BLUE BELLS MODEL

UNITED NATIONS
CONFERENCE

Blue Bells for Social

Harmony and Justice
 RULES OF PROCEDURE
(PLEASE NOTE THAT UNCONVENTIONAL COMMITTEES WILL BE FOLLOWING
DIFFERENT RULES OF PROCEDURE WHICH WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THEIR
RESPECTIVE MICROSITE)

Roll Call

Setting the Agenda

Debate

Formal Debate Informal Debate- Caucusing

General Speaker’s List Moderated Caucus

Provisional Speaker’s List Un-moderated Caucus

Working Papers / Draft

End of List-Once the speakers list has Resolutions
Been exhausted, the committee will
automatically move to immediate voting
procedures. Closure ofDebate

Roll call

Every committee session starts with the roll call, without which quorum cannot be established No
debate can ensue without Quorum being established. A delegate may change his/her roll call in the
next session the roll call takes place.

For example, if the Delegate had answered in Present in the first session he can answer in a present
and voting in the next session when the roll call takes place.

During the roll call, the country names are called out in alphabetic order and the delegate can
answer by saying either Present or Present and Voting.
1. Present - A Delegate can vote in Yes, No or Abstain for a Draft Resolution when s/he answers
the Roll Call with Present.

2. Present and Voting - A Delegate is bound to vote decisively, i.e., in a Yes or No only if s/he
has answered the Roll Call with a Present and Voting. A Delegate cannot abstain in this case.

3. Abstention: When a Delegate is in doubt, or if his/her country supports a few points in the
resolution and is against the other points, a Delegate may abstain. Abstention can also be used
in case the Delegate believes that the passing of the resolution will not as such harm the world,
even though it might not be highly specific or exemplary.

An Abstention counts as neither Yes, nor No, and his/her vote is not counted during the total
tally of votes. This makes Abstention a commonly used policy in the real United Nations, so as
to not obstruct the passing of resolutions and still not compromising on foreign policy; this is
the middle way out and in no way counts against a Delegate while being marked for the awards.

Quorum

Quorum (also known as the minimum number of members of a committee required for the
committee proceedings to commence) for the Conference, is set at one-third of the members of the
committee present. A quorum will be assumed to be established, unless a Delegate’s presence is
specifically challenged and shown to be absent during the roll call. In case quorum fails, committee
session will be suspended at the discretion of the Executive Board. In the Security Council, the
quorum is 9 members present with the compulsory presence of the five veto members, unless
otherwise established by the Executive Board.
Debate in a model united nations conference

Debate is of two types:

1. Formal Debate
1.a. General Speakers’ List
1.b. Provisional Speakers’ List
2. Informal Debate
2.a. Moderated Caucus
2.b. Unmoderated Caucus
POINTS AND MOTIONS
The flow of debate is in the hands of the Delegates and moderated by the Executive Board
with mechanisms called Points and Motions, which are central to the democratic nature of the
Committee.

Points are individualistic, and are used in regards to a certain Delegate. Motions are liable to
voting, and are used to shift from one form of debate to another, or to introduce changes in
the scope of debate from time to time. If a motion passes, then the entire committee is bound
to that specific form of debate for that period of time. Motions are also used to temporarily or
permanently end debate.

Points (In the order of Disruption)

Point of Personal Privilege - A Delegate may rise to a Point of Personal Privilege whenever
s/he experiences any inconvenience, which could affect his/her involvement in the
proceedings, so that the discomfort may be mitigated or prevented. This Point may interrupt a
speaker and thus, should be used with the utmost discretion so as not to disturb others’
debate.

Point of Order – A Point of Order is used to point out factual or a procedural error. The final
decision regarding a Point of Order rests with the Executive Board. A Point of Order can
interrupt the speaker if permitted by the Executive Board. The specifics of this should be
verified at the beginning of the committee by the Delegate. It can also be raised against the
Executive Board in case they violate their own Rules of Procedure without prior intimation to
the committee, in case this hampers debate or is unfair to one or more Delegates in the
committee.

