “Rules Governing Voting”
versions, including those provided to in order only when the floor is open, describes how procedural votes
you in this Guide and online before unless it interrupts a speech that is itself will be taken and how voting
conference. In studying the rules, your out of order. Finally, a delegate may rise procedure will be conducted.
goal should be to know the rules so well to a Point of Parliamentary Inquiry. This If you are still unclear about the
that you can focus on substantive issues point is used when a delegate is unclear Rules of Procedure, the committee staff
and not be distracted or confused by about a specific aspect of parliamentary will be able to explain any ambiguities
the procedural aspects of the committee procedure and is usually phrased as or answer any questions.
sessions. Often, parliamentary a question. It is not, however, used to
procedure can be employed as a obtain substantive information about a
means of diplomatic maneuvering. topic and may only be raised when the
After you become sufficiently adept at floor is open.
parliamentary procedure, you can use Procedural versus Substantive
the rules to your advantage. Motions: A motion is procedural when
Some aspects of parliamentary it concerns the application of these
procedure are often misunderstood. Rules of Parliamentary Procedure. No
They include: abstentions are allowed when voting
Precedence: Precedence is the on such motions; all members of
hierarchy established between different the committee must vote, including
motions. Thus, after a Moderator accredited observers and non-member
recognizes a motion from the floor, he states. A motion is substantive if it
or she may ask if there are any other concerns the passage of the content
of a draft resolution or amendment.
44
GENERAL RULES RULE #5 - Participation of Non- Ruling on all motions is subject

