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World Constitution and By-Laws

GENERAL NOTES

The Constitution of the Federation was signed and entered into force at

Luxembourg on 2 August 1946.

The Founding Members were the United Nations Associations of the

following countries:

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Czechoslovakia,

Denmark, France, Hungary, Iraq, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand,

Norway, Poland, South Africa, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, United

States of America.

The Rules of Procedure were adopted by the 12th Plenary Assembly, held

on 2/8 September 1957, Geneva. From 1983 onwards, they are known as

By-Laws.

Revisions

The Constitution was revised by:

5th Plenary Assembly, 6/12 September 1950, Geneva

11th Plenary Assembly, 2/8 September 1956, Geneva

15th Plenary Assembly, 5/10 September 1960, Warsaw

17th Plenary Assembly, 30 April/5 May 1962, Monrovia

21st Plenary Assembly, 22/27 April 1968, Geneva

22nd Plenary Assembly, 7/13 September 1969, Nicosia

24th Plenary Assembly, 13/18 August 1973, Geneva

25th Plenary Assembly, 1/6 October 1975, Moscow

27th Plenary Assembly, 8/13 October 1979, Barcelona

29th Plenary Assembly, 3/8 October 1983, Geneva

32nd Plenary Assembly, 9/14 October 1989. Moscow

33rd Plenary Assembly, 18/23 November 1991, Barcelona

The Rules of Procedure (as from 1983 called "By-Laws") were revised by:

24th Plenary Assembly, 13/18 August 1973, Geneva

25th Plenary Assembly, 1/6 October 1975, Moscow

26th Plenary Assembly, 26 September/1 October 1977, Geneva

27th Plenary Assembly, 8/13 October 1979, Barcelona

29th Plenary Assembly, 3/8 October 1983, Geneva

32nd Plenary Assembly, 9/14 October 1989, Moscow

THE CONSTITUTION

PREAMBLE

WHEREAS THE PEOPLES OF THE UNITED NATIONS, THROUGH THEIR

GOVERNMENTS, HAVE DECLARED THAT THEY ARE DETERMINED

to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in

our life time have brought untold sorrow to mankind, and

to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of

the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations

large and small, and

to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations

arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be

maintained, and

to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,

And to these ends

to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good

neighbors, and

to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security, and

to ensure, by the acceptance of principles and the institution of methods,

that armed force shall not be used, save in the common interest, and

to employ international machinery for the promotion of the economic and

social advancement of all peoples,

And whereas their Governments, to accomplish these aims, have agreed to

the Charter of the United Nations and thereby have established the

international organization known as the United Nations,

WE, THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATIONS IN

OUR RESPECTIVE COUNTRIES,

Believing that since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of

men that the defenses of peace must be constructed, and

Believing that the peace must be founded, if it is not to fail, upon the

intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind,

Have resolved to combine our efforts to form an association of the peoples

and, having agreed to the present Constitution, do hereby establish an

international organization to be known as the WORLD FEDERATION OF

UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATIONS.

OBJECTIVES

Objectives

Article 1

The objectives of the World Federation of United Nations Associations are

(a) To be a peoples' movement for the United Nations;

(b) To co-ordinate and further the activities of its Members and to

promote the establishment of new United Nations Associations;

objects include the support of the United Nations and its development;

(d) To promote tolerance, understanding, solidarity and co-operation

among men, women and children throughout the world without distinction

as to race, sex, language, religion or political orientation;

(e) To contribute to the removal of obstacles to peace, to work for

justice, security and disarmament, and to promote the development of

peaceful co-existence and co-operation among nations;

(f) To strive for the recognition of and respect for human rights and

fundamental freedoms throughout the world and for the recognition of the

responsibilities and duties which those rights involve for individuals, groups

and States;

(g) To promote economic development, enhancement of social progress

and better standards of life;

(h) To promote research, information and education about the goals of the

Charter of the United Nations and the work of the United Nations system.

MEMBERSHIP

Members and Associates

Article 2

(a) United Nations Associations which accept the objectives set out in

Article 1 of this Constitution and which are legally constituted in States

Members of the United Nations, in States which are not Members of the

United Nations, as well as in territories not responsible for the conduct of

their international relations, are eligible for admission as Members.

(b) Not more than one United Nations Association from any State or

territory shall be admitted as a Member.

institutions and non-governmental organizations which accept the

objectives set out in Article 1 of this Constitution are admissible as

Individual or Collective Associates. The primary aim of associate status

should be the establishment of a United Nations Association in the

respective countries. Associates shall have observer status in the Plenary

Assembly and in Regional Conferences.

(d) International, including regional organizations and non-governmental

organizations can be admitted as International Associates, provided they

accept the objectives, the aims and the Constitution of the Federation.

The Executive Committee may grant the consultative status with the

Federation to International Associates.

Admission

Article 3

(a) Any request for admission as a Member shall be submitted to the

Secretary-General, not less than four weeks before the session of the

Plenary Assembly which considers the request.

(b) The Secretary-General shall submit applications to the Executive

Committee, which shall present a report on each application to the Plenary

Assembly.

simple majority of those present and voting.

(d) If an application for admission is received more than twelve months

before an ordinary session of the Plenary Assembly, the Executive

Committee may admit a United Nations Association provided it does so

with the two-thirds majority of those present and voting and subject to

confirmation by the next ordinary session of the Plenary Assembly.

(e) All applications for membership of the Federation shall be accompanied

by:

1. a copy of the constitution of the applicant United Nations Association;

2. a certificate from the competent legal authorities confirming that the

establishment of the United Nations Association is in conformity with their

laws;

3. a declaration signed by the President and the Secretary-General of the

United Nations Association that it will co-operate with the Federation and

pay its dues to the Federation regularly;

4. an advance payment for the year of admission of half of one year's

dues calculated according to Article 37(c) of this Constitution.

Termination of Membership and of Association

Article 4

(a) Any Member which desires to resign must notify its intention in writing

to the Secretary-General not later than 30 September. Should such a

Member fail to observe this formality, its membership will continue for the

ensuing year.

