OHMUN
OHMUN 2013
JUNE 7
MODEL OF THE UNITED NATIONS
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
General Assembly
Support Handbook
Our Hamilton Model of United Nations
(OHMUN)
OHMUN 2012 represents an opportunity for students to develop leadership skills, oral and written communication in either English or Spanish, depending on the committee, as well as skills of analysis, synthesis, evaluation and critical thinking. Cooperation and teamwork are essential values to reach an agreement within the debate. For this reason, students will contribute ideas and proposals that may be heard and discussed by committee members, and finally integrated into a common solution. All of these, fostering skills that promote the mission of Hamilton Junior High.
June 2013
Hamilton Junior High School
Asignatura Historia
Profesora: Gezina H. van Marweijk
Dear Delegates:
On behalf of the Organizing Committee, I welcome you to Our Hamilton Model of United Nations (OHMUN) 2013.
The objective of this discussion exercise is to give workable and viable solutions to various conflicts that affect the whole world. This is reached by implementing a respectful and tolerant perspective that celebrates the values contained in the United Nations Charter.
The Member States, which each student represents, are committed to reaffirming faith in fundamental human rights and the value of the human person, defending the basis on which those States are established. With this in mind, you should be able to propose actions that promote social progress and a better understanding of the problem, whilst acquiring consciousness.
Through research and discussion, you’ll understand the different positions that exist regarding the world’s major problems, learning to argue for the political, social, and economic aspects of the country you represent.
I am at your disposal along with the entire team that makes up the Organizing Committee to resolve any questions you have. Do not hesitate to approach us.
I ask you to consult the official website of the Model: where you will find the necessary information about your respective committees.
We are sure you will enjoy this event and that you will acquire skills and knowledge that will accompany you in all aspects of your lives.
With nothing further at present, we say goodbye and hope to see you on June 7th.
The only limit is the one you set yourself.
Yours sincerely,
How to Prepare for a model
What does it mean to prepare for a United Nations Model?
← Acquire knowledge about the nation you will represent, its physical geography, general information about its population (age, pyramids, language, GDP per capita, etc.) as well as its history.
← Preparation of the topics to be debated at the committee in which you will participate.
← Analyze the foreign policies of the nation you will represent, recognizing alliances, enemies, blocks and organizations to which it belongs.
← Study the specific position your nation adopts on the topics to debate during the model.
(THE NATION MAY NOT NECESSARILY HAVE TO BE INVOLVED IN THE CONFLICT OR ISSUE TO BE DEBATED FOR IT TO ADOPT A POSTURE).
Recommendations:
a) To form a general view about the topic or topics to be debated and cite references of previous actions taken by the UN concerning the conflict.
b) To investigate and analyze the history, structure and function of the UN.
c) To follow the rules and policies of the nation you represent, step by step. It is your responsibility to be aware of the issues the nation you were assigned to.
d) To determine the position of your nation on the topics to be treated during the model.
e) To gather detailed information and have a comprehensive knowledge about the nation you will represent. Investigate about the needs and goals of the nation, its history, geography, culture, commerce, economy, foreign relations, population, government and internal policies, among other things.
f) To visit the web-pages of the government and non-government organizations of the assigned nation.
g) You can also call the embassy or visit the embassy’s web-page to ask questions that arose during your investigation about the country that was assigned to you. It is also a good idea to mail the UN missions, ministries, and different national or international organizations that you think may be of help.
h) Visit the web-page of the UN. Read the resolutions your nation has taken on the topics to be debated at Our Model of the United Nations and investigate the position your nation has adopted
Investigation Process
1. Search for Information
a) What to look for?
UN Any Resolution / Document about the topic, the most recent possible. It does not matter if was sanctioned or banned by any organization.
b) Why?
These documents, in their introduction, contain a historical evolution of the topic and can be the key to all the other information that is available on it.
To find the latest Resolution on the topic is equivalent to finding them all. These documents have all the references to past resolutions in the preamble and also refer to their codes and similar documents sanctioned by the same or other organizations.
Entering the codes in a search machine simplifies the task of looking for other resolutions:
Organization/Type/Period/Number A /RES/ 58 / 344
Many resolutions enhance the work of certain delegations on a specific topic; it is therefore probable that information is available on the site of that delegation.
c) Where to look?
Analysis of speeches and other sources
← It is important to get speeches made and read by representatives of your nation even if they are not about the same topics to be debated at the model. These speeches contain a unique way of expression that reflects the main concerns and interests of the delegate of a nation at the United Nations. It is important to pay attention to the expressions used regularly at such meetings.
← There are petitions /suggestions/ claims that are asked for regularly, apart from the topic of concern. They can be included as a secondary complement in your allegations.
← Certain structures repeat in different speeches and can be used as a complement of form and rhetoric of your own dialogue.
2. Other data to take into account
← It is useful to have documents concerning the topics to be discussed during the Model to support your position with other delegations or the Chair.
← Take a copy of the Letter from the Chair.
← Be sure to read the material used to prepare the Model of the United Nations.
← Search for relevant documents that concern your country and its position.
← Any material that you consider could be useful
Investigation tools:
The tools to be used during the investigation process have to be generated by the delegate himself, although we include some, sites that are suggested as useful investigation tools.
Many embassies are pretty open to helping out UN model participants and are able to provide information not to be found at other sources.
Internet is a very versatile media with plenty information, but it is necessary to able to be discard unreliable sources. Remember to cite the source when used in a presentation.
It is also useful to read opinion articles or books about the topics from a personal perspective.
Information sources:
At the UNESCO webpage you can search for information about issues that can complete you information.
The UN web-page contains information generated by the whole system of the United Nations. In it you can find information about the history of each of the organisms, specific documents, and other affairs. It is a good idea to navigate this page to see if you find any valuable information.
Dag Hammarskjöld Library. This library has a collection of all the resolutions, speeches, protocols, records of proceedings, etc. You can find the information from it online at:
UNBisNet
Organizing the information:
As a part of the preparation process of the model we recommend you organize the information in a folder or binder. This allows you to access the information rapidly. Besides, the gathering and organizing of information forces you to process and accommodate it, this becomes very useful because it helps you create a mind map n the distribution of your information.
It is also becomes useful carry copies of the most important documents during the model (Charter of the United Nations, Human Rights Declaration , etc) as well as your own documents.
What is General Assembly?
The General Assembly (GA) is the main deliberative organ of the UN. Decisions on important questions, such as those on peace and security, admission of new members and budgetary matters, require a two-thirds majority. Decisions on other questions are by simple majority.
RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY
1. General considerations
1.1. Scope.
The following rules apply to Our Hamilton Model United Nations. Please note that in all committees, Chairpersons are responsible for determining rules that are in order to facilitate debate and discussion. In case of conflict of interpretation, the Committee Chair has the final authority for determining the applicability of the Rules of Procedure.