Members: Representatives of to the discretion of the committee
RULE #1 - Scope: These rules Approved Observers and of staff. In the exercise of these
for the General Assembly, the Non-Member States will have functions, the committee staff will
Economic and Social Council, the the same rights as those of full be at all times subject to these rules
Regional Bodies, and the Security members, except that they may and responsible to the Secretary-
Council simulations are self- not vote on any substantive General.
sufficient, except for modifications issues. Representatives of Non-
provided by the Secretariat, and RULE #8 - Appeal: Any decision of
Governmental Organizations
will be considered adopted in the Moderator or Director, with
and the Press Corps will also
advance of session. No other rules the exception of those matters
have the same rights as those of
of procedure are applicable. If that are explicitly stated to be
full members, except that they
the Director provides alternate unappealable, may be appealed
may not vote on any issues, both
rules based on the nature of the by a delegate. Appeals only refer
procedural and substantive.
committee, those rules will always to procedural motions, not
take precedence over these in the RULE #6 - Statements by the substantive decisions. A motion to
event of a conflict. Secretariat: The Secretary-General appeal must be made immediately
or a member of the Secretariat may after the decision of the committee
RULE #2 - Language: English at any time make either written or staff is made. The delegate will be
will be the official and working oral statements to the committee. recognized for thirty seconds to
language of the conference. The explain their motion and there
only exception to this rule are RULE #7 - Powers of the
will be no further debate on this
explicitly designated special Committee Staff: The Moderator
matter. The Moderator or Director
language committees. The of the committee will declare
may speak briefly in defense of the
Director’s decision on this matter the opening and closing of each
ruling. The appeal will then be put
will not be subject to appeal. committee session. The Moderator
to a vote, and the decision of the
will accord the right to speak,
dais will stand unless overruled by
RULE #3 - Delegations: Each announce decisions, rule on
two-thirds of the total membership.
member state in committee will procedural points, and ensure
A “No” vote on the appeal indicates
be represented by one or two and enforce the observance of
support of the dais’ ruling; a “Yes”
delegates and will have only one these rules. The Moderator may
vote indicates opposition to that
vote in all matters. Observer states temporarily transfer their duties to
ruling. The following rules may
are considered non-members (see another member of the committee
never be appealed by a delegate:
Rule #5). staff. If the committee does not
have an appointed Moderator, a. Director’s approval of a draft
RULE #4 - Credentials: The
the Director will assume the resolution or amendment (Rule
credentials of all delegations have
responsibilities of the Moderator. #30 and #32).
been accepted upon registration.
Committee staff members may also
A credential is defined as the b. Moderator’s decision to rule a
advise delegates on the possible
permission granted to a delegate moderated or unmoderated caucus
course of debate. The Director may
or delegates to represent a out of order or dilatory (Rule #14
interrupt committee proceedings
particular country in a particular and #15).
to allow for a presentation, guest
committee. Actions relating to the
speaker, expert witness, or crisis c. Moderator’s decision to end an
modification of rights, privileges,
break. Additionally, the Director unmoderated caucus early (Rule
or credentials of any member
or Moderator may allow an NGO #14).
may not be initiated without the
or PC delegate to speak upon being
consent of the Secretary-General. d. Moderator’s decision to rule
introducted to the committee.
a motion for suspension or
adjournment out of order (Rule
#17).
e. Dais’s decision to refuse a right of
reply (Rule #24).
45
f. Moderator’s decision to refuse RULES GOVERNING DEBATE • A motion to close debate on setting
Clarificatory Points on a draft the agenda will be in order after
resolution (Rule #31). RULE #12 - Agenda: The first order the committee has heard at least
of business for the committee will two speakers for the motion
g. Moderator’s decision to rule a be the consideration of the agenda. and at least two against the
motion for a roll call vote out of
motion. In accordance with the
order or dilatory (Rule #37). • Once the committee has been
procedure described in Rule #16,
called to order, a motion to set
RULE #9 - Quorum: The Moderator the Moderator will recognize two
the agenda should be raised. The
may declare a committee open and speakers against the motion to close
delegate who raises this motion
permit debate to proceed when at debate. A two-thirds majority vote
must propose one topic agenda to
least one-quarter of the members is required for closure of debate on
be considered first on the agenda.
of the committee are present. A the agenda. If the Speakers’ List
member of the committee is a • The only topic areas that may be on setting the agenda is exhausted,
representative who is officially proposed for the agenda are those debate will automatically be
registered with the United Nations listed in the preparation materials. closed even if a motion to close
in that committee or with the The Director may modify these debate would not normally be in
given body. The presence of a topic areas at their discretion. If a order. However, the Moderator
majority of the voting members committee only has one topic area, may recognize additional speakers
will be required for any substantive the agenda is automatically set to for the Speakers’ List at their
vote. A quorum will be assumed this topic area. discretion.
to be present unless specifically
• A “for-against” Speakers’ List with • When debate is closed, the
challenged and shown to be
no comments will be established committee will move to an
absent. A roll call is never required
to debate the motion. Speakers immediate vote on the motion to
to determine the presence of a
“for” will speak in support of the set the agenda. A simple majority
quorum.
topic area suggested; speakers is required for passage. If the
RULE #10 - Courtesy: Delegates “against” will speak in favor of motion fails, the other topic area
will show courtesy and respect to the other topic area. During this will automatically be placed first
the committee staff and to other time, no motions for moderated on the agenda.
delegates. No talking is allowed or unmoderated caucuses will be
• After debate is closed and voting
in the committee room, except in order. Speakers will alternate
procedures on the first topic
during an unmoderated caucus or between “for” and “against”
area are concluded, debate will
when recognized by the dais staff. speeches.
automatically begin on the
The Moderator will immediately
second topic area; at the director’s
call to order any delegate who fails
discretion, no motion is necessary.
to comply with this rule.
• The Secretary-General or a
RULE #11 - Electronics: No use
representative may call upon a
of electronic devices by delegates
committee to table debate on the
is allowed in the committee
current topic area so that a more
room during formal debate or
urgent matter may be attended to
moderated caucusing. These
immediately. A delegate may then
devices include, but are not
motion to table debate for a more
limited to: laptops, tablets,
urgent matter. After a resolution
smartphones, and electronic
has been passed on the new topic,
dictionaries. Electronics may be
the committee will return to
used outside the committee room,
debate on the tabled topic.
while caucusing. Only laptops may
be used in the committee room If all resolutions on the new topic
during unmoderated caucusing. fail, the committee may return
to debate on the tabled topic
area only at the discretion of the
committee Director.
46
RULE #13 - Debate: After the RULE #15 - Moderated Caucus: RULE #16 - Closure of Debate:
agenda has been determined, one The purpose of the moderated When the floor is open, a delegate
continuously open Speakers’ List caucus is to facilitate substantive may move to close debate on the
will be established for the purpose debate at critical junctures in the substantive or procedural matter
of general debate. This Speakers’ discussion. Moderated caucuses under discussion. Delegates may
List will be followed for all debate are not allowed during setting the move to close debate on the general
on the topic area, except when agenda. In a moderated caucus, topic, debate on the agenda, or
interrupted by procedural motions, the Moderator will temporarily debate on an amendment. The
introduction of a draft resolutions, depart from the Speakers’ List Moderator may rule such a motion
and discussion of amendments. and call on delegates to speak at dilatory. When closure of debate
Speakers may speak generally on their discretion. A motion for a is moved, the Moderator may
the topic area being considered moderated caucus is in order at recognize two speakers against the
and may address any working any time when the floor is open, motion. No speaker in favor of the
paper or draft resolution currently prior to closure of debate. The motion will be recognized. Closure
on the floor. Delegates may not delegate making the motion of debate requires the support of
refer to any working paper, draft must briefly explain its purpose two-thirds of the committee. If the
resolution, or amendment that and specify a time limit for the committee is in favor of closure of
has not yet been introduced to the caucus as well as the time limit debate, the Moderator will declare
committee. An open floor denotes per speech. A majority vote of the closure of the debate and
that the committee is in formal members is required for passage. move the committee to immediate