(b) Any Member may, on the recommendation of the Executive Committee,

be expelled by the Plenary Assembly by a two-thirds majority of those

present and voting, provided that the proposal for expulsion appears on

the agenda. In particular, the Executive Committee must draw the

attention of the Plenary Assembly to any failure on the part of any

Member to comply with the requirements of Article 2 of this Constitution.

The cessation of membership for financial reasons is governed by Article

38 of this Constitution.

regulations adopted by the Executive Committee, but in any case shall

expire at the time when a United Nations Association from the State or

territory of such Associate is admitted as a Member of the Federation. In

the same way, the status of International Associates shall be governed by

regulations adopted by the Executive Committee.

Co-operation within the Federation

Article 5

a) Each Member shall co-operate with other Members in pursuing the

objectives of the Federation.

(b) Each Member shall endeavor to participate in activities conducted

under the auspices of the Federation.

activities since the previous session of the Plenary Assembly, as well as

keep him regularly informed of its work.

(d) Individual, Collective and International Associates shall endeavor to

participate In activities conducted under the auspices of the Federation

and shall maintain communication with the Secretary-General.

ORGANS

Article 6

The organs of the Federation shall be the Plenary Assembly, the Executive

Committee and the Secretariat

PLENARY ASSEMBLY

Composition

Article 7

(a) The Plenary Assembly shall consist of the delegations appointed by the

Members, together with the delegation appointed by the International

Youth and Student Movement for the United Nations (hereinafter referred

to as ISMUN).

(b) Each Member, as well as ISMUN, shall be represented in the Plenary

Assembly by no more than five delegates. Each Member and ISMUN may

also appoint no more than five alternate delegates who may attend

meetings of the Plenary Assembly but cannot participate in discussions,

except as replacements for members of their own delegation. Delegates

and alternates must be members of the Member United Nations Association

or of ISMUN which appoints them.

members of the Executive Committee, shall have the right to attend the

Plenary Assembly, each in the capacity set forth in this Constitution.

Functions

Article 8

(a) The Plenary Assembly shall be the supreme organ of the Federation,

responsible for pursuing and achieving its objectives as defined in this

Constitution.

(b) The Plenary Assembly shall elaborate and adopt the policy as well as

the programme of activities of the Federation. It shall have the authority

to decide on all questions which any Member or the Executive Committee

may submit to it in accordance with the procedures set out in this

Constitution.

and on the termination of membership in accordance with Articles 3, 4 and

3 8(d) of this Constitution.

(d) The Plenary Assembly shall consider the general report submitted by

the Secretary-General.

(e) The Plenary Assembly shall approve the report of the Treasurer on the

financial status of the Federation as well as the audited accounts; adopt

the budget of the Federation; and determine the dues of the Members.

(f) The Plenary Assembly shall discuss the questions resulting from the

items included in its agenda; receive reports from its Commissions; and

adopt policy resolutions and decisions on internal matters.

(g) The Plenary Assembly shall elect the President, the Vice-Presidents,

the members of the Executive Committee, the Treasurer and the

Secretary-General of the Federation.

(h) The Plenary Assembly may, upon the recommendation of the Executive

Committee, confer the title of Honorary President of the Federation.

(i) The Plenary Assembly shall receive any appeal by a Member against

any decision of the Executive Committee. Except for an appeal concerning

the agenda of the Plenary Assembly, an appeal concerning any other

decision taken by the Executive Committee since the last session of the

Plenary Assembly shall be heard in the first instance by the Executive

Committee which shall forward such appeal, together with its comments,

to the Plenary Assembly. In each case, the Plenary Assembly shall have

the authority to decide upon the appeal only after having heard the

Member which originated it.

By-Laws

Article 9

Subject to this Constitution, the Plenary Assembly may adopt By-Laws of

the Federation.

Ordinary Sessions

Article 10

(a) The Plenary Assembly shall meet in ordinary session every two years.

(b) The Plenary Assembly shall decide upon the time and place of meeting

for its next session. Should it not exercise this power, the Executive

Committee and the Secretary-General, in consultation with the President,

shall take the decision.

Extraordinary Sessions

Article 11

(a) An extraordinary session of the Plenary Assembly shall be convened by

the Secretary-General

1. if a decision to this effect is taken by two-thirds of the members of the

Executive Committee; or

2. at the written request of two-thirds of the Members of the Federation.

(b) Unless the Executive Committee decides upon another place, an

extraordinary session shall be held at the Headquarters of the Federation.

which it is convened.

Notices

Article 12

The Secretary-General shall give notice as follows of each session of the

Plenary

Assembly

(a) Notice of an ordinary session shall be given at least eight weeks in

advance.

(b) Notice of an extraordinary session shall be given at least four weeks in

advance. The notice shall state the purpose for which the session is

convened.

Quorum

Article 13

The quorum of the Plenary Assembly shall consist of two fifths of the

Members.

Organization of Work

Article 14

(a) The Plenary Assembly shall adopt the report of the Credentials

Committee.

(b) The Plenary Assembly shall, upon the recommendation of the Executive

Committee, adopt its agenda.

(d) The Plenary Assembly shall appoint the Elections Committee.

(e) The meetings of the Plenary Assembly shall be open to the public

unless the Plenary Assembly otherwise decides.

(f) Detailed provisions governing the proceedings shall be regulated by the

By Laws of the Federation.

Voting Rights

Article 15

(a) Each Member and ISMUN shall have one vote in the Plenary Assembly.

(b) Only Members which have fully settled their dues as of 31 December of

the year preceding a session of the Plenary Assembly can exercise their

right to vote at that session.

Resolutions and Decisions

Article 16

(a) The resolutions on matters in the field of international relations and

amendments thereto shall require a two-thirds majority of those present

and voting.

(b) The decisions on internal matters shall be taken by a simple majority of

the vote of those present and voting, except as otherwise provided in this

Constitution.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Composition

Article 17

(a) The Executive Committee shall consist of seventeen individuals, each

from a different Member, elected by the Plenary Assembly, and the

representative of ISMUN.

