COUNTRY MATRIX FOR NUJSMUN ON 30th Aug, 2009

1. Afghanistan

2. Albania

3. Algeria

4. Andorra

5. Angola

6. Antigua and Barbuda

7. Argentina

8. Armenia

9. Australia

10. Austria

11. Azerbaijan

12. Bahamas

13. Bahrain

14. Bangladesh

15. Barbados

16. Belarus

17. Belgium

18. Belize

19. Benin

20. Bhutan

21. Bolivia

22. Bosnia and Herzegovina

23. Botswana

24. Brazil

25. Brunei Darussalam

26. Bulgaria

27. Burkina Faso

28. Burundi

29. Cambodia

30. Cameroon

31. Canada

32. Cape Verde

33. Central African Republic

34. Chad

35. Chile

36. China

37. Colombia

38. Comoros

39. Congo, Republic of

40. Costa Rica

41. C™te d'Ivoire

42. Croatia

43. Cuba

44. Cyprus

45. Czech Republic

46. DPR Korea

47. Democratic Republic of Congo

48. Denmark

49. Djibouti

50.Dominica

51. Dominican Republic

52. Ecuador

53. Egypt

54. El Salvador

55. Equatorial Guinea

56. Eritrea

57. Estonia

58. Ethiopia

59. Fiji

60. Finland

61. France

62. Gabon

63. Gambia

64. Georgia

65. Germany

66. Ghana

67. Greece

68. Grenada

69. Guatemala

70. Guinea

71. Guinea-Bissau

72. Guyana

73. Haiti

74. Honduras

75. Hungary

76. Iceland

77. India

78. Indonesia

79. Iran

80. Iraq

81. Ireland

82. Israel

83. Italy

84. Jamaica

85. Japan

86. Jordan

87. Kazakhstan

88. Kenya

89. Kiribati

90. Kuwait

91. Kyrgyzstan

92. Lao, People's Democratic Republic

93. Latvia

94. Lebanon

95. Lesotho

96. Liberia

97. Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

98. Liechtenstein

99. Lithuania

100. Luxembourg

101. Madagascar

102. Malawi

103. Malaysia

104. Maldives

105. Mali

106. Malta

107. Marshall Islands

108. Mauritania

109. Mauritius

110. Mexico

111. Micronesia

112. Monaco

113. Mongolia

114. Morocco

115. Mozambique

116. Myanmar

117. Namibia

118. Nauru

119. Nepal

120. Netherlands

121. New Zealand

122. Nicaragua

123. Nigeria

124. Niger

125. Norway

126. Oman

127. Pakistan

128. Palau

129. Panama

130. Papua New Guinea

131. Paraguay

132. Peru

133. Philippines

134. Poland

135. Portugal

136. Qatar

137. Republic of Korea

138. Republic of Moldova

139. Romania

140. Russian Federation

141. Rwanda

142. St Kitts and Nevis

143. St. Lucia

144. St. Vincent and the Grenadines

145. Samoa

146. San Marino

147. Sao Tome and Principe

148. Saudi Arabia

149. Senegal

150. Seychelles

151. Sierra Leone

152. Singapore

153. Slovakia

154. Slovenia

155. Solomon Islands

156. Somalia

157. South Africa

158. Spain

159. Sri Lanka

160. Sudan

161. Suriname

162. Swaziland

163. Sweden

164. Syrian Arab Republic

165. Tajikistan

166. Thailand

167. The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

168. Togo

169. Tonga

170. Trinidad and Tobago

171. Tunisia

172. Turkey

173. Turkmenistan

174. Uganda

175. Ukraine

176. United Arab Emirates

177. United Kingdom

178. United Republic of Tanzania

179. United States of America

180. Uruguay

181. Uzbekistan

182. Vanuatu

183. Venezuela

184. Viet Nam

185. Yemen

186. Yugoslavia

187. Zambia

188. Zimbabwe

Position Paper

The Position paper should include a brief introduction and a comprehensive breakdown of the country‟s position on the topics that are being discussed within the committee. An excellent position paper includes:

• A clear statement of policy on each topic;
• The country‟s background on the topic, including:
• Political and/or foreign policy;
• Action taken by your government in relation to the topic;
• Resolutions and declarations that your country supports;
• Quotes taken from speeches made by heads of government;
• Actions of the United Nations that your country supports;
• Suggestions on future course of action.