1.2. Language.
English is the official language of OHMUN. A Delegate wishing to speak in an official language where simultaneous interpretation is not provided will be required to provide his or her own translation. Please note that time spent in translation will be counted towards total time allotted for a given speech.
1.3. Diplomatic Courtesy.
During committee session, delegates are expected to exercise diplomatic courtesy when addressing members of the committee and the Chairpersons. The Chairpersons have the authority to address diplomatic warnings to delegates who obviously violate the diplomatic courtesy. In case that the delegate’s conduct seriously hampers the process within the committee, the Chair reserves the right to request his expulsion from the conference room.
1.4. Statements by the Secretariat.
The Secretary General or any member of the Secretariat may make verbal or written statements to a committee at any time during the Conference.
2. OHMUN Board
2.1. Chairpersons.
The Board of the General Assembly Committees and ECOSOC shall be composed of a Chair and a vice-Chair. The Board of the General Assembly shall be composed of the President of the GA, the Secretary General and the Deputy Secretary General.
2.2. Competence of the Chairpersons.
The competence of the Chairpersons may not be questioned by delegates.
2.3. Chairpersons: Authorities and Responsibilities.
2.3.1. Authority of the Chair.
The Chair shall exercise ultimate authority over his/ her respective committee proceeding in an equitable and objective manner.
2.3.2. Responsibilities of the Chair.
The Chair is responsible for all procedural matters pertaining to the committee including, but not limited to, moderating debate, determining the applicability of rules and, if necessary, clarifying on the meaning of the existing rules without approval from the committee.
2.3.3. Authority of the Vice-Chair.
The Vice-Chair shall have authority over all committee support staff and ensure that delegates are accurately representing the position of their countries with respect to substantive issues and topics.
2.3.4. Responsibilities of the Vice-Chair.
The Vice-Chair shall also be responsible for ensuring relevancy of the content and format of the resolutions before their submission for verification by the Secretary General or the Deputy Secretary General. The Vice-Chair shall also assist the Chair with all committee proceeding matters.
2.4. Caucus of the Chairs.
The Chairpersons reserve the right to halt the working process within the committee in order to take 30 seconds of Caucus.
3. Parliamentary procedure
3.1. Roll Call.
Attendance shall be conducted by the Chairpersons by a Roll Call at the beginning of every committee session. Delegates shall establish their presence in the committee by raising their placards and declaring ‘‘Present’’.
3.2. Procedural Matters.
Procedural matters are those matters relating to the structure of the committee session as defined in the OHMUN Rules of Procedure. They include, but are not limited to, voting on establishing a Speaker’s List, establishing speaking time, motions and adjournment of the committee session. All Delegates must vote on procedural matters and no Delegate may abstain. Roll Call vote is not in order for procedural matters.
3.3. Substantive Matters.
Substantive matters are defined as those matters relating to the specific topic at hand. Delegates that have established their presence at the initial Roll Call shall act accordingly. Roll Call vote on substantive matters is in order following voting procedure as set in section 16.1.
4. Delegations’ Rights
One voting delegate per committee shall represent a country delegation. All delegates shall have speaking and voting rights on all matters; however, Delegates representing UN Observers and NGOs shall not have voting rights on substantive issues.
4.1. Permission to Approach the Bench.
Any delegate wishing to contact the Chair for a very delicate matter may ask for permission to approach the Bench. This is a last resort in case of emergency.
5. Quorum
Committee activities and debate shall start when at least one quarter (¼) of the delegates are present. If quorum is not met thirty (30) minutes after the scheduled start time of the committee session, the committee shall start its session with the number of delegates already present, unless otherwise instructed by OHMUN Secretariat. Quorum shall be assumed when committee activity begins. The total number of delegates will be determined by the attendance list from the most recent committee session. If quorum is in question in the first committee session, the list of delegations expected to attend will serve to determine the total number of delegates in attendance.
5.1. Verification of Quorum.
Delegates may move to Verification of Quorum, where the Chairpersons will proceed with quorum confirmation by initiating a Roll Call. The Chair can rule the Motion dilatory without option for appeal.
6. Speakers
The Speaker's List is opened following a Motion from a delegate and the subsequent approval by the Chair. A Delegation can add its country name to the List pending only if it is not already on the List. The delegate may either raise his/her placard when the Chair calls for Delegates to do so or send a note to the Chairpersons. When the Speaker's List is exhausted debate is automatically closed according to sections 13.9 and 13.10.
7. Majority
Unless otherwise specified, no motions are debatable and all require a simple majority vote to pass.
7.1. Simple Majority.
A procedural or substantive matter requiring a simple majority to pass implies that fifty percent plus one vote (50% + 1) of the committee must vote in favour of the matter to pass. If the vote is a tie, the matter will be considered to have failed.
7.2. Two-thirds (2/3) Majority.
A procedural or substantive matter requiring a two-thirds (2/3) majority to pass implies that two-thirds (2/3) of the committee must vote in favour for a matter to pass.
8. Agenda
The Agenda reflects the order in which topics will be addressed by the committee. This is the primary order of business to be considered by the committee in the first session. At this time the Chair may entertain a motion to set the speaking time as set out in section 10.1.
8.1. Only topics set on the provisional Agenda provided by OHMUN shall be considered by a committee.
8.2. Motion to set the Agenda.
Following the Motions put on the floor by delegates suggesting the order of topics on the Agenda, the Chair will consider the Motions in the order in which they were made.
The Chair will take two (2) Speakers in favour and two (2) Speakers against the Motion and proceed with a vote. The Speakers will receive the floor, in order to express their view, in rotation (in favour – against – in favour - against).
If the Motion is accepted by simple majority, the Agenda will be set in the manner suggested by the Motion.
If the Motion fails, the Chair shall consider the next Motion and repeat the process lay forward in the above sections. If no Motion to set the Agenda receives the necessary simple majority then the Committee will discuss as first topic the one that gathered the most positive votes during the voting procedure.
Once the Agenda is set the Chair will entertain a Motion to Establish a Speaker’s List.
The order in which the Agenda is set at the beginning of the conference shall remain for the duration of OHMUN. Should delegates wish to revisit the Agenda at a later time, they can request to do so after a topic has either been completed and all substantive matters voted on or if a topic has been tabled. The relevance of such a Motion shall remain at the discretion of the Chair.
The Chair shall call for tabling of the debate if committee updates and news need to be considered immediately by the delegates. The committee shall return to the regular Agenda once the given updates and news have been addressed.
9. Debate
9.1. Formal Debate.
A committee shall by default be in Formal Debate unless otherwise advised by the Chair. Delegates should refer to the Speakers’ List for the speaking order.
9.2. Informal Debate.
During formal debate a motion can be made by any delegate for a Moderated Caucus or an Unmoderated Caucus both of which constitute informal debate. Informal debate can only occur on substantive issues and is out of order once a motion to close debate has been passed. Motion to enter informal debate is in order following the procedures outlined in sections 13.3 through 13.5.
9.3. Recognition.
A Delegate may only address the committee if he/she has received permission from the Chair.
