Rules & Procedures

Rules for Security Council

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.

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.

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.

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”.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Table of Motions for Security Council

Rules for GA Committees

1. Scope
   These rules are self-sufficient and will be considered adopted ahead of the first session. No other rules of procedure are applicable. Presiding Officers will interpret the legality of proposals in accordance with the United Nations Charter unless otherwise specified. This body is competent to deal with the various proposals set forth before it for consideration. When these rules of procedure do not specify, the official U.N. rules apply. However, these rules of procedure supersede the U.N. rules in all cases.
2. Delegations & Credentials
   The delegations to the United Nations will consist of all delegates and delegation chairpersons properly registered with the Secretary-General. The credentials of all members, having been submitted to the Secretary General in advance of the first session will be considered approved. Any action relating to the modification of rights, privileges or credentials of any member must be initiated and implemented through the Secretary General.
3. Language
   English will be the official and working language of the Appalachian Model United Nations.
4. Statements by the Secretary-General
   The Secretary-General or official representative may, at any time, address the members of the United Nations.
5. Duties of the Presiding Officer
   The presiding Officer of the various meetings will:
   • Declare the opening and closing of each session
   • Direct discussion and control the opening and closing of speaker’s lists
   • Insure observance of the rules of procedure
   • Accord the privilege of addressing the session
   • Limit the time to speak as needed
   • Put and announce questions
   • Rule on points of order
   • Maintain, subject to the rules, order in each session
   • Limit the number of times a delegate may speak
   • Propose a recess or adjournment of debate
   • Suspend the rules if a specific need arises
   • Establish the agenda
6. Participation of Nonmembers
   A representative of a State or organization which is not a member or an accredited observer may address a
   Committee or the plenary only after approval has been obtained from the Secretariat and the Members.
7. Quorums
   In the General Assembly the presence of a majority of all the members will constitute a quorum. In the various other organs of the United Nations, the presence of one-third (1/3) of the members will be sufficient to proceed to the business at hand; however, the presence of a majority is needed to vote on main motions or amendments.
8. Voting
   • Each member of the United Nations will have one vote.
   • If a majority is needed to support or pass a motion, more than one-half of the members present and voting will be sufficient.
   • If two-thirds majority is needed to support or pass a motion, more than two-thirds of the members present and voting will be sufficient.
   • “Members Present and Voting” will be defined as those members who cast either an affirmative or negative vote. Members who abstain from voting will not be considered in determining the number of votes necessary for a motion’s passage.
   • With exception of the role call method of voting, all other methods of voting which result in a tie vote will be immediately retaken by roll call vote. The roll call vote will then be considered the proper and final vote. Motions which finally result in a tie will be considered to have failed.
   • The voting process will begin with the Presiding Officer stating exactly the motion being voted on.
   • Clarifications will be made at this time if necessary.
   • No member will arise to any point during the voting process except a point of order which must unambiguously relate to the voting process.
9. Important Questions
   In the plenary Session of the General Assembly, a two-thirds vote of those members present and voting will be
   necessary for the passage of motions which relate to:
   • Recommendations with respect to the maintenance of international peace and security.
   • the admission of new members.
   • the suspension of rights and privileges of membership.
   • the expulsion of members.
   • the operating budget of the trusteeship system.
   • budgetary questions.
   • *Unless specified otherwise, all motions will be decided by a majority vote.
10. The Agenda
    The agenda in each session of the General Assembly and for the various organs of the U.N. will be determined by the Secretary-General or his representative prior to the session. Additional topics and the order of the topic will require a majority vote.
11. Changes in the Agenda
    Motions to change the agenda will require a two-thirds vote in both the General Assembly and in the other organs of the United Nations. In the General-Assembly only, the motion to change the agenda must be immediately seconded by ten (10) nations. (In all cases, the motion must be unambiguously clear as to the change(s) involved.) There will be one speaker for and one speaker against the motion, after which the motion will be put immediately to a vote.
12. Speakers and Speeches
    No member will address any session of the United Nations without the consent of the presiding officer. Members may indicate their desire to speak by raising their placards, or by being placed on the speaker’s list (refer to # 13). When given permission to speak, the member must speak to the issue at hand. Irrelevant speeches will be ruled out of order. The presiding officer may any time limit the time allowed to each member for speaking taking care that equal time must be given to each pair of affirmative and negative speakers. If not designated by the Presiding Officer the maximum speaking time will be eight minutes. A speaker may yield any amount of their remaining time to another member.
