Taylor’s College Subang Jaya Model UN

Delegate Hand-book

TAYMUN Conference 2010

4th, 5th and 6th of September 2010

“A TIME FOR A CHANGE”

Delegate Manual
Taylor’s University College Main Campus
No. 1, Jalan SS15/8,
47500 Subang Jaya,
Selangor Darul Ehsan,
Malaysia.

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1) TAYMUN Committees

Ø Disarmament and International Security (DISEC)

Ø Social, Cultural, and Humanitarian (SOCHUM)
Ø ECOFIN
Ø Security Council
Ø International Court of Justice

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2. TAYMUN Agenda

Disarmament and International Security (DISEC)

1) The question of Security Council reform

2) The question of the status of governments that hold associations with terrorist
organizations

3) The question of prevention of an arms race in outer space

Social, Cultural, and Humanitarian (SOCHUM)

1) Question of eliminating international organized crime and prosecution of their
leaders
2) The question of the responsibilities of multinational corporations acting in
developing countries
3) The question of eliminating the issue of child soldiers

Security Council
TBA ONE WEEK before the conference

ECOFIN
1) The question of safeguarding the competitiveness of the global energy market
while combating climate change
2) The question of stabilizing the global economy against future shocks
3) The question of creating international support and partnership for progress and
development of Africa

International Court of Justice,

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TBA before the conference

3. Rules of Conduct
TAYMUN staff reserves the right to dismiss any participant from the conference due to
violation of any regulations which are listed below:

Alcohol
Alcohol is prohibited at all times and in all places, including the hotel and conference buildings.
Any delegate caught in possession of alcoholic beverages will be barred from the conference
and sent home immediately.
Drugs
Illegal drugs are prohibited. Any delegate caught in possession of illegal drugs will be barred
from the conference and sent home immediately.
Sexual Harassment
To ensure that all delegates enjoy the conference, sexual harassment is prohibited. The
delegates are expected to be mature enough to properly behave during the conference.
Incidents of sexual harassment should be immediately reported to an advisor or a conference
staff member.
Delegation of Authority
Delegates must obey instructions from any advisor or conference staff member, both inside and
outside of committee sessions.
Lap Top/Cell Phone Policy
Delegates are permitted to use laptops and PDAs during the TAYMUN Conference. Cell phones
must be turned off at all times. Taylor’s College is not responsible for lost or stolen property.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in all conference buildings and college premises at all times.
Name Tags
Name Tags must be kept visible at all times during the conference; they are the only
identification recognized by TAYMUN staff and building officials. Delegates who do not
comply with this policy, will be delayed in entering the conference or barred from sessions.
Litter
Delegates are responsible for their own trash. After each committee session, each delegate is to
clean his/her own area before leaving the room. Be responsible.

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Modes of Address
All references to other speakers during debates should be in the third person, e.g. Points of
Information should begin with a phrase such as: "Is the Speaker aware that...", and not "Do you
think..." Other phrases to be used include:
Sir/Madam Chairman...
I request the floor
Are the Chair/the Speaker (not) aware that...
I yield the floor to points of information/to the Chair/to another delegate
Does the Speaker (not) agree that...?

Duties of Delegates
During the conference, each delegate has the duty to:
1. Respect the decision of the Chair at all times;
2. Obtain the floor before speaking;
3. Stand before speaking;
4. Yield the floor when required to do so by the Chair;
5. be courteous at all times.

UN Delegates do not have the authority to declare wars on other countries. Neither do you. If
you do, you may be expelled by the chair. Of course, if your country is at war with another
country, you should conduct your diplomacy accordingly, while remaining civil at all times.

What Is The Role Of An MUN Delegate During The Conference?

In a sense, all MUN delegates assume the role of an ambassador in the committees they have
been assigned to. More importantly, at most conferences you will be given the opportunity
during the opening ceremony to put forward your country’s general views and policies in a
formal, one-minute speech. Obviously, this speech is based on your excellent research of your
country and all of the issues to be discussed at the conference. You yourself will need it if you
are called upon in the General Assembly or the Security Council.

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4. Rules of Parliamentary Procedure

General Rules
Rule 1 Scope ● the rules contained in this handbook will be the official rules for the
conference and will be considered adopted in advance of the session. No other
rules of procedure are applicable, unless otherwise specifically stated by the
Secretariat.

