Welcome to the Penny Arcade Model UN's General Assembly. If you're a delegate, post away. If you're not and wish to become a delegate, the signup thread is where you want to go first. If you wish to step down from your post as delegate, say so in there. The roster will be in the signup thread only.
So with that established...
RULES OF CONDUCT
*To begin, standard D&D rules apply. That will serve as our starting Model UN Charter. If you wish to add or change a rule, propose it, debate it and vote on it.
*Topics to be discussed will be a mix of serious and less-than-serious. This is the board that named its national pasttime after a penis, after all.
*We won't be expelling member nations here. As for delegates... let's face it, anything they'd do to get themselves expelled is likely going to end up getting them banned in the process.
*So that everyone can figure out what in blazes is going on, please come up with some way to show what country you're representing. Preferably, grab your corresponding flag and stick it somewhere so people can tell who's who. I favor
this place due to 3D animation and variable sizes. Medium and small will fit sig requirements for these boards.
Since I started this thing, I get to be Secretary General. (It's the only chance anyone from America is ever getting the position in a million billion years.) My role will basically be similar to that of a Phalla host. I reserve the right to engage in debate with delegates, come up with rules on the spot to handle any situations that currently have none, and other duties as self-assigned.
Also, please remember I'm one guy. I am not a robot. Don't go at a speed or submit any rule changes that are going to require more than one guy to implement.
RULES OF DEBATE
*Anyone may submit a
resolution, which then must be seconded by five people. First to five is the one we work on.
*Once the nature of debate is agreed to, everyone debates in a free-for-all format. We had something involving word counts, but it sucked.
*During arguing time, other parties may propose
amendments, to be adopted or rejected by the proposing party.
*After a period of time to be decided by the Secretary-General, voting will take place for a period of 18 hours. Yes in
lime, no in
red. You may also
abstain. In order for a resolution to pass, yesses must exceed the combined total of nos and abstentions. (If a quorum reaches a consensus during the vote- a majority of all members in the body voting together- the Secretary General may close the vote early, depending on how close the vote is and the likelihood of the other side catching up. Case-by-case basis. If the vote is 30-1 and there's a quorum, expect an early close. If the vote's 30-29, though, play on.) (This may also go long if the Secretary-General is doing other things at the time of close. Consider 18 hours a polite suggestion.)
IF YOU ARE NEW AND WISH TO SIGN UP, PLEASE DO SO IN THE
SIGNUPS THREAD WHERE I CAN MORE EASILY SEE IT.
I have a new
soccer blog The Minnow Tank. Reading it psychically kicks Sepp Blatter in the bean bag.
Posts
ON THE DOCKET:
Mongolian resolution (Resolution #8):
OFF-SITE DISCUSSIONS:
Take them to this Proboard. Hash out the text of resolutions there; keep this thread less cluttered.
EU and NATO have a board as well: http://pamuneu.proboards105.com/index.cgi
Amended version of Azeri resolution (Resolution #1):
*Once the nature of debate is agreed to, directly affected parties are alloted 300 words to state their case, and all other parties 100 words.
*Parties may then yield their words to other parties as they see fit for a period of time determined by the Secretary General on a case-by-case basis. More yielding time will be given to more serious issues.
*After the yielding period has ended, all parties with time may begin to argue using whatever time they have been allotted.
*During arguing time, other parties may propose amendments, to be adopted or rejected by the proposing party. Other delegates may not debate them, but may express in what way, if any, the amendment will affect their vote.
*Once words have expired or 24 hours have passed (whichever occurs first), voting will take place for a period of 18 hours. Majority rules. Yes in lime, no in red.
Amended version of Mexican resolution (Resolution #3):
Recognizing that HIV/AIDS is a global problem that demands a concerted global effort to erradicate.
Recognizing that there are vast differences in the ability for a country to provide for its own citizenry that is affected by this terrible affliction.
Stressing that it is in the common interest of all citizens that AIDS be erradicated.
Reminding that published data relating to this problem and reports on the attributes of the various member nations is available and useful, even if not perfect.
Let it be resolved:
Funds are to be collected from the member nations according to their ability to contribute while acknowledging that even though it is a global problem, every member nation has to be responsible to their own citizens first. (See appendix A.)