13. Speakers’ List
    The Speakers’ list on any resolution or amendment will be opened by the Presiding Officer at the beginning of the motion’s consideration. To be placed on the speakers’ list the member should inform the Presiding Officer of their desire to speak by submitting in writing indicating whether the member wishes to speak for or against the motion under discussion. It should be noted that requests to be placed on the Speakers’ list should be submitted only for the discussion at hand, not for some future question. The Presiding Officer will then proceed, alternating between affirmative and negative speeches. The speakers’ list may be closed by the Presiding Officer or by a simple majority of those present and voting. Motions to close the speaker’s list must be seconded.
14. Resolution Co-sponsorship
    All substantive resolutions in a committee will require five (5) co-sponsors. The Chair will be informed of such co-sponsorship at the time the written motion is submitted.
15. Written Motions and Seconding
    The Presiding Officer may at any time require that all motions be submitted in writing before they will be acknowledged on the floor. Any motion on the floor must be seconded before it will be considered. Note that although a motion may be submitted in writing to the Presiding Officer, this in itself does not constitute the proper motion. The motion must be moved from the floor in order for it to be considered. The chair may permit discussion to proceed or procedural motions considered while waiting for circulation of a motion.
16. Point of Order
    At any time during the session of the United Nations, a member may rise to a point of order after which the Presiding Officer will immediately determine its merit and rule accordingly. The point of order will be properly moved when it relates only to a violation of procedure. The Presiding Officer’s ruling may be appealed only if the ruling is based on the arbitrary judgement of the Presiding Officer.
17. Point of Inquiry
    At any time, except when another member has the floor, a member may rise to a point of inquiry concerning the proper method of procedure after which the Presiding Officer will answer the inquiry in accordance with the Rules of Procedure.
18. Point of Information
    Immediately after a speaker has finished a speech, a member may rise to a point of information, directed to the Presiding Officer for the previous speaker relating to the substance of the previous speech. If the speaker yields to the point of information, then the member may ask his question. If the speaker refuses to answer one question, he is not accorded the privilege to answer any further questions. Both the speaker’s delivery as well as the point of information must occur within the time allowed by the Presiding Officer.
19. Withdrawal of Resolutions and Amendments
    Any sponsor with the consent of all co-sponsors may withdraw their resolution at any time before debate begins, and before the resolution is amended in any way. The withdrawn resolution may then be immediately responsored by any member at which point it will assume the same spot on the agenda as it held previously. Resolutions submitted and passed from the committee into the General Assembly are considered to be sponsored by the committee and not sponsored by any member.
20. Friendly Amendment
    During the discussion of a resolution, the sponsor with the consent of all co-sponsors may incorporate into the body of the resolution any amendment which they consider friendly. This friendly amendment will be then placed into the resolution without any debate or vote. The friendly amendment must be submitted before it is moved from the floor in written form to the Presiding Officer: a friendly amendment resolution as amended according to Rule-21.
21. Amendments
    A member may amend the motion under discussion by:
    1. Submitting in written form the amendment to the Presiding Officer and
    2. Moving to consider the amendment from the floor.
       The amendment must be moved by its sponsor only when the delegate is accorded the right to speak in the order of the Speaker’s List. Note that amendments as well as other motions submitted in writing to the Presiding Officer do not constitute a motion. The motion must be moved from the floor. Motion to amend can only be moved by a speaker on the Speaker’s List or by a speaker who has had time yielded to them. This procedure will result in the consideration of the amendment with these limitations:
    • The Presiding Officer may limit the number of amendments
    • The Presiding Officer may rule any amendment out of order if it is a secondary or tertiary amendment, or if it contradicts the substance or nature of the resolution.
    • In the plenary sessions of the General Assembly, no amendment will be considered unless it bears the signature of
      the ten (10) members, being also subject to the limitations imposed above.
22. Voting on Amendments
    When an amendment to a resolution is proposed, the amendment will be voted on first. Secondary amendments will be voted on prior to primary amendments. When two or more amendments are moved to a resolution, the members will vote first on the amendment furthest removed therefrom, and so on until all the amendments have been put to the vote. Where, however the adoption of one amendment necessarily implies the rejection of another amendment, the latter are adopted, the amended resolution will then be voted upon. No amendment which obliterates the original intent of a resolution will be voted upon.
23. Tabling
    At any time, except while another member has the floor a member may move to table the motion being discussed, which effectively postpones consideration of the motion indefinitely. This motion must be immediately seconded. If there are any objections, there will be one speaker for and one speaker against the motion, after which the body will immediately vote. A two-thirds vote is required to pass the motion to the table.
24. Taking Off the Table