Rule 2 Rule Changes ● The Secretariat reserves the right to make any changes to these
rules necessary to insure the smooth functioning of the conference, and may present
them to the delegates at any time.

Rule 3 Language ● English will be the official and working language of the conference;
affected accents are deemed inappropriate.

Rule 4 Laptops ● In order to give delegates the same opportunities; the use of laptops in
committee is strictly prohibited.

Rule 5 Delegations ● the delegation of each member state will consist of no more than two
delegates in each committee. Regardless of the number of delegates, each delegation has
only one vote in each committee.

Rule 6 Courtesy ● Delegates will show courtesy and respect to all staff and delegates.
Delegates will be attentive to those who hold the floor and will maintain decorum
during all sessions of the conference. The Assistant Chair will immediately call to
order and delegates who fail to comply with this rule.

Rule 7 Credentials ● the credentials of all delegations have been accepted upon
registration. Challenges to the credentials of any member should be addressed in writing
to the Secretariat. Actions relating to the modification of rights, privileges, or credentials
of any member state may not be initiated without the written consent of the Secretariat.

Rule 8 Non-Members ● Representatives of Accredited Observers will have the same

rights as those of full members, except that they may not sign or vote on resolutions
or amendments.

Rule 9 Statements of the Secretariat ● any member of the Secretariat may make, at any
time, either oral or written statements to the committee.

Rule 10 Duties and Powers of the Chair ● The Chair will open and close each session,
rule on points of order and may limit speaking time, limit the Speakers list, and
decide the propriety of any procedural motion. The Chair also has the final word on
all substantive matters of the Committee. The Chair, subject to these rules, will
have complete control of the proceedings at any meeting.

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Rule 11 Duties and Powers of the Assistant Chair ● The Assistant Chair will direct
discussions, accord the right to speak, put questions, announce decisions, ensure
and enforce the observance of these rules, and may propose the adoption of any
procedural motion to which there is no significant objection.

Rule 12 General Directives of the Committee Staff ● The Committee Staff may advise the
delegations on the possible course of debate, and may suggest any motions which
would be looked upon favorably. In the exercise of these functions, the Committee
Staff will be at all times subject to these rules and responsible to the Secretariat.

Rule 13 Appeal ● any decision by the Chair or Assistant Chair, with the exception of those
matters that are explicitly not subject to appeal, may be appealed immediately by a
delegate. The Chair or Assistant Chair may speak briefly in defense of the ruling.
The appeal will then be put to a vote, and the decision of the Chair will stand unless
overruled by a simple majority of those members present and voting. A “For” vote
indicates support of the Chair’s ruling; a “Against” vote indicates opposition to that
ruling. The Chair’s ruling will stand unless overruled by a majority of “No” votes.

Rule 14 Withdrawing a Motion ● if the sponsor of a motion wishes to withdraw his

motion, he may simply rise and notify the Chair of the withdrawal.

Rule 15 Quorum ● The Chair may declare the Committee open when at least one-
quarter of the Members are present. The presence of a majority of the members will be
required for the vote on any substantive motion. The presence of a quorum will be
assumed unless specifically challenged. Any delegate may call for quorum if its presence
is in doubt, at which point a placard count of delegates is taken. A roll call is not
required to determine the presence of a quorum. A quorum is two thirds plus 1.

Rule 16 Roll Call ● All Committee meetings will begin with a roll call. The Assistant
Chair will read an alphabetized list of the countries in the committee, and those
delegates present will respond, “Present.” Delegates arriving after the Roll Call
must submit a note to the Chair informing her of their presence before they will be
recognized.

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Rules Governing Debate

Rule 17 Agenda ● the first order of business for the Committee will be the consideration of
the Agenda. A motion should be made to put a Topic first on the agenda. This
motion requires a second. A Speakers List will be established for and against the
motion. A motion to close debate will be in order after the Committee has heard
two speakers for and against (or less if there are less than two speakers either for or
against the motion). In accordance with normal procedure described in Rule 22, the
Assistant Chair will recognize two speakers against the motion to close debate, and
a vote of a two-thirds majority is required for closure of debate on the agenda.
When debate is closed, the Committee will move to an immediate vote on the
motion. A simple majority is required for passage. If the motion fails, the other
topic will automatically be placed first on the agenda. The second Topic will be
discussed once the committee has concluded voting procedures on the first Topic or
when the first Topic has been tabled in accordance with Rule 21.

