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Department of Government and Justice Studies
RULE S-1 THE SECRETARIAT
The Secretary-General, Under Secretary-General, or member of the Secretariat designated as a valid representative, may, at any time, make oral or written statements to the Security Council concerning questions under consideration by it. The Secretary-General is responsible for overseeing the organization of the Conference and all sessions. During the Conference the Secretary-General will be available to all delegates and Advisors to answer any questions or concerns.
RULE S-2 THE COUNCIL
The Security Council will have up to 15 members; 10 rotational members and 5 permanent, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. The members of the Council will reflect the current members of the United Nations Security Council.
RULE S-3 THE CHAIR
The Chair of the Security Council will be an Appalachian State student. The Chair will preside over all meetings of the Security Council and lead the flow of debate by recognizing speakers and entertaining points and motions.
RULE S-4 POWERS OF THE CHAIR
In addition to exercising the powers which are conferred on this position elsewhere in these Rules, the Chair will declare the opening and closing of each session, will direct the discussion of the Council, recognize the right to speak, ensure the observance of rules, and announce decisions. The Chair will rules on Points of Order, and subject the Rules of the Security Council, have complete control and discretion over the Councils proceedings of any meeting and over the maintenance if order there. During the session the Chair may propose the suspension or adjournment of the Council.
RULE S-5 AUTHORITY OF THE CHAIR
The Chair has discretion, within the Rules, over all proceedings of the Security Council. A representative may appeal the ruling of the Chair when a delegate feels the Chair has made an inappropriate decision.
Motion | Description | Example | Second | Debatable | Vote | Amend |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Motion to Appeal the Chair's Descision | Used when the Council (delegate) feels the decision of the Chair was inappropriate and not within the confines
of the Rules of Procedure.
A delegate may always take the issue to the Secretary-General, or an Advisor. |
Brazil: Motion to suspend the meeting for the purpose of a 30 minute caucus.
Chair: The Chair is going to rule that dilatory, the past 3 motions for a caucus have failed. Brazil: Motion to Appeal the Chair's Decision. Chair: Go ahead, Brazil. Brazil: Brazil and Mexico have just completed a draft resolution which was not taken into consideration for the past three caucuses. We made this motion because we need to type a formal copy and get signatures, we feel this is in order and provided for in the Rules of Procedure. Chair: Very well, that Motion will be in order, delegate. |
YES | NO | 9 | No |
RULE S-6 ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
The Secretary-General of the Model UN will have chosen a provisional agenda before the start of the Session. If the Council fails to adopt an agenda, the Provisional Agenda will be adopted. The Council may chose to adopt the Provisional Agenda in a particular order.
Motion | Description | Example | Second | Debatable | Vote | Amendable |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Motion to Set/Change the Agenda | Used to decide the order in which the Council will discuss the pre-chosen topics. Generally the first motion of the session. | (Mali raises placard)
Chair: Mali, what do you rise? Mali: Motion to set the agenda at Congo, Chechnya, Kashmir. |
Yes | 1 Pro | 9 | No |
RULE S-7 DELETION OF ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
Items on the Agenda, either Provisional or decided upon by the Council, may be deleted.
RULE S-8 ADDITION OF ITEMS TO THE AGENDA
Additional items of important and urgent character may be placed on the agenda if the Security Council so decides.
RULE S-9 DRAFT RESOLUTIONS AND AMENDMENTS
Draft resolutions and amendments, once they have the proper number of signatures (RULE S-11) may be submitted to the Chair for approval and distribution to the Council.
RULE S-10 DRAFT RESOLUTION FORMAT
All draft resolutions must be submitted in the proper draft resolution format (see WRITING RESOLUTIONS). There must be the same number or more operative clauses than perambulatory, and the draft resolution must contain the proper number of signatures (see RULE S-11)
RULE S-11 DRAFT RESOLUTION SIGNATURES
We require that each draft resolution have 5 signatures before it will be approved by the Chair. At least 2 signatures must be Sponsors- delegations who helped author and fully support the content of the draft resolution in full. The remaining signatures, can be either Sponsors or Signatories. Signatories are delegations who wish to see the resolution brought to the floor, but do not necessarily offer their full support or oppose it the draft.
RULE S-12 ORDER OF RESOLUTIONS
If two or more draft resolutions relate to the same question, the Security Council will, unless it decides otherwise, vote on the resolutions the order in which they have been numbered by the Chair. It is urged that the delegates work to eliminate or consolidate any repetitive draft resolutions.