Those member nations unable to provide for themselves by demonstrating a PPP GDP that is below the average of the rest of the world, shall be provided goods and services in the amount according to their AIDS Prevelancy.
The funds collected will first go to those member nations with a demonstrated need. The funds will be used to purchase the necessary goods and services to treat AIDS. This includes but is not limited to: infrastructure (refridgeration equipment, clinic construction, etc.), medical supplies (medications, basic medical equipment, etc.), medical personnel and educational/prevention material and supplies.
The funds will be distributed first to those nations with the greatest demonstrated need, with each nation receiving no more than their calculated need. Remaining funds will be collected and then used for HIV/AIDS cure research. These monies will be distributed first to those who have contributed the greatest amounts, up to half of their contribution, with additional funds up that nations full contribution, matching AIDS cure research funds that nation has already allocated itself. If there are remaining funds after this distribution, then they will be distributed to those nations that provided the least, up to the full amount contributed, continuing from least contributed to most until all funds are exhausted.
The funds are to be collected annually, using the best available data at that time.
The collection of these funds, their distribution and their specific allocation will be overseen by a group of 9 member nations, 2 of which will be the highest contributing nations, 2 of which will be the nations with the greatest demonstrated need, 2 of which will be the least contributing nations, 2 of which will be nations with the least demonstrated need, and the final member nation which shall be appointed by the Secretary General.
The calculated needs and contributions will be done using the latest available data. The composition of the oversight group will be changed every 5 years based on the data at that time. In addition, the oversight group will be able to change the formula determining the Expected Contribution and Demonstrated need as they see fit, subject to General Assembly vote, once every 2 years.
Amended version of Canadian/American resolution (Resolution #4):
Authors: Canada, United States of America
The General Assembly,
Recognizing that human trafficking is a human rights violation, and is a major problem in the Central African Republic,
Noting that Cameroonian rebels have recently invaded the Central African Republic city of Nola, capital of Sangha-Mbaere province, population 53,270, that 4,500 residents were captured and 1,400 killed,
Recognizing that Central Africa is not capable of keeping all of their border secure, and is preparing for war as an alternative,
Stressing that it is in the interest of all to end human trafficking, that war is a major cause of problems in Africa, and that the United Nations must begin to take these problems seriously,
Let it be resolved:
A United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic (UNCAR) will be established to keep border security and prevent the outbreak of war, working with the Central African government to end further human trafficking within their borders;
That a multilateral force of 20,000 be dispatched to resolve the situation with the Cameroonian rebels and their hostages and guard against the imminent outbreak of war between the Central African Republic and Cameroon;
That said force ensure the capture of the Cameroonian rebels and present them to the Cameroonian government to stand trial for their reprehensible actions;
That a standing force of 10,000 be deployed along Central Africa's borders with Cameroon and Democratic Republic of Congo to prevent any war and further incursion from either side (including 800 military observers);
That an additional force of 2,000 be deployed to assist the Central African government in preventing human trafficking within their borders;
That UNCAR will remain active for a period of at least ten (10) years to constantly monitor the situation and maintain order, and that it may have immediate access to additional forces or have its duration extended if the situation escalates;
That UNCAR may take the necessary action, in the areas of deployment of its infantry battalions, to protect UN personnel, facilities, installations and equipment, ensure the security and freedom of movement of its personnel, and to protect civilians under imminent threat of physical violence.
50% of the supplied forces will be from African Union member nations, but funded by the United Nations. The U.N. will also provide equipment and peace keeper training, as an investment against future instability in Africa and to improve border security.
Amended version of American resolution (Resolution #7):
I PROPOSE MRMONROE'S IDEAS BE PUT FORTH IN CONSIDERATION FORTHWITH.
!AmendmentI WOULD ALSO LIKE TO AMEND TO THIS PROPOSAL THE OFFICIAL RECOGNITION OF AZERI LANDS AS INDICATED BY MY MAP.
In nomine patri, et fili, et spiritu sancti.
I am working on a resolution right now.
Also, here is a sample resolution for all to see.
edit: I SEE YOU KNOW YOUR WAY AROUND A MAP SIR.
We appreciate your relations, but know that if any sort of religious bigotry is instigated from His Holiness or indeed any visiting Catholic pilgrim we will have words
Edit: The Delegate from Australia also does not accept the Azerbaijani proposal
*Anyone may submit a resolution, which then must be seconded by five people. First to five is the one we work on.