Rule 18 Debate ● After the Agenda has been determined; one continuously open Speakers
List will be established for the purpose of general debate. This Speakers List will
be followed for all debate on the Topic, except when superseded by procedural
motions, amendments, or the introduction of a resolution. Speakers may speak
generally on the Topic being considered and may address any resolution currently
on the floor.

Rule19 Un-moderated Caucus ● a motion to caucus is in order at any time when the floor
is open, prior to closure of debate. The delegate making the motion must briefly
explain its purpose and specify a time limit for the caucus, not to exceed twenty
minutes. The motion will immediately be put to a vote. A majority of members
present is required for passage. The Chair may rule the motion out of order and
his/her decision is not subject to appeal.

Rule 20 Moderated Caucus ● the purpose of a moderated caucus is to facilitate substantive

debate at critical junctures in the discussion. The Assistant Chair will temporarily
depart from the Speakers List and call on delegates to speak at his discretion. A
motion for a moderated caucus is in order at any time when the floor is open, prior
to closure of debate. The delegate making the motion must briefly explain its
purpose and specify a time limit for the caucus, not to exceed twenty minutes.
Once raised, the motion will be voted on immediately, with a majority of members
present required for passage. The Chair may rule the motion out of order and his
decision is not subject to appeal.

Rule 21 Tabling of Debate ● whenever the floor is open, a delegate may move for the
postponement or tabling of debate on the current Topic. The motion will require a
two-thirds majority to pass and will be debatable to the extent of two speaker for
and two against. No debate or action will be allowed on any resolution or

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amendment on which debate has been tabled. Tabling of one Topic will imply the debate
of the other Topic.

Rule 22 Closure of Debate ● when the floor is open, a delegate may move to close debate
on the substantive or procedural matter under discussion. The Chair may, subject to
appeal, rule such a motion dilatory. When closure of debate is moved, the Assistant
Chair may recognize up to two speakers against the motion. No speaker in favor of
the motion will be recognized. Closure of debate requires the support of two-thirds
of the members present and voting. If the Committee is in favor of closure, the
Assistant Chair will declare the closure of the debate, and all resolutions or
amendments on the floor will be brought to an immediate vote.

Rule 23 Suspension or Adjournment of the Meeting ● whenever the floor is open, a

delegate may move for the suspension of the meeting, to suspend all Committee
functions until the next meeting, or for the adjournment of the meeting, to suspend
all Committee functions for the duration of the Conference. The Chair may rule
such motions out of order; these decisions will not be subject to appeal. When in
order, such will not be debatable but will be immediately put to the vote and will
require a simple majority to pass.

Rules Governing Speeches

Rule 24 Speakers List ● The Committee will have an open Speakers List for the Topic
being discussed. Separate Speakers Lists will be established as needed for
procedural motions and debate on amendments. A country may add its name to the
Speakers List by submitting a request in writing to the Chair, provided that country
is not already on the Speakers List. The names of the next several countries to
speak will always be posted for the convenience of the Committee. The Speakers
List for the second Topic will not be open until the Committee has proceeded to that
topic. The General Speakers List of a Topic may never be closed. When the
Speakers List is exhausted, the matter on the floor is put immediately to a vote.

Rule 25 Speeches and Time Limits ● No delegate may address a session without having
previously obtained the permission of the Assistant Chair. The Chair may call a
speaker to order if her remarks are not relevant to the subject under discussion, or
are offensive to committee members and staff. The Chair may limit the time
allotted to each speaker. The minimum time limit will be ten seconds. When a
delegate exceeds the allotted time, the Assistant Chair may call the speaker to order.
Delegates may motion to adjust the speaking time. The motion is not debatable and
requires a simple majority to pass.

Rule 26 Yields ● a delegate who has been granted the right to speak on a substantive issue
(a Topic or amendment) may yield the remainder of his time to another delegate, to
questions, or to the Chair. When yielding to another delegate, a delegate who is
yielded to may speak for the remaining time, but may not make any yields. When

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yielding to questions, delegates who wish to ask questions of the speaker will raise their
placards, and the Assistant Chair will select questioners. Only the speaker’s
responses will be deducted from the speaking time. When yielding to the chair, the
speaker’s time will simply end. Delegates speaking on procedural matters may not
yield.

