Introduction:
-The United Nations Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the UN, responsible with maintaining international peace and security.
-It is unique in its authority to make binding decisions on member states, including imposing sanctions, authorizing military action, and deploying peacekeeping forces.
The Council consists of 15 members:
-5 permanent members (Veto Power)
(the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Russia, and France)
-10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.
Role of Council: Preventing conflicts, resolving disputes, and responding to global crises.
1. Types of Debates
· Moderated Caucuses: The main method of discussion in the SC.
Chair calls on speakers to address the council based on a speakers' list.
This allows for focused and structured debate on the issue at hand.
· Unmoderated Caucuses: Unmoderated caucuses are used to allow delegates to freely discuss and negotiate resolutions or amendments.
This is less formal and encourages behind-the-scenes diplomacy.
2. Key Debate Notes
· Speakers' List:
When formal debate begins, a speakers' list is established, and delegates request to be added to speak in the order recognized by the Chair.
· (Time Limits): Each speaker is given a specific time limit, which is typically 1 to 2 minutes. The council can vote to change the time limit as needed.
3. Chairing the Meetings
The President calls on speakers, controls the flow of debate, and ensures that procedural rules are followed.
Recognize motions, put matters to a vote, and manage the procedural aspects of debate. Maintaining order and ensuring the debate stays on topic.
4. Resolutions and Voting
Draft resolutions are introduced by one or more members and discussed, amended, and voted upon.
- A single veto from any P5 member can block a resolution, even if it has majority support.
-P5 members cannot use their veto on these votes.
5. Crisis Management and Emergency Sessions
In an MUN, the Chair or Crisis Committee provides these updates.
6. Dynamic Role Assignments
7. Diplomatic Negotiation
Example of Flow in a MUN Security Council Session
1. Opening of the Session:
2. Setting the Agenda:
3. Speakers’ List and Debate:
4. Unmoderated Caucus:
5. Draft Resolutions:
6. Voting on Resolutions:
7. Crisis Updates:
Parliamentary Procedure:
Parliamentary procedure in MUN refers to the formal rules that govern debate and decision-making.
These are the following parliamentary procedures that you will need to follow throughout the Mashrek Model United Nations:
General:
- Roll Call:A check to see which delegates are present.
- Setting the Agenda: A motion to decide the order in which topics will be discussed.
- Speakers’ List:A list of delegates who will give speeches on the topic.
Caucuses:
- Moderated Caucus: A formal debate where the Chair selects speakers to address the topic briefly.
- Unmoderated Caucus: A break from formal debate, allowing delegates to meet informally and discuss ideas.
Motions:
- Motion to Open Debate: A motion to begin formal discussion on the topic.
- Motion to Close Debate: A motion to end debate on a topic and move to voting.
- Motion to Introduce a Resolution: A motion to formally present a draft resolution for debate.
- Motion to Amend:A proposal to make changes to a draft resolution.
- Right to Reply: A request to respond to an attack or offense in a speech.
- Motion to Suspend the Meeting: A motion to temporarily pause the session, often for a break.
- Motion to Adjourn the Meeting: A motion to end the session for the day.
- Motion to Reconsider: A motion to reopen discussion on a previously voted topic.
- Motion to Approach the Chairing Panel: A motion to request to approach the chairing panel to ask any needed questions.
- Motion to Move to P5 Caucus: After a P5 country vetoes, the Security Council president or chair will convene a P5 caucus for up to 10 minutes, during which only
the P5 will meet to discuss a solution.
Points:
- Point of Information: A question directed to another delegate during debate, usually about their speech or stance on an issue.
- Point of Personal Privilege: A request to address a personal discomfort (e.g., hearing issues).
- Point of Order:A call to address a procedural error or rule violation.
- Point of Inquiry: A question directed to the Chair about rules or procedures.
Important Final Notes:
Ø During the debate sessions, refrain from using any other terms other than the ones given to you in the parliamentary procedures. If you have any questions about any of them, feel free to ask the president/chairs.
Ø NOTE: PLEASE REFRAIN FROM USING PERSONAL PRONOUNS THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRETY OF THE MUN, ONLY REFER TO YOUR COLLEAGUES AS “Delegate of……their country’s name”.