Point of (Parliamentary) Inquiry – When the floor is open, a delegate may rise to a Point of
Parliamentary Inquiry to ask the Chair a question regarding the rules of procedure. This
however, should never interrupt a speaker.

Point of information (A Question to another delegate about the Agenda) – A delegate may
ask a question to another delegate on the agenda topic of discussion through the executive
board when the speaker has yielded the floor to Points of Information. This also should never
interrupt a speaker.
GENERAL SPEAKER’S LIST (GSL)
“The Delegate of wishes to raise a motion to open the General Speakers’

Default time per speaker in a GSL is 90 seconds. A motion can be raised to change the
Speaker's Time (to increase or reduce the speaker's time):

"The Delegate of ____________ wishes to raise a motion to change the default speaker's
Time for the General Speakers’ List from 90 seconds to Proposed Time (in seconds)."

NOTE: Individual speaker time in a GSL can be anywhere within the range of 60-120
seconds, and a multiple of 30 seconds. This motion is only in order can be changed only
before the first speaker in the GSL Speaks.

List”
 After the agenda for the session has been established, a motion is raised to open the GSL.
All forms of debate during the conference are carried out within the GSL, and this list is
open throughout the duration of the discussion on that agenda. A new GSL is established
for each agenda.
 To speak in the GSL a delegate must intimate the Executive Board, by raising his/her
placard when the Executive asks for Delegates wishing to speak in the GSL. The
countries’ names will be noted in the order in which they will be making their speeches.
 After their GSL speech, a Delegate has the option to Yield his/her time to a specific
Delegate, Points of Information (questions) or to the Executive Board.

YIELDS
On conclusion of any speech in the GSL, a Delegate can choose to Yield in any one of the
following ways:

 Yield to another Delegate: In case a Delegate has some time left to speak, and does not
wish to utilize it, then s/he may choose to yield the remaining time to another Delegate.
This must be done with the prior consent of the other delegate (taken either through chit
or in person). The Delegate who has been yielded the other’s time may use it to make a
substantive speech, but cannot further yield the time.
 Yield to Points of Information: A Delegate may also choose to yield to Points of
Information. The Executive Board will recognize a certain number of Delegates wishing
to ask questions regarding the agenda or the speech made by the Delegate. It is up to the
Delegate to answer the question. Ways of refusal include replying via chit at a later time
or discussing the topic during an unmoderated caucus.
 Yield to the Chair: Should a Delegate yield to the Chair, any leftover time is considered
null and the Executive Board will move on to the next speaker in the GSL. Some
 Executive Boards may also request the Delegate to answer substantive questions from
them in case necessary for debate. This usually happens when a country’s stance is crucial
to resolution of the problems.

PROVISIONAL/SPECIAL SPEAKER’S LIST (PSL or SSL)

“The Delegate of wishes to raise a motion to open a Provisional
Speakers’ List”

A PSL is usually established only for Procedural Motions, such as Motion to Change the Order
of the Agenda or Motion to Table Debate. Speakers are recognized by the Executive Board to
speak for and against (alternately) on the motion at hand. The Executive Board decides the
number of speakers for and against, and specifies the individual speaker’s time.

A PSL is started in two circumstances:

A debatable motion – In a debatable motion, before the Executive Board

moves for the final vote, it’ll ask for certain no. of speakers for and against the
topic.

Special Procedure – When a controversial issue is raised and the Committee

feels that it cannot be solved through the GSL or Moderated Caucuses, it sets up
a PSL, which will work like the GSL but with a Provisional Agenda. E.g. A crisis
situation. However, one does not usually encounter this format in MUNs unless
it is a decisive committee, such as the Security Council.
 During the Provisional Speakers’ List speech, a Delegate attempts to convince fellow
Delegates whether to support or not support a motion, citing reasons and arguments why.
These reasons might be based in foreign policy, or even the scope of debate.