The Position paper should be typed out on an A4 size paper, in Font Arial and Size 12.
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SAMPLE POSITION PAPER

Committee : Commission on Human Rights
Topic : Violence against Women
Country : The Kingdom of Denmark
Delegate : XYZ, ABC University

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states, “no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.” Although this doctrine was adopted in 1948, the world has fallen quite short of this goal. Violence against women pervades all states and it is the duty of the international community to ensure that all persons are afforded equality and respect. Despite cooperative efforts at combating gross human rights abuses, such as the adoption of the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, the United Nations has not been able to alleviate the injustice women worldwide experience daily.

The Kingdom of Denmark believes that in order to end violence against women, nations must look to empower women in all aspects of society. This includes promoting equal gender roles in government, civil society, education and business. However, Denmark also recognizes the need to combat human rights abuses against women as they occur, and no nation is immune to gender violence. In 2002, the Danish Government launched an extensive action plan to combat domestic violence against women. The plan includes measures to help treat abused women, identify and prosecute the perpetrators, and incorporate professional medical and psychological staff into the rehabilitation process. The action plan currently reaches out to both governmental and nongovernmental groups on the local level throughout the nation.

The Danish Centre for Human Rights in Copenhagen, Denmark’s foremost national human rights institution also promotes and protects human rights. Based on the Centre’s research, Denmark’s parliament can promote human rights-based legislation and education/awareness programs throughout the nation. The Centre also addresses the UN Commission on Human Rights annually regarding human rights developments in Denmark and internationally. Denmark has no record of committing major human rights violations, most importantly any targeted at women.
In its 2003 Annual Report, Amnesty International also found no human rights violations against Danish women.

Women are invaluable to Denmark’s society and have achieved significant economic and social gains in the 20th century. Currently, 75 percent of medical students in Denmark are women.

Denmark is confident that this Commission can bring about an end to violence against women without compromising the sovereignty of member states. Education remains perhaps the most useful tool in protecting victims of gender-based violence. Governments, UN agencies, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) can plan a coordinated campaign that educates national populations on the various ways women are violently targeted. Similarly, harmful traditions, such as honour killings and female genital mutilation, must be stopped by reforming traditional views of women in society. Children of both sexes need to be taught at an early age to value the rights of women in order to prevent such violence in their generation.

Another way to stop gender violence would be to reproach member states that consistently violate treaties such as the Convention on Political Rights of Women (1952), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (1979), and the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women (1993). Although this Committee cannot impose sanctions, it can pass resolutions verbally condemning states that commit human rights violations. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights can also meet with representatives of governments that violate the above treaties to discuss possible solutions.

In order to prevent gender violence, nations must work together to build a culture of support, equality and community. As such, the Kingdom of Denmark looks forward to offering its support, in whatever form possible, to nations firmly committed to ending violence against women in all its forms.

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Voting

METHODS OF DECISION:
All procedural decisions, except for the closure and adjournment of debate, shall be made by a simple majority of the delegations present. Delegations physically present in the committee may not abstain on procedural motions. Decisions on draft resolutions and amendments shall require a simple majority in favour. However, the passage of all resolutions and amendments in the Security Council requires nine affirmative votes and an affirmative vote or an abstention on the part of all permanent members (People‟s Republic of China, France, Russian Federation, United States of America and United Kingdom).

VOTING RIGHTS:
Each present delegate shall have one vote. Observing nations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) cannot vote on substantive matters. Each vote may be a Yes, No or Abstain. On procedural motions, members may not abstain. Members “present and voting” shall be defined as members casting an affirmative or negative vote (no abstentions) on all substantive votes.

CONDUCT WHILE IN VOTING PROCEDURE:
After the Chair has announced the beginning of voting, no representative may enter or leave the room, nor shall any representative interrupt the voting except on a Point of Personal Privilege, Point of Inquiry, or a Point of Order in connection with the actual conduct of the voting. Communication between delegates is strictly forbidden. Any breach of this rule may lead to the taking away of voting rights of the delegates.

METHOD OF VOTING:
Delegations may vote in favour of or against a proposal or may abstain from voting. The committee shall normally vote by show of placards, but any delegate may request a roll call vote on substantive matters. The roll call vote shall be taken in alphabetical order of the English names of the countries present. A roll call vote requires a second. During a roll call vote, delegations may answer with an affirmative vote, a negative vote, an abstention (when appropriate) or may pass. Delegations passing in the first round of voting will be called upon alphabetically in a second round, at which time they may only answer with an affirmative or negative vote. Delegations that appear to be voting out of policy, while casting an affirmative or negative vote, may reserve the right to explain their vote by „Voting with Rights‟. Delegations must announce that they are voting with Rights at the time they cast their vote. The Chair may permit delegations voting with Rights to explain their votes after voting has concluded but before the decision has been announced.