Voting + Veto:
- Veto Power:Any of the 5 permanent members (China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US) can veto a resolution, blocking its adoption.
- Abstentions:Permanent members may abstain, which does not count as a veto but allows the resolution to pass if it meets the other requirements.
- Veto Threat:Before a P5 member will veto a resolution, they are advised to present the president/chair with a warning to move to a P5 caucus immediately.
- NOTE:The vetoed item shall not pass, even if the 9 votes minimum were met.
- NOTE:The P5 members in this MUN will only have permission to use their vetoes once throughout the entire MUN conference. Use them wisely.
Amendments:
- Amendments in a Security Council Model United Nations (MUN) refer to proposed changes or modifications to a draft resolution or clause to improve or clarify its content.
- Delegates may submit amendments to add, remove, or alter specific wording to ensure the resolution aligns with their country's position.
Topic Introduction:
Topic 1: Addressing Escalating Maritime Tensions in the South China Sea and Establishing a Framework for Conflict Prevention
Topic Brief:
One of the world’s most contested maritime regions remains the South China Sea as territorial and maritime claims continue involving multiple states.
The conflict arises due to the immense strategic importance this region offers and the vital shipping lanes through which roughly one third of global trade passes, in addition to rich fisheries and potential oil and gas reserves.
Disputes primarily center on sovereignty over island chains such as the Spratly and Paracel Islands, and the interpretation of maritime boundaries under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
China claims (nine-dash line) which clashes with the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of several southeast Asian nations, such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei. These increased tensions have promoted militarization and artificial island building to prove sovereignty and claim territory. Therefore, fishing vessels, coast guards, and naval patrols are at rising risk of accidental clashes.
Despite efforts from ASEAN and China through Code of Conduct (COC) to ease tensions, progress has been slow and nonbinding agreements have proven insufficient to prevent incidents.
The United States, Japan, Australia, and other external powers continue to advocate for freedom of navigation operations, further complicating the conflict.
Main Countries Involved:
1. China: nine-dash line claims over South China Sea. Constructed artificial islands and deployed military assets in disputed areas.
2. Philippines: Opposes China’s claims, referring to2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration. Supports international law and resolution.
3 Vietnam: Fights China’s claims and faces recurring confrontations at sea. Advocates for collaborative solutions through ASEAN.
4. Malaysia: Competes over maritime zones. Seeks peaceful resolution through diplomacy.
5. United States: Challenges excessive maritime claims through freedom of navigation operations. Supports allies in the region.
6. ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations): Promote dialogue toward a Code of Conduct with China.
Timeline of Events:
Efficient Sources:
https://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/territorial-disputes-south-china-sea
https://www.un.org/depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/unclos_e.pdf
https://www.britannica.com/topic/ASEAN
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-13748349
Topic 2: The Situation in Sudan: Humanitarian Access and Ceasefire Monitoring in the Ongoing Civil Conflict
Topic Brief: The conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF: the official national army of Sudan) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF: powerful paramilitary force that broke away from SAF overpower-sharing disputes) has created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with millions displaced and limited access for aid workers. Fighting continues despite multiple ceasefire attempts, and the lack of effective monitoring has allowed violations to persist. Neighboring countries, especially South Sudan and Egypt, are deeply affected by refugee flows and regional instability, while the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD: regional organization in East Africa focused on peace, security, and development) are working to mediate peace and improve humanitarian access. The Security Council must consider how to support these regional efforts, ensure safe delivery of aid, and establish credible ceasefire monitoring to prevent further escalation across the region.
Main Countries Involved:
1. Sudan: The primary country in conflict (between SAF and RSF).
2. South Sudan: Affected by refugee flows and shares ethnic and political ties; also a potential mediator/peacemaker.
3. Egypt: Concerned about border security and regional stability; supports Sudan’s sovereignty.
4. Chad: Hosts large numbers of refugees from Darfur and faces cross-border insecurity.
5. Ethiopia: Involved in regional mediation efforts through IGAD; shares a border with Sudan.
Timeline of Events:
Efficient Sources:
https://www.acaps.org/en/ (ensure navigating through all menus)
https://au.int/en/pressreleases/20250914/auc-and-igad-welcome-quad-outcome-sudan
https://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/power-struggle-sudan
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