MODERATED CAUCUS
“The Delegate of Country would like to suspend debate and raise a motion for a
moderated caucus on the Topic, for the time period of Total Time and each speaker
speaking for Time Period (in seconds)"

The delegate proposing the motion must state its purpose and specify a time limit for the
moderated caucus as well as the speaking time per delegate.

Example – “The Delegate of Iran wishes to suspend formal debate and enter into a Moderated
Caucus on the topic ‘Sources of funding for Terrorist Organizations’, for a total time of 20
minutes, with each speaker speaking for 60 seconds.” (If the Agenda is Terrorism, then Sub-
topics can be Causes, Regional Terrorism, Solutions, etc.)
 Characterization of Debate through Moderated Caucus
Moderated Caucuses are meant to have specific topics of discussion so that one
can narrow down and try to address one sub-topic at a time. Sub-topics can be
derived from the main agenda either by common themes/issues, region, legal
regime and political debate.

It is generally advisable to keep documenting the suggestions being made so as

to make a more comprehensive Resolution in the Committee.

 This motion needs a simple majority vote (50%+1) in order for it to pass.

 However, the Executive may rule such a motion out of order if it is not worded properly
or in case it is out of the scope of the agenda.

 As the agendas can be quite multilayered, Delegates are urged to use moderated caucuses
to focus debate and discussion on parts of the main agenda so that it can be broken down
and resolved.

 A moderated caucus is presided over by the Executive Board, and Delegates wishing to
speak must raise their placards when asked, so that they may be recognized immediately
after the previous speaker.

 A Delegate can be recognized multiple times in a moderated caucus, but not immediately
after they have just spoken.

 The difference between a GSL and a Moderated Caucus Speech is that there is no
provision for Yields, thus, all the questions, answers and arguments have to be fit into the
time slot you are given for the speech.

 Another motion is for the extension of a moderated caucus. It may be called for if any
delegate wishes to further discuss the issue at hand. This motion is then put to vote and
requires a simple majority to pass.
 Reasons to propose an Unmoderated Caucus

• If the committee feels that certain clarifications need to be made regarding

the agenda which formal debate is not permitting, or the delegates wish to
giving a certain direction to debate with consensus.

• To start working on the Draft Resolution and to prepare official committee

documentation. Lobbying is required to persuade countries to join a bloc, and
it forms an integral part of being a Negotiator.

UN-MODERATED CAUCUS

“The Delegate of Country would like to suspend debate and move into an Un-moderated
Caucus for a Total Time of minutes”.

 Only the total time needs to be specified when raising this motion. When it is put to vote,
it requires a simple majority to pass.

 An un-moderated caucus will mean that Delegates can informally interact with their co-
Delegates without moderation by the Executive Board. They can utilize this time to
discuss pertinent issues within their blocs, or it can be used to frame draft resolutions,
working papers or amendments, depending upon the stage the committee is at.
Motion to Table Debate
During the discussion of any matter, the committee may consider a motion to table debate
on the item under discussion at the recommendation of the Chair or any Delegate. If the
motion is seconded, two representatives may speak in favour of, and two against the motion.
Then, the motion shall immediately be put to a vote. A two-thirds majority (substantive
majority) is required for passage.

If a motion to table debate is passed, the topic is considered tabled and no further actions or
votes will be taken on it. A topic may be reintroduced to the committee so that debate can
resume through the same process. The motion to resume debate on a tabled topic shall also
require a two-thirds majority for passage.

Closure of Debate
A delegate may at any time move for the closure of debate on the item under discussion, after
which debate will end and all draft resolutions and amendments will be put to an immediate
vote. Permission to speak on the closure of debate shall be accorded only to two speakers
opposing the closure, after which the motion shall be immediately put to a vote. This motion
requires a two-thirds majority decision. Upon passage of this motion the Executive Board
shall declare the closure of debate and immediately move into voting procedure on the
substantive proposals introduced and pending before the committee (these may be
amendments or draft resolutions). The committee shall also close debate by default, and move
into voting procedure when the speakers list has been exhausted.