JOINT STATEMENTS:
The chair of any committee may suggest any two opposing countries, to come up with a “Joint Statement” which contains terms and conditions agreeable to both parties. This can be suggested only if the focus of the topic concerns very specific issue relating to two particular countries. (Ex. Indo-Pak issue, Israel-Palestine)

Amendments

AMENDMENTS - MEANING
Once a resolution has been discussed, it is opened to amendments, i.e. proposed changes in certain clauses of the resolution. After the amendment is taken up by the Chair, it is put to debate. In time “for the amendment”, the delegate who introduces the amendment explains her/his point, other speeches “for” the amendment follow, however, in time against the amendment, the sponsors and the signatories may defend the original resolution. In both the times “for” and “against” the amendment, speakers have a choice to yield to points of information. There are two types of amendments, friendly and unfriendly.Both friendly and unfriendly amendments require the approval of the Chair. An amendment is considered friendly if all of the sponsors of the initial draft resolution are signatories of the amendment. Such an amendment is adopted automatically without any discussion or voting on it. Unfriendly amendments will be followed by a discussion before being put to vote.

AMENDMENT TO AN AMENDMENT
These are changes to an amendment, which may be introduced in time “against” the amendment. Once a delegate proposes an amendment to an amendment, it is put to debate. It follows the initial methodology of discussion and debate as followed by a normal amendment. Hence, they will follow the same procedure as amendments; if an amendment to an amendment passes, the amendment passes, if the amendment to an amendment fails, the discussion shifts once again to time “against” the original amendment.

If 2/3rd of the clauses of a Resolution are amended, the Resolution is considered failed.
Note: An amendment, to an "amendment to an amendment" is not in order.

Resolution Paper

MEANING:
Actions as suggested by the United Nations are expressed in resolutions that are submitted in draft form under the sponsorship of one or more delegations. Resolutions may simply register an opinion or may recommend action to be taken by a U.N. organ or related agency. Only the Security Council may make “decisions” that bind Member States to a certain course of action.

SUBMISSION OF DRAFT RESOLUTIONS:
Draft resolutions, shall be submitted to the Director with the proper number of signatories. The Chair may permit discussion and consideration of proposals and amendments once approved - even if the documents may not have been circulated through the committee.

INTRODUCING DRAFT RESOLUTIONS:
Once a draft resolution has been approved by the Director and has been typed and distributed, a delegate may raise a motion to introduce the draft resolution, which is automatically approved and does not require a vote. During the introduction of a draft resolution, the sponsor would be required to present all its operative clauses. Once, the main sponsor completes their presentation, delegates are encouraged to raise questions and comments regarding the resolution through the speakers list or through a moderated caucus.

FORMAT OF A RESOLUTION:
United Nations resolutions follow a common format. Each resolution has three parts: the heading, the preambulatory and the operative clauses. Each resolution is one long sentence with commas and semicolons throughout and a period at the very end. Drafts should be single-spaced with each line following a reference number in the left hand margin. The first word in each clause should be underlined, and each clause in the preamble should end with a comma. All operative clauses end with a semicolon except the final clause, which ends with a period, signifying the end of the resolution.

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SAMPLE DRAFT RESOLUTION:

General Assembly Third Committee
Sponsors : United States, Austria and Italy
Signatories : Greece, Tajikistan, Japan, Canada, Mali, the Netherlands and Gabon
Topic : “Strengthening UN coordination of humanitarian assistance in complex emergencies”

The General Assembly,

Reminding all nations of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which recognizes the inherent dignity, equality and inalienable rights of all global citizens,
Reaffirming its Resolution 33/1996 of 25 July 1996, which encourages Governments to work with UN bodies aimed at improving the coordination and effectiveness of humanitarian assistance,
Noting with satisfaction the past efforts of various relevant UN bodies and nongovernmental organizations,
Stressing the fact that the United Nations faces significant financial obstacles and is in need of reform, particularly in the humanitarian realm,

1. Encourages all relevant agencies of the United Nations to collaborate more closely with countries at the grassroots level to enhance the carrying out of relief efforts;
2. Urges member states to comply with the goals of the UN Department of Humanitarian Affairs to streamline efforts of humanitarian aid;
3. Requests that all nations develop rapid deployment forces to better enhance the coordination of relief efforts of humanitarian assistance in complex emergencies;
4. Calls for the development of a United Nations Trust Fund that encourages voluntary donations from the private transnational sector to aid in funding the implementation of rapid deployment forces;
5. Stresses the continuing need for impartial and objective information on the political, economic and social situations and events of all countries;
6. Calls upon states to respond quickly and generously to consolidated appeals for humanitarian assistance; and
7. Requests the expansion of preventive actions and assurance of post-conflict assistance through reconstruction and development.

