Introduction

Welcome to SCVMUN! We are excited to present the

Rules of Procedure (ROP) Hand Guide, designed to
facilitate a more holistic conference experience
and to ensure that all participants are well-
informed about their roles and responsibilities. Our
aim is to closely simulate the workings of the actual
United Nations, as we believe MUNs play a crucial
role in shaping the future diplomats and leaders of
our world.

This hand guide provides a comprehensive

explanation of the procedures that delegates must
follow during committee sessions. Understanding
the Rules of Procedure is essential for the smooth
functioning of any MUN, as the etiquette for
speaking at the United Nations differs significantly
from other settings. To aid in your comprehension,
we have included detailed examples that will help
you navigate the rigorous demands of adhering to
UN protocols. We are committed to ensuring that
all delegates are prepared to engage effectively
under pressure.
 Delegates
Upon registering for a MUN conference, students usually
participate as delegates. Each delegate is assigned a specific
country and placed within a designated committee. Their
primary responsibility is to represent their country's interests in
discussions and debates within the United Nations council.
This includes addressing the committee's topics, formulating
resolutions to address issues, clearly conveying their country’s
position, and suggesting amendments to resolutions currently
under discussion.

International Press
Corps
The Press Corps will consist of journalists and photographers,
each representing a specific news agency. Their role is to serve
as the committee's link to the outside world, highlighting
developments in the foreign policies of various nations.
Members of the Press have the authority to interview delegates
for their articles during unmoderated caucuses or breaks;
however, it is at the delegate's discretion whether to respond to
these inquiries.
Articles should maintain a professional tone and reflect the
perspectives, priorities, and biases of the respective news agencies
that the journalists and photographers represent.
 Points
Points are primarily utilized to clarify, rectify, and enrich the intellectual
discourse of the conference, whereas motions grant delegates the
chance to suggest minor alterations to the progression of events. Both
serve as fundamental elements of any UN conference and are regularly
employed throughout the proceedings.

Point of Personal Privilege

A Point of Personal Privilege allows a delegate to address issues that directly

affect their ability to participate, such as the need for better visibility or
audibility. This procedural tool ensures delegates can engage effectively in
discussions.

Point of information

A Point of Information is a request made by a delegate to seek clarification or

additional information regarding a statement or proposal made during a debate.
This allows delegates to engage more deeply with the topic at hand and promotes
informed discussion.

Point of order

A Point of Order is raised by a delegate to address a procedural issue or

violation during a meeting. It serves to ensure that the rules and procedures
of the conference are being followed correctly, helping to maintain order in
the debate.
 Point of parliamentary inquiry

A Point of Parliamentary Inquiry is a request made by a delegate seeking

clarification on the rules or procedures governing the committee's
proceedings. This allows delegates to better understand the operational
framework and ensure their contributions align with the established guidelines.

Motions
A motion is a formal proposal put forth by a delegate to
undertake a specific action during the conference. A motion
only takes effect if it is approved, and if passed, it will result in a
minor adjustment to the structure of the debate.

Verbatim (To begin GSL)

"The delegate of __________ would like to raise a motion to

begin the ____________ with a time limit of ____ per
speaker.”
Verbatim (To enter moderated caucus)

"The delegate of __________ would like to raise a motion to

suspend formal debate and enter a moderated caucus on the
topic ______with each speaker speaking for ___seconds and
a total time limit of ___”
 Verbatim (To enter unmoderated caucus)

“The delegate of _____ would like to raise a motion to move

into an unmoderated caucus of ______mins”

Verbatim (To adjourn committee)

“The delegate of_________ motions to adjourn the debate.”

Presidential statement
A Presidential Statement is utilized in unique circumstances when a
delegate needs to advocate for a shift in their country's foreign policy.
In this instance, the representative assumes the role of the nation’s
supreme leader. Any declarations made during this statement will be
documented and will establish the new foreign policy for that country
for the remainder of the committee sessions.

Right to Reply
The Right to Reply is a procedural privilege that allows a delegate to
respond to comments or criticisms directed at their delegation during
a debate. This ensures that all perspectives are represented and
provides an opportunity for clarification or defense of their position.
 Position Paper
A position paper is a critical document prepared by
delegates prior to a Model United Nations (MUN)
conference, outlining their country's stance on the
agenda topics being discussed. This paper serves
several important functions: it helps delegates clarify
and articulate their nation’s policies, provides a
foundation for effective debate, and demonstrates the
delegate's understanding of both the topic and their
country's foreign policy. Typically, a position paper
includes an introduction to the topic, a brief overview of
the country's relevant history and interests, and specific
policy recommendations or solutions. Additionally, it
often highlights key statistics, relevant treaties, and the
country's alliances or partnerships that support its
stance. By crafting a well-researched and clearly written
position paper, delegates not only prepare themselves
for the conference but also position themselves as
informed and credible representatives, enhancing their
ability to engage with other delegates and advocate
effectively for their country’s perspective during
discussions and negotiations.
 PROCEDURE
Roll Call
Committee Sessions will begin with a roll call in which the
names of all the countries will be read out to confirm their
attendance as well as their stance on voting:

Present
If a delegate states present, then during the final voting procedure
he/she will get an option to vote yes, no or even abstain from voting. A
delegate usually opts for present when he/she is unsure of the
outcome of the committee and the influence they have

Present and Voting

When a delegate states that he/she is present and voting, the

delegate is confined to only two votes in the final round of voting –
yes or no; abstention is not an option for the delegate in question.

