Model United NationsRules of Procedure

Hanyang UniversitySummer 2009

Differences between Security Council and General Assembly / ECOSOC Rules

Security Council deals with peace & security:• Follows tradition of Security Council, or• Facilitate debate in smaller Security Council1. Votes necessary to pass motions, amendments,

and resolutions: GA: most questions approved by simple majority SC: approves questions by a “super majority”

Nine affirmative (yes) votes out of 15 to pass, Substantive matters? At least plus agreement among five

permanent members. Above rules = from Charter and SC tradition

Differences between Security Council and General Assembly / ECOSOC Rules

2. Open debate on motions:

GA: motions debated under strict parameters Two speakers in favor of, & two speakers opposed to a

motion

SC: debate on the same rule would be “open.” Keep going until no one wishes to speak, then President declares open debate closed, and moves to vote

on resolution. Recently: relatively quick process; no one speaks more

than once & for limited amount of time During Cold War: tool for filibustering

Differences between Security Council and General Assembly / ECOSOC Rules

3. Consultative Session: Does not exist at UN but in model UN simulations Informal debate where president assists

4. Presidential Statements: Security Council: additional tool to present views is

the “Presidential Statement.” Statement on an issue without formal mechanism of a

resolution. Stop gap measure prior to full council action Council near a decision, but passing resolution is problem for

one of the members Ex.: Presidential Statement calling for cease fire & separation

of the parties on the occasion of armed conflict breaking out, but before Council has many (any) facts on conflict

Differences between Security Council and General Assembly / ECOSOC Rules

5. Consideration of resolutions and amendments: GA/SC difference? Bringing resolutions and

amendments to the floor: GA rules: require a percentage of members of

committee or Assembly to cosponsor a resolution SC rules: any member may bring resolution to floor,

draft resolutions & amendments do not require cosponsors

At UN resolutions and amendments do not need multiple sponsors (Model UN?)

Differences between Security Council and General Assembly / ECOSOC Rules

6. Working Agenda:• SC: starting point for pre-conference research

• Can choose to discuss any world event related to international peace and security

• SC: discuss specific agenda topics for a specified period of time vs. scheduled sessions of General Assembly

7. Open Meeting Session:• SC: allow any UN member to come and speak

• SC wants opinion of other states on an issue• Members notify President who compiles speaker’s list