Adjournment of the Meeting

During the discussion of any matter, a delegate may move for the adjournment of the
meeting. Such a motion shall not be debated but shall be immediately put to a vote. After
adjournment, the committee shall reconvene at its next regularly scheduled meeting time;
adjournment of the final meeting shall adjourn the session.
 Special Motions

Right to Reply
The Chair may recognize the Right to Reply only in instances of a grave personal insult.
Rights of Reply must be submitted in writing to the Chair as a first step, and may only be
granted after a speech is completed. The Chair shall inform the Secretariat of the
circumstances surrounding the Right of Reply. No ruling on this matter is subject to
appeal.

Appeal to the Chair’s Decision

An appeal is made when a delegate feels that a member of the Executive Board has
made an incorrect ruling. The Delegate formally challenges the said member in writing by
sending a note to the dais, moving to appeal the Chair's decision. The appeal will be taken to
the Secretariat, who will decide if the appeal shall be considered or not. Once the motion is
acknowledged, the Advisors will hear from both the Delegate and the Chair before taking a
decision.

Committee Debate - Multiple

Moderated Caucuses and GSL

Formation of Working Papers and

their discussion

Resolution Process

Mergers and clarifications, formation of

Draft Resolutions

Verification by EB, Amendment Procedure

Voting Process
WORKING PAPER
A Working Paper may be introduced on the floor at any point of time after viable solutions
have emerged. This document is a rough draft of the solutions that the committee members
wish to recommend for the agenda at hand. It has no format as such. More than one
Working Paper can be made in a committee. A working paper has only signatories, not
sponsors.

Discussion of the Working Papers is done through a Moderated Caucus. Working Papers
should ideally be merged, so that all the ideas that the various members of the committee
have can be consolidated into a Draft Resolution. However, the same is not advised in case
the reasons for differences arise out of foreign policy concerns. After discussion of the
Working paper, an Un-moderated Caucus can ensue to finalize the merger and/or edit the
Draft Resolution.

TIP FOR WORKING PAPERS

A Working paper in Draft Resolution Format minus the
Roman numbering, or the clauses, can help the delegates
format the working paper into a draft resolution at a later
point of time.

Draft resolution
A draft resolution may be introduced when it has the required number of signatories and the
approval of the Executive Board. A Draft Resolution requires 20% of support from the
committee to be introduced. The respective Executive Board shall intimate the maximum
number of Sponsors to the Council.

What are Sponsors and Signatories?

SPONSORS: Countries having read ALL the points of the draft resolution, agreeing to it
completely. Sponsors have to vote a YES to the draft resolution when it goes to voting. They
cannot vote a ‘no’ or ‘abstain’ from voting.

SIGNATORIES: All countries that wish to merely hear the draft resolution being discussed.
They have no obligation regarding voting, they can vote yes, no or abstain as they wish and
according to their roll call.
Structure of the draft resolution

Pre-Ambulatory Clauses

The preamble of a draft resolution states the reasons for which the committee is
addressing the topic and highlights past international action on the issue. Each clause
begins with a present participle (called a preambulatory phrase) and ends with a comma.
Preambulatory clauses can include:

 References to the UN Charter;

 Citations of past UN resolutions or treaties on the topic under discussion;

 Mentions of statements made by the Secretary-General or a relevant UN body or agency;

 Recognition of the efforts of regional or nongovernmental organizations in dealing with

the issue; and

 General statements on the topic, its significance and its impact.