Rule 27 Right of Reply ● a delegate whose personal or national integrity has been
impugned by another delegate may request a Right of Replay. The Right of Reply
is to be used to respond to the statements of the speaker. It may not be used to
make corresponding, insulting remarks. All requests must be made in writing. The
Chair’s decision whether to grant the Right of Reply cannot be appealed.

Points
Rule 28 Points of Personal Privilege ● Whenever a delegate experiences personal
discomfort which impairs his/her ability to participate in the proceedings, he or she
may rise to a Point of Personal Privilege to request that the discomfort be corrected.
While a Point of Personal Privilege may interrupt a speaker, delegates should use
this power with the utmost discretion.

Rule 29 Points of Order ● during the discussion of any matter, a delegate may rise to a
Point of Order to indicate an instance of improper parliamentary procedure. The
Chair, in accordance with the rules of procedure, will immediately decide the Point
of Order. The Chair may rule out of order those points, which are dilatory or
improper; such a decision is not subject to appeal. A representative rising to a Point
of Order may not speak on the substance of the matter under discussion. A Point of
Order may only interrupt a speaker if the speech is not following proper
parliamentary procedure.

Rule 30 Points of Parliamentary Inquiry ● when the floor is open, a delegate may rise to a
Point of Parliamentary Inquiry to ask the Assistant Chair a question regarding the
rules of procedure. A Point of Parliamentary Inquiry may never interrupt a speaker.
Delegates with substantive questions should not rise to this Point, but should rather
approach the committee staff during caucus.

Rules Governing Substantive Issues

Rule 31 Working Papers ● Delegates may propose working papers for committee
consideration. Working papers are intended to aid the Committee in its discussion
and formulation of resolutions and need not be written in resolution format.

Rule 32 Resolutions ● A resolution may be introduced when it receives the approval of the
Chair and is signed by one-third (rounding up if necessary) of the delegations in the
Committee. Signing a resolution does not indicate support of the resolution, and the

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signatory has no further obligations. There are no official sponsors of resolutions. No

resolutions will be accepted during the first committee session. No pre-written
resolutions will be accepted. Resolutions require a simple majority to pass.

Rule 33 Introducing Resolutions ● once a resolution has been approved as stipulated

above and has been made available to the Committee, a delegate may rise to
introduce the resolution. The content of such an introduction will be limited to
reading the operatives of the resolution. Such an introduction will be considered
procedural in nature, and hence, yields are out of order. More than one resolution
may be on the floor at any one time, and more than one resolution may be passed
per Topic. A resolution will remain on the floor until debate on that Topic has been
closed. Debate on resolutions will proceed according to the Topic General
Speakers List. Resolutions require a simple majority to pass. A committee can
pass as many resolutions as it wishes.

Rule 34 Amendments ● Delegates may amend any resolution which has been introduced.
An amendment must have the approval of the Director and the signatures of one-
fifth (rounding up if necessary) of the members of the Committee. Amendments to
amendments are out of order; however, an amended part of a resolution may be
further amended. There are no official sponsors of amendments. There are no
friendly amendments. Perambulatory clauses may not be amended. An approved
amendment may be introduced when the floor is open. A majority is required for
introduction of amendments. General Debate will be suspended and a Speakers List
will be established for and against the amendment. A motion to close debate will
be in order after the Committee has heard two speakers for and against (or less if
there are less than two speakers either for or against the motion). Following the
normal procedure of Rule 22, the Assistant Chair will recognize two speakers
against the motion to close debate, and a vote of two-thirds is required for closure.
When debate is closed on the amendment, the Committee will move to an
immediate vote. A majority is needed to pass an amendment. After the vote,
debate will resume according to the General Topic Speakers List.

Rule 35 Competence ● A motion to question the competence of the Committee to discuss a

resolution or amendment is in order only immediately after the resolution has been
introduced. The motion requires a majority to pass and is debatable to the extent of
one speaker for and one against.

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Rules Governing Voting

Rule 36 Division of the Question ● after debate on any resolution or amendment has been
closed, a delegate may move that operative parts of the proposal be voted on
separately. Division of the question may not remove perambulatory and sub-
operative clauses. The motion is debatable to the extent of two speakers for and
two against, to be followed by an immediate procedural vote on that motion. If the
motion for Division of the Question passes, the resolution or amendment will be
divided accordingly, and a separate substantive vote will be taken on each divided
part to determine whether or not it is included in the draft. Then the draft will be
voted on as a whole. All substantive votes in this process require a simple majority
to pass.