RULE-13 WITHDRAWL OF A DRAFT RESOLUTION
A resolution may be withdrawn by consent of the sponsors at any time before voting on it has commenced, provided that the motion or resolution has not been amended. A draft resolution which has been withdrawn from consideration may be reintroduced if sponsorship is claimed.
RULE S-14 RECONSIDERATION OF A DRAFT RESOLUTION OR AMENDMENT
When a proposed draft resolution has been adopted or rejected, it may not be reconsidered at the same session unless the Security Council so decides. This is considered a substantive matter and subject to RULE S-20.
RULE-15 DIVISION OF PROPOSALS AND AMENDMENTS
A delegate may move that part(s) of a proposal or of an amendment will be voted on separately. If objection is made to the request for division, the motion for division will be voted upon. The delegate is requested to specifically indicate the method of division. If such indication is not made, the Chair will assume that each operative paragraph will be voted upon separately.
Motion | Description | Example | Second | Debatable | Vote | Amend |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Motion to Divide the Question | A motion which can be made during voting procedures. This motion singles out clause(s) to be voted upon in a
separate vote to be conducted before the vote on the draft resolution itself.
If the section is a clause that cannot stand on its own, a passing vote will add it back into the resolution. A failed voted will mean the clause is discarded. If the section has the necessary elements of a resolution, a passed vote will mean it is passed as a resolution and a failed vote will mean it is discarded. |
Chair: Delegates, we are now in voting procedures. Because we are in voting procedures, our guests will have
to leave the room. I'd like to remind the delegates that there is to be no talking during voting procedures
and if you must leave, you will not be readmitted until after the vote has been completed.
Are there any final points or motions? (Bahamas raises placard) Chair: Bahamas, what do you rise? Bahamas: Bahamas motions to divide out clauses A, 1, and 2 from the draft resolution. |
Yes | 1 Pro/1Con | 9 | Yes |
RULE S-16 CLOSURE OF DEBATE (MOTION TO VOTE/PREVIOUS QUESTION)
A representative may at any time move the closure of the debate on the item under discussion, whether or not any other representatives had indicated their wish to speak. If the Security Council is in favor of the closure, the President will declare the closure of debate. The President may limit the time allowed to speakers.
RULE S-17 VOTING
Each member of the Security Council will have one vote.
RULE S-18 VOTING ON PROCEDURAL MATTERS
Decisions of the Security Council on all matters of a procedural nature, unless otherwise indicated by the Chair or Council, will be made my an affirmative vote of 9 members. (No veto)
RULE S-19 VOTING ON SUBSTANTIVE MATTERS
Decisions of the Security Council on all other matters will be made by an affirmative vote of 9 members including the concurring votes of the Permanent members who vote: a party to dispute, including the permanent members, will abstain from voting on resolutions calling for pacific settlement of disputes without sanctions. The abstention of a veto power during a substantive vote will not be treated as a veto and will not kill the draft resolution.
RULE S-20 METHOD OF VOTING
The Security Council typically uses a Placard Vote for procedural matters and a Roll call vote for substantive matters. A placard vote will be tallied by show of placards for "Yes", "No", and if applicable, "Abstain". A Roll Call Vote will be taken in the English alphabetical order of the names of the members. The name of each member will be called in the roll-call and the delegate will rely "yes", "no", and if applicable, "abstain".
Motion |
Description |
Example |
Second |
Debatable |
Vote |
Amend |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Motion for Roll Call/Placard Vote |
This motion may be made during voting procedures, immediately before the vote takes place. If passed the vote will be taken by placard or roll call. |
Chair: Delegates, we are now in voting procedures. Because we are in voting procedures, our guests will have to leave the room. I'd like to remind the delegates that there is to be no talking during voting procedures and if you must leave, you will not be readmitted until after the vote has been completed. Are there any final points or motions? (Paraguay raises placard) Chair: Paraguay, what do you rise? Paraguay: Motion to take the vote by roll call. |
Yes |
No |
9 |
No |
RULE S-21 VOTING PROCEDURE CONDUCT
After the Chair has announced the commencement of voting procedures, all guests will be asked to leave the room.During this time delegates are asked to refrain from talking. There will be no admittance to the Council during Voting Procedures, and if a delegate must leave, there are to understand that they will not be readmitted to the Council until the vote has been announced and the voting procedures have ended.
RULE S-22 VOTING WITH RIGHTS
If a delegation votes in a way which is contrary to expected, or traditional voting stance, they may answer "Yes/No/Abstained with Rights" and submit the request in writing to the chair. After the vote is completed, and the request is approved by the Chair, the Chair will recognize, in order the delegations who wish to speak. The Chair reserves the right to limit the time allotted for the speaker.
