Historical Crisis Committee Delegate Preparation Guide ... · Historical Crisis Committee Delegate Preparation Guide ... the background guide for the topic. Within the Model United

Historical Crisis Committee

Delegate Preparation Guide

UCMUN 2015

17th Annual UConn Model United Nations November 13-15, 2015

University of Connecticut, Storrs Campus

UConn Model United Nations 2015 Historical Crisis Committee Prep Guide

Table of Contents

Description of the Committee 3

Historical Crisis Committee in UCMUN 4

Delegates in HCC 5

Parliamentary Procedure 7

Voting Procedure and Action Plans 9

Roll of the Dais 13

Conclusion 16

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Description of HCC

The Historical Crisis Committee (HCC) is a simulation that takes hold of an issue or event that can

be discussed and debated by the Security Council or any United Nations committee. A topic that can be

simulated in the Security Council (SC) would be anything that could be “the existence of a threat to the

peace or act of aggression” (UNSC 2015). It calls upon the parties to a dispute to settle it by

peaceful means and recommends methods of adjustment or terms of settlement, but can even

delegate the power to “resort to imposing sanctions or even authorize the use of force to maintain

or restore international peace and security” (UNSC 2015).

A HCC does not always follow the exact setup of the Security Council. They could form

cabinets (where delegates become actors identical to the head of state represented) or regional

bodies (delegates have equal votes and functions as any committee, thus eliminating the Permanent

5 aka the P5). The function of how delegates will be represented in the committee should be

outlined in the “Committee Simulation” page in the background guide for the topic.

Within the Model United Nations community, HCC’s have been regarded as simulations

that are exciting and challenging. The topics assigned to HCC’s can be fiction, historical fiction, or

based on historical crises throughout the history of the United Nations. That being said, a possible

topic could be something as fictional as Scarface taking over the Canadian government or the Suez

Canal Crisis. HCC’s can even be utilized into Future Crisis Committees (FCCs) in which topics can

take a crisis of the near future or the distant future. For example, an FCC can have a topic as

fictitious as a new country destroying bridges to the moon, or something in the nature of dealing

with the removal of Russia from the Arctic seas.

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HCC in UCMUN

The Historical Crisis Committee evolved from crisis situations that occurred amongst

different committees during an UCMUN conference. Crisis situations were often created for

committees like the Security Council. These crisis topics came with little warning to delegates in

order to simulate a real life event that often occurs at the United Nations. Through the development

of crisis situations, UCMUN has created an entire committee in order to emulate an exciting and

challenging simulation of the United Nations.

In order to have an efficient and amazing experience in the HCC, there should be only 14-

21 delegates involved during the committee. Parliamentary procedure will also change for this

committee as well as certain actions that will occur throughout the simulation. One topic shall be

generated for the committee rather than two due to the nature of an HCC.

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Delegates in the HCC

The role of the delegate shall remain the same as any other delegate in the committee

depending on the choice of the director. A position paper will still be required for all delegates to

complete prior to the conference. All history prior to the moment of the crisis situation is true and

should be researched, the results of the crisis however, can sway from history.

The HCC as a Security Council

If the HCC Director chooses to have the delegates simulate a topic as the Security Council,

then the roles of the delegates will hold the same function as those within the SC. This means that

all delegates will share the same ability to speak and vote. However, just as it is found within the SC,

there will be the Permanent Five (P5). The P5 are permanent seats within the SC held by the

delegates of: China, France, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Russian Federation.

These members have the ability to veto any resolution even if there is a majority in the committee.

Only one member of the P5 needs to vote against a resolution so that it is vetoed regardless of

international support. Research on: policies, laws, and historical events conducted by the country

being represented is crucial to form this representation. For this year, the HCC will run as a Security

Council

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The HCC as the Cabinet(s)

If the director chooses for the HCC to function as cabinets, then the delegates will still hold

the same functions of a delegate in a committee, but the delegate would be asked to personify a

character. The cabinet(s) work as delegates personifying a specific head of government or official

with state functions. For example, if the topic called for the British Parliament to react to the

Revolutionary War in the British Colonies, then the delegates would act as either specific members

of the parliament or delegates within it. They would still however, hold the same function and power

as delegates from other committees. In order to do well as this role, it is recommended to research

various sources and biographies to get a more in depth of the person the delegate will act as.

The HCC as Regional Bodies

If the director chooses for the delegates to be regional bodies, then the delegates maintain

the same role as any committee, with the exception of a P5 typically found in the SC. The delegate

must represent their country as well as possible in the crisis. Research on: policies, laws, and

historical events conducted by the country being represented is crucial to form this representation.