Operative Clauses
Operative clauses offer solutions to issues addressed earlier in the preamble of a resolution.
These clauses are action oriented and should include both an underlined verb at the beginning
of your sentence followed by the proposed solution. Each clause should follow the following
principals:

 Clause should be numbered as 1,2,3, etc.;

 Each clause should support one another and continue to build your solution, try to place
solutions to one aspect together rather than having them spread out in the draft;

 Add details to your clauses as sub-points, in order to have a complete solution that is self-
explanatory, comprehensive, and that can be implemented by a country without
interpretation;

 Operative clauses end with a semicolon, with the exception of your last operative clause
that should end with a full stop.
 Resolution Writing
Before it is passed by the committee, a Resolution is referred to as a Draft Resolution. Draft
Resolutions should ideally deal with ideas and opinions presented in working papers and
existing resolutions, as well as new ideas and innovations. It is important that a final
resolution has to present a well thought out, feasible solution that will solve the crisis at
hand either through short-term or long-term measures. Every Delegate’s or Bloc’s Draft
Resolution should present the same logical flow that will be present in the final resolution.

A Delegate, having formed alliances with other Delegates, is expected to adhere to such
alliances or groups (called blocs) based on similar ideology. But it is important to note that
flouting international laws and/or going against one’s foreign policy while drafting the
Resolution can easily result in a Delegate being marked down by the Executive Board and
might also invite criticism from fellow Delegates. However, forming “strategic alliances” and
making relevant policy changes, which in effect will benefit their respective countries in a
manner that’s also conducive to the working of the council, will be considered crucial for the
entire resolution making process, and be appreciated by the Executive Board.

Time and again it has been noticed that Delegates come up with the formation of new
committees/sub commissions in the Draft Resolution as a means to facilitate the consensus
building process. It is not discouraged. However, it is important for the Delegates to clearly
define the mandate, structure, functioning and funding of the commission/committee
suggested to be formed, also to be taken into account is proper research regarding such
committees, which in most cases, exist already. This clearly will be a lot time consuming and
thus, Delegates have to make an informed choice.

Amendment procedure (in the order of disruption)

Approved draft resolutions are modified through amendments. An amendment is a written
statement that adds, deletes or revises an operative clause in a draft resolution. The
amendment process is used to strengthen consensus on a resolution by allowing delegates to
change certain sections. There are two types of amendments according to the support from
the author(s) or sponsor(s) of the Draft Resolution:
1. A friendly amendment is a change to the Draft Resolution that all sponsors agree with.
After the amendment is signed by all of the draft
Ultimately, resolutions passed by a
resolution's sponsors and approved by the
committee represent a great deal of
Committee Director or Vice Chairperson; it will be
debate and compromise. They are the
automatically incorporated into the resolution.
tangible results of hours if not days of
2. An unfriendly amendment is a change that one or Model UN debate. As a result, it is
more sponsors of the Draft Resolution do not important to become familiar with
support and must be voted upon by the committee. the resolution process and practice
The author(s) of the amendment will need to drafting resolutions using the proper
obtain a required number of signatories in order to structure and wording. A misplaced
introduce it (usually 20% of the committee). Prior comma, or even a full stop in
to voting on the draft resolution, the committee between, can change the entire
votes on all unfriendly amendments. nature of the Draft Resolution.
There are three types of amendments according to the kind of change it proposes to the
Draft Resolution:

1. Addition Amendment: This is to add a clause to the proposed Draft Resolution. The
clause, if added, becomes the last point of the original resolution.

2. Deletion Amendment: This amendment is to remove/delete a clause from the

Original Resolution.
 3. Modification Amendment: This is to allow for changes of any kind in the Original
Clauses. In this, the complete original clause has to be written first, followed by the
fully amended Clause.

NOTE: All Unfriendly Amendments will be voted upon, and need a 2/3rd majority to
pass. All Friendly Amendments are passed automatically.

DRAFT RESOLUTION AND VOTING

Each country will have one vote. Delegates, depending on whether they have said
Present/Present and voting in their roll call, can vote either “Yes”, “No”, “Abstain”, or
“Pass”.