(b) The President, the Treasurer and the Secretary-General shall

participate ex officio in the work of the Executive Committee. Honorary

Presidents and Vice- Presidents may attend the sessions of the Executive

Committee.

Members

Article 18

(a) Every member of the Executive Committee shall act in his personal

capacity.

(b) Each candidate for election to the Executive Committee must be

approved by the delegation of his United Nations Association to the

Plenary Assembly. He cannot be from a Member from which the President,

a Vice-President, the Treasurer or the Secretary- General is elected. In

electing members of the Executive Committee, the Plenary Assembly shall

give due regard to the qualifications of the nominees, their availability and

to equitable geographical distribution.

by and from Members which have the right to vote at the session of the

Plenary Assembly at which election is sought and have submitted a report

on their activities for the preceding biennium.

(d) The term of office of the members of the Executive Committee shall be

from the end of the session of the Plenary Assembly at which they are

elected to the end of the second following session of the Plenary

Assembly. They are eligible for re-election.

(e) Members of the Executive Committee may resign by submitting a

written instrument of resignation to the Chairman of the Executive

Committee. The term of office of a member of the Executive Committee

shall expire automatically with the termination of membership of his United

Nations Association in the Federation. The term of office of a member of

the Executive Committee shall expire by decision of the Executive

Committee after consideration of the written advice of his United Nations

Association and oral or written presentation of the views of the member

concerned.

(f) Members of the Executive Committee may be removed from office by

the Plenary Assembly. Such action shall be proposed in writing by at least

five Members and shall require a vote of two-thirds of those present and

voting. The vote shall be taken by secret ballot and the secrecy of the

ballot shall not be waived.

(g) In the event that a member of the Executive Committee resigns, is

removed or is otherwise unable to continue to serve until the end of his

term, the Executive Committee may co-opt, for the unexpired term, a

person from the same area, after consultation with the United Nations

Association of which the former member of the Executive Committee was a

member. If the co-opted member is not from the same United Nations

Association, his United Nations Association shall be consulted. The

co-opted member shall serve until his successor takes office at the end of

the next session of the Plenary Assembly.

Functions

Article 19

The Executive Committee shall be responsible to the Plenary Assembly for

promoting the purposes of the Federation, and in particular for

(a) 1. implementing the resolutions and decisions of the Plenary Assembly;

2. giving guidance and advice to the Secretary-General on any matters

related to the activities of the Federation;

3. supervising the work of the Secretariat

4. considering applications for membership in accordance with Article 3 of

this Constitution;

5. preparing the agenda for the Plenary Assembly as well as making

recommendations with respect to the work of the Plenary Assembly;

6. approving the agenda of the Regional Conferences of Member United

Nations Associations held under the auspices of the Federation;

(a) giving guidance on matters related to the finances of the Federation;

assisting in fundraising activities; controlling the administration and

finances of the Federation, including the opening and operation of bank

accounts and the designation of signers of cheques and contracts;

appointing Deputy Treasurers; appointing members of the Finance

Committee;

(b) adopting regulations related to the functioning of the Federation;

Rules of Procedure

Article 20

Subject to this Constitution and to the By-Laws of the Federation, the

Executive Committee may adopt its own rules of procedure.

Ordinary Sessions

Article 21

The Executive Committee shall be convened in ordinary session

immediately before and immediately after an ordinary session of the

Plenary Assembly and at such other time as the Executive Committee shall

decide.

Extraordinary Sessions

Article 22

(a) An extraordinary session of the Executive Committee shall be

convened by the Secretary-General

1. at the request of the Chairman of the Executive Committee in

consultation with the President; or

2. at the written request of five members of the Executive Committee.

(a) Unless the Chairman and the Secretary-General decide upon another

place, an extraordinary session shall be held at the Headquarters of the

Federation.

(b) An extraordinary session shall deal only with the item or items for

which it is convened.

Notices

Article 23

The Secretary-General shall give notice as follows of each session of the

Executive Committee to all persons entitled to attend it under Article

17(a) and (b) of this Constitution

(a) Notice of an ordinary session shall be given at least four weeks in

advance and shall be accompanied by the provisional agenda.

(b) Notice of an extraordinary session shall be given, if possible, at least

two weeks in advance. The notice shall state the purpose for which the

session is convened.

Quorum

Article 24

The quorum of the Executive Committee shall consist of nine of its voting

members.

Organization of Work

Article 25

(a) The Executive Committee shall elect from among its members a

Chairman and two Vice-Chairmen. They shall be eligible for re-election for

one additional term of office. Insofar as the responsibilities of these

Officers are not set forth in this Constitution, they shall be defined by the

Executive Committee.

(b) The Chairman of the Executive Committee, or in his absence another

member appointed by the Executive Committee, shall be the spokesman of

the Executive Committee in the Plenary Assembly.

working groups.

(d) The meetings of the Executive Committee shall be private unless

otherwise specified by the Executive Committee.

Voting

Article 26

(a) Each member of the Executive Committee, the President and the

representative of ISMUN shall have one vote in the Executive Committee.

(b) The Executive Committee shall work on the basis of consensus. In

case this proved impossible, decisions shall be taken by a simple majority

of the vote of those present and voting.

SECRETARIAT

Composition

Article 27

(a) The Secretariat shall consist of the Secretary-General and such other

staff as required.

(b) The Secretary-General shall have authority to appoint the staff of the

Secretariat with due regard to competence and geographical distribution.

Secretary-General must be submitted to the Executive Committee for

approval.

(d) Upon the recommendation of the Secretary-General, the Executive

Commit tee may establish Regional and Functional Offices of the

Federation.

1. The Heads of such Offices shall be appointed by the Secretary-General;

as staff members of the Secretariat, they shall be subject to the rules and

regulations thereof.

2. The responsibilities of the Regional Offices shall be to co-ordinate the

activities of the United Nations Associations of their region and to carry

out such other functions as the Secretary-General may assign.