9.4. Interruptions.
A Speaker may not be interrupted by another Delegate unless the Delegate has risen to a Point of Personal Privilege or Point of Order. Point of order does not interrupt a speaker. Only once the Speaker has concluded and the floor is given back to the chair, a delegate may move to a Point of Order.
10. Speeches
10.1. Motion to Set Speaking Time.
A Delegate may move to set a time limit on speeches. The Chair may either rule the Motion dilatory at his/her discretion or put it to vote. A Delegate exceeding the allotted time for a speech may be called to order by the Chair.
10.2. Relevance of Speech.
A Chair may call a Delegate to order if his/her speech is not relevant to the subject matter being discussed.
11. Yields
Only during substantive formal debate, a Delegate may yield any remaining time at the end of his/her speech in one of the following manners:
11.1. To Questions.
The Chair will use the remaining time to entertain questions for the Speaker from the committee. Delegates wishing to ask questions shall raise their placards and wait to be recognised by the Chair. The Chair shall rule questions that are rhetorical, leading or not relevant to the Speaker's speech out of order. Only the Speaker's answer shall be subtracted from the remaining speaking time.
11.2. To Another Delegate.
A Speaker wishing to give the remaining time allotted to his/her speech to another Delegate can do so. A Speaker that has been yielded to cannot yield his or her time again.
11.3. To the Chair.
The Floor will automatically be given to the next speaker on the Speakers list. If a specific yield has not been established by the Speaker, the floor will automatically be given back to the Chair. During Moderated Caucus the floor will also automatically be given back to the Chair.
12. Motion
12.1. Motion of Personal Privilege.
A Delegate may rise to a Point of Personal Privilege if a matter impairs him/her from participating fully in committee activities. The Chairpersons shall try to effectively address the source of impairment. This point may interrupt a Speaker.
12.2. Motion of Order.
A Delegate may rise to a Point of Order if a rule of procedure is not properly observed by a Delegate or by Chairpersons. The Chair will rule on the validity of the point. A Delegate rising to a Point of Order may not comment on the topic of discussion. A Point of Order ruled dilatory by the Chair may not be appealed. This point may not interrupt a Speaker.
12.3. Motion of Parliamentary Inquiry.
A Delegate may rise to a Point of Parliamentary Inquiry requesting an explanation from the Chair on the Rules of Procedure. This point may not interrupt a Speaker.
12.4. Right of Reply.
A Delegate whose personal or national integrity has been impugned by another Delegate’s comments may rise to a Right of Reply. Disagreement with the content of a Delegate's speech is not grounds for a Right of Reply. The Chair will recognize the Right of Reply at his/her discretion. Should the Chair rule the Right of Reply out of order, his/her decision cannot be appealed. The Chair might choose to set a time limit for a Right of Reply. No delegate may call for a Right of Reply on a Right of Reply.
13. Motions
13.1. Motion for the Adjournment of the Meeting.
A Delegate may move for the Adjournment of the meeting to suspend all committee activities until the next scheduled meeting time. The Chair may rule the Motion out of order without possibility of appeal or put it to vote.
13.2. Motion for the Adjournment of the Session.
A Delegate may move for the Adjournment of the Session to suspend all committee activities for the duration of the conference. The Chair may rule the Motion out of order without possibility of appeal or put it to an immediate vote. In the event that a Chair approves this, there should be two (2) speakers in favour and two (2) speakers against and the motion will require a two-thirds (2/3) majority to pass.
13.3. Motion for a Moderated Caucus.
A Delegate may move for a Moderated Caucus thereby suggesting a change from formal debate to moderated informal debate. A Delegate who moves for Moderated Caucus must suggest a time length of the caucus, speaking time and justification for the Motion. The Chair may suggest a more appropriate caucus length or speaking time or may rule the Moderated Caucus out of order without possibility of appeal. If the Motion passes, the committee will enter informal debate whereby the Chair will recognize Delegates who raise their placards to speak about the issue at hand.
13.4. Motion to Extend the Moderated Caucus.
A Delegate may move to Extend the Moderated Caucus if he/she feels that additional time benefits committee work. The Delegate moving for an Extension of the Moderated Caucus must suggest a length for the extension, which shall not exceed the duration of the original Moderated Caucus. The Chair may suggest a more appropriate caucus length or speaking time and put it to vote or may rule the Motion out of order without possibility of appeal.
13.5. Motion for an Unmoderated Caucus.
A Delegate may move for an Unmoderated Caucus thereby suggesting a change from formal to informal debate. The Delegate who makes this motion must suggest a length and justification for the Unmoderated Caucus. The Chair may suggest a more appropriate caucus length and put it to vote or may rule the Unmoderated Caucus out of order without possibility of appeal. Once the Motion has passed, the committee will depart from the Speaker's List and Delegates will carry an informal discussion on the topic specified in the Motion without leaving the conference room.
13.6. Motion to Extend the Unmoderated Caucus.
A Delegate may move to Extend the Unmoderated Caucus if he/she feels that additional time would benefit the work of the committee. The Delegate who moves for an Extension of Unmoderated Caucus must suggest a length for the extension, which shall not exceed the duration of the original Unmoderated Caucus. The Chair may suggest a more appropriate caucus length and put it to vote or may rule the Extension of the Unmoderated Caucus out of order without the possibility of appeal.
13.7. Motion to Table Debate on a Topic.
A Delegate may move to Table Debate in order to end debate on a substantive issue without voting any Draft Resolutions that may be on the floor. If the Chair rules the Motion in order, two (2) Delegates shall speak in favour and two (2) Delegates shall speak against before proceeding with a vote. If the Motion passes, the Chair shall entertain a Motion to Return to a Dismissed Topic as defined in article 13.8 or a Motion to Open Debate on an Unsettled Topic on the Agenda.
13.8. Motion to Return to a Dismissed Topic.
If a Motion to Table the Debate is passed, the Chair may entertain a Motion to go back to a Dismissed Topic. In that event, the Chair will entertain one (1) Speaker in favour and one (1) Speaker against. A two-thirds majority (2/3) vote is required for the Motion to pass. If the Motion passes, debate on the dismissed topic resumes and a new Speakers’ List is established.
13.9. Motion to Close Debate / the Speakers’ List on a Resolution.
A Delegate may move to Close Debate in order to end debate on a Resolution whereby the committee will enter immediate voting procedure on all amendments on the floor. If the Chair rules the Motion in order, there will be only two (2) Delegates speaking against the Motion. A two-thirds (2/3) majority vote is required to pass the Motion to close debate.
13.10. Motion to Close Debate / the Speakers’ List on the Topic Area under Discussion.
A Delegate may move to Close Debate in order to end Debate on the Topic Area under Discussion whereby the committee will enter voting procedure on all Draft Resolutions on the floor. If the Chair rules the Motion in order, there will be only two (2) Delegates speaking against the Motion. A two-thirds (2/3) majority vote is required to pass the Motion to close debate.