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Parliamentary Procedure

For the HCC, parliamentary procedure will differ from other committees in terms of how

the committee is structured and the flow of debate. Points and motions will otherwise remain the

same in function. If you have any questions on these or even common parliamentary procedure

questions, do not hesitate to ask! We can help or you can look at the the Delegate Preparation

Guide. Here are the rules and procedures that will be utilized:

1. There will be no speaker’s list. The committee simulation will be held much like a

moderated caucus. This is done in order to ensure constant dialogue and allows for

crisis situations to arise quickly. A delegate however is still encouraged to motion for

an unmoderated caucus when they see fit. All other motions and points are allowed

throughout the simulation.

2. Roundtables will be used. A roundtable is a request for a suspension of the rules to

discuss a specific topic with the consent of the director. Roundtables:

a. Any delegate can request a roundtable if it is entertained by the director

b. The chair recognizes each delegate to speak about a specific topic for a

specific amount of time.

c. Roundtables are often used in order for each delegate to speak out about

their stance in order to avoid gridlock, solve confusion in a productive

manner, and help rest an issue that is otherwise preventing the committee

from moving forward. The speaking time is a minimum of thirty seconds and

maximum of two minutes.

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d. A delegate motions for a round table by stating once recognized by the chair,

“I motion for a roundtable to discuss the (insert issue/ topic/ probable

solution) with a (insert time interval)”.

3. Straw Poll. A straw poll consists of delegates giving their probable votes on a specific

proposal.

a. The vote is non- bonding (meaning an opinion can change), but this can be

utilized to gauge approval of other delegates.

b. The way to motion for this straw poll is to ask the director to “motion for a

straw poll on (insert proposal, directive, etc.)”.

c. Delegates can either state their position (yay, nay) or abstain.

4. Crisis Update. Throughout the simulation, HCC staff will introduce updates or new

crises that the committee must work toward addressing They can come in the form

of: videos, news releases, intelligent reports, etc.

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Voting Procedure and Action Plans

Voting procedure will remain the same in terms of how the committee is run. For example,

if the committee runs like the Security Council, then voting procedure will follow that of the SC. If

the committee is run as a cabinet or regional body, then voting procedure will work the same as any

standard UCMUN committee. Entering voting procedure remains the same as well. However,

resolutions will not be utilized in this committee. Rather, action plans will be utilized in this

committee in the form of: directives, communiqués, and press releases.

Directives

A directive is the most widely used action plan in the HCC. A directive is a short and concise

description or action you wish for the committee to take. There are no preambulatory clauses or

light (flowery) language. This is because within a crisis committee, new situations are constantly

happening, therefore directives offer a quick reaction. Directives also form a binding action unlike a

resolution. Therefore, they must be written with clear and precise descriptions of the actions that

want to be taken. Keep in mind, directives must operate in the boundaries of the committee.

Directives:

● Are very direct and straightforward ● Can utilize bullet points (while it is prefered that these be complete sentences, they do not

have to be) but they must be specific in detail ● Are usually reactions to a crisis update (where more than one directive can be passed) ● Directives are read in the order in which they are submitted.

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● A delegate will motion to suspend the rules in order to have the chair read directives in the order in which they are submitted.

● Debate is expected after directives are read. Directives are voted on in normal voting procedure with a simple majority (50% of the delegation +1)

● When a directive is passed, it is sent directly to the target destination (crisis room) with haste. Directives passed will usually be addressed in the following crisis update.

● They do not require any signatories. Only two sponsors are required. The overall format (besides the clauses) will be written in the form of UCMUN resolutions.

Example:

Directive 1.1 Historical Crisis Committee Bay of Pigs Crisis Sponsors: United States, United Kingdom New orders for Minuteman I ICBM silo operators

● Arm all missiles on the United States Western Sea Board ○ No fire unless fired upon

● The United States will also scramble all fighter jets to assemble over Cuban Airspace

Communiqués

Communiqués are used for the purpose of the committee as a whole to present a formal

letter to either another actor, country, regional body, bloc, or additional committee (if the HCC is

treated as a joint HCC). They can include: negotiations, requests for aid or support, opposition, or

other topics that connect with the current crisis update. They are direct like a directive, but can allow

for language that resembles more light language depending on the nature of the communique. It is

stressed however, that the tone be appropriate for the letter’s intent. Tone can be everything.