debate. After a motion has passed, no new voting procedure. If a given
motion may be proposed during Speakers’ List is exhausted, debate
RULE #14 - Unmoderated Caucus:
the moderated caucus. If no will automatically be closed.
A motion for an unmoderated
delegate wishes to speak during a
caucus is in order at any time RULE #17 - Suspension or
moderated caucus, the caucus shall
when the floor is open, prior to Adjournment of the Meeting:
immediately end. The Moderator
closure of debate. Unmoderated Whenever the floor is open, a
may end a moderated caucus early
caucuses are not allowed during delegate may move for the
at their discretion. The Moderator
setting the agenda. The delegate suspension of the meeting
may also rule the motion dilatory,
making the motion must specify (suspending all committee
and this decision is not subject to
a time limit for the caucus, but is functions until the next meeting),
appeal.
not required to specify a purpose or for the adjournment of the
for the caucus. A majority vote of meeting (suspending all committee
members is required for passage. functions for the duration of
The Moderator may rule the the conference). The Moderator
motion dilatory and may end the may rule such motions out of
unmoderated caucus early, and order; these decisions will not be
these decisions are not subject to subject to appeal. When in order,
appeal. these motions are not debatable,
but will be immediately put to a
vote barring any motions taking
precedence. These motions require
a majority to pass. A motion to
adjourn will be out of order prior
to the lapse of three-quarters of the
time allotted for the last meeting
of the committee.
RULE #18 - Postponement and
Resumption of Debate (Tabling):
Whenever the floor is open, a
delegate may move for the
postponement of debate on a
47
draft resolution or amendment not be opened until the committee seconds. Follow-up questions will
currently on the floor. The motion, has proceeded to that topic. A not be allowed. The Moderator
otherwise known as “tabling,” will motion to close any Speakers’ List will have the right to call to order
be debatable to the extent of two is never in order. If the Speakers’ any delegate whose question is,
speakers for and two speakers List is exhausted and there are no in the opinion of the Moderator,
against the motion. A two-thirds more points or motions, debate is rhetorical, leading, or not designed
majority will be required for this automatically closed. to elicit information. Only the
motion to pass. No debate or speaker’s answers to questions will
RULE #20 - Speeches: No delegate
action, including voting, will be be deducted from the speaker’s
may address a session without
allowed on any draft resolution remaining time.
having previously obtained the
or amendment on which debate
permission of the Moderator. The • Yield to the dais: Such a yield
has been postponed. A motion
dais may call a speaker to order if should be made if the delegate
to resume debate on a draft
their remarks are not relevant to does not wish their speech to be
resolution or amendment on
the subject under discussion or are subject to comments (Rule 23).
which debate has been postponed
offensive to committee members The Moderator will then move to
will be debatable to the extent of
or staff. When a delegate exceeds the next speaker.
two speakers for and two speakers
the allotted time decided for
against the motion. A simple RULE #23 - Comments: If a
speeches as described in Rules 15
majority will be required for a speech from a Speakers’ List ends
and 19, the Moderator may call
motion for resumption of debate before time has elapsed with
the speaker to order.
to pass. Resumption of debate will no yields, the Moderator may
cancel the effects of postponement RULE #21 - Absence: Delegates recognize delegates, other than
of debate. who are absent from committee the initial speaker, to comment
when recognized by the dais forfeit for thirty seconds each on the
RULES GOVERNING SPEECHES their time. The Moderator shall specific content of the speech just
continue with debate. delivered. The Moderator may
RULE #19 - Speakers’ Lists: The rule a comment out of order if it
Committee will have an open RULE #22 - Yields: After being
is irrelevant or does not pertain
Speakers’ List for the topic area recognized from the Speakers’ List,
directly to the preceding speech.
being discussed (see Rule #13). a delegate may yield any or all of
Commenters may not yield. No
The default speaking time for their time in one of three ways: to
comments will be in order during
the Speakers’ List is one minute, another delegate, to questions, or
debate on procedural motions,
although the Moderator may to the dais. Please note that only
amendment discussion, or in
change this at his/her discretion. one yield is allowed per speech. A
moderated caucuses. A maximum
Delegates may motion to change delegate must declare any yield at
of two comments will be taken on
the speaking time, and these the conclusion of their speech.
any speech.
motions will be voted on in • Yield to another delegate: The
the order in which they are RULE #24 - Right of Reply: A
speaker’s remaining time will be
introduced. Separate Speakers’ delegate whose personal or
offered to antoher delegate chosen
Lists will be established as needed national integrity has been
by the delegate themselves. If the
for procedural motions and debate impugned by another delegate
delegate accepts the yield, the
on amendments. A country may may submit a written request for
Moderator shall recognize the
add its name to a Speakers’ List by a Right of Reply to the Director
delegate for the remaining time.
submitting a request in writing to or Moderator. The Director or
The delegate may not make any
the dais, provided that the nation Moderator’s decision whether
further yields. To turn the floor
is not already on the Speakers’ List, to grant the Right of Reply is
over to a co-delegate of the same
and may remove its name from unappealable. A delegate granted
member state is not considered a
the Speakers’ List by submitting a a Right of Reply will address the
yield.
request in writing to the dais. At committee at the request of the
any time, a Moderator may call for • Yield to questions: Questioners Moderator for thirty seconds.
members that wish to be added to will be selected by the Moderator
the Speakers’ List. A Speakers’ List and limited to one question each,
for the second topic area will which will be limited to thirty
48
RULES GOVERNING POINTS form) ideas expressed in the of signatories, has been approved
committee. They need not be in by the Director, and has been
RULE #25 - Points of Personal draft resolution format. Working distributed, a delegate may move
Privilege: Whenever a delegate papers require the approval of to introduce the draft resolution.
experiences personal discomfort the Director to be copied and A procedural vote is then taken to
which impairs their ability to distributed. Once distributed, determine whether the resolution
participate in the proceedings, delegates may begin to refer to that shall be introduced. Should
their may rise to a Point of Personal working paper by its designated the motion receive the simple
Privilege. A Point of Personal number, but otherwise, debate majority required to pass, the draft
Privilege may interrupt a speaker proceeds normally on the topic. resolution shall be considered
only if the speaker is inaudible and There is no formal introduction introduced and on the floor. More
delegates should use this power of working papers; they are than one draft resolution may be
with the utmost caution. considered introduced as soon as on the floor at any one time, but
they are distributed. There are no at most one draft resolution may
RULE #26 - Points of Order: During
votes for the approval of working be passed per topic area. A draft
the discussion of any matter, a
papers. resolution will remain on the floor
delegate may rise to a Point of
until debate on that specific draft
Order to indicate an instance RULE #29 - Signatories for Draft
resolution is postponed or a draft
of improper parliamentary Resolutions: A motion to introduce
resolution on that topic area has
procedure. The Point of Order a draft resolution (see Rule 30)
been passed. Once debate on the
will be immediately decided by will be in order when it receives
draft resolutions begins, delegates
the Moderator in accordance with the approval of the Director and
may then begin to refer to that
these Rules of Procedure. The is signed by 25 members in the
draft resolution by its designated
Moderator may rule out of order General Assembly, 15 members
number. No delegate may refer
those points which are improper. in the Economic and Social
to a draft resolution until it is
A representative rising to a Point Council and the Regional Bodies
formally introduced.
of Order may not speak on the committees with greater than 40
substance of the matter under member states, 8 members in the RULE #31 - Clarificatory Points on
discussion. A Point of Order may Economic and Social Council and Resolutions: At the Moderator’s
not interrupt a speaker. the Regional Bodies committees discretion, he or she may recognize
with less than or equal to 40 a delegate or group of delegates
RULE #27 - Points of Parliamentary
member states, or 4 members in rising to answer clarificatory
Inquiry: When the floor is open,
Security Council simulations. points on an introduced draft
a delegate may rise to a Point of
The final number of signatories resolution, or the Moderator
Parliamentary Inquiry to ask the
required for each committee will may answer these points him or
Moderator a question regarding
be announced by the moderator, herself. These points are non-
the Rules of Procedure. A Point of
as it is contingent on the eventual substantive and typically refer to
Parliamentary Inquiry may never
size of the committee. Signing a typographical errors or mistakes
interrupt a speaker. Delegates
draft resolution need not indicate in the punctuation and spelling
with substantive questions should