13.11 Motion to Split the Topic Area.
A Delegate may move to split the Topic Area in order for the committee to come up with more than one resolutions referring to the same Topic. The delegate who moves will have to provide sufficient justification for the proposed splitting of the Topic Area. A 2/3 majority vote is required to pass this motion.
14. Resolutions and Amendments
14.1. Motion to Question Competence.
A Motion to Question the Competence of the Body to consider a Draft Resolution is in order upon introduction of the documents. The Chair will recognise one (1) Speaker in favour and one (1) Speaker against the Motion. There will be a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote required to pass. If the Motion is approved, the document will be retracted and will not be allowed to be re-introduced.
14.2. Working Paper.
A Working Paper is an informal document used by committee Delegates to work on building a Draft Resolution. A Working Paper will be distributed at the Chair's discretion if requested by a Delegate. A Working Paper can be presented by the Delegate either when it is the Delegate’s turn to speak, according to the Speakers list or when a motion for a formal debate is passed, with the purpose of discussing the working paper.
14.3. Resolutions.
14.3.1. Draft Resolutions.
A Working Paper submitted to the Chair under proper Resolution format will be referred to as a Draft Resolution. Delegates may refer to a document as a "Draft Resolution" in a speech only after it has been assigned a number by the Secretary General or the Deputy Secretary General. If Draft Resolutions are complementary or fairly identical, the Chair may recommend that the Sponsor of the Draft Resolutions combine the documents prior to the end of the debate.
14.3.2. Resolution denomination.
A Draft Resolution that has been put to a vote by the committee and passes may be referred to as a “Resolution”.
14.3.3. Format.
Draft Resolutions must be properly formatted according to the guidelines found in the “OHMUN Resolution Writing Guidelines” paper.
14.3.4. Sponsor.
Sponsor is recognized as the main writer of the Draft Resolution. There is only one Sponsor for each draft Resolution. The Sponsor must be present for a Working Paper to be introduced to the floor as a Draft Resolution. The Sponsor must agree to support a Resolution unless major changes have been introduced through the amendment process.
14.3.5. Signatories.
Signatories are recognized as the supporters of the Draft Resolution. The required number of Signatories will be set by the Chair being equal to at least the 1/5 of the total members present at the committee. The respective number of Signatories must be present on a Working Paper to be introduced to the floor as a Draft Resolution. Amendments to the Draft Resolution are not required to be approved by Signatories. Signatories are not required to support the Draft Resolution during voting procedure; they only agree to put their names as those who are interested in seeing the Working Paper nominated as a Draft Resolution for further debate. Signatories can sign only one resolution per Topic Area. However, there is no restriction in the voting procedure.
14.3.6. Introduction of a Draft Resolution.
A Delegate may move to introduce a Draft Resolution.
Once the Working Paper has been assigned a Draft Resolution number by the Secretary General or the Deputy Secretary General, the Chair will entertain a motion to introduce the Draft Resolution. Once the Motion has passed, the Chair shall invite the Sponsor of the Resolution to read out only the operative clauses of the Draft Resolution to the committee. The Sponsor (or one of the Signatories) will then be recognized for five (5) minutes to speak in favour of the Draft Resolution. During this phase of the procedure, there are no questions accepted. A new debate upon this Draft Resolution shall begin and a new Speakers’ List shall be established.
14.4. Amendments.
During Debate on a Draft Resolution a Delegate may move to introduce an Amendment which will add to, strike out from or revise a part of the Draft Resolution. The Amendment has to be first approved by the Chair. It is highly recommended, the amendment to be supported at least by one co-sponsor. It is in the discretion of the Chair to define (to the House) the period of time, during which the floor will be open to amendments.
14.4.1. Amendments to Pre-Ambulatory Clauses.
Amendments to Pre-Ambulatory Clauses are not in order. However, the Chair may rule such an amendment in order, if serious mistakes have been noticed in the Pre-Ambulatory Clauses, by the Secretary General or the Deputy Secretary General.
14.4.2. Non-Substantive Amendments.
Amendments correcting grammatical, spelling or formatting mistakes on Draft Resolutions will be automatically adopted without vote from the committee, at the discretion of the Chair. Following the initial reading of the Draft Resolution by its sponsor, delegates are permitted to point out any such problems to the Chairpersons.
14.4.3. Friendly Amendments.
Substantive Amendments approved by the Sponsor and all the Signatories of a Draft Resolution will automatically be integrated to the Draft Resolution without vote from the committee. Amendments to Friendly Amendments are out of order.
14.4.4. Unfriendly Amendments.
Substantive Amendments to a Draft Resolution not approved by the Sponsor of a Draft Resolution are considered unfriendly and require approval from the Chair to be introduced. Unfriendly Amendments will be put to a vote prior to the vote on the Draft Resolution as a whole. Amendments to Unfriendly Amendments are in order. It is, however, in the discretion of the Chair whether he will accept a plethora of such amendments. The Chair reserves the right to assign one (1) speaker for and one (1) speaker against the Unfriendly Amendment.
14.5. Withdrawal.
14.5.1. Friendly Amendments.
The Sponsor and the Signatories of a Friendly Amendment may request its withdrawal at their discretion, before its adoption by the Sponsor.
14.5.2. Unfriendly Amendments.
The Signatories of an Unfriendly Amendment may request its withdrawal at their discretion, before its adoption by the committee.
15. Voting Procedure
When the Chair announces that the committee is entering voting procedure, no entering or exiting from the room will be permitted, unless there is an emergency or until voting procedure has come to an end. At this time, Motions to Divide the Question or for Roll Call Voting are in order.
16. Method of Voting
Each Delegate of the committee has one vote and must demonstrate his/her voting intentions by raising his/her placard at the Chair's request unless there is a Roll Call vote (see rule 16.1). Delegates must vote in favour, against or abstain. No Delegate shall vote on behalf of another Delegate.
16.1. Roll Call Vote.
Roll Call Motions may only be in order for substantive matters. This Motion is automatically accepted unless the Chair rules it out of order; the decision is not subject to appeal. The Roll Call starts from a Delegate, randomly selected by the Chair.
16.2. Passing.
During Roll Call, a Delegate may choose to pass. The Chair will place the Delegate at the bottom of the voting list. A Delegate who has passed once during a voting sequence may not pass again but must ascertain his vote.
16.3. Voting with Rights.
A Delegate may request a right of explanation after voting. Upon completion of voting, the Delegate will be permitted to explain the reasons as to why he/she has chosen to vote a certain way. The Chair may limit the speaking time at his/her discretion.
16.4. Voting on Draft Resolutions.
Draft Resolutions will be voted on, in the order that they were numbered by the Secretary General and the Deputy Secretary General.
16.5. Voting on Amendments.
All Unfriendly Amendments shall be voted on in the order in which they were proposed before the committee closes debate on the Draft Resolution that they concern. If one Amendment implies the rejection of a second Amendment, the second Amendment will not been voted upon. A passed Amendment shall be automatically included in the Draft Resolution. Once all the Amendments relating to a Draft Resolution have been voted on, the committee shall vote on the Draft Resolution as a whole after Closure of the Debate on the Topic Area under discussion.
