AMENDMENTS

Resolutions are changed through amendments. An amendment is a written statement that adds, deletes or revises an operative clause in a draft resolution. The amendment process is used to strengthen consensus on a resolution by allowing delegates to change certain sections.

1. Writing an amendment:

Imagine that the following clause has been submitted in a resolution, but you disagree with it and want to make a change:

Recommends all Member States to set the age at 5 years old for children to begin primary school

2. Submitting an amendment

An amendment should be submitted when the clause is on the floor (while it is being debated). You can submit it to administration staff to bring to the Chair or when the Chair says that you are in Open Debate and asks if anyone would like to take the floor, you can raise your placard and if selected to speak, tell the Chair you would like to submit an amendment - she will tell you that 'that is in order'. Hand her your amendment proposal that you have prepared. 

3. Defending an amendment

Your Chair will read out your proposal for an amendment, after which you have the floor. This is when you must defend your proposal, for example:

'Fellow delegates, Country X believes that sending children to school at the age of 5 is too young; children need more time to play, whether they are at home with their mother or going to pre-school. Five years old is too young to deal with the pressure of learning to read and write – it is too young to be made to sit still for so long. We believe that the age of 7 is much more appropriate. Children are more mature and will learn faster. Let them have time to play and grow up before we force them to take on the responsibilities that school brings. Thank you.'

At this point, the Chair will ask you if you are open to points of information (questions). After the points of information, you must yield the floor to the Chair and return to your seat.

Sample Amendment Paper: Amendment_Paper_Sample.pdf