3. The responsibilities of the Functional Offices shall be to maintain a field

liaison with the United Nations system and to carry out such other

functions as the Secretary-General may assign.

General Regulations

Article 28

(a) Members of the Secretariat, including the Deputy Secretaries-General,

shall serve under the authority of the Secretary-General and in

accordance with regulations approved by the Executive Committee.

(b) The Secretary-General shall at sessions of the Plenary Assembly and

of the Executive Committee be the sole spokesman for the Secretariat.

shall not seek nor receive instructions from any Member or from any other

authority external to the Federation. They shall refrain from any action

which might reflect on their position as international officials responsible

only to the Federation.

(d) Each Member undertakes to respect the exclusively international

character of the responsibilities of the Secretary-General and the staff

and not to seek to influence them in the discharge of their responsibilities.

OFFICERS

Article 29

(a) The Officers of the Federation shall be the President, the

Vice-Presidents, the Chairman and the Vice-Chairmen of the Executive

Committee, the Treasurer and the Secretary-General.

(b) The Officers of the Federation shall be elected with due regard to

equitable geographical distribution, preferably by consensus.

above at the same time.

(d) Only the Secretary-General may be salaried.

(e) The Officers of the Federation shall act in accordance with this

Constitution and with the policies of the Federation, as established by the

Plenary Assembly.

(f) The President, the Chairman of the Executive Committee and the

Secretary- General shall, if necessary, consult on matters of urgency.

President

Article 30

(a) The President of the Federation (referred to in this Constitution as

"The President") shall be elected by the Plenary Assembly. He must not be

of the same nationality as his predecessor. His term of office shall be from

the end of the session at which he is elected to the end of the next

session. He shall be eligible for re-election for one additional term of office.

(b) Candidates for election as President shall be nominated by a Member

which has the right to vote at the session of the Plenary Assembly at

which election is sought and has submitted a report on its activities for

the preceding biennium.

Plenary Assembly, of the Executive Committee and of the Finance

Committee.

(d) The President shall, when present, preside over the Plenary Assembly.

(e) The President may resign by submitting a written instrument of

resignation to the Secretary-General.

(f) The President may be suspended from office by the Executive

Committee. Such action shall be proposed in writing by at least five

Members and shall require a vote of two-thirds of those present and

voting. The vote shall be taken by secret ballot and the secrecy of the

ballot shall not be waived.

(g) A vacancy in the office of the President may be filled for the unexpired

period of his term by the Executive Committee by designating one of the

Vice- Presidents to act as President.

Vice-Presidents

Article 31

(a) There shall be no more than six Vice-Presidents, each from a different

Member, elected by the Plenary Assembly. Each ordinary session of the

Plenary Assembly may elect three Vice-Presidents. Their terms of office

shall be from the end of the session at which they are elected to the end

of the second following session. They shall not be eligible for immediate

re-election.

(b) A Vice-President may deputize for the President

1. by appointment.of the Executive Committee;

2. by appointment of the Plenary Assembly, on the recommendation of the

Executive Committee, if the President is absent from a session of the

Plenary Assembly;

3. by appointment of the President, during a session of the Plenary

Assembly, to preside temporarily in his stead.

(a) Candidates for election as Vice-Presidents shall be nominated by and

from Members which have the right to vote at the session of the Plenary

Assembly at which election is sought and have submitted a report on their

activities for the preceding biennium.

(b) Vice-Presidents shall have the right to attend the sessions of the

Plenary Assembly, of the Executive Committee and of the Finance

Committee; they shall have a voice but not a vote in these organs.

resignation to the Secretary-General.

(d) The Vice-Presidents may be suspended from office by the Executive

Committee subject to final decision by the next session of the Plenary

Assembly. Such action shall be proposed in writing by at least five

Members and shall require, both in the Executive Committee and in the

Plenary Assembly, a vote of two-thirds of those present and voting. The

vote shall be taken by secret ballot and the secrecy of the ballot shall not

be waived.

(e) In the event of a vacancy during the term of a Vice-President, the

office shall remain unfilled for the unexpired period of his term.

Treasurer

Article 32

(a) The Treasurer shall be elected by the Plenary Assembly. His term of

office shall be from the end of the session at which he is elected to the

end of the next session. He shall be eligible for re-election.

(b) Candidates for election as Treasurer shall be nominated by a Member

which has the right to vote at the session of the Plenary Assembly at

which election is sought and has submitted a report on its activities for

the preceding biennium.

1. submitting the budget, in conformity with Article 39 of this Constitution;

2. preparing a statement of accounts, in conformity with Article 40 of this

Constitution;

3. keeping the Executive Committee informed of the financial status of the

Federation;

4. collecting dues from Members and in general maintaining relations with

them with regard to financial matters;

5. assisting in fundraising activities;

6. taking measures required under Article 38 of this Constitution with

regard to Members which are in arrears in the payment of their dues;

7. fulfilling other tasks of a financial nature which may be entrusted to him

by the Plenary Assembly or the Executive Committee;

8. performing other functions devolved upon him by this Constitution.

(a) The Treasurer may recommend one or more Deputy Treasurers for

appointment by the Executive Committee.

(b) The Treasurer shall ex-officio attend the sessions of the Plenary

Assembly and of the Executive Committee; he shall have a voice but not a

vote in these organs.

resignation to the Secretary-General.

(d) The Treasurer may be suspended from office by the Executive

Committee. Such action shall be proposed in writing by at least five

Members and shall require a vote of two-thirds of those present and

voting. The vote shall be taken by secret ballot and the secrecy of the

ballot shall not be waived.

(e) A vacancy in the office of Treasurer may be filled for the unexpired

term by the Executive Committee.

Secretary-General

Article 33

(a) The Secretary-General shall be elected by the Plenary Assembly for a

fixed term, on the recommendation of the Executive Committee. The

conditions of his employment shall be determined by the Executive

Committee. He shall be eligible for re-election.