16.6 Motion to Split the House.
The Motion to Split the House is in order when the Delegate putting the motion forward wishes that there be no abstentions during the final vote on the Resolution. The Motion shall be put to a vote, requiring a 2/3 majority to pass. Once the Motion passes, delegations shall not be allowed to abstain from voting during the vote on the resolution.
16.7. Motion to Divide the Question.
Prior to the start of the voting process on a Draft Resolution, a Delegate may request through a Motion to Divide the Question to vote on an individual or group of operative clauses or clause by clause. A Delegate must specify how he/she wishes to divide the operative clauses during his/her Motion. Should there be more than one Motion to divide the question on the floor, the committee shall vote on the Motions from the least to the most splitting of the draft resolution. The Chair shall take two (2) Speakers in favour and two (2) Speakers against the first Motion to Divide the Question for a speaking time of one (1) minute each. A 2/3 majority is required to pass the Motion. If the Motion passes, subsequent Motions to Divide the Question will be ruled dilatory and the committee will proceed to voting procedure on the Draft Resolution in the manner suggested in the Motion. If the Motion fails, the remaining Motions made will be considered in accordance with the above procedure. The divided section that fails during voting will be taken out of the final Draft Resolution; only those sections that have been passed will remain. The committee will then proceed to vote on the new final Draft Resolution as a whole after all the divisions have been voted on. If all operative clauses fail or there is no meaning coming from the remained clauses, the Draft Resolution, as a whole, fails.
16.8 Motion to Retake Vote.
The Motion to Retake vote is in order when the result of the vote on the resolution ends with a difference of one (1) between the number of votes for and against the resolution. The Motion is not subject to a vote and must only be seconded in order to pass. Once the Motion passes the committee shall go to a period of five (5) minimum, fifteen (15) maximum minutes of unmoderated caucus for the purpose of further discussing the content of the Resolution. After the caucus the vote shall be retaken and the result of the second vote shall be considered as final. No Motions to retake vote shall be entertained. Should the second vote end in absolute tie the results of the previous vote shall be considered final and shall not be subject to another motion to retake vote.
official position document
What is it?
An Official Position is a document where a Delegation presents his country’s position and work on the given topics. On this paper a State manifests in a formal and clear way the political position with relation to the themes to be discussed during the Model. Therefore each Delegation has to present a document for each of the topics.
A week before the debate each student must turn in the Official Position Paper of his country. This will present the position of the State he represents on the proposed topics, and mentions generalities and some proposals that could help find a solution to the issues presented by the topics on their assigned committee.
How to make an Official Position document?
The paper is to be presented on a minimum of two sheets. The first page must have the name of the student, committee or council in which he will participate, country which he represents, topics to be debated as well as mentioning general information about the country: inhabitants, language, geographical position, government, currency, etc.
The second page must have the student’s investigation about the posture of the nation he represents and the topic to be discussed. For example, if the topic is “Global warming,” he must explain what his country has done in regard to the topic, or give good reasons of why it has not done anything.
The document has to be written with coherent and formal language and will be used as a basis for the initial speech that will have a duration of 1 minute and 30 seconds.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Each committee presents a series of questions at the end of the handbook; these questions must be answered and turned in before the model, along with the Official Position paper to the teacher in charge. Without these documents, it will be impossible for the student to participate on the debate.
On the next page you will find an example of an Official Position document.
EXAMPLE OF AN OFFICIAL POSITION
Committee: Human Rights Council
Country: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Delegate’s Name: Rodrigo Toledo Galván
Teacher: Inge van Marweijk
UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
Official Name: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Localization: The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a nation of Western Europe, in the British Isles, including 1/6 of the island of Ireland. It limits with the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea to the north, to the northeast with the English Channel (Canal de la Mancha) on the other side of it is France. It is the center of the Commonwealth.
Area: 244.820 km²
Population: 61.284.806 (JULIO DEL 2012)
Capital: London
Government: Institutional Monarchy
Queen: Elizabeth II
Prime Minister: David Cameron
Religion: Christianism, Islam, Hinduism, Sufism, and Judaism.
Languages: English, Wales, Scottish, Gaelic y French.
International member of: European Union, Commonwealth, NATO, UN, G-8, OCDE, OSCE, COE, Common Travel Area.
… AND GOD BLESS THE QUEEN
____________________________________________________
RODRIGO TOLEDO GALVÁN:
DELEGATE OF UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND E-MAIL: rodritoledo@
EXAMPLE OF AN OFFICIAL POSITION
Committee: Human Rights Council
Country: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Delegate’s Name: Rodrigo Toledo Galván
Teacher: Inge van Marweijk
UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
Official Name: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Localization: The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a nation of Western Europe, in the British Isles, including 1/6 Of the island of Ireland. It limits with the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea to the north, to the northeast with the English Channel (Canal de la Mancha) on the other side of it is France. It is the center of the Commonwealth..
Area: 244.820 km²
Population: 61.284.806 (JULIO DEL 2012)
Capital: London
Government: Institutional Monarchy
Queen: Elizabeth II
Prime Minister: David Cameron
Religion: Christianism, Islam, Hinduism, Sufism, and Judaism.
Languages: English, Wales, Scottish, Gaelic y French.
International member of: European Union, Commonwealth, NATO, UN, G-8, OCDE, OSCE, COE, Common Travel Area.
… AND GOD BLESS THE QUEEN
____________________________________________________
RODRIGO TOLEDO GALVÁN:
DELEGATE OF UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND E-MAIL: rodritoledo@
EXAMPLE OF AN OFFICIAL POSITION
Topic B
Committee: Human Rights Council
Country: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Delegate’s Name: Rodrigo Toledo Galván
Teacher: Inge van Marweijk
Topic B: Violations to Human Rights as a derivation on the diamond conflicts in Africa.
The delegation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland as a signing member of the Kimberley Process as well as all the nations of the European Union, respects the European ruling (CE) 2368/2002 that began to be applied on February 1st of 2003 and that certifies an imports and exports and control system on raw diamonds on the application of the INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATION ON THE KIMBERLEY PROCESS mentioned previously.
As well as the two latter rulings in which the delegations of Belgium, Germany, and United Kingdom were assigned as EU communitarian authorities on the processes of authentication and control of diamonds for which they are allowed to import or export diamonds freely and to supervise the import end export of the stones by the other EU nations.
To the delegation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is worried on how some African delegations, even though they already signed the Kimberley Process do not respect it and do not defend the Civil Rights of their citizens.
It is icredible to see how governments can oversee this issue and do not react to defend the civil rights of the members of their communities. This delegation proposes an analysis and a reformation of the Kimberley Process in order to impose sanctions on anybody who does not respect it, because if we do not do something about it thousands and thousands of people will die because of these Blood Diamonds. Maybe, at this very moment, people are suffering the inhuman conditions that the exploitation of the stones brings for bellicose purposes.