Remember:

● Always keep the simulation and crisis update in mind ● Letters on behalf of the committee will be sent to actors (country, presidents, etc.) that will

get a response to the committee from the HCC staff ● Tone is everything ● At least 2 sponsors, but no signatories required

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● It must pass with a simple majority ● Formatting matches an UCMUN resolution

Example:

Communiqué 1.1 Historical Crisis Committee Russia in the Cold War Crisis Sponsors: England and Portugal Dear Premier Nikita Khrushchev, It has come to our attention that you have been testing nuclear powered submarine technology in international waters, thus becoming a risk towards foreign investments and trade that are utilized worldwide. This is a threat to our national and economic security. We expect the immediate removal of nuclear submarines in international waters within 48 hours. As the Premier of Russia, we demand you stop these actions immediately or face consequences. Sincerely, The United Nations Security Council

The Press Release

A press release is utilized to send press information to the world on the current crisis

situation at hand. They function similarly to communiqués in that they represent the committee as a

whole, but they do not require any action to be taken. The primary function of a press release is to

sway public opinion towards a way of thinking or to invoke a reaction by the public as the result of a

crisis. The potential of a press release depends upon how the delegate utilizes it. A press release:

● Is a message from the committee to the public. ● Used to disseminate information, sway public opinion, cause outrage, drum up support, etc. ● Sometimes used to publicize an action taken with a previous directive. May be voted on

together with another Communiqué or Directive, subject to the discretion of the Chair. ● Follows similar formatting to a resolution ● Does not require any sponsor or signatories ● It must pass by a simple majority

Example

Press Release 1 Historical Crisis Committee

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HIV Epidemic Today, it has been found that over 1 million people in the United States have been infected by HIV, a disease that we now realize is not one of infamy; it has infected our loved ones, mothers, fathers children, and so many more. The cabinet deeply regrets allowing this tragedy to continue when something should have been done and encourages an increase in funding and support.

The Portfolio Request

A portfolio is a document given to each member of the committee that outlines specific

powers and abilities that a delegate may hold. Not every HCC may have a portfolio, but if one is

presented by the Dais, a delegate may utilize a portfolio request. A portfolio request:

● Do not need to be voted on

● Actions taken unilaterally by one member of the committee.

● Subject to limitations, members of the committee have certain powers that are specific to

them and that the other members do not know about.

○ What this means is that, if you have the power to withhold vaccine research in the

committee, the portfolio request can be used to accelerate vaccine release, but not to

withdraw troops.

● Can be used to maintain secrecy.

● Example of uses: meeting in secret with a group or individual, authorizing funds for relief

efforts, authorizing weapons or military supplies, leaking false information, etc.

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Role of the Dais

The role of the Dais is to facilitate a fun, engaging, and thought- provoking committee

simulation. The role of the Dais is essential to the function of the committee.

The Director

The role of the director is to ensure that the committee run smoothly with the topic at hand

as well as ensuring the full engagement of the delegates. The director will maintain the flow of the

committee as well as the approval of actions and motions throughout the sessions.

The Topic Specialist

The role of the topic specialist is to educate the delegates further on a specific topic for the

committee. The topic specialist may also fill in for the role of a delegate if one is absent or needed

for the committee. The topic specialist will also act as a special guest if necessary for the committee.

A special guest is someone the committee invites to speak on a topic or experience. Because the

topic specialist is well versed in the crisis, they can act as someone.

The Administrative Directors

The administrative directors (ADs) will hold various important function throughout the

committee. Here are a few of the roles the ADs will take:

● Time Keeper/ Records Keeper/ Sub- Director

○ This role is the standard role found in all committees. This AD will mainly adhere to

keeping time for any: caucuses (moderated or unmoderated), roundtables, straw

polls, etc.

● Action Plan Requests

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○ This role utilizes the AD by having them take and monitor action plan requests;

primarily: portfolio requests, and responding to communiqués

● Report Updated Crises

○ The AD will come in with a crisis report to update the committee that could change

the actions of the committee

The Administrative Staff

The Administrative staff (Admin) shall act as a crucial component to the committee. Used in

ensuring proper format for actions plans and more, the admin staff will be in constant

communication with the director and ADs while assuring that the content fits the necessary

requirements listed.

Phases of the Committee and the Flow of Debate

The flow of the phases of the committee and the flow of debate will follow very closely with

that of a normal committee. However, there are differences that make the HCC very unique.

Provided below is a flowchart that outlines the basics of the committee.

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Conclusion

The Historical Crisis Committee is a committee that is exciting, fast- paced, and rewarding.

In order to be successful in this simulation, you must be active, always thinking on your feet, and

staying creative with the tools that can be utilized. Note that the storyline for a crisis committee is

always changing and the the HCC staff is always responding to any actions that the committee

makes. Therefore, always make sure that you are giving your all.

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Documents

Historical Crisis Committee Delegate Preparation Guide ... · Historical Crisis Committee Delegate Preparation Guide ... the background guide for the topic. Within the Model United