support of the draft resolution. of the document in question.
not rise to this point, but should
Signing a draft resolution only The Moderator’s decision on this
rather approach the committee
indicates a desire for the draft matter is not subject to appeal.
staff during caucus or send a note
resolution to be discussed in Any substantive points will be
to the dais.
committee. The signatory has no ruled out of order during this
further obligations. A delegate period, and the Moderator may
RULES GOVERNING THE PATH may be a signatory on more than end this “clarificatory question-
TO A RESOLUTION one resolution. There are no answer period” for any reason,
RULE #28 - Working Papers: official sponsors or authors of draft including time constraints.
Delegates may propose resolutions.
RULE #32 - Amendments: Delegates
working papers for committee’s RULE #30 - Introduction of may amend any draft resolution
consideration. Working papers Draft Resolutions: Once a draft which has been introduced. Only
aid discussion of draft resolutions resolution has the requisite number one amendment may be
through formalizing (in written
49
introduced at any given time. • A motion to close debate will be move into final voting procedures
The motion to introduce an in order after the committee has and the chambers are then
amendment is considered a heard at least two speakers for sealed. At that point, only the
procedural motion, and the final the amendment and at least two following points and motions
vote on the amendment is a against or if the Speakers’ List will be entertained: Division of
substantive vote. An amendment has been exhausted. Otherwise, the Question, Reordering Draft
must have the approval of the following the normal procedure Resolutions, Motion for a Roll
Director and be signed by 12 of Rule 15, the Moderator will Call Vote, Point of Personal
members in the General Assembly, recognize at most two speakers Privilege, Point of Parliamentary
10 members in the Economic and against the motion to close debate Inquiry, and Point of Order. If
Social Council and the Regional on the amendment. A vote of two- there are no such motions, the
Bodies committees with greater thirds is required for closure. committee will vote on all draft
than 40 member states, 6 members resolutions. For substantive voting,
• When debate is closed on the
in the Economic and Social each country will have one vote.
amendment, the committee will
Council and the Regional Bodies Each vote may be a “Yes,” “No,” or
move to an immediate substantive
committees with less than or equal “Abstain.” Members who abstain
vote on whether or not to adopt the
to 40 member states, or 3 members from voting are considered as
amendment. If this vote receives
in Security Council simulations. not voting. All matters will be
the simple majority required, the
The final numbers for required voted upon using placards by
amendment will be considered
signatures will be announced default, except if a motion for a
part of the draft resolution. After
by the Moderator, as they are roll call vote is accepted. A simple
the vote, debate will resume.
contingent on the eventual size majority requires “Yes” votes from
of the committee. Amendments more than half the members
are numbered in the order in RULES GOVERNING VOTING voting, as in more affirmative
which they are introduced. Since votes than negative votes. Once
RULE #33 - Procedural Voting: All
there are no friendly amendments, a resolution has been passed, the
voting is considered procedural
all amendments must be voted voting procedure is closed, as only
with the exception of voting on
on by the majority of the voting one resolution may be passed on
draft resolutions and amendments.
members of the committee to be a topic area. In Security Council
All Delegates must vote on all
included in the draft resolution. simulations, a substantive vote
procedural motions, and no
Amendments to amendments requires nine votes to pass, and the
abstentions are allowed. A motion
are out of order; however, an five permanent members of the
that requires a simple majority
amended part of a resolution may United Nations have the power to
needs more affirmative than
be further amended at a later time. veto any substantive vote.
negative votes to pass. A motion
Like draft resolutions, there are no
that requires two-thirds to pass RULE #35 - Reordering Draft
official sponsors of amendments.
requires exactly or more than two- Resolutions: After debate is closed,
Preambulatory clauses may not be
thirds of the votes to be affirmative. a motion to change the order
amended.
In Security Council simulations, of voting on draft resolutions
• A motion to introduce an approved a procedural motion requires currently on the floor will be in
amendment may be made when nine votes to pass. If there is an order. If both a motion to reorder
the floor is open. Amendments insufficient number of speakers and motion to divide the question
do not need to be introduced for/against a motion, the motion are raised, the Moderator will first
in the order in which they are will automatically fail/pass. take a vote on a general motion
received. If the motion receives to reorder draft resolutions. If it
RULE #34 - Substantive Voting: The
the simple majority required to passes, the Moderator will take
only substantive voting is voting
pass, the Moderator will read motions for different permutations
on passing draft resolutions and
the amendment aloud, time on reordering the draft resolutions.
amendments. All other votes will
permitting. General debate on the If it fails, the Moderator will take
be procedural votes. After debate
topic area will be suspended, and a vote on whether to divide the
has been closed on the general
a Speakers’ List will be established question. If the motion to divide
topic area, the committee will
for and against the amendment. the question passes, but the final
50
document of the divided substantive vote will be taken on • All delegates who had requested
resolution fails, the Moderator each divided part to determine the right of explanation will be
will again accept a motion to whether or not it is included in the granted time to explain their votes,
reorder draft resolutions. The final draft. If all of the operative not to exceed thirty seconds per
delegate raising this motion will parts of the substantive proposal delegate.
indicate the desired ordering of are rejected, the draft resolution
• The Moderator will then announce
draft resolutions. The default order will be considered to have been
the outcome of the vote.
will be the order in which the draft rejected as a whole.
resolutions were introduced. There
• Parts of the draft resolution that Precedence of Points and Motions
will be no debate on this motion,
are subsequently passed will be 1. Point of Personal Privilege (Rule
and it will require a simple
recombined into a final document. 25)
majority to pass. Only one such
The final document will be 2. Point of Order (Rule 26)
motion can pass in each round of
immediately put to a substantive 3. Point of Parliamentary Inquiry
voting procedures. The reordering
vote as a whole, requiring a simple (Rule 27)
proposals will be voted on in the
majority of those voting “yes” to 4. Adjournment of the Meeting
order that they were received;
pass. (Rule 17)
there is no precedence of one over
the other. Hence, the Moderator 5. Suspension of the Meeting (Rule
RULE #37 - Roll Call Voting: After
will first take all proposals for 17)
debate is closed on any topic area,
reordering, and then proceed to 6. Unmoderated Caucus (Rule 14)
any delegate may request a roll
call for votes on each one, until 7. Moderated Caucus (Rule 15)
call vote on any draft resolution
one of them passes 8. Motion to Change Speaking
being considered. Such a motion
Time (Rule 19)
may be made from the floor and
RULE #36 - Division of the 9. Introduction of a Draft
agreed on by a simple majority of
Question: After debate on any Resolution (Rule 30)
the committee. A motion for a roll
topic has been closed, a delegate 10. Introduction of an Amendment
call vote is in order only for the
may move that the operative parts (Rule 32)
final substantive vote on a draft
of a draft resolution be voted on 11. Postponement of Debate (Rule
resolution.
separately. Preambulatory clauses 18)
and sub-operative clauses may • In a roll call vote, the Moderator 12. Resumption of Debate (Rule
not be removed by division of the will call countries in alphabetical 18)
question. order starting with a selected 13. Closure of Debate (Rule 16)
member.
• The motion can be debated to the
At the start of final voting procedure,
extent of at most two speakers for • In the first sequence, delegates may
only the following points and motions
and two against, to be followed by vote “Yes,” “No,” “Abstain,” or
are in order, in the following order of
an immediate procedural vote on “Pass.” A delegate may request the
precedence:
that motion. right to explain his/her vote only
1. Point of Personal Privilege (Rule
when the delegate is voting against
• If the motion receives the simple 25)
the policy of his/her country; such
majority required to pass, the 2. Point of Order (Rule 26)
a vote is termed “with Rights.”
Moderator will take motions on 3. Point of Parliamentary Inquiry
The delegate may only explain an
how to divide the question and (Rule 27)
affirmative or negative vote, not an
prioritize them from most severe 4. Reordering Draft Resolutions
abstention from voting.
to least severe. (Rule 36)
• A delegate who passes during the 5. Division of the Question (Rule
• The committee will then vote on
first sequence of the roll call must 35)
the motions in the order set by the
vote either “Yes” or “No” during 6. Motion for a Roll Call Vote
Moderator.
the second sequence. The same (Rule 37)
• Once a division, requiring a delegate may not request the right
simple majority, has been passed, to explain his/her vote.
the resolution will be divided
accordingly, and a separate
51
SAMPLE POSITION PAPER
Delegation: The Russian Federation