… AND GOD BLESS THE QUEEN
____________________________________________________
RODRIGO TOLEDO GALVÁN:
DELEGATE OF UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
E-MAIL: rodritoledo@
WORKING PAPERS
A. WORKING PAPERS
Working Papers are the result of caucusing and coordinated written efforts and represent the first step towards obtaining a Final Communiqué. A working paper provides delegates with exactly what the name suggests something to work with. It is the first attempt to place the abstract ideas from debate and position papers into written form. Working Papers are concrete because they are fairly well organized; yet, they are also flexible because they are not bound by the format of Final Communiqués. They are usually one page proposals and help to focus discussion on certain aspects of the topic at hand. Moreover, since the papers are drafts, they can be combined or altered to piece together a coherent Final Communiqué. The Director has power over the working paper process, and will strongly support all proposals which are creative and realistic; the paper must be approved by the Director before it can be copied and distributed. No delegate signatures are needed. When drafting a working paper it is necessary to specify who wrote the paper, in order to know whom to address questions about the contents of the document. On the following pages a sample working paper is included to provide an idea of its format. Note that the format for the working paper is quite informal.
AMENDMENTS
Since every detail cannot be worked out ahead of time, it is expected that amendments to Draft Resolutions will be presented from the floor.
Amendments allow delegates to alter parts of Draft Resolutions without scrapping the entire document, strengthening consensus on the Draft Resolution by permitting delegates to change sections with which they disagree.
Just like a Draft Resolution, an amendment requires a particular number of delegate signatures as well as the signature of the committee President before it can be formally introduced to the full committee. As it is used to refine an existing Draft Resolution, it also demonstrates a familiarity with the problem, recognition of the issues, consciousness, and correct format.
Although there can be no amendments to amendments, an amended section of a Draft Resolution can be subject to amendment again.
As outlined in the Rules of Procedure, when an amendment has been introduced, the committee will draw up a separate Speakers List to discuss it. General debate will be suspended until a vote has been held on the amendment. After a vote, the committee returns to general debate and the original Speakers List.
The Rules of Procedure cover amendments including the number of signatures required for acceptance and discussion. The written format for an amendment is similar to that of a Draft Resolution; following is a sample for you to observe.
I. SAMPLES
A. SAMPLE WORKING PAPER
COMMITTEE: General Assembly
TOPIC: The Situation in Burundi
SPONSOR: The Kingdom of Norway
1. Coup d’état caused an abrupt and violent interruption of the democratic process initiated in Burundi. The nation must return to the positive reforms.
2. Immediate cease-fire from the perpetrators and the return to their barracks.
3. Immediate restoration of democracy and the constitutional regime.
4. Support the efforts being made by the Secretary-General of the U.N. the O.A.U. and the countries in the region to promote a return to constitutional order and the protection of democratic institutions in Burundi.
5. Support the Secretary General's special envoy to Burundi.
6. Emergency humanitarian assistance for Burundi. (Members of the U.N., international organizations, intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations).
7. Remain the importance of the topic until a solution to the crisis is found.
8. Violence should be avoided. Active mediation and U.N. involvement will be necessary.
B. DRAFT RESOLUTION SAMPLE
Committee: General Assembly
Topic: The Situation in Burundi
The General Assembly
1) Having considered the item entitled "The Situation in Burundi"
2) Deeply concerned by the military coup d'état which took place in Burundi on
3) October 21, 1993,
4) Shocked by the cowardly assassination of the President of the Republic and
5) other political leaders,
6) Seriously disturbed by the tragic consequences of the coup d'état which is
7) plunging Burundi into violence and causing loss of life and mass displacement
8) of the population,
9) Unreservedly condemns the coup which has caused an abrupt and violent
10) interruption of the democratic process initiated in Burundi;
11) Demands that the perpetrators of the push lay down their arms and return to
12) their barracks;
13) Also demands the immediate restoration of democracy and the constitutional
14) regime;
15) Supports the efforts being made by the Secretary-General of the United
16) Nations, the Organization of African Unity and the countries in the region to
17) promote a return to constitutional order and the protection of democratic institutions
18) in Burundi
19) Commends the Secretary-General of the United Nations for having sent a
20) special envoy to Burundi;
21) Requests the Member States of the United Nations, international organizations,
22) intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations to provide
23) emergency humanitarian assistance and/or any other assistance to the people of
24) Burundi;
25) Decides to remain seized of the matter until a solution to the crisis is found.
II. DRAFT RESOLUTIONS INTRODUCTORY PHRASES
A. Pre-ambulatory Phrases:
Affirming Expressing its Keeping in mind
Alarmed by appreciation Noting to regret
Approving Expressing its satisfaction Noting with satisfaction
Aware of Fulfilling Noting with deep concern
Believing Fully aware Noting further
Bearing in mind Fully alarmed Noting with approval
Confident Fully believing Observing
Contemplating Further deploring Realizing
Convinced Further recalling Reaffirming
Declaring Guided by Recalling
Deeply concerned Having adopted Recognizing
Deeply conscious Having considered Referring
Deeply convinced Having considered further Seeking
Deeply disturbed Having devoted attention Taking into account
Deeply regretting Having examined Taking note
Desiring Having studied Viewing with appreciation
Emphasizing Having heard Welcoming
Expecting Having received
B. Operative Phrases
Accepts Declares according Further requests
Affirms Deplores Have resolved
Approves Draws attention Notes
Authorizes Designates Proclaims
Calls Emphasizes Reaffirms
Calls upon Encourages Recommends
Condemns Endorses Solemnly affirms
Congratulates Expresses its appreciation Strongly condemns
Confirms Expresses its hope Supports
Considers Further invites Trusts
Reminds Further proclaims Takes note of
Regrets Further reminds Urges
Requests Further recommends
Resolves Further resolved
General Assembly:
Dear Delegate,
Please be welcomed to OHMUN 2013 United Nations General Assembly. It is an honor for us to guide you in your first MUN.
We assure you that it will be an enriching experience. You will not only learn to debate, but you will also learn how to support opinions with authentic information. You will learn to defend your position and to confidently state your opinion to the world. You will be able to speak for yourself.
From now on, you are a delegate, a representative of a nation. The opinion, posture, beliefs, and important governmental issues of a whole nation are now your responsibility. The Chair hopes that you embrace this responsibility and represent the nation that was assigned to you with effort and respect.
This model is not only a chance for you to enrich your knowledge and widen your world but also, to develop a sense of humanity and interest for what happens in the entire world.
The Chair would be glad to help you so we can all have a delightful debate and an enriching experience. We hope you enjoy this model.
Hoping you have a good time,
The Presidency of the General Assembly.