Rule 37 Voting ● only delegates who have recorded as present in the latest roll call may
vote. Each delegation in each committee gets one vote. Each may vote “For” or
“Against” on procedural matters, and “For”, “Against”, or “Abstain” on a
substantive matter. All matters will be voted on with placards except in the case of
a roll call vote. A motion that requires a “simple majority” passes only if the
number of delegates voting in favor of the motion exceeds the number voting
against. If equal numbers vote for and against, the motion fails. A motion that
requires a “two-thirds majority” passes only if the number of delegates voting in
favor of the motion equals or exceeds twice the number voting against. The number
of abstentions will not be considered in determining the results of the vote.
Members may vote on both procedural and substantive issues; while Accredited
Observers may vote only on procedural issues. Resolutions are voted on in the
order they are introduced. After the Chair has announced the beginning of voting,
no Member will interrupt the voting except on a point of order in connection with
the actual conduct of voting or on a point of parliamentary inquiry. During a vote,
representatives should maintain proper decorum; no caucusing should take place, no
notes should be passed, and no delegates should enter or leave the room. No
country may cast a vote by proxy or on behalf of another country.

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Voting on Amendments.
A motion for Closure of Debate on an amendment is in order at any time the amendment is
under consideration by the Committee,
- If the motion for closure passes, the amendment will be put to an immediate vote, An
amendment that has been introduced and discussed by the Committee, but not put to a
vote, will be subject to a vote once a motion for closure on its resolution or agenda
topic passes,
- The vote on the amendment will occur just prior to the vote on the resolution it
proposes to amend/
- Multiple amendments on the floor for the same resolution, that have not been voted on
prior to the closure of debate on their resolution or agenda topic, will be voted on in the
reverse order in which the Committee considered them, not necessarily in alphabetical
order

Voting on Resolutions.
A motion for Closure of Debate on a resolution is in order at any time the resolution is under
consideration by the Committee,
- All resolutions being considered under an agenda topic will be put to a vote when a
motion for closure of debate on that agenda topic passes
- Resolutions will be voted on in the order in which they were considered by the
Committee, not necessarily in numerical order.

Rule 38 Roll Call Voting ● When the Committee is moving into voting procedures, a
delegate may request a roll call vote. Such a motion may be made from the floor
and requires a simple majority to pass. The Chair may rule this motion out of order;
such a decision cannot be appealed. A motion for a roll call vote is in order only
for substantive motions. In a roll call vote, the Assistant Chair will call countries in
alphabetical order starting with a randomly selected member. In the first sequence,
delegates may vote “For”, “Against”, “Abstain”, or “Pass”. A delegate who passes
during the first sequence of the roll call must vote during the second sequence. The
Assistant Chair will then call for changes of votes. The Assistant Chair will then
announce the outcome of the vote.

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Quick Reference to TAYMUN Rules of Procedure

Rules Speakers Vote Appeal Comments

Rules in order of Precedence

28 Point of Personal Privilege N/A N/A N/A In order at any time; used when a delegate is
unable to participate in committee business.
29 Point of Order N/A N/A N/A In order at any time, but able to interrupt a
speaker only when speech itself is out of order.
30 Point of Parliamentary Inquiry N/A N/A N/A In order when floor is open. Questions about
Parliamentary Procedure to Chair.
27 Right of Reply N/A N/A No No Right of Reply to Right of Reply

19 Unmoderated Caucusing None 1/2 No

Motion requires purpose and time limit for caucus:
20 Moderated Caucusing None 1/2 No maximum time is 20 minutes.

23 Suspension of Meeting None 1/2 No Acceptable only at end of a committee session.

23 Adjournment of Meeting None 1/2 No Acceptable only at end of last committee session.

21 Tabling of Debate 2+/2- 2/3 Yes Automatically switches to other Topic

22 Closure of Debate 0+/2- 2/3 Yes If passed, all resolutions on the floor go to a vote.

35 Competence 1+/1- 1/2 N/A Only in order immediately after the introduction of an
amendment or resolution.
36 Division of the Question 2+/2- 1/2 N/A Proposals for division are voted on first, and then the
divisions are voted on substantially.
33 Introduce Resolutions N/A 1/2 N/A
Questions asked of the resolution or amendment
34 Introduce Amendments N/A 1/2 N/A when it is introduced may only be orthographic.