Committee: Disarmament and International Security Committee
Topic A: Separatism
The Russian Federation considers separatism to be one of the gravest dangers facing the world today. Separatist groups
threaten peace and security around the world. From developing countries like the Philippines to developed countries like Spain,
the stability of both the internal structure of states and of the international world order is under attack. The danger of separatism
has grown even greater in recent years, as separatist groups in many countries have become increasingly linked both with religious
extremism and with international terrorist networks. Though separatism once could be considered an internal affair, it now must
be seen within the context of international security. An attack on one country by a separatist group is frequently an attack on
the international system itself, as separatist groups increasingly use terrorist tactics designed to destabilize an entire region. Thus,
it is essential that the Disarmament and International Security Committee consider ways to address the destabilizing impact of
separatism. In particular, Russia believes that the committee, while reiterating the UN’s condemnation of separatism in general,
must work to provide aid to states victimized by separatist groups and must facilitate the means by which the international
connections of separatists groups can be analyzed.
As a country particularly victimized by separatist movements, Russia strongly opposes any attempt to give legitimacy to any
group that uses terrorist tactics and any move by the UN to recognize a so-called “right to secession.” The Russian Federation has
contended with separatist terrorists in Chechnya and the North Caucasus for over a decade, and it believes that its experience in
this region gives ample reasons for why the UN should never recognize separatist groups, except as agreed to by the victimized
state. As Russia has learned over the course of the conflict in Chechnya, “separatists” are frequently aided by international
terrorist networks, including those preaching religious extremism. For example, the perpetrators of the atrocity at Beslan in 2004
included two Arabs. It is believed that a great deal of the funding that goes to Chechen separatists comes from religious extremists
in the Islamic world. Furthermore, Chechnya provides numerous examples of the vile tactics used by many separatist groups;
whether by setting bombs in Moscow apartments, murdering children in Beslan, invading civilian neighborhoods in Nalchik,
or raiding homes in Chechnya itself, Chechen separatists seem to stop at nothing to further their end. These are not “freedom
fighters.” These are terrorists.
The Russian Federation accepts that UN mediation can be extremely useful in ending wars, including wars of separatism;
however, it insists that any UN presence can only come with the consent of the UN member state involved, and there should
never be an assumption that the end-point of negotiations will be secession. Russia sees the Sudanese experience as the one that
should be the framework for any future UN involvement in secessionist conflicts. UN mediation was largely responsible for
ending the Sudanese Civil War, but only because the UN’s presence at the negotiating table came as a result of a request from the
Sudanese government, because the SPLA was seen to be the legitimate voice of the South Sudanese people, and because the SPLA
was not a terrorist organization. The negotiations were successful, ended the war, and created a framework of autonomy for South
Sudan; however, if any of these factors had been absent, peace would have been impossible. Therefore, Russia believes that while
it is possible for the UN to establish a framework for dealing with separatist groups, it must also work to determine the legitimacy
of those groups, the legitimacy of their demands, and any links between those groups and international terrorism; furthermore, it
must remember that, from a political rather than military perspective, separatism is an internal issue, and must be treated as such.
52
SAMPLE WORKING PAPER
The purpose of the Working Paper is to clearly communicate the interests of one or more countries. Please note that there is
no set format for working papers; the following is just one example of a possible working paper. To facilitate the process, working
papers should include the name and topic of the committee. Pending the approval of the Director, working papers may be copied
and distributed to the committee.
Committee: UN Conference on Trade and Development