RULE S-23 RIGHT OF REPLY
The Chair may, at their own discretion, accord the right of reply to any member if a speech delivered by another representative makes this desirable. He may limit time accorded for the reply. It will be the policy of the President to accord the right of reply when preceding speech has contained extraordinary comment bearing directly on the national or personal dignity of the delegate concerned. The right of reply will not be debated or put to the vote.
RULE S-24 SPEECHES
The Chair will call upon representatives in the order in which they signify their desire to speak.
RULE S-25 Speakers List
The Council may at anytime open or close a speakers list on a specific topic, resolution, or amendment.The Speakers list will be maintained by the Chair, and will include all delegations who wish to speak before the council. A delegate may be added to a speakers list by raising their placard when prompted by the Chair, or at any time by submitting a written note to the Chair. A speakers list on a draft resolution or amendment will be made in the "FOR", "TO", and "AGAINST" format. Those wishing to speak will signify how they wish to address the draft or amendment.
Motion |
Description |
Example |
Second |
Debatable |
Vote |
Amend |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Motion to Open Speakers List |
Used to open a list of speakers to address the relevant agenda, topic, or draft resolution. If the motion passes, delegates may be put on the speakers list by raising their placard or passing a note to the Chair. |
(France raises placard) Chair: France, what do you rise? France: Motion to open a general Speakers List on the topic of the Congo. |
Yes |
No |
9 |
No |
Motion to Close the Speakers List |
If passed, this motion prevents any more speakers from being added to the current speakers list.Those who are already on the speakers still maintain the right to speak. |
(Brazil raises placard) Chair: Brazil, what do you rise? Brazil: Motion to close the speakers list on Draft Resolution OC-1. |
Yes |
1 Pro/ 1Con |
9 |
No |
Motion to Reopen Speakers List |
Used to reopen a speakers list which has been closed, but is still relevant to the topic on the floor. If passed, this would allow more speakers to be added. |
(Afghanistan raises placard) Chair: Afghanistan, what do you rise? Afghanistan: Motion to reopen the speakers list on Draft Resolution C-12. |
Yes |
1 Pro/ 1 Con |
9 |
No |
RULE S-26 YIELDING TIME
When a speaker takes the floor it is often for a designated amount of time.The speaker, when they have finished their speech and if they have time left over, may yield the remainder of their time to the Floor, for questions, or to the Chair, forfeiting the remainder of the time which will not allow them to answer any questions.
RULE S-27 POINTS OF ORDER
If a representative raises a point of order, the Chair will immediately state a ruling in accordance with the Rules of Procedure of the Security Council. If the President's ruling is challenged, the Chair will submit the ruling to the Security Council for immediate decision and it will stand unless overruled. This will be considered a procedural matter and subject to Rule S-19 of these rules. A representative rising to the point of order may not speak on the substance of the matter under discussion. This is the only Point which may interrupt a speaker.
Motion |
Description |
Example |
Second |
Debatable |
Vote |
Amend |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Point of Order |
Used when a Chair or Delegate has misused the Rules of Procedure. This is the only point or motion which may interrupt a speaker. |
China: China moves that we skip all speakers and go directly to our place on the speaker's list Chair: Ok. Delegate: Point of Order! Chair: Excuse me China, delegate, what is your point of Order? Delegate: The motion made by the Honorable Delegate from China is not in the Rules. |
No |
No |
CHAIR |
No |
RULE S-28 MOTIONS
All motions will be made by the raising of a placard and the recognition of the Chair. Only one motion will be entertained at a time. All motions will be subject to the Rules of Procedure and the discretion of the Chair.
RULE S-29 UNMODERATED CAUCUS
The council may decided to suspend the rules for a stated amount of time for the purpose of an unmoderated caucus. During this time the delegates are free from formal procedure and may talk with the chair or other delegates freely. At this time the delegates may leave the room, but it is advised that the delegates not leave the areas designated to them by their advisors.