(b) The Secretary-General shall be the chief executive Officer of the

Federation. He shall, under the guidance of the Executive Committee,

organize the work of the Secretariat and conduct everyday activities of

the Federation in accordance with his mandate as defined in this

Constitution as well as in the resolutions and decisions of the Plenary

Assembly. He shall make a general report to the Plenary Assembly on the

work of the Federation and shall be responsible to the Plenary Assembly

and to the Executive Committee in accordance with their respective

competencies as defined in this Constitution. He shall have a voice but not

a vote in these organs. Insofar as the tasks of the Secretary-General are

not set forth in this Constitution, they shall be defined by the Executive

Committee subject to Article 19 of this Constitution.

of resignation to the President. His resignation can only become effective

provided it is either accepted by the Plenary Assembly or the Executive

Committee or bears an effective date at least three months after the date

of submission.

(d) The Secretary-General may be suspended from his duties by the

Executive Committee subject to final decision by the next session of the

Plenary Assembly. Such action shall be proposed in writing by at least five

Members and shall require, both in the Executive Committee and in the

Plenary Assembly, a vote of two-thirds of those present and voting. The

vote shall be taken by secret ballot and the secrecy of the ballot shall not

be waived.

(e) A vacancy in the office of the Secretary-General may be filled by the

Executive Committee until the next session of the Plenary Assembly.

HONORARY PRESIDENTS

Article 34

(a) The Plenary Assembly may, upon the recommendation of the Executive

Committee, confer the title of Honorary President on persons whose

international standing and whose devotion to the cause of peace and of

the United Nations in the view of the Federation merit this distinction.

(b) Honorary Presidents shall have the right to attend the sessions of the

Plenary Assembly, of the Executive Committee and of the Finance

Committee; they shall have a voice but not a vote in these organs.

FINANCES

Finance Committee

Article 35

(a) There shall be a Finance Committee established as a subsidiary body of

the Executive Committee, consisting of the Chairman and Vice-Chairmen of

the Executive Committee, the Treasurer and the Secretary-General, as

well as four persons appointed by the Executive Committee from among its

members. The President, the Vice- Presidents and the Honorary Presidents

may attend the meetings of the Finance Committee.

(b) The Finance Committee shall give guidance to the Treasurer, report

and make recommendations to the Executive Committee on all financial

affairs of the Federation.

a session of the Plenary Assembly, to meet, report and make

recommendations directly to the Plenary Assembly.

Financial Year

Article 36

The financial year of the Federation shall begin on 1 January and expire on

31 December.

Dues

Article 37

(a) The expenses of the Federation shall be covered by the dues of all

Members, together with such voluntary contributions and funds from other

sources as may be available. In no circumstances shall any Member be

liable to pay any sum in excess of its own dues.

(b) Each Member shall pay its dues to the Federation annually. The dues

of the current year are considered as payable on or before 1 May of each

year.

and, in such cases as referred to in Article 3(d) of this Constitution, by

the Executive Committee, The dues shall be calculated on the basis of the

UN scale of contributions of Member States. The dues to be paid by

Members constituted in States not Members of the United Nations and in

territories as referred to in Article 2(a) of this Constitution shall be

determined by the Plenary Assembly upon the recommendation of the

Executive Committee.

(d) The Executive Committee may, in special cases, modify the scale of

dues of Members in the light of paragraphs (a) and (c) above.

(e) The dues of all categories of Associates shall be determined by the

Executive Committee.

Dues in Arrears

Article 38

(a) The Treasurer shall keep the Finance Committee and the Executive

Commit tee informed of the Members which are in arrears in the payment

of their dues. The Executive Committee shall instruct the Treasurer on the

steps to be taken to recover these arrears. The Executive Committee shall

report such action to the Plenary Assembly.

(b) If the debt of a Member rises at any time to the equivalent of three

years' dues, it shall cease to be a Member of the Federation unless its

debt is reduced by the end of the year in which notice is given to less

than one year's dues.

an agreement with a Member for the settlement of its debt. The Executive

Committee shall report on such agreements to the Plenary Assembly.

(d) If the debt of a Member equivalent to three years' dues is not reduced

and if no agreement is concluded for its settlement, the Executive

Committee shall recommend to the Plenary Assembly to confirm the

termination of membership of such a Member.

Budget

Article 39

(a) The budget of the Federation shall be prepared by the Treasurer, in

agreement with the Secretary-General, and, following adequate

consideration and consultation, be submitted by the Executive Committee

to the Plenary Assembly for final adoption.

(b) Taking into consideration the financial situation at any particular time,

the Executive Committee may adjust the budget expenditure of the

Federation. The Executive Committee shall report such adjustments to the

Plenary Assembly.

Accounts

Article 40

(a) The Treasurer shall, for each financial year, prepare a statement of

expenditure and income together with a general balance sheet of the

assets and liabilities of the Federation. This statement shall first be

examined and checked by a qualified auditor appointed by the Executive

Committee and, after submission to the Finance Committee and the

Executive Committee, be communicated to the Members.

(b) A report of the Treasurer on the financial status of the Federation

shall be submitted to the Finance Committee and the Executive Committee

for examination and forwarded, with or without comments and with an

appropriate recommendation, to the Plenary Assembly.

Disposition of Assets upon Dissolution

Article 41

In the event of the dissolution of the Federation, the Executive Committee

shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all liabilities of

the Federation, dispose of all assets of the Federation either to such

United States organization or organizations organized and operated

exclusively for charitable, educational, religious or scientific purposes as

shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under

Section 5011c1-/31 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1954,

as well as under corresponding provisions of Swiss law, or the

corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue law,

as the Executive Committee shall determine; or to such (foreign)

organization or organizations outside of the United States organized and

operated exclusively for charitable, educational, religious or scientific

purposes as these terms are defined in the Internal Revenue Code and the

regulations thereunder; or to -- both United States and foreign

organizations in the United States and in other countries which meet the

above requirements.

ISMUN

(International Youth and Student Movement for the United Nations)

Relations with ISMUN

Article 42

(a) A special relationship of co-operation shall be maintained between the

Federation and ISMUN.