    Any time, except while another issue is on the floor, a member may move to take off the table any motion which has been properly tabled according to rule 23. There must be a second to the motion. If there are any objections, there will be one speaker for and one speaker against after which the body will vote. A two-thirds vote is required to bring the tabled motion back into consideration.
25. Closure of Debate
    At any time, except while another member has the floor, if after at least three speakers for and three speakers against the resolution or amendment have spoken, a member may move to close the debate and to proceed immediately to a vote on the question at hand. There must be a second to the motion, after which the Presiding Officer will make known to the body the names of those members still left of the Speaker’s List. If there are any objections there will be one speaker for and one speaker against the motion to close debate, after which the body will proceed immediately to a vote. A two-thirds vote is required to pass the motion to close debate. In the even that there are less than three speakers for and three speakers against on the Speaker’s List, a motion to close debate will be on order after those speakers on the Speakers’ List have concluded.
26. Division of Question
    Immediately after the debate has been closed and before voting on the question begins, a member may move to divide the question, that is, to vote on the questions part by part, as specified in the motion to divide. The motion must be seconded immediately. If there are any objections, there will be one speaker for and one speaker against the motion, after which the body will proceed immediately to a vote. A simple majority is required to pass the motion to divide the question.
27. Roll Call
    Immediately after the debate has been closed and before voting on the question has begun, a member may move to have a roll call vote. A motion to have a roll call is in order only if the question under consideration is of a substantive nature. This motion will be granted if five nations second it. The Presiding Officer may also issue a roll call vote at his discretion. Every member has the privilege to pass only once in order of voting during a roll call vote. A request for changes in the votes will be followed by the explanation of votes if allowed by the chair who will then announce the final tally of votes. No changes in votes may be made after the explanation of vote. The chair may refuse a request for a roll-call vote if it would be dilatory. This is not acceptable.
28. Explanation of Votes
    After all votes are recorded only members which have voted affirmative or negative may explain their vote. The explanation of votes is not for purposes of debate, it is to be used discreetly to explain the vote of a member. Explanation of votes will not be allowed in committee sessions.
29. Right of Reply
    The Presiding Officer may accord at their discretion the right of reply to any member only when that member’s honor or integrity has been specifically attacked by the previous speaker. The ruling on right of reply are not appealable.
30. Reconsideration
    At any time before a question is brought up for consideration on the floor, a member may move to reconsider a motion which previously passed or failed. A second is required for consideration of this motion. This motion is in order only if the member moving for reconsideration was on the majority during the vote of said resolution. If there are any objections, there shall be one speaker for and one speaker against the motion, after which the body shall proceed immediately to a vote. A two-thirds vote is required for reconsideration of a resolution.
31. Point of Personal Privilege
    At any time, with the most possible restraint, a member may rise to a point of personal privilege. This point is in order only if the physical comfort, health and safety of the member is being threatened or disturbed. The only other reason that a member may rise to this point is if that member cannot hear the speaker on the floor. This is granted only at the discretion of the Presiding Officer.
32. Appeal of the Ruling of the Presiding Officer
    A member may move to appeal any decision of the Presiding Officer immediately after the decision is declared if that decision relates to the arbitrary nature of the Presiding Officer’s judgement. An appeal is out of order if its intent or consequence would be to effectively suspend the rules of procedure or establish a precedent for violations of rules of procedure. The member moving to appeal the decision of the Presiding Officer will be granted time to express their reason, after which the Presiding Officer will respond accordingly. A two-thirds vote is required before the Presiding Officer’s decision can be overruled.
33. Dilatory, Absurd or Frivolous Acts
    If the Presiding Officer 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 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, that member will be accorded their full rights and privileges. This rule will be used only at the discretion of the Presiding Officer. To rule a motion as dilatory, absurd or frivolous does not constitute ruling that a member is dilatory, absurd or frivolous.
34. Recess
    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 shall proceed immediately to a vote. The Presiding Officer may rule the motion to recess out of order if it is deemed to be in the best interest of the conference to do so.
35. Adjournment
    A member may move for adjournment of the Appalachian Model United Nations in the General Assembly only if there is no speaker on the floor. There must be a second. The Presiding Officer may rule the motion to adjourn out of order if they it is deemed to be in the best interest of the conference to do so. This ruling by the chair is not subject to appeal.

Table of Motions for GA Committees

Precedence

The rules used during this conference will take the following precedence:

1. Appalachian Rules of Procedure
2. Commonly accepted parliamentary procedure
3. The United Nations Charter

(i.e., Robert’s rules of Order, Revised)