Chair
President: Martha Daniela Ramírez Sánchez
Conference Official: Alejandra Pereda Juárez
Moderator: Frida Sofía Hernández Salgado
General Assembly (GA)
Topic A: Report of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories
Topic B: The Situation in the Middle East
Topic C: Armed Israeli Aggression Against the Iraqui Nuclear Installations and its Grave Consequences for the Established International System Concerning the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy, the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and International Peace and Security
Topic A: Report of Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories
Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory
After a thorough investigation on Israel, the Committee has heard extensive testimony concerning Israel’s treatment of Palestinian children in detention. Witnesses informed the Committee that the mistreatment starts at the point of detention by Israeli soldiers. It has been alarming, for the Committee’s attention, that 60 percent of the detentions occur between midnight and 5:00 a.m. Who are forced into the back of military vehicles and parents are insulted and not allow to accompany them. Some Palestinians are confined to the floor on the military vehicles, while other are subject to physical violence.
Victims and witnesses reported that the detained children are not informed of their rights; on the contrary they are often told that if they confess guilty of things they have not done, they would be able to go home sooner. The Special Committee has also been informed that approximately 30 of the children received documents to sign in Hebrew, a language they cannot understand, and forced to sign under duress.
Which is the current conflict?
A) Israel has been demolishing Palestinian houses. The number of demolitions has increased sharply over the past three years, which is of serious concern to the Special Committee. Contrary, to the current practice, Israel is legally obligate to act in the benefit of the local population.
B) There is an inevitably destabilizing effect of trying to maintain an ethnically preferential state. The population of Israel was 96 percent Muslim and Christian on the recent years, yet, these religious refugees are prohibited from returning to their homes (in the Jewish state) an those within Israel are subjected to systematic discrimination.
The Gaza Strip
During a field mission, the Special Committee and found out that the blockade of Israel and other practices continue to have a devastating impact on the people of Gaza.
80 percent of Gazans are currently dependent on humanitarian aid from the international community; 44 percent are food-insecure with 13 percent experiencing chronic malnutrition; while 38 per cent live in poverty; 43 per cent of essential medications and 30 percent of basic health products are unavailable.
The Committee has reported that Israel’s blockade has also affected the economy.
How does the Israeli-Palestinian conflict affect relations between Israel with the Arab World?
It has affected international trade, and economically, Israel, was isolated in the Middle East. As a solution, Israel had to form economical and trade bonds with countries outside the Middle East such as China, United States, India and others. Such trade agreements allowed Israel to become more involved in the economy of the world.
Israel’s defense
As a self-defense, Israel has deployed missiles to countries like Syria and Iran; that have been proved of producing illicit weapons, with the justification of preventing a war.
The Involvement of the United States of America
Israel has been the nation with more economic support from the United States than any other nation. In addition, the United States has consistently vetoed international efforts to end the violence. Because of these actions, Americans are closely tied to this conflict.
What Actions has the United Nations of America taken?
The United States of America has been sending the Special Committee to Israeli to observe the situation. The Committee has also been sent to countries like Syria and Palestine, among others, that have been affected by Israel’s practices.
The Committee regulary enters a country, conducts an investigation and searches for witnesses to have more details about what’s going on.
References
Questions
1. Why does Israel demolish Palestinian homes?
2. What are the reasons given by the Israeli government for demolishing Palestinian homes?
3. What international laws does the Israeli Occupation violate?
4. What is the ICAHD?
5. What solution does ICAHD advocate?
6. What is your delegation’s position?
Topic B: The Situation in the Middle East
The Situation in the Middle East
Various aspects of the situation in the Middle East have been dealt with by the United Nations, particularly by the General Assembly and the Security Council, since 1947. Following the hostilities of June 1967, the Security Council, in November 1967, set forth principles for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East
The Middle East situation today has an impact on all aspects of life in a large part of the world. Since early 2011, heads of state of Egypt have been driven to exile, put behind bars, or lynched by a mob. In Yemen the leader was forced to step aside, while the Syrian regime is fighting a desperate battle for bare survival, the population of Syria and Yemen want the government to listen to their voices, calls for freedom and demand respect to their rights. In Syria the violence is growing as well as the help of the terrorist group Al Qaeda, who also is present in Iraq`s conflict, using the Sunni resentment of the government to mobilize support for its escalating campaign of violence. Other autocrats dread what the future might bring and, of course, foreign powers are closely watching the events and not allowing these problems to continue by establishing sanctions.
The situation in Syria
Syrian civil war grew out of a popular uprising against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad in March 2011, which has left more than 80,000 dead. An armed rebellion to the regime soon took hold across Syria, dragging the country into a full-scale civil war.
The situation among the opponents of the Syrian government and the army of Bashar Al-Assad, has been characterized by new acts of violence, use of tanks, sarin gas, chemical weapons, massive and arbitrary arrests that often have accompanied of torture, degrading treatments, serious violations to the Human Rights, that continue being committed in a massive way provoking every day new victims in Syria. The country is being reduced to rubble, and the Syrian state is gradually collapsing. Cities and neighborhoods are being destroyed under constant fire from missiles and heavy artillery on an appalling scale. There seems to be no end to the suffering of the civilian population. We are witnessing brutal suppression and indiscriminate killings. The conflict is spilling across borders and threatening regional stability.
Who is involved in the arms trafficking network to Syrian rebels?
The problem gets worse as the opposition called "rebels" receive weapons of various types to generate a civil war and armed conflict between the Syrian army and the opponents. These weapons come illegally from allied countries where there is a link between the city of Lebanon and Sierra Leone with the Syrian nation for the transfer of arms and drugs through tunnels that are on the border of both countries.
How Strong is Al Qaeda in Syria?
Al Nusra Front , an Al Qaeda-linked group , is a rebel group in Syria fighting the government troops loyal to President Bashar al-Assad and one of the most effective rebel units in Syria, drawing on foreign fighters, and committed to establishing an Islamic state in Syria. Nusra Front considers Assad’s government an infidel regime serving the Alawite minority. But the group also rejects the Western-backed Syrian opposition and openly dismisses the vision of a democratic Syria where all religious groups enjoy equal rights.
The situation in Iraq
Al Qaeda in Iraq is based in the country's north-west, an area populated predominantly by Sunni Arabs, who held top government positions under former president Saddam Hussein. ISI thrives on local resentment of the Shiite-dominated government in the capital Baghdad, blamed for lack of economic development and jobs in this part of Iraq.ISI`s traditional base are small Sunni towns in the Anbar province, but its unofficial capital is now Mosul, Iraq's third largest city. Since late 2011, ISI has been extending its operations from Anbar into neighboring Syria.
Attacks against civilians often targeted the Iraqi Shia majority in an attempt to incite sectarian violence and greater chaos in the country. Al-Zarqawi purportedly declared an all-out war on Shiites while claiming responsibility for the Shiite mosque bombings.