25 Time Limit on Speeches N/A 1/2 Yes Change or set speaking time; minimum is 10 seconds.

Rules not arranged in order of precedence

13 Appeal Chair 1/2 N/A Chair defends ruling. “For” means decision is upheld.
“Against” means overturned.
15 Quorum N/A N/A Yes Assumed present unless challenged. ¼ for debate, ½
for substantive vote.
17 Agenda ∞+/∞- 1/2 N/A If motion fails, proceed to other Topic.

26 Yields N/A N/A N/A No multiple yields. May yield to 1) another delegate,
15 2) questions, or 3) Chair.
38 Roll Call Vote N/A 1/2 No Only in order on substantive matters.
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5. Resolutions
A resolution is a carefully-drafted single sentence asking the assembly to express an opinion,
affirm a policy, or take an action. It is a formal proposal made to the assembly by a delegate
or group of delegates. It consists of both pre-ambulatory and operative clauses. Multiple
resolutions per committee and per topic may be passed. To be submitted for debate, a
resolution requires a minimum number of sponsors to be decided upon individually by each
committee. A resolution also requires the approval of the Chair.

Guidelines for Drafting a Resolution

At the top of the resolution, the following information should be given:
· The name of the committee in which the topic was discussed,
· The subject of the resolution,
· The sponsor nations (must meet the minimum for the committee), and
· The nations signing the resolution (must meet the minimum for the committee).
A sponsor of the resolution must be prepared to explain and defend the views expressed and
the action requested in the resolution. It is not appropriate or sufficient to ask delegates to vote
“yes” because “this is a good resolution and it should be passed.”

Structure of the Resolution

The Preamble
This section explains the purpose of the resolution and states the chief reasons for the
recommendations given in the Operative Clause(s). Often, the Preamble refers to a previous
UN action, a resolution, or to the United Nations Charter. The Preamble may NOT be
amended. Each perambulatory clause starts with a verb. The following is a list of verbs that
may be used as verbs in perambulatory clauses:
Affirming Deeply Having Noting with regret
Alarmed by regretting considered Noting with
Approving Desiring Having satisfaction
Aware of Emphasizing considered Observing
Believing Expressing its further Realizing
Bearing in mind appreciation Having denoted Reaffirming
Confident Expressing its attention Recalling
Contemplating satisfaction Having Recognizing
Convinced Fulfilling examined Referring
Declaring Fully aware Having heard Recalling
Deeply Fully believing Having received Seeking
concerned Further Having studied Taking into
Deeply deploring Keeping in mind account
conscious Further noting Noting Taking into
Deeply Further Noting with consideration
convinced recalling approval Taking note
Deeply Guided by Noting with Viewing with
disturbed Having adopted deep concern appreciation
Welcoming

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The Operative Clause

This section states the policy or action that delegates are being asked to adopt. It must be
clearly and succinctly worded. This section must be based on the positions and arguments
you have made in the Preamble. Each clause must deal with only one complete idea and
set forth a clear action to be taken. Each clause must be numbered. Clauses may be
divided into sub-clauses using (a), (b), etc.
Operative clauses begin with action verbs. Some of the action verbs that may be used to
introduce an operative clause are as follows:
Accepts Deplores Further invites Strongly
Affirms Demands* Further condemns
Approves Designates proclaims Supports
Authorizes Draws the Have resolved Trusts
Calls attention Notes Takes note of
Calls for Emphasizes Proclaims Transmits
Condemns Encourages Reaffirms Urges
Congratulates Endorses Recommends
Confirms Expresses its Reminds
Considers appreciation Regrets
Declares Expresses its Requests
accordingly hope Solemnly affirms
* The operative verb 'Demands' may only be used in the Security Council
Operative clauses end in semicolons. The final clause ends with a period. These clauses
may be amended.