General Speaker’s List

A General Speakers List (GSL) is a crucial component of
committee proceedings that allows delegates to express their
views on the topic at hand. Delegates sign up to speak in order
of their registration, ensuring that everyone has an opportunity
to contribute to the discussion. During their allotted time,
delegates can present their country’s position, propose solutions,
or highlight specific issues related to the agenda.
 Yields
After a General Speakers List (GSL), delegates have several
options for yielding their remaining speaking time, each
serving a different purpose:

Yield to POIs: A delegate may yield their remaining time

for questions, allowing other delegates to ask clarifying
questions or seek further information about their
statement. This fosters interaction and deeper
understanding of the issues discussed.

Yield to the Chair: This option allows a delegate to

pass their remaining time back to the chair, who can
then use it to facilitate the flow of the debate or call on
the next speaker without interruption.

Yield to Another Delegate: Delegates can choose to give

their remaining time to another delegate. This allows the
receiving delegate to extend their speaking time,
encouraging dialogue and collaboration on specific points
raised during the GSL.
 Voting Procedure
All procedural matters will be voted on by a simple
placard vote will be requiring a simple majority to pass.
To vote on the draft resolution, a motion must be raised to
move into the voting procedure. Once this is done there
are certain guidelines to follow: No lobbying, crosstalk, or
substantive debate is permitted. The doors of the
chamber or house are sealed. This means that no state
may enter or leave the room during Voting Procedure for
any reason. All interactions must take place through the
dais. Delegates are not permitted to speak directly to one
another. Chits will be closed during the procedure. In the
UNGA, a simple majority (one-half plus 1 of all delegates
present) is required to pass a resolution.
 Working Paper and
Draft Resolution
Once the major part of the discussion is over, the delegates
start to formulate their solutions which will be presented in the
following two stages:

Working Paper
A working paper serves as the preliminary collection of proposed
solutions. Each bloc or group of nations must submit its own
resolution for ratification by the Executive Board. There is no specific
format required, and signatories are not necessary. Once the
Executive Board approves the working paper, it can then be
formatted and refined to become a Draft Resolution. It is essential
that all points included in the working paper have been discussed
during the two days of the MUN conference.

Draft Resolution
The drafting of solutions to the agenda or crisis is the most crucial
aspect of any MUN conference. A draft resolution requires at least
one sponsor and three signatories, regardless of the committee's
size, to be presented. Resolutions can serve various purposes, such
as expressing an opinion or recommending actions to be taken by
a UN body or affiliated agency. Here are some key points to
consider when drafting a resolution:
- A resolution represents a UN body's response to a current
issue within its jurisdiction.
- Once adopted, it becomes an official policy of the body
that approved it.
- While most resolutions articulate a policy statement,
some may encompass entire treaties, declarations, or
conventions.
- Resolutions can be broad statements or direct
instructions to specific organizations, UN bodies, or
member states.
- They may condemn the actions of certain states, call for
collective measures, or, in the case of the Security Council,
mandate economic or military sanctions.

The purpose of formal debate and caucusing is to garner

enough support from other countries for a particular
solution related to the topic being discussed. Resolutions
explicitly outline the agreed-upon solution by referencing
relevant precedents and detailing proposed actions.
Committees are not restricted to a single resolution per
topic; they often adopt multiple resolutions addressing
various facets of an issue.
P.S . Sample Position Paper and Draft Resolution will
be provided
 Key Takeaways for MUN Participants

As we conclude this Rules of Procedure guide, it's essential to remember

that the success of your participation in a Model United Nations
conference hinges on understanding and effectively applying these rules.
Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Respect and Professionalism: Always maintain a respectful demeanor

towards fellow delegates, chairs, and the committee as a whole.
Professionalism is key to fostering a productive environment for discussion
and negotiation.

Active Participation: Engage actively in debates, be it through the General

Speakers List, caucusing, or proposing resolutions. Your contributions are
valuable and can significantly influence the direction of discussions.

Collaboration and Diplomacy: MUN is not just about representing your

country's interests; it's also about diplomacy and collaboration. Build
alliances, engage in constructive dialogue, and be open to compromise to
achieve consensus.

Preparation is Key: Come prepared with a well-researched position paper,

an understanding of your country's policies, and potential solutions to the
agenda topics. Preparation will empower you to advocate effectively for
your nation's position.

Utilizing Yields and Points: Make strategic use of points and yields to
facilitate discussions and address procedural concerns. This can enhance
the flow of debate and allow you to engage with other delegates more
effectively.
Flexibility and Adaptability: Be prepared to adapt to the dynamics of the
conference. MUNs can be unpredictable, and the ability to think on your feet
and adjust your strategy is crucial.

Remember, the MUN experience is not only about debate but also about
learning, networking, and developing skills that will serve you in future
diplomatic endeavors. Embrace the challenge, and enjoy the journey!