The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in Model United Nations simulates the UN’s most powerful organ — the only body whose decisions are legally binding under international law. It is responsible for maintaining international peace and security, addressing conflicts, authorizing peacekeeping missions, and enforcing sanctions under the UN Charter’s Chapter VII.
UN Security Council — Guide & Rules of Procedure
1. Introduction
2. Mandate & Objectives
Peace & Security
Responds to threats to international stability — including civil wars, terrorism, and nuclear proliferation.
Sanctions & Enforcement
Implements binding sanctions, arms embargoes, and travel bans to enforce compliance with Council decisions.
Peacekeeping Operations
Authorizes and oversees UN peacekeeping and observer missions to stabilize conflict zones.
Conflict Resolution
Facilitates ceasefires, negotiations, and humanitarian access in crises.
Accountability & Oversight
Monitors the implementation of its own resolutions through mandated reporting mechanisms.
3. Committee Structure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Permanent 5 | 5 Permanent Members (China, France, Russian Federation, United Kingdom, United States) with veto power. |
| Dais | Composed of the Chair and Vice-Chairs, responsible for maintaining order, enforcing Rules of Procedure, and ensuring substantive debate. |
| Voting Power | Permanent Members hold veto authority on substantive matters. Non-Permanent Members hold equal procedural voting rights. |
4. Typical Session Flow
- Roll Call – Attendance and quorum confirmation (minimum 9 members present).
- Setting the Agenda – Motion and vote determine the order of topics.
- General Debate – Formal speeches on the topic; conducted through a Speakers’ List.
- Clause-by-Clause Debate – Each operative clause of the draft resolution is discussed and amended individually.
- Voting Procedure – Amendments and the full resolution are voted upon, subject to veto power.
- Adjournment – Session formally closed or suspended.
5. Draft Resolution Components
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Preambulatory Clauses | Provide background, cite UN Charter authority, previous resolutions, and relevant international law. |
| Operative Clauses | Outline specific actions, enforcement measures, and timelines under Chapter VII authority. |
| Amendments | Proposed written changes to operative clauses; debated and voted on before the main resolution vote. |
6. Rules of Procedure — Security Council Specifics
Note: The Security Council generally follows the conference’s standard Rules of Procedure, with the following specific applications and differences:
| Point / Motion | Debatable | Vote Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motion to Set Speaking Time | Yes (1 for, 1 against) | Simple Majority | Adjusts speaking time per delegate. |
| Motion to Open Debate | No | Simple Majority | Begins formal discussion on the selected topic or resolution. |
| Motion to Close Debate on an Item | Yes (2 for, 2 against) | Simple Majority | Ends debate on a clause, amendment, or resolution and moves to voting. |
| Motion to Table Debate | Yes (1 for, 1 against) | Simple Majority | Suspends debate on the item under discussion; can be resumed later. |
| Motion to Resume Debate | No | Simple Majority | Reopens discussion on a previously tabled resolution or clause. |
| Motion to Adjourn Debate | Yes (2 for, 2 against) | Simple Majority | Ends debate on the topic entirely without a final vote. |
| Motion to Appeal the Decision of the Chair | Yes (2 for, 2 against) | Two-Thirds Majority | Challenges a Chair ruling. The ruling stands unless overturned. |
| Voting on Procedural Motions | No | Simple Majority | Applies to motions affecting debate (e.g., time, agenda). No abstentions allowed. |
| Voting on Substantive Matters | No | 9 Affirmative & No P5 Veto | Includes amendments and resolutions. Abstentions permitted; a P5 “No” vote constitutes a veto. |
| P5 Veto Power | N/A | N/A | Permanent Members (China, France, Russia, UK, USA) may veto substantive motions by voting “No.” Abstentions do not count as vetoes. |
| Quorum | N/A | N/A | Minimum of 9 members required to begin or continue debate. |
| Observers / Non-Members | N/A | N/A | May speak when invited by the Chair but have no voting rights. |
| Order of Precedence | N/A | N/A | Priority: 1) Points → 2) Procedural Motions → 3) Substantive Debate. The Chair’s ruling is final. |
| Conduct of Debate | N/A | N/A | Delegates must remain diplomatic, address others in third person, and maintain formal language. |
Reminder: Abstentions are allowed on substantive votes; a single P5 “No” is a veto.
7. Delegate Preparation & Strategy
- Understand Your Role: Distinguish between Permanent and Non-Permanent members — veto power alters strategy entirely.
- Research Deeply: Know your country’s real UNSC voting history, alliances, and past positions on the topic.
- Veto Management: Anticipate potential P5 opposition and draft language that avoids triggering a veto.
- Negotiation Tactics: Build coalitions early. Non-Permanent members succeed by coordinating blocs and leveraging abstentions.
- Resolution Drafting: Write enforceable, specific operative clauses that survive legal scrutiny under Chapter VII.
8. Expected Outcomes
- One or more binding resolutions addressing global security threats.
- Deep understanding of veto dynamics and real-world diplomatic constraints.
- Strengthened negotiation, drafting, and crisis-management skills.
- Exposure to strategic consensus-building in high-pressure multilateral settings.
9. Conclusion
The Security Council demands precision, strategy, and political realism. Delegates must balance power politics with collective security, negotiate under the constant shadow of the veto, and craft resolutions that both reflect global consensus and carry legal authority. Mastering this committee means mastering the art of diplomacy under pressure.