(b) Co-operation between ISMUN and the Federation shall be subject to

agreement between the two organizations and shall take place in all

matters considered feasible.

right to representation and vote in each others' Executive Committees and

Plenary Assembly and General Conference.

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Legal Status

Article 43

The Federation, as long as its Headquarters are in Switzerland, is set up

under Article 60 of the Swiss Civil Code.

Working Languages

Article 44

The working languages of the Federation shall be English and French.

(a) Any proposal from a Member or ISMUN to amend this Constitution shall

be received in writing by the Secretary-General not less than six months

before an ordinary session of the Plenary Assembly. Such proposal,

together with the comments of the Executive Committee, or any proposal

to amend this Constitution from the Executive Committee, shall be

circulated to Members not less than three months before an ordinary

session of the Plenary Assembly.

(b) Amendments to proposed amendments referred to in paragraph (b)

may be received by the Secretary-General not later than six weeks before

the session of the Plenary Assembly, but such amendments may also be

submitted during the session of the Plenary Assembly, provided that any

such amendment is sponsored by three delegations qualified to vote.

only by a vote of two-thirds of those present and voting and will come

into effect on their adoption.

BY-LAWS

PLENARY ASSEMBLY

Invitations

Rule 1

(a) In addition to Members, ISMUN and persons as specified under Article

7 of the Constitution of the Federation, the Secretary-General shall invite

as observers to each session of the Plenary Assembly

1. the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Heads of its

Related Agencies;

2. The organizations as referred to in Article 1(c) of the Constitution of

the Federation;

3. the governments of countries where there is no Member United Nations

Association;

4. Liberation Movements recognized by the United Nations.

(b) The Secretary-General shall also invite the representatives of

governments to the opening plenary meeting of the Plenary Assembly.

Duration

Rule 2

The duration of an ordinary session of the Plenary Assembly shall be

decided by the Executive Committee.

Agenda and Programme

Rule 3

(a) The Executive Committee shall prepare a preliminary agenda for the

Plenary Assembly. In drawing up this preliminary agenda, which may

include a central theme, the Executive Committee shall take into account

proposals referred to the Plenary Assembly by previous sessions and

proposals by Members as well as by Officers of the Federation, Honorary

Presidents and members of the Executive Committee.

(b) The preliminary agenda of the Plenary Assembly shall be circulated to

the Members and all those entitled to attend the Plenary Assembly under

Article 7 of the Constitution of the Federation, not later than five months

before the opening of an ordinary session of the Plenary Assembly.

than ten weeks before the opening of an ordinary session of the Plenary

Assembly their comments on the preliminary agenda, including suggestions

for additions to or delegations from, that agenda.

(d) The Secretary-General shall, on the basis of the preliminary agenda

and of the comments received, prepare a provisional agenda to be

circulated at least four weeks in advance of the opening of an ordinary

session of the Plenary Assembly.

(e) Any proposals to add a new item to the provisional agenda shall be

submitted in writing to the Secretary-General at least three days before

the session of the Executive Committee immediately preceding an ordinary

session of the Plenary Assembly. Any such item may be added to the

provisional agenda only after the Executive Committee has commented

thereon and by a two-thirds vote of those present and voting at the

Plenary Assembly.

(f) At formal meetings, e.g. the opening and closing plenary meetings, the

programme to be followed and the names of speakers shall be determined

by the Executive Committee and shall not be altered except at the

discretion of the President of the Plenary Assembly.

Reports and Basic Documents

Rule 4

(a) Reports from Members on their activities since the previous session of

the Plenary Assembly shall be forwarded to the Secretary-General in either

English or French at least three months prior to the opening of the Plenary

Assembly.

(b) Members invited to prepare basic documents for the Plenary Assembly

shall be required to submit them to the Secretary-General at least three

months prior to the opening of the Plenary Assembly. Basic documents

shall be circulated to Members at least four weeks before the opening of

the Plenary Assembly.

Plenary Assembly, or in a Commission, but a delegate from a Member

submitting such a basic document may address the Plenary Assembly or a

Commission for the purpose of introducing it.

Credentials

Rule 5

(a) Each Member, as well as ISMUN, shall furnish the Secretary-General

with a list of its delegates signed by a responsible Officer. This list should

reach the Secretariat not less than two weeks before the beginning of any

ordinary session of the Plenary Assembly.

(b) A Credentials Committee, appointed by the Executive Committee shall

examine and report to the Plenary Assembly on the credentials of each

delegation and on its voting rights. The Plenary Assembly shall be called

upon to adopt this report.

Registration Fees

Rule 6

Registration fees as determined by the Executive Committee shall be

payable by delegates and alternate delegates.

Presidency

Rule 7

If the President and the Vice-Presidents are absent from a session of the

Plenary Assembly, this session shall be presided over by the Chairman of

the Executive Committee.

Commissions

Rule 8

(a) The Plenary Assembly may establish such Commissions as

recommended by the Executive Committee. The Plenary Assembly shall

elect the Chairman, Vice- Chairmen and one or more Rapporteurs of each

Commission so established, taking into consideration the recommendations

of the Executive Committee.

(b) When a Commission of the Plenary Assembly considers any item, it

should decide, during the course of the debate, whether it will conclude

its debate on that item with a draft of a resolution or decision, and an oral

report to the Plenary Assembly, or without a draft of a resolution or

decision, but a written report presenting the principal views put forth

during that discussion.

facilitate the formulation of drafts of resolutions and decisions. Such

drafts shall be handed to the Chairman of the Commission for further

consideration by the Commission which shall recommend final drafts to the

Plenary Assembly for adoption.

(d) The provisions of Article 15 of the Constitution of the Federation and

of Rules 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 of these By-Laws apply to

Commissions.