Topic A: Generalized System of Preferences
The committee believes that a GSP should be set up so that Lesser-Developed Countries (LDCs) receive preferential treatment
from Developed Countries (DCs). To that end we propose:
1. Each DC reduce their tariffs to the lowest level possible. This level will be determined by the below created subcommittee,
2. Bilateral trade agreements should be pursued for further reductions in tariffs.
3. Trade preferences should be granted in the following areas:

Agriculture
Manufactures
Semi-manufactures
Raw materials
4. Decisions on product coverage by preference giving nations be made in consultation with the affected LDC. Annual re-
evaluation of coverage shall take place with the LDC with disputed going to the below-created subcommittee.
5. A subcommittee of UNCTAD should be created with equal membership of developed and developing countries. This
subcommittee would have the following powers:
a. To mediate disputes between preference givers and receivers
b. Make recommendations which all countries should follow
c. Serve as a forum for airing grievances relating to the GSP
d. Report regularly to the Secretary-General
Membership should be as follows:
a. Five permanent nations from the DCs
b. Five permanent nations from the LDCs and LLDCs
c. Ten members elected annually by UNCTAD
Voting rights will have to be worked out, but the UN format for subcommittees seems best. Of course, we are amenable to
change.
53
RESOLUTION FORMAT GUIDE
Heading
The title should be in capital letters, above the main body of the resolution. The title consists of a number (signifying the first
or second topic area being discussed), followed by another number (identifying the individual resolution). For example, the first
draft resolution on the first topic area discussed would be titled “Draft Resolution 1.1” accordingly. The committee Director will
assign the number once the resolution has been approved.
On the left margin and two lines below the title should be:
(1) the committee name,
(2) the topic addressed by the resolution, and
(3) the signatories of the resolution.
NOTE: There are no sponsors of a resolution.
Body
The resolution is written in the format of a long sentence. Just as grammatical rules make a language more uniform in its
usage, so is the resolution in its format.
The resolution begins with “The General Assembly,” for all GA committees and with “The Economic and Social Council,”
for all ECOSOC committees. The Regional Bodies and the Security Council use their own names as the introductory line. The
rest of the resolution consists of phrases and clauses with the first word of each phrase/clause underlined.
The next section, consisting of Preambulatory Phrases, describes the problem being addressed, recalls past actions taken,
explains the purpose of the resolution, and offers support for the operative clauses that follow. Each clause in the preamble begins
with an underlined word and ends with a comma.
Operative Clauses are numbered and state the action to be taken by the body. These clauses all begin with present tense active
verbs, which are generally stronger words than those used in the Preamble. Each operative clause is followed by a semi-colon
except the last, which ends with a period. Any sub-operative clauses (or sub-sub-clauses, etc,) also should end with a semi-colon.
There should be no periods in the body of the resolution.
Content
Of course, the most important characteristic of the final resolution is the content, which will be carefully scrutinized by the
Director before approval. A well-written resolution demonstrates:
• Familiarity with the problem. Relevant background information and previous United Nations actions are included.
• Recognition of the issues. Arguments on the topic are specified early. At a minimum, the resolution should address in some
form all the issues listed in the “Questions a Resolution Must Answer” section of the Background guide.
• A clear and concise style. Every clause and phrase should have a purpose.
• Good form. Each phrase and clause should follow the exact format described above.
54
Preambulatory Phrases
Affirming Guided by
Alarmed by Having adopted
Approving Having considered
Aware of Having considered further
Believing Having devoted attention
Bearing in mind Having examined
Cognizant of Having heard
Confident Having received
Contemplating Having studied
Convinced Keeping in mind
Declaring Noting further
Deeply concerned Noting with regret
Deeply conscious Noting with satisfaction
Deeply convinced Noting with deep concern
Deeply disturbed Noting further
Deeply regretting Noting with approval
Desiring Observing
Emphasizing Realizing
Expecting Reaffirming
Expressing its appreciation Recalling
Expressing its satisfaction Recognizing
Fulfilling Referring
Fully aware Seeking
Fully alarmed Taking into account
Fully believing Taking note
Further deploring Viewing with appreciation
Further recalling Welcoming
Operative Clauses
Accepts Further recommends
Affirms Further requests
Approves Further resolves
Authorizes Has resolved
Calls for Notes
Calls upon Proclaims
Confirms Reaffirms
Considers Recommends
Declares accordingly Reminds
Deplores Regrets
Draws attention Requests
Designates Resolves
Emphasizes Solemnly affirms
Encourages Strongly condemns
Endorses Supports
Expresses its appreciation Takes note of
Expresses its hope Trusts
Further invites Urges
Further proclaims
Further reminds
55
Sample Resolution (please bear in mind this document is substantially shorter than most HNMUN resolutions in terms of number
of clauses)
DRAFT RESOLUTION 1.1
Committee: Commission on Information Regulation