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Sample Resolution
Resolution A.1 (number to be assigned by the chair)
Committee: General Assembly
Topic: The Situation in Darfur
Sponsors: United Kingdom, Canada, India, Mexico
Signatories: Panama, Germany, Chad, Lebanon, Laos

The General Assembly,

Recalling Security Council Resolution 1769 and all previous resolutions concerning the
situation in Sudan,
Recognizing the past efforts of the AU and UN peacekeeping forces stationed in the
Sudan for the promotion of peace and stability,
Recognizing the deteriorating situation as a humanitarian crisis,
Reaffirming that the continued presence of peacekeeping forces is necessary for the
welfare of displaced peoples within Sudan,
Realizing that current troop deployments are not enough to maintain peace and stability
within the Darfur region,
1. Requests that additional methods be implemented to promote peace in the Darfur
region, including:
a. The protection of non-governmental aid organizations;
b. The inclusion of other international leaders outside of Sudan in peace talks;
2. Requests that the Security Council and the African Union authorize the deployment of
more peacekeeping troops to Darfur;
3. urges the fighting parties of Sudan to cease operations;
4. condemns those who work against the security of the Darfur region and ultimately
threaten the security of the international community;
5. Requests further aid is given to the displaced population, particularly women and
children who are the most vulnerable in this conflict;
6. Congratulates all members who have dedicated themselves to the promotion of peace
within this troubled region.

Notepaper
Note-passing is a key part of Model United Nations events. It allows you to communicate
in private with your allies, to attract more support, find out voting intentions, lobby other
nations, talk to the Chair, and submit amendments and so on. The number of notes each
delegate will send over the course of the conference will vary, depending on how active
they are at note-passing. Anywhere between 10 and 30 sheets per person per day is an
'appropriate' estimate...

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6. Rules and regulations governing the TAYMUN

International Court of Justice (ICJ):
The procedures of the TAYMUN ICJ are loosely based on the International Court
of Justice RULES OF COURT. It is imperative that each participant reads the
Rules, Particularly, Articles 54 through 78. However, because of our time
limitations, and the complex rules of evidence, the simulation will be a shortened
and partial model of ICJ.

a. JUDGES’ RESPONSIBILITIES
i) Being a judge of the ICJ is not like being a member of a delegation or chairing
a MUN session. Judges are bound to follow the law, whatever the outcome; they
should be professional in all times and NEVER pre-judge or assume a fact.
ii) Judges must take copious notes of the proceedings. Good note-taking is
essential, because:
1. One cannot remember everything that is presented, and
2. Even if we had a court reporter, one could not continually request his/her
notes.

There is a common technique in taking notes that is usually advised in THIMUN

ICJ:
Take your notebook and draw a line down the centre of each page. On the left
side of the page, write your basic notes; on the right and across from your
entries, put down significant points that are raised by a particular note. Jot down
questions you wish to ask when it is your turn, as a judge, to question the
advocates. Most important, raise the issues that you feel are crucial to the
case—those issues that you feel should be listed for consideration during judges’
deliberations. We cannot stress enough the importance of taking good notes.

iii) The advocates present evidence to the judges. When an advocate objects to
the attempted presentation of certain evidence, i.e., “I object, your honor,
Hearsay,” usually, the advocate is objecting to the admissibility of the evidence. If
the objection is sustained, the judge(s) agree with the advocate making the
objection, and the statement, document, etc. cannot be heard/seen, or “admitted
into evidence”. If the objection is overruled, the judges oppose the objection, and
the statement, etc., can be heard/seen or considered as evidence by the “finders
of fact” (again, in our case, the judges themselves), The degree to which the
evidence can be considered is often discussed in jury instructions, and it is
referred to as the “weight” given to the evidence, sometimes a lot, sometimes
only in relation to other factors and, therefore, just a little. In our circumstances,
the two co-presidents of the court will rule on objections, although the other
judges should be consulted on complex matters. The co-presidents, sitting as
judges, have the last word in all rulings.

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IV) Judges should be addressed as “Judge (name)” or “Your Honor”.

Advocates should be addressed as “Counsel”, as in “Counsel for (country)”. Also,
please note that judges may ask limited questions of any witness in the
proceedings, whether on direct or cross-examination. The questioning of
advocates by the judges is discussed later in this brief. Judges, a general
preparation of the facts and issues should be sufficient. The major burden is on
the Advocates.