 A Draft Resolution needs three things before it can be introduced to the floor.

First, it needs the signatures (but not approval) of at least 1/5th of the total members.
Being a signatory in no way necessitates implicit approval for the resolution. Being a
signatory merely implies that the Representative feels that the resolution should be
introduced to formal debate.

Secondly, a resolution needs to present a logical, simple and above all feasible solution to
the situation at hand. Working papers may contain the most imaginative and creative
ideas, but in a resolution these ideas have to stand up against the real world. If the
Executive Board feels that the solutions presented in the resolution are improbable, s/he
will not approve the same to be introduced in committee. The Draft Resolution has to be
coherent and consistent. What this means is that when you set the intent in the
preambulatory clauses, the operative clauses should address those problems and not
deviate.

Thirdly, a resolution needs authors, who will actually be sponsors (although they are
not officially recognized as such), and who are willing to amend and emend the
resolution until it suits the majority, without compromising the meaning, or diluting
the essence of the solutions or original premises of the resolution. The amendment has
 to be presented in resolution format, and along with it a short note specifying which parts
of the resolution need to be amended should be added.

 There is only one final resolution. If a resolution passes, all other competing resolutions
will have failed automatically. In case multiple resolutions address different parts of
the issue, and none of their solutions clash in implementation, then multiple
resolutions can be passed as well.

 Voting proceeds in three rounds – in the first of which voting rights can be asked for.
Rights are explanations generally permitted only to sponsors who wish to say no to their
own drafts. If the Representative wishes to change his/her vote in the second round,
his/her rights are null and void. The first two rounds proceed in alphabetical order by roll
call and the last by show of placards. However, the method of the Voting process is up
to the Executive Board of each committee.

 “The Delegate of Country wishes to Close debate and move into the voting procedure."
To close debate on an agenda and move into voting process. No further discussion takes
place until a vote has been conducted for the draft resolutions.
Sample Resolution
Resolution GA/3/1.1

General Assembly Third Committee

Sponsors: United States, Austria and Italy

Signatories: Greece, Tajikistan, Japan, Canada, Mali, the Netherlands and Gabon
Agenda: "Strengthening UN coordination of humanitarian assistance in complex
emergencies”

The General Assembly,

Reminding all nations of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights, which recognizes the inherent dignity, equality and inalienable rights of all
global citizens, [use commas to separate preambulatory clauses]

Reaffirming its Resolution 33/1996 of 25 July 1996, which encourages Governments to work
with UN bodies aimed at improving the coordination and effectiveness of humanitarian
assistance,

Noting with satisfaction the past efforts of various relevant UN bodies and nongovernmental
organizations,

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. Calls upon states to respond quickly and generously to consolidated appeals for
humanitarian assistance; and;
Requests the expansion of preventive actions and assurance of post-conflict assistance through
reconstruction and development. [Last clause to end with full-stop]

Division of question
• There exists a motion for Division of Question,
wherein the entire Draft Resolution is divided into
parts and each part is voted upon one by one.

• In order for this motion to be passed, it requires a

2/3rd majority. After the motion is raised, the
Executive Board might ask for Seconds. S/he may also
open a Provisional Speakers’ List for the motion.

• Once passed, the entire resolution is divided into as

many parts as the committee requires.

• Once the parts are made, voting is done for each part
takes place one by one. All the parts passed by the
committee form the Final Resolution, whereas the
Failed parts form the Annexure to the
Final Resolution.

CRISIS
A Crisis Situation is introduced in all committees
separately on one of the days. It is basically a hypothetical
situation given to the Committee to test the delegates on
their preparedness. It also tests their ability to behave like
actual Diplomats and showcase their diplomatic skills, by
utilizing general and specialized research, and the rationale
and logic they possess. Their task is to then solve the crisis
issue presented to them as quickly and efficiently as
possible, so as to resume normal debate on the agendas.