Topic: International Newsflow Imbalance
Signatories: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Colombia, Congo, Estonia, Haiti, India, Italy, Kazakhstan, Pakistan,
Panama, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Uganda, United States of America, United Kingdom
The Economic and Social Council,
Recalling its Resolution A/36/89 of 16 December 1981, “The Declaration on Fundamental Principles Concerning the
Contribution of the Mass Media to Strengthening Peace and International Understanding,”
Further recalling Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, “Everyone has the right to...receive and impart
information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers,”
Recognizing that the problem of newsflow imbalance is that two-way information among countries of a region is either
nonexistent or insufficient and information exchanged between regions of the world is inadequate,
Realizing the need for all sovereign nations to maintain their integrity and still play an active role in the international system,
1. Recommends that a three-level information interchange system be established on the national, regional, and international
levels to ameliorate the current problems of newsflow imbalance, to operate as follows:
a. Each regions’ member nations will report their national information and receive the information of other nations in
their region from the regional level of this interchange system;
b. Nations will decide the character of the newsflow media best suited to the need of their sovereign territory, be this
printed, audio, or audio-visual;
c. Regional News Gathering Agencies will serve to gather information from the nations in their region, and these boards
will have no editorial discretion and will serve to forward all information to the International Board;
d. Each regional agency will be composed of representatives from every member nation of the nation of the region;
e. The primary function of the International Board will be to translate information accumulated from the regional news
gathering agencies;
f. The secondary purpose will be to transmit all information gathered back to the member nations via the regional news
gathering agencies;
g. In order to expedite the transfer of information from the international to regional level the international board will
utilize a UN frequency on a European Economic Community satellite;
2. Urges the establishment of the University of International Communications, which will be based in Geneva, Switzerland,
with the following aims:
a. The University and branches will be established with the express purpose of bringing together world views and
facilitating the transfer of technology;
b. All member nations of the United Nations will be equally represented at the University;
c. Incentives will be offered to students of journalism and communications at the University to return to their countries
to teach upon completion of instruction;
d. The instructors of the regional education centers will be comprised of a multi-partisan coalition of educators from
throughout the world;
3. Calls for the continued use of funds from the International Program for the Development of Communications, Special
Account, The United National Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the UN Development Programme,
and other sources of funding including national governments and private donors;
4. Recommends that the distribution of funds be decided by the International Programme for the Development of
Communication (IPDC).
56