b. Advocates responsibilities
i) Each advocate team is required to submit a memorandum concerning
their country’s case to Secretary General of the conference, Judges
and the opposing counsel. The Memorandum should be a party's view
of the pertinent facts and legal principles as espoused by its
advocates. It need not give away trial strategies; however, it should
present a party's position, the facts and points of law (citations may be
included) to be applied. It may contradict points that are anticipated to
be raised by the opposing party. Each Memorandum should be written
clearly and succinctly, and I recommend a length of approximately 750
words (but not to exceed 900words) using font 12 is advised. The due
date will be mentioned to the successful ICJ applicants.
ii) NEVER take anything personally and NEVER “hit an opponent below the
belt”. ALWAYS act as a professional!

iii) Keep in mind that for a side to win the case, simple majority of justices’
vote is needed.

iv) Kitchen sink approach, or not: an approach you can have or not, it’s your
choice, if you’re the applicant counsel, be specific in
What you want, do not let the opposing team to get you muddled; Always focus
on proving your case.
If you’re the responding counsel (respondent) throw in everything you can, like
pots and pans in a kitchen sink. Confuse the issues; prevent the moving party
from being clear, concise and focused.

v) Opening statements: every party is given up to 10 minutes per opening.

The moving party starts. The respondent can choose to give their
opening right away or wait until the applicant has rested their case.
The purpose of an Opening Statement is to tell the Court what you intend to
show/prove by the presentation of your case. It is best to say, “We intend to
show...” or “We intend to prove...” etc. Never make assertions or promises to the
judges that you cannot keep. The opposing counsel will make certain that the
judges remember that you promised in your opening statement to prove
something you failed to do.
Also, it is best that one advocate present the opening statement; however both
may share in presenting the closing argument.

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vi) When presenting evidence there are some points to be cautious about,
firstly, during direct examination of the witness, you can not ask
leading questions. (e.g.) “You were there, weren’t you!?” this can draw
objections from opposing counsel.
vii) You should also be careful about Hearsay, the witness can not be asked
to quote someone else that is not available for cross examination. This
can be objected to as well.

viii)Each witness who testifies in direct examination may be cross-examined

by opposing counsel. The questions on cross-examination must relate
to the questions asked on direct examination. We say that they cannot
exceed, or be outside, the scope of the direct examination of the
witness. Cross-examination is an art. No hearsay is allowed, but, if
done properly, every question should be leading question. Essentially,
you tell the witness what you want him/her to say by leading, e.g. “You
were lying when you said you saw the defendant in the store, weren’t
you?” “Isn’t it true that the person you saw was not the defendant, but
someone else?” You direct the answers, and most, if not all answers,
should be either a “YES” or a “NO” (although witnesses often may
explain their yes or no answers). Unless the witness is qualified as an
expert, on direct examination, ask no leading questions on cross-
examination ask only leading questions.

ix) Technically, at any time during the testimony of a witness, a judge, subject
to the approval of the President(s), may ask a question of the witness.
However, rather than interfere with the flow of testimony, it is prudent
for judges to wait until all direct testimony and cross-examination of a
witness is completed, at which time judges will have the opportunity to
ask questions of the witness. Following these questions, advocates will
be given a very brief opportunity to ask further questions of the
witness. Because of time constraints, judges' questions, and follow-up
questions by advocates, must be kept to a reasonable minimum by the
President(s).
x) Further, some quick pointers: Try to reinforce the credibility of your
witnesses for truth and accuracy, while attempting to establish that the
credibility of certain opposing witnesses is poor. Never, ask a witness
a question to which you yourself do not know the answer. Never ask a
witness “WHY”! Do not argue with a witness! Further, only one
advocate from a team should question a witness, not both advocates.
This is true whether on direct or cross-examination. The questioning of
witnesses is done in the following pattern: direct, cross, redirect cross,
And so on, until each side has no further questions to ask the witness.

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xi) Remember that sometimes, it is best to know when to stop. It is a wise

advocate who knows when to say either “no further questions,” or even
“no questions”. Strategy and timing are very important.

xii) Also, when speaking you should not use ‘you’ or ‘I’ but ‘Agent of country x’
To add on, we will expect extreme professionalism and diplomatic
behavior from all ICJ members.

xiii)Please have your witnesses ready to testify at the ICJ. Precise timing is
always a problem, especially in real life, but the witnesses must be
available to take oath.

*Sources of THIMUN was used in preparation of this material

FURTHER INFORMATION, AGENDA, TOPICS AND ETC. WILL BE

ANNOUNCED PRIOR TO THE CONFERENCE.

Please contact us at TAYMUN2010@GMAIL.COM for further enquiries.

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