Functions of the President of the Plenary Assembly

Rule 9

The President of the Plenary Assembly shall declare the opening and

closing of each meeting of the Plenary Assembly, accord the right to

speak, direct the discussions, put the questions to the vote, announce

the results of the vote and ensure the observance of the provisions

governing the proceedings of the Plenary Assembly. He shall rule on the

points of order and, subject to these provisions, shall have complete

control of the proceedings at any meeting and over the maintenance of

order thereat. He may, in the course of the discussion of an item, propose

to the Plenary Assembly the closure of the list of speakers or the closure

of the debate. He may also propose the suspension or the adjournment of

the meeting or the adjournment of the debate on the item under

discussion.

Right to Address the Plenary Assembly

Rule 10

(a) No delegate may address the Plenary Assembly without having

previously obtained the permission of its President who shall call upon

speakers in the order in which they signify their desire to speak. The

President of the Plenary Assembly may call a speaker to order if his

remarks are not relevant to the subject under discussion.

(b) Unless the President of the Plenary Assembly decides otherwise in

special cases, speeches shall not exceed fifteen minutes in duration, with

the exception of addresses referred to in Rule 4(c) of these By-Laws,

which shall not exceed ten minutes in duration. Any delegation may move

that this time be reduced and, subject to the discretion of the President

of the Plenary Assembly, this motion shall be submitted to the Plenary

Assembly to be voted on immediately without debate.

shall speak and such delegate shall not speak more than once, except

1. to reply to questions raised in debates;

2. in the case of the mover of a motion, to reply to the debate

immediately before the vote is taken;

3. when, in the opinion of the President of the Plenary Assembly, it is in

the interest of the debate that a delegate shall be allowed to speak again.

Point of Order

Rule 11

During the discussion of any matter, a delegation may rise to a point of

order, and the point of order shall be immediately decided by the President

of the Plenary Assembly. A delegation may appeal against the ruling of the

President of the Plenary Assembly. The appeal shall be immediately put to

the vote. A member of a delegation rising to a point of order may not

speak on the substance of the matter under discussion.

Procedural Motions

Rule 12

(a) Except for a point of order, the motions indicated below shall have

precedence in the following order over all other proposals or motions

before the meeting

1. to suspend the meeting;

2. to adjourn the meeting;

3. to adjourn the debate on the item under discussion;

4. to close the debate on the item under discussion.

(b) Such motions may be moved by any delegation during the discussion

of any matter; they shall not be debated but shall be immediately put to

the vote.

Exceptional Procedural Motion

Rule 13

(a) A motion of suspension of the provisions governing the proceedings of

the Plenary Assembly may be proposed by three Members on a matter of

paramount importance to the Federation.

(b) Such a motion shall have precedence over motions under Rules 11 and

12 of these By-Laws.

Resolutions and Decisions

Rule 14

(a) Drafts of resolutions and decisions can be submitted only on matters

included in the agenda of the session. They shall be submitted to the

appropriate Com mission, as established according to Rule 8 of these

By-Laws. Drafts of resolutions and decisions not considered by a

Commission may be submitted at the plenary meeting only exceptionally, if

the Plenary Assembly decides so by a two-thirds majority of those present

and voting.

(b) No drafts of resolutions and decisions or amendments thereto except

when related to procedural matters or drafting changes, shall be discussed

until the text is in the hands of delegates present, in at least one of the

working languages of the Federation.

shall be voted on first.

(d) When two or more amendments are moved, the one furthest removed

in substance from the original draft shall be voted on first; and then the

next furthest removed therefrom, and so on, until all amendments have

been put to the vote.

(e) If the adoption of an amendment implies the rejection of another, the

latter shall not be put to the vote.

(f) The amended draft may be voted on section by section and shall in

any case be voted on as a whole.

Voting

Rule 15

the voting is valid only if the total number of those present and voting is

at least equal to half the number of the delegations participating in the

Plenary Assembly.

(b) For the purpose of the Constitution of the Federation and these

By-Laws, the expression "those present and voting" shall mean the

delegations of Members and ISMUN casting an affirmative or a negative

vote. Delegations which abstain from voting shall be considered as not

voting.

(d) No vote can be cast in advance.

(e) The President of the Plenary Assembly shall grant a request by any

delegation for a vote by roll call, provided this request is seconded by two

other delegations.

(f) If the President of the Plenary Assembly is appointed by his United

Nations Association as a member of its delegation to the Plenary

Assembly, he shall not be authorized to exercise the voting rights of his

delegation.

Elections Committee

Rule 16

(a) There shall be an Elections Committee of the Plenary Assembly,

responsible for controlling the elections process. The Elections Committee

shall be appointed by the Plenary Assembly on the recommendation of the

Executive Committee. It shall consist of five delegates, each from a

different Member, none of whose delegates are standing for election. It

shall appoint its own Chairman.

(b) The Elections Committee shall decide on the validity of the nominations

submitted, draw up a list of candidates, distribute the ballot papers to the

delegations qualified to vote, supervise the ballot, count the votes and

report to the Plenary Assembly on the results of the voting. If the results

of the elections are not contested within twenty-four hours, it shall

destroy the ballot papers.

Nominations

Rule 17

(a) All nominations shall be seconded by at least one Member qualified to

submit nominations and be accompanied by a typewritten curriculum vitae.

(b) Nominations for the offices of the President, the Vice-Presidents and

the Treasurer shall be submitted in writing to the Secretary-General at

least twelve hours before the commencement of the plenary meeting

during which elections for these offices are scheduled to be held.

to the Secretary-General at least twenty-four hours before the

commencement of the plenary meeting during which elections are

scheduled to be held.

(d) A list of candidates for each office as drawn up by the Elections

Committee shall be distributed to all delegations prior to the voting and

the curriculum vitae shall be placarded at an appropriate place.

Elections

Rule 18

(a) All elections shall be held by secret ballot, except when the number of

candidates equals the number of vacancies, in which case secret ballot

may be waived by the Plenary Assembly.

(b) The President of the Plenary Assembly shall declare the opening and

closing of the voting.

those present and voting.

(d) The election of the President, the Vice-Presidents, the Treasurer and

the Secretary-General shall take place in any case before the closing of

the deadline for submission of the other candidates.