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Disarmament anD

From the Secretary-General

Harvard National Model United Nations 2018 2

From your under-Secretary-General

Harvard National Model United Nations 2018 3

Disarmament anD international

Pedro Luis Cunha Farias

Harvard National Model United Nations 2018 4

Harvard National Model United Nations 2018 5

Harvard National Model United Nations 2018 7

Harvard National Model United Nations 2018 9

Harvard National Model United Nations 2018 11

Harvard National Model United Nations 2018 13

Harvard National Model United Nations 2018 15

Harvard National Model United Nations 2018 17

Harvard National Model United Nations 2018 19

Harvard National Model United Nations 2018 21

Harvard National Model United Nations 2018 23

and International Studies. about-rtop/learn-about-rtop. International Affairs 19.2 (2005): 31–54.

that you may have. I look forward to Available: http://www.responsibilitytoprotect.org/index.php/ org/parline-e/reports/arc/2007_92.htm.

Harvard National Model United Nations 2018 25

Introduction and History and Structure of the Committee

Harvard National Model United Nations 2018 27

POSITION PAPERS experiences, what is the most logical and

Guide to Delegate Preparation

Dear Delegates and Faculty Advisors,

INTRODUCTION wholly different lens. The solutions STRUCTURE

GENERAL RULES RULE #5 - Participation of Non- Ruling on all motions is subject

SAMPLE POSITION PAPER

Delegation: The Russian Federation

SAMPLE WORKING PAPER

Committee: UN Conference on Trade and Development

2. Bilateral trade agreements should be pursued for further reductions in tariffs.

3. Trade preferences should be granted in the following areas:

RESOLUTION FORMAT GUIDE

Committee: Commission on Information Regulation

The Economic and Social Council,

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