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LIST OF CLAUSES:
Pre-ambulatory clauses:
Acknowledging… Deeply disturbed… Having… Observing… Affirming… Desiring… …adopted… Reaffirming… Alarmed… Determined… …approved… Realizing… Anxious… Emphasizing… …considered… Recalling… Approving… Encouraged… …examined further… Recognizing… Aware… Endorsing… …received… Referring… Bearing in mind… Expressing… …reviewed… Regretting … Being convinced… …appreciation… Keeping in mind… Reiterating … Believing… …deep appreciation… Mindful… Seeking … Cognizant… Expecting… Noting… Stressing … Concerned… Fulfilling… …further… Welcoming … Confident… Fully… …with approval… Conscious… …aware… …with concern… Considering… …believing… …with deep concern… Contemplating… …bearing in mind… with grave concern… Convinced… Grieved… …with regret… Declaring… Guided by… …with satisfaction…

Operative Clauses:
Operative clauses are set out to achieve the committee‟s main policy goals on the topic. Each operative clause begins with a number and ends with a semicolon (the final clause ends with a period). Operative clauses should be organized in a logical progression, and each clause should contain a single idea or policy proposal. Keep in mind that all resolutions except those passed by the Security Council are non-binding.

Accepts… Confirms… Endorses… Recommends… Adopts… Congratulates… Expressing… Regrets… Affirms… Considers… Instructs… Reiterates… Appeals… Decides… Invites… Repeats… Appreciates… …accordingly... Notes… Suggests… Approves… Declares… …with appreciation Strongly… Authorizes… Deplores… …with approval… Supports… Calls upon… Designates… …with satisfaction… Takes note of… Commends… Directs… Reaffirms… Transmits… Concurs… Emphasizes… …its belief… Urges… Condemns… Encourages… Recognizes… Welcomes…

Rules of Procedure

1.To object to a Procedure: “Point of Order”
This may be introduced in order to complain about improper parliamentary procedure, however the Chairperson may over rule the point, and the decision is not subject to appeal.

2. For a personal privilege: “Point of Personal privilege”
This may be introduced in order to remove a personal discomfort.

3.To request for procedural clarification: “Point of Inquiry”
This may be introduced in case a delegate wishes to seek clarification of parliamentary procedures and protocols.

4.To question another Delegate with regard to their speech: “Point of Information”
This may be introduced if a delegate yields to questions after her/his speech. All questions must be directed through the Chair; only one question can be asked at a time. If one wishes to cross question, it may be done by “Requesting Follow up”.

5. To adopt an agenda: “Motion to set the agenda for debate”
The first order of business for the committee shall be the adoption of the agenda. A simple majority vote would decide the order in which the agendas are to be discussed.

6. To address a specific issue in the agenda: “Motion for a Moderated Caucus”
This may be introduced when a delegate feels that a particular issue needs to be discussed in greater detail, one may interrupt the formal speaker‟s list for a Caucus; Parliamentary procedures must follow during the course of a moderated caucus. The delegate has to specify the topic and the time of the caucus as well as for each speaker; however the time may be extended or reduced at the discretion of the Chairperson.

7. For informal discussion and forming blocs: “Motion for an un-moderated Caucus”
This interrupts a formal debate for a time period decided by the house. Delegates are permitted to leave their seats and indulge in informal debate and negotiations.

8. To correct false claims by another delegate: “Right to Reply”
This right is exercised if any delegate has made a derogatory remark, false accusation or hurt the popular sentiment of another country. The complaint is lodged in written or verbally and the delegate under scanner would have to be answerable to the council. The chair may direct the concerned delegate to submit a written/verbal apology.

9. To suspend debate temporarily: “Motion to Table Debate”
During the discussion of any matter, the committee may consider a motion to table debate on the issue under discussion at the recommendation of the Chair or any delegate. A two-thirds majority is required for its passing. If the same is passed, no further actions or votes will be taken on the topic. The topic may be reintroduced to the committee only when the alternate issue taken up has seen a successful passing of resolution.

10. For Adjournment of the Meeting: “Motion to adjourn for recess”
During the discussion of any matter, a delegate may move for the adjournment of the meeting. Such a motion shall not be debated but shall be immediately put to a vote. After adjournment, the committee shall reconvene at its next regularly scheduled meeting time; adjournment of the final meeting shall adjourn the session.