(e) The following shall be considered null and void

1. for the elections to the Executive Committee, ballot papers in which

less than five votes are cast;

2. ballot papers in which the voters have revealed their identity, in

particular by apposing their signature or mentioning the name of their

delegation;

3. ballot papers bearing other names than those of the candidates

nominated in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the

Federation and these By-Laws.

(a) The Chairman of the Elections Committee shall, in plenary meeting,

announce the results of the elections in the following order : number of

delegations entitled to vote; number absent; number of abstentions;

number of ballot papers null and void; number of those present and voting;

number required for a majority; names of candidates and the number of

votes secured by each of them, in descending order of the number of

votes.

(b) For the purpose of the provisions of paragraph (f) above, the following

definitions shall apply

1. "Absent"- delegations entitled to vote but whose members are not

present at the meeting at which the secret ballot takes place;

2. "Number of those present and voting" -- the difference between the

number of the delegations with the right to vote and the total number of

absentees, abstentions and invalid ballot papers.

who have obtained the required majority.

Meeting of the Heads of Delegations

Rule 19

(a) The Executive Committee may convene during the Plenary Assembly a

meeting of the heads of delegations in order to hold consultations aimed

at facilitating the decision-making process of the Plenary Assembly.

(b) Those taking part in the meeting shall be

1. the heads of delegations of Members and ISMUN or members of

delegations duly appointed by the head of their delegation;

2. the Officers of the Federation;

3. the Honorary Presidents;

4. the members of the Executive Committee.

(a) The meeting shall be chaired by the Chairman of the Executive

Committee. The President of the Federation or, if not available, the

President of the Plenary Assembly may preside on the invitation of the

Executive Committee.

(b) Opinions expressed during the meeting shall not be formally binding on

the delegations to the Plenary Assembly and no deciding vote shall be

taken.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Designation by a Member of a Substitute

Rule 20

If a member of the Executive Committee is unable to attend a session

thereof he may, with the approval of his United Nations Association,

designate a member of a Member United Nations Association as a

substitute to attend that session.

OFFICERS

Procedure for the Selection of Candidates for the Post of

Secretary-General

Rule 21

(a) A vacancy in the post of Secretary-General shall be brought without

delay to the knowledge of all the Members of the Federation.

(b) The President, in consultation with the Chairman of the Executive

Commit tee, shall invite all Members to submit applications for the post

within a fixed deadline. The vacancy may also be publicized outside the

Federation.

shall be circulated to all members of the Executive Committee and persons

entitled to attend its sessions under Article 17(a) and (b) of the

Constitution of the federation.

HONORARY PRESIDENTS

Honorary Presidents

Rule 22

(a) The title of Honorary President is the highest distinction the Federation

may confer, in accordance with Article 34 of its Constitution.

(b) Any Member may submit a nomination for the title of Honorary

President. Such a nomination shall be presented to the Executive

Committee in writing together with a brief description of the nominee's

merits for this distinction. The nomination shall be seconded by at least

two other Members.

nomination submitted and decide on a recommendation to the Plenary

Assembly. The vote shall be taken by secret ballot and the secrecy of the

ballot shall not be waived.

(d) In exceptional circumstances, the Plenary Assembly may, upon the

recommendation of the Executive Committee, withdraw the title of

Honorary President of the Federation. Such action shall be proposed in

writing to the Executive Committee by at least five Members and shall

require, both in the Executive Committee and in the Plenary Assembly, a

vote of two-thirds of those present and voting. The vote shall be taken

by secret ballot and the secrecy of the ballot shall not be waived.

FINANCES

Finance Committee

Rule 23

The Finance Committee shall meet on the day preceding every session of

the Executive Committee except the session immediately following a

session of the Plenary Assembly.

Dues

Rule 24

(a) The assessment of dues to be paid by Members constituted in States

not Members of the United Nations and in territories as referred to in

Article 2(a) of the Constitution of the Federation shall be recommended to

the Plenary Assembly by the Executive Committee.

(b) There shall be minimum dues fixed by the Plenary Assembly on the

recommendation of the Executive Committee.

Assembly shall specify. In case of necessity, special provisions can be

authorized by the Executive Committee.

(d) Any payment of dues shall automatically be applied to the furthest

remoted arrears.

Budget and Budgetary Procedure

Rule 25

(a) The Treasurer, in consultation with the Secretary-General, shall submit

to the Finance Committee and the Executive Committee the draft annual

budget of the Federation for each of the following two years.

(b) The draft annual budget shall consist of an estimate of expenditure

and income as well as, if necessary, explanatory notes.

Finance Committee on the day preceding the penultimate session of the

Executive Committee before a session of the Plenary Assembly, and be

submitted with the Finance Commit tee's comments to the Executive

Committee. The Executive Committee shall consider the draft annual

budget and the Finance Committee's comments and send them, with any

further observations, to all Members for consideration, not later than four

weeks before the session of the Plenary Assembly which is to adopt them.

(d) On the day before the session of the Executive Committee which

precedes a session of the Plenary Assembly, the Finance Committee shall

review the draft annual budget in the light of any comments received from

Members and of any developments, and forward it with a report to the

Executive Committee.

(e) The Executive Committee shall, after considering the report of the

Finance Committee and the draft annual budget, forward them with or

without comments and with an appropriate recommendation to the Plenary

Assembly (or any relevant Commission thereof).

(f) Before the end of the session the Plenary Assembly must adopt the

annual budget for each of the following two years.

AMENDMENTS TO THE B Y-LAWS

Amendment Procedure

Rule 26

(a) The By-Laws referred to in Article 9 of the Constitution of the

Federation may be amended by any session of the Plenary Assembly but

shall come into effect only at the next ordinary session after their

adoption.

(b) Amendments to the By-Laws may be proposed by a Member, by ISMUN

or by the Executive Committee.

submitted in writing to the Secretary-General.

(d) Amendments to the By-Laws can be made by the Plenary Assembly by

a simple majority of the vote of those present and voting.