Procedure in the Security Council

Delegates, 

Welcome to the Security Council - the most fast paced, exciting, and intricate committee of them all! The Security Council has a notorious reputation for being the most intense MUN committee; however, this lends it to being the most enjoyable one as well! There’s nothing to feel worried about when it comes to the Security Council, however, there are some aspects which are slightly different to normal committees. Luckily, this guide should clear up some of the key differences between other committees and the Security Council to make sure your time in the best MUN committee is a blast! 

Heads of Debate

The first key difference between the Security Council and other MUN committees is that the individuals who manage debate are not known as chairs, but as Presidents. This might come in handy during your policy statements!

Members

The Security Council is a much smaller forum than most committees consisting of only fifteen delegates. Five of these member states have permanent seats on the Security Council, whilst the other 10 are allocated on a two year invitational rotation by the General Assembly. Currently, the member states with seats on the Security Council are as follows:

Permanent- Five (P5) Members

• United States of America

• United Kingdom 

• France

• Russia

• China

Ten Non-Permanent Members: 

• Estonia

• India

• Ireland

• Kenya

• Mexico

• Niger

• Norway

• St Vincent and the Grenadines

• Tunisia

• Vietnam 

If an issue is being discussed which holds great relevance to a member state that does not hold a seat on the Security Council, at the discretion of the Presidents, the Ambassador of that delegation may be called upon to give a brief policy statement regarding the issue, or even to participate as a non-voting member for the length of relevant debate. 

Veto Powers

One of the main (and most exciting) differences between other committees and the Security Council is the prospect of veto powers. Each of the P5 member states as listed above holds the power of veto. This means that they are given the authority to strike a clause entirely, and a vote against a clause by a P5 member state results in the clause failing automatically, regardless of how many other member states voted in favour.

However, a veto power does not mean that a P5 member state can discard a clause simply because they ‘don’t like’ it. The P5 may only veto a clause if it directly violates their national interest; if it does not and a veto power simply does not like it they are obliged to abstain from voting on the clause rather than voting against it. Therefore, although the P5 are given great power, they are charged to use it responsibly and only when necessary. 

Therefore, it’s a good idea to have a look at P5 national policy before drafting a resolution- there is no point suggesting something that will simply be vetoed. It’s also a good idea to befriend a P5 delegate on the day to give yourself better representation in caucuses!

Caucuses

In MUN, before a clause is vetoed outright, a P5 member state is required to raise ‘veto concerns.’ The Presidents will ask for veto concerns before a clause is debated. When veto concerns are raised the P5 enter what is known as a caucus. Usually, this operates as a closed caucus in which the P5 leave the room accompanied by one of the Presidents. During a caucus the P5 and the President discuss the clause in question and try to come to a compromise and decide on a way in which the clause can be amended to become agreeable to the P5. However, if there is no way at all that a clause can be amended in order to satisfy all members of the P5 it may then be vetoed outright. Following a caucus, one member of the P5 is then required to feedback to the council and explain to them the ways in which the clause has been altered. If the clause has been changed so much that it is almost unrecognisable, a member of the P5 will be given the opportunity to speak for the amended clause and answer any points of information. 

Occasionally, a delegate may make a ‘motion to hold an informal caucus’ in which the P5 remain in the room while they have their caucus discussion. However, during this time only members of the P5 are allowed to speak so all other delegates have to sit quietly, but can be privy to the P5’s discussion. 

Differences in Debate Procedure

The biggest difference between other committees and the Security Council is that, in the Security Council, we debate resolutions clause by clause. This means that when a resolution is chosen, each individual clause is debated like a mini resolution itself. Namely, for each clause the sponsor will have time to speak for their clause and will take points of information. Then another speaker will speak against the clause, and will take points of information. Finally, if time allows the Presidents may permit one more speaker to speak either for or against the clause, who will also be open to points of information before the clause is opened up to amendments. These amendments are also debated in the usual fashion, before the clause as it then stands can be finally voted on. If it passes, it will become part of the final resolution. If it fails, it will be removed. 

One exciting difference in procedure between the Security Council and other committees is that delegates are not required to stand up when they take the floor or ask points of information. Instead, delegates remain seated in a horseshoe arrangement. This results in the council being a lot more friendly and relaxed!

Voting

Unlike other committees, in the Security Council a 'super majority' is required in order for a clause to pass. Therefore, a clause or resolution needs 9 out of 15 votes in favour for it to pass. As aforementioned, if any P5 member state votes against the clause it automatically fails. 

Policy Statements

In the Security Council every delegate is required to give a compulsory policy statement at the beginning of debate (at WiMUN we will have one collective policy statement- not one for each issue). It’s a good idea to come with one of these prepared!

Resolutions

Now you’re in the Security Council, the action that is able to be taken in a resolution gets a lot more interesting! Any Security Council resolution is legally binding and can enforce strict measures such as the deployment of UN peacekeeping troops, economic sanctions, or military intervention. Also, the Security Council has the authority to use the three magic operative word in its resolutions: ‘Demands’, ‘Condemns’, and ‘Strongly Condemns.’ 

That’s about all the wisdom I can impart to you to make sure you feel secure with the procedure for debate in the Security Council. Remember, here in the Security Council the safety of the world rests on your shoulders, so, be brave and be sure to put forward your suggestions for how we can safeguard the international community and its peace.

Yours Faithfully,

The WiMUN XII Committee