Motion |
Description |
Example |
Second |
Debatable |
Vote |
Amend |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Motion for an Unmoderated Caucus |
If this motion is appropriate and passes the Council will briefly recess to provide for informal discussion among the Council. |
(Norway raises placard) Chair: Norway, what do you rise? Norway: Motion for a 10 minute unmoderated caucus for the purpose of informal discussion on draft resolutions. Chair: Thank you, delegate, that is in order. |
Yes |
No |
9 |
No |
RULE S-30 DILATORY, ABSURD OR FRIVOLOUS ACTS
If the Chair has ruled a member out of order for being dilatory, absurd or frivolous, that member may appeal the decision of the chair. If the appeal is upheld, that member will be considered in order. If the appeal is denied, that member is out of order and for the remainder of the question under consideration is denied all privileges to address the body or to move any motions. That member will be allowed the right to vote and to explain their vote on the question under consideration. After a new question is considered, the member will be accorded their full rights and privileges. This rule will be used only at the discretion of the Presiding Officer. The ruling of a motion as dilatory, absurd or frivolous does not constitute ruling that a member is dilatory, absurd or frivolous.
RULE S-31 ADJOURNMENT
A member may move to recess the body to a specific time if there is no speaker on the floor. If there is a second, the body will proceed immediately to a vote. The Chair may rule the motion to recess out of order if he deems it in the best interest of the conference to do so.
***NOTE*** At any time if a delegate has a question or concern regarding the rules, he or she may feel free to ask the Chair through a Point of Inquiry (directed to the Chair), or informally by passing a note, or asking during a caucus. The delegate may also make use of their advisors, as well as our faculty advisor, Dr. Scherlen, or the student Secretary-General of the conference.
Point / Motion |
Second |
Debatable |
Vote Required |
Amend |
---|---|---|---|---|
Point of Order |
No |
No |
CHAIR |
No |
Point of Information |
No |
No |
CHAIR |
No |
Point of Personal Privilege |
No |
No |
CHAIR |
No |
Main Motions/ Amendments |
Yes |
Yes |
9 |
Yes |
Motion to Set/Change the Agenda |
Yes |
1 Pro |
9 |
No |
Motion to Open Speakers List |
Yes |
No |
9 |
No |
Motion to Close the Speakers List |
Yes |
1 Pro/ 1Con |
9 |
No |
Motion to Reopen Speakers List |
Yes |
1 Pro/ 1 Con |
9 |
No |
Motion to set/change the Speakers Time |
Yes |
1 Pro/ 1 Con |
9 |
Yes |
Motion for an Unmoderated Caucus |
Yes |
No |
9 |
No |
Motion for a Moderated Caucus |
Yes |
1 Pro/ 1 Con |
9 |
No |
Withdraw Motion |
No |
No |
CHAIR |
No |
Motion to Table Draft Resolution/Topic |
Yes |
1 Pro/ 1 Con |
9 |
No |
Motion to Take from Table |
Yes |
No |
9 |
No |
Friendly Amendment |
No |
No |
Consent of Sponsors |
No |
Unfriendly Amendment |
# of signatures. |
No |
Signatures |
No |
Motion to Vote/Close Debate/Previous Question |
Yes |
1 Pro/ 1 Con |
9 |
Yes |
Motion for Roll Call/Placard Vote |
Yes |
No |
9 |
No |
Motion to Divide the Question |
Yes |
1 Pro/1Con |
9 |
Yes |
Motion to Adjourn |
Yes |
No |
9 |
No |
Motion | Second | Debatable | Interrupt Speaker | Amendment | Vote Req. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Adjourn | Yes | No | No | No | 1/2 |
Recess
Time must be stated |
Yes | No | No | Yes | 1/2 |
Point of Personal Privilege | No | No | Yes | No | Chair |
Point of Order | No | No | Yes | No | Chair |
Appeal of Chair | Yes | 1 Pro 1 Con | Yes | No | 2/3 |
Suspend Rules | Yes | No | No | No | 2/3 |
Roll Call Request | Yes (5) | No | No | No | Chair |
Point of Information | No | No | No | No | Chair |
Withdraw Motion | No | No | No | No | Maker of Motion |
Change of Agenda | Yes 10 in G.A. | 1 Pro 1 Con | No | No | 2/3 |
Table | Yes | 1 Pro 1Con | No | No | 2/3 |
Closure of Debate | Yes | 1 Pro 1 Con | No | Yes | 2/3 |
Limit/Extend Debate and Division of Question | Yes | 1 Pro 1 Con | No | Yes | 1/2 |
Right of Reply and Explanation of Vote | No | No | No | No | Chair |
Friendly Amendment | Consent of maker & co-sponsor of main motion | ||||
Take from Table | Yes | No | No | No | 2/3 |
Reconsider (initiated by majority) | Yes | 1 Pro
1 Con |
No | No | 2/3 |
Main Motion/ Amendments | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | 1/2 |
The rules used during this conference will take the following precedence:
(i.e., Robert's rules of Order, Revised)
Department of Government and Justice Studies