U.S. and Iraqi officials accused AQI of trying to slide Iraq into a full-scale civil war between Iraq's majority Shiites and minority Sunni Arabs with an orchestrated campaign of civilian massacres and a number of provocative attacks against high-profile religious targets. With attacks such as the 2003 Imam Ali Mosque bombing, the 2004 Day of Ashura and Karbala and Najaf bombings, the 2006 first al-Askari Mosque bombing in Samarra and the deadly single-day series of bombings in which at least 215 people were killed in Baghdad's Shiite district of Sadr City, and the second al-Askari bombing in 2007, they provoked Shiite militias to unleash a wave of retaliatory attacks, resulting in a plague of death squad-style killings and spiraling further sectarian violence which escalated in 2006 and brought Iraq to the brink of violent anarchy in 2007. In 2008, sectarian bombings blamed on al-Qaeda killed at least 42 people at the Imam Husayn Shrine in Karbala in March and at least 51 people at a bus stop in Baghdad in June.
The situation in Iran
The technology used to enrich uranium to the level needed for nuclear power can also be used to enrich it to the higher level needed for a nuclear explosion.
The Council has ordered sanctions under Article 41 of the UN Charter, which enables it to decide, "What measures not involving the use of armed force are to be employed to give effect to its decisions". The Council has also called on Iran to ratify and implement an arrangement allowing more extensive inspections as a way of establishing confidence.
Sanctions on Iran
The world start the imposition of direct financial restrictions on Iran in order to make the nation meet the demands of the rest of the world in response to how to use the power of nuclear energy. Iran’s oil-dependent economy is under severe strain due to sanctions imposed by the West over the country’s nuclear program.
In response to demands, Iran has chosen to close its doors, cancel inspections, and generate threats to world powers and direct threats to Israel.
What happened in Iran?
Iran began the construction of nuclear reactors under some inspections. The problems started when inspections of the International Atomic Energy began receiving delays and denial of access to certain areas. This generated an apparent notion stating that something is being omitted and hidden to the eyes of the inspectors.
The situation in Israel
The Israeli position in the Syrian conflict is torn between an opportunity to terminally weaken the Syrian regime, and anxiety over the chaos on its northern border and the threat from hardline Islamist groups fighting Syrian government forces.
While the Assad government tried to use the air attacks to taint the rebels by linking them to Israel, the attacks still pose a dilemma for a regime already battling a relentless rebellion at home.If it fails to respond, it looks weak and opens the door to such air strikes becoming a common occurrence.But any military retaliation against Israel would risk dragging Israel and its powerful army into a broader conflict.
“The blatant Israeli aggression against military sites in Syria confirms the coordination between Israel and terrorist groups and the takfiris of Jabhat al-Nusra, which is a branch of Al-Qaeda," Syria's foreign ministry said in a letter to the UN.
Israel and Iran
Israel has a long-standing history of dealings with Iran(allie of Syria), and usually it has been included that has being the "Captured Slave labor" and "Displaced Peoples" for the Persian Empire after their conquests. At one point this nearly became the Original Holocaust if not for the intervention of Israel’s heavenly benefactor.
Over the last few months statements have been made by Iran that are thinly masked threats against Israel and against the United States, regarding them as targets for a soon to be initiated war.
Iran's parliament spokesman compared Israel to a barking dog that won't dare attack the Islamic republic over its controversial nuclear program.
Israeli-Azerbaijani cooperation allegedly caused so much concern in the White House that unarmed officials were given permission to leak the information on possible air strikes on Iran from the South-Caucasus country. The intention of the Obama administration was to make the plans public to disrupt any secret agreements between the two governments that would leave the US in the dark.
Barack said Iran might regard trying to destroy Israel with nuclear weapons as worth the risk of catastrophic retaliation.
References:
Middle East. News- Middle East. (2013, May 12)From:
Situation in Iran. Middle East. . (2013, May 12)From:
United Nations. Middle East. (2013, May 12)From:
Arab Spring. Recent News of Middle East. . (2013, May 15)From:
Protests in Middle East. Middle east/roundup (2013, May 13)From:
United Nations. Middle East. (2013, May 13)From:
News. Iran nuclear issue.BBC-Homepage. (2013, May 15)From:
Questions
Topic B) The Situation in Israel
1. What is your delegation’s position toward this problem?
2. Could your delegation respond to an attack from any delegation with nuclear weapons?
3. What measures under the General Assembly’s functions, could be proposed on international level to solve the problems in Middle East?
4. Does your delegation believes that there should be a direct intervention to stop all violence in Middle East?
5. How does your delegation supports the countries in Middle East?
Topic C) Armed Israeli aggression against the Iraqi nuclear installations and its grave consequences for the established international system concerning the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and international peace and security.
SITUATION BETWEEN ISRAEL AND IRAQ
Background Information
Iraq and Israel do not have any diplomatic relations. Iraq declared war on Israel in 1948, since then, relations between the two states have remained hostile at best. Iraqi forces took part in Israeli-Arab conflicts and invaded Israel in 1948, 1967, and 1973. In 1981, Israel, afraid of another attack by Iraq, bombed the Iraqi nuclear reactor at Al Tuwaitha SalmanPack Area. During the Persian Gulf War Iraq fired 39 modified Scud ballistic missiles at Israel despite there being no aggression from Israel. Israel under pressure from the United States never retaliated.
Why did the United States decide to attack?
The reason why President Bush decided to attack Iraq, was to defend Israel. With the support of Israel and America’s Jewish-Zionist lobby and prodded by Jewish “neo-conservatives”, Bush resolved to invade and subdue one of Israel´s chief regional enemies.
In previous interviews Bush declared that “Saddam Hussein and his weapons of mass destruction can blow up Israel and that would trigger an international conflict.”
What were Israel’s actions toward Iraq?
On 1981 , Israel bombed a French-built nuclear plant near Iraq’s capital, Baghdad, saying they believed that was designed to make nuclear weapons to destroy Israel.
The Israeli government explained its reason for the attack in a statement saying: “The atomic bombs which that reactor was capable of producing whether from enriched uranium of from plutonium, would be of the size of Hiroshima.”
The Israelis critised the French and Italians for supplying Iraq with nuclear materials and pledged to defend their territory at all costs.
Overview
• Two weeks after the Osirak attack, Israel admitted it had the capability of developing its own nuclear weapons.
• In 1986, Mordechai Vanunu, a nuclear technician was found guilty of espionage after telling the “Sunday Times” a newspaper, that Israel was secretly building atomic bombs.
Does Iraq have Weapons?
Fresh evidence has been revealed how MI6 and the CIA were told through secret channels by Saddam Hussein’s foreign minister and his head of intelligence that Iraq had no active weapons of mass destruction.
References
Questions:
Topic C) Armed Israeli aggression against the Iraqi nuclear installations and its grave consequences for the established international system concerning the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and international peace and security.
1. What is your delegation’s position?
2. Does your delegation has Weapons of Mass Destruction?
3. How does your delegation gets involved with this problem?
4. What measures under the General Assembly could be taken to solve this problem?
5. What solutions can your delegation propose to solve this conflict?
-----------------------
Alfredo Maximiliano Rosas González
General Secretary
OHMUN 2013
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