11. For summoning delegates or representatives: “Request for summoning the delegate/representative of…”
During the debate if a delegate feels that clarification on the stand of a country is required and another delegate of the same country in a different committee would be better versed on the issue she/he may summon that delegate; also a representative of a particular organization such as the IAEA, Interpol, UNICEF etc. may be summoned for seeking advice or clarification (this right may be exercised in case of an Crisis situation also).

12. Appeal to the Chair‟s Decision: “Motion to reconsider decision”
This motion is made when a delegate feels that the Chairperson has made an incorrect decision and does so by formally making a verbal or written appeal to the Chairperson‟s decision. The Chair has to be accountable to the entire council (though the Chair may choose to eschew the same).

Flow of Debate

1. ROLL CALL:

The Director will announce each country‟s name to which the delegates should answer with a “present.” or “present and voting”

2. SETTING THE AGENDA
The first order of business for the committee shall be the consideration of the agenda. The only motion in order at this time will be in the form of “The nation of [country name] moves that [topic area x] be placed first on the agenda.” The motion requires a second and is debatable. A provisional speakers list shall be established with two people speaking for and two people speaking against the motion; after the provisional speakers list is exhausted, the committee shall move into an immediate vote. A simple majority is required for the motion to pass. A motion to proceed to the second topic area is in order only after the committee has voted on resolutions regarding the first topic area or tabled the topic.

3. DEBATE:

3.1. SPEAKERS LIST (FORMAL DEBATE): The Chairperson will ask all of those delegates who would like to make a speech and be on the speakers list to raise their placards. The Chairperson will then choose delegates to be placed on the speakers list. A country can only appear on the speakers list once. After a country has spoken, they may be added to the speakers list again by sending a note to the Chairperson saying: “the delegation of [country name] would like to be added to the speakers list.” Speaking time is set through a motion from a delegate. If no motions are made, the default time is 90 seconds. When the committee is in formal debate all rules of procedure are enforced.

Limitation on Speakers' List
The Chair may limit the time allotted to each speaker. However, delegates can motion to increase (or decrease) the speaking time, which will be voted upon by the committee. When a delegate exceeds her/his allotted time, the Chair may call the speaker to order without delay. If a delegate finishes his speech before the expiry of the time limit, she/he may yield their time to “points of information”, to another delegate (with the prior permission from the delegate) or to the Chair. . The final decision regarding the speaking time rests with the chair.

3.2. CAUCUS:

3.2.a) Moderated Caucus:
A moderated caucus is a mixture of both formal and informal debate. When a motion for a moderated caucus is passed, the Chair calls upon delegates as they raise their placards to address the committee for a specific amount of time.

3.2.b) Un-Moderated Caucus:
An un-moderated caucus is a temporary recess. Rules of procedure are suspended during caucusing. During this time delegates can meet informally with each other and the committee staff to discuss draft resolutions and other issues.

3.2.c) Working Papers and Draft Resolutions:
Delegations work together to create resolutions. In addition, delegates may present amendments to these documents, which are changes to the draft resolutions.

3.2.d) Closure of Debate:
Once a delegate feels that they have made their country‟s position clear and that there are enough draft resolutions on the floor, he or she may make a motion to proceed into voting procedure for by moving for the closure of debate.

4. VOTING PROCEDURES

Once a motion to close debate has been approved, the committee moves into voting procedures. Amendments are voted upon first, then resolutions. Once all of the resolutions are voted upon, the committee can move to the next topic on the agenda.

Model United Nations - Introduction

Model United Nations (informally abbreviated as Model UN or MUN) is an academic stimulation of the United Nations that aims to educate participants about civics, effective communication, globalization and multilateral diplomacy. In Model UN, students take on roles as foreign diplomats and participate in a simulated session of an intergovernmental organization. Participants research a country, take on roles as diplomats, investigate international issues, deliberate, consult, and then develop solutions to world problems.

The MUN (Model United Nations) concept came up as a continuation of the Model League
of Nations initiative by various educational bodies. After World War II, the de facto name
became Model United Nations but the purpose remains the same till date- to teach
students how to Manipulate Understand and Negotiate.
A Model UN conference offers students the chance to test themselves in what is perhaps
the most comprehensive extra curricular activity. It encompasses debating, public speaking,
general knowledge and awareness, diplomacy skills, presence of mind, powers of persuasion
and helps you take your mental abilities to a whole new level.
Students represent nations and are required to carry out a thorough research of and
effectively present their country’s stand on the agenda to be debated upon.

We, the NUJS Model United Nations Society or the NUJS-MUNSoc introduce this blog as a platform to equip MUNers with relevant information, knowledge and tools which we hope will help them in their MUNing endevours.

Cheers! :)