*Once the nature of debate is agreed to, directly affected parties are alloted 300 words to state their case, and all other parties 100 words.
*Parties may then yield their words to other parties as they see fit for a period of 12 hours. No actual debate may take place during this time.
*After the yielding period has ended, all parties with time may begin to argue using whatever time they have been allotted.
*During arguing time, other parties may propose amendments, to be adopted or rejected by the proposing party. Other delegates may not debate them, but may express in what way, if any, the amendment will affect their vote.
*Once words (or a reasonable period of time) has expired, voting will take place for a period of 18 hours. Majority rules.
Does that look right?
EDIT: Sweden supports the rewritten resolution.
His Holiness could live with Armenia's absorption because really, who gives a fuck about the Armenians?
In nomine patri, et fili, et spiritu sancti. (Jesu Christe, it's getting old typing that every time :x)
Will amendments need to be approved by the person who proposed the original resolution, or can it be carried or defeated by 5 seconds?
Malkor, does my rewrite look right? (Let's skip the Armenia stuff for this and just focus on debating rules.)
YOUR INTERPRETATION IS ACCEPTABLE MR. SECRETARY. AND I MUST SAY YOU LOOK RATHER HANDSOME TODAY
In nomine patri, et fili, et spiritu sancti.
Syria also supports the amendment restoring Azerbaijan to its full territorial claims, but recognizes that the issue is best left for a later resolution.
Also, have you seen our kings? Totally awesome.
Games: Ad Astra Per Phalla | Choose Your Own Phalla
Debate it as you wish, yield, what you will. (Or if you want, we could just suspend the rules as this is getting rather lopsided. That means we just skip debate and go straight to the vote.
Yes, I just quoted US Congress rules and have no idea if the UN does that too. It sounded good.)
I feel that these debating rules are clear, concise, and straightforward. In addition, MrMonroe's (IRAQ) color scheme is easy on the eyes and should make identifying the relevant information easy. In particular I think that “!Speak†will help keep germane discussion of resolutions from being confused with regular claptrap.
Taiwan disagrees out of principle
also, the lack of any mention of dance-offs makes it unacceptable
General Assembly
Sponsors: Canada
Signatories:
Topic: Creating the rules of debate in the General Assembly
The General Assembly,
Noting that 200 words is the current allotment for each country to debate with, and that this allotment is good,
Noting that not all states have an official stance on all issues and that many may opt out of debate depending on the issue and it's effect,
Reminding that collitions may form to compound speaking time regardless of whether countries are on the Speaking List or not,
Reminding that states lie in different time zones so that long times may be required between yielding, debating, and voting periods,
Stressing that all states retain respect and sovereignty and that all states are equal within the United Nations General Assembly,
1. Calls for equal opportunity for states to express their concerns during debate, at the request of being included on the Speaking List;
2. Requests that states be allowed to join the Speaking List at any time during the debate, as the debate progresses;
3. Encourages any member to submit a resolution to the General Assembly, which will be debated after it recieves five Signatories, regardless of the number of Sponsors it has, Sponsors being defined as the principal authors of a resolution who agree with it's substance, Signatories being defined as countries that may or may not agree with the substance of the resolution but still wish to see it debated so that they can propose amendments;
4. Stresses that only Sponsors may agree to an immediate resolution amendment, but in the case of a disagreement a vote will be called on the amendment before a vote is called on the resolution;
5. Stresses that the Secretary General must signal the start of a yielding period in which states can talk amoung themselves and trade speaking time and formulate arguments which will last for a period of 12 hours, and then signal the start of the resolution debate, when debate of the resolution and proposal of ammendments will occur, to keep the Agenda in order;
6. Stresses that, once all words have been used or a period of 24 hours passes, whichever comes first, debate will end and voting will take place for a period of 18 hours, with a majority of over but not equal to 50% winning the vote;
7. Requests that "YES" votes be bolded in lime, and that "NO" votes be bolded in red.
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I haven't thought about color coding or format aside from voting, and this is open to ammendment. Will this get put on the agenda?
My resolution is better, nyeh
I'm just remembering that time we tried to play Nomic.
Maybe some language should be added as